A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that trauma patients receiving blood quickly after severe injuries have a decreased death risk. The delay in blood transfusion increased the chances of death, with each 10-minute delay resulting in higher mortality rates.
Researchers found specific red blood cell manufacturing methods cause less damage than others, potentially improving transfusion outcomes. The study debunks the long-held belief that storage duration affects DAMPs, instead linking levels to manufacturing processes.
Researchers have successfully developed a new treatment for the deadly Junin virus, providing complete protection against the disease. The laboratory-engineered antibody demonstrated effectiveness in guinea pigs and showed promise as a therapeutic solution for patients.
Researchers found that TXA reduced the need for a blood transfusion by more than 50% in hip and knee replacement surgery. Topical versus intravenous administration of TXA showed similar effectiveness in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates.
A recent study found that severe anemia is a significant risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis in VLBW infants, while red blood cell transfusion was not significantly related to the development of NEC. This suggests that preventing severe anemia may be more important than minimizing RBC transfusion exposure as a strategy to decreas...
A study published in JAMA found that severe anemia is associated with a significantly increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. The researchers discovered this link after analyzing data from over 600 VLBW infants enrolled in the study.
The Patient Empowered Precision Medicine Alliance (PEPMA) aims to rapidly match patients with the right drugs for their condition. The project leverages University-derived technologies to determine whether existing drugs can be repurposed to treat rare conditions.
The Tufts University School of Medicine/University of Massachusetts Boston Enrichment Program introduces undergraduate students to careers in clinical healthcare or biomedical research. Students participate in an intensive curriculum, career workshops, and mentoring relationships with medical professionals.
A recent study found that nearly 5,000 trauma patients sustain major haemorrhage each year in England and Wales, with one-third dying due to delays in blood transfusion practices. The study highlights the need for more rapid and consistent delivery of blood components to trauma patients, as this can halve mortality rates.
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, can cause microcephaly in infants and mild flu-like symptoms in adults and children. The US is at risk of introduction, particularly with the presence of Aedes species mosquitoes in many states.
Patients undergoing urologic surgery who are frail have a 1.7-times higher risk of complications. Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative complications across most procedures.
Delirium occurs frequently in elderly GI surgery patients, often due to advanced age and poor physical health. Patients with postoperative delirium tend to experience longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates.
A new study suggests that hydroxyurea can be effective in reducing the risk of stroke for some children with sickle cell disease. The Transcranial Doppler with Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (TWiTCH) study, stopped early due to positive preliminary results, showed that transitioning from regular blood transfusions to daily doses ...
The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.
A new study found that damage control resuscitation (DCR) practices originating in military settings have been widely adapted in civilian trauma care. The majority of responding Trauma Medical Directors reported routine use of a 1:1:1 blood product ratio, which increases patient survival rates.
Researchers identify unique expansions of gene families related to chemoreception and feeding in Rhodnius prolixus, the kissing bug that transmits Chagas disease. These findings may lead to novel approaches for controlling or eliminating the disease by targeting specific genes or processes.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports suggests that genetic identical twins may exhibit uneven growth as early as the first few days after conception. This phenomenon occurs when two inner cell masses within a single embryo are at different stages of development, leading to unequal growth throughout pregnancy.
Scientists at UVA Health System find a way to prompt red blood cell production through dendritic cells, which could benefit people with diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. The approach may one day allow doctors to produce red blood cells on demand, benefiting those who cannot receive blood transfusions due to religious beliefs.
Researchers found that treetop leaves in tall trees like coast redwood and Japanese cedar act as a water supply tank, storing water to help maintain physiological functions. This discovery helps predict future changes in forest function and CO2 absorption in the face of climate change.
A gene editing technique has been developed to increase the yield of laboratory-produced red blood cells, which could significantly reduce their cost. The technique targets a specific gene, SH2B3, and uses CRISPR gene editing to permanently shut it off in human embryonic stem cell lines.
A large registry study of almost 50,000 patients in Sweden found that transfusion with stored blood does not influence patient outcomes after heart surgery. The study provides firm reassurance that current blood storage practices are safe.
A study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Sweden found no link between transfused red blood cell storage duration and mortality rates, serious complications, or adverse outcomes. Blood services follow national guidelines, allocating the oldest available unit first.
Advanced laser surgery and echocardiography predict fetal development and survival in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Dr. Audibert presents results from 115 treated cases, exploring the usefulness of these techniques to improve outcomes.
Intermountain Healthcare implemented a blood ordering and tracking system, reducing blood transfusions by 30% and infections by 50%, saving $2.5 million over two years. The program also decreased the need for dual-unit blood orders, a common practice that suppressed recipients' immune systems.
The study found a lower rate of blood transfusions in overweight and obese patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery compared to those with normal weight. Researchers also discovered no correlation between BMI and post-surgical complications such as blood clots and heart attacks.
Two NIH grants will support Cathy Wu's work on protein ontology and big data analysis to improve understanding of human disease and identify potential diagnostic targets. Researchers will use natural language processing tools to retrieve targeted therapy information from scientific literature and clinical trials.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that an admission hematocrit can identify pediatric patients at high risk for bleeding after injury. The study showed a reliable screening tool with low false negative rate and high specificity.
A new review presents a patient-specific plan to predict blood loss and address it, highlighting the commonality of anemia in surgical practice. The approach relies on detecting and treating anemia before surgery, reducing blood loss during surgery, and optimizing management after surgery.
A study at St. Michael's Hospital found that using an inexpensive drug, tranexamic acid, can reduce the number of red blood cell transfusions during hip and knee replacement surgeries by over 40%. The use of this drug did not increase adverse events or hospital stays.
Imetelstat, a novel telomerase targeting drug, demonstrates potential value in treating patients with myelofibrosis by inducing morphologic and molecular remissions in some patients. The study shows selective anti-clonal activity, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Gerard E. Francisco, a renowned expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, is being honored by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). His research focuses on developing innovative treatments to help stroke survivors regain hand movement and speech.
Researchers found that injecting specific adult fat tissue cells early after Chagas Disease infection can modify the animal's response, reducing parasite presence and heart inflammation. The study aims to explore the use of these cells as a potential treatment for cardiac damage caused by the disease.
Two leading public health scholars, Sandro Galea and Ronald Bayer, warn that the US emphasis on precision medicine may distract from broader investments to reduce health inequities and address social factors. They cite a 2013 report by the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, which found that health is determined by...
Dr. James R. Andrews is being inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his extensive contributions to sports medicine, including injury prevention and treatment. He has also made significant research contributions and received numerous awards for his work.
New research finds that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) preserves avian red blood cell viability, offering a potential solution for treating birds with life-threatening conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of DMSO for long-term blood storage.
Researchers at UTSA College of Engineering and US Army Institute of Surgical Research developed a more effective alternative to current standard-of-care platelets for stopping bleeding in injured soldiers. Cold-stored platelets have been shown to retain their energy reserves, making them a viable option for longer storage periods.
A new plasma protocol effectively treats trauma patients quicker in ERs by delivering thawed plasma within 10 minutes of arrival. This approach improves outcomes for victims with massive bleeding and reduces wastage of frozen plasma.
The rapidly emerging field of precision medicine is characterized by its use of genetic, biomarker, and psychosocial characteristics to tailor treatments for individual patients. While it holds great promise, precision medicine also raises concerns about the balance between patient needs and fiscal management.
A new study found that cancer patients' attitudes and beliefs about complementary and alternative medicine are key predictors of its use. Researchers identified specific factors such as expectation of therapeutic benefits, cost concerns, and physician opinions, which varied by sex, race, and education level.
A four-year follow-up study of 263 children found that delayed cord clamping (DCC) was associated with improved fine motor skills, particularly in boys. The study did not find a significant impact on IQ or overall development.
Researchers have developed a new equation that predicts the behavior of blood cells during flow, shedding light on mechanisms behind blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia. This theory could lead to innovative solutions for blood transfusions and disease treatment.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully generated functional platelets from murine embryonic stems using a fine-tuned approach. This breakthrough could lead to a donor-independent source of platelets, reducing the need for volunteer donors and addressing platelet shortages.
The journal Regenerative Medicine has published a special focus issue on methods to avoid immune rejection in regenerative medicine. The field is immature, but research continues to address the importance of immunity in progress and development.
Carlos Moreno, M.D., M.S.P.H., is recognized for his contributions to family medicine education at UTHealth Medical School. He has been awarded the F. Marian Bishop Leadership Award for his efforts to enhance the credibility of family medicine in academic settings.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.
The article highlights the importance of clinical phenotyping in precision medicine, with Penn researcher Garret FitzGerald advocating for translational med hubs to be equipped with the necessary resources. The NIH's Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs) program is seen as a key driver of this effort.
Researchers are investigating whether plasma from Ebola survivors can help treat patients with the disease. The study aims to determine if protective antibodies in the plasma can be used safely to reduce deaths in current and future outbreaks.
The 2013 guidelines recommend delivering universal donor plasma to critically injured patients as part of optimized treatment with red blood cell transfusions. This approach can be consistently implemented and rapidly delivered in high-volume trauma centers without excessive wastage.
A rare case study published in CMAJ found that blood transfusions can transmit food allergies to children, causing severe symptoms. The condition typically resolves within a few months with careful reintroduction of the allergenic foods into their diet.
Two new studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explore the use of social media to promote dialogue around global emergency medicine. The studies, conducted by researchers from the American College of Emergency Physicians, establish criteria for evaluating high-quality blogs and podcasts.
The study found a 12% reduction in blood transfusions and increased discharge to home by 9.3%, reducing hospital stays and healthcare costs. Topical tranexamic acid administration enables precise control over drug concentration, potentially reducing infection rates.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have found that liver MRI is more accurate than biopsy in determining total body iron balance. The study suggests that liver MRI can be a safer and less painful alternative to liver biopsy, which has high sampling variability and can cause bleeding.
Patients undergoing cardiac surgery may experience excessive bloodletting due to frequent lab tests, increasing the risk of hospital-acquired anemia. Reducing preoperative bloodletting is crucial to minimize complications during surgery.
A large clinical trial found no significant difference in mortality between fresh and older blood in critically ill patients. The Age of Blood Evaluation (ABLE) study, conducted across 64 centers, showed that 423 patients died within 90 days with fresh blood compared to 398 with older blood.
Researchers found that patients who received blood transfusions at a higher haemoglobin level had fewer serious complications and deaths after cardiac surgery. The study challenges current guidelines and health policy, suggesting that a more liberal approach to transfusion may be safer and more cost-effective
Patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac surgery were given either a low or high haemoglobin threshold for transfusion, with the researchers finding that more patients died in the 'low' group. Health care costs and serious complications were similar in both groups, challenging prevailing guidelines.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a way to prevent rejection in corneal transplants using biodegradable nanoparticles that release medication into the eye after surgery. The treatment showed 100% efficacy in animal studies, offering hope for improving medicine compliance and patient outcomes.
A nationwide study found that a new transfusion technique significantly improved survival rates among trauma patients with major bleeding. The equal-ratio blood transfusion reduced mortality within the first 24 hours and stopped bleeding in 86% of patients, compared to 78% in the unequal-ratio group.
The Georgia Health Policy Center has received a $2.7 million grant from the CDC to study transfusion-related complications in patients with hemoglobin disorders, aiming to improve their outcomes. Researchers will explore approaches for reducing complications, developing data-driven solutions, and empowering patients and providers.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Surgeons confirms the effectiveness of pre-trauma center blood transfusions in increasing one-day survival rates and reducing shock among air-lifted trauma patients. The UPMC protocol involves giving guidelines on when to administer transfusions, resulting in improved outcomes.