A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that treating opioid use disorder with medications within 30 days of discharge from the hospital due to injection drug use-related endocarditis improves health outcomes. Those who received medication had a reduced risk of overdose and rehospitalization within a year.
A new study shows that individuals with opioid use disorder who receive medication and residential treatment after detox have lower mortality rates. The research highlights the importance of ongoing treatment to increase survival chances.
Researchers found that social determinant screening only captures 16% of patients struggling to pay utility bills, emphasizing the need for improved health systems. The study suggests that patients with chronic serious illnesses may be more likely to have difficulty paying utilities due to seasonal and socioeconomic factors.
A study found that one in 18 physicians received pharmaceutical marketing for stimulant medications, often in the form of food or beverage. The study suggests that subtle marketing tactics may contribute to the increasing prescribing and misuse of these medications.
Boston researchers developed a novel approach to generate intestinal organoids in vitro using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The protocol allows for the creation of three-dimensional groups of intestinal cells, enabling disease treatment testing and uncovering novel therapies.
Clinicians are advised to screen, counsel and treat youth for vaping using well-studied models and youth-friendly terminology. The guidelines emphasize the importance of identifying relapse, providing positive reinforcement and revisiting treatment plans for effective cessation.
A recent study found that under 30% of young patients with substance use history were tested for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), emphasizing the importance of improved screening and treatment. The study highlights the need to connect those found to have current infection to treatment, particularly among young people who inject drugs.
A new study found that stricter alcohol policies are associated with a reduced risk of cancer mortality. The research, published in Chemico-Biological Interactions, suggests that stronger regulations may be a promising means of preventing cancer deaths at the population level.
A national approach for pediatric sepsis surveillance has been developed, utilizing electronic health records to facilitate widespread tracking of rates and outcomes. The proposed approach includes a preliminary case definition adapted to address specific differences among infants and children.
Researchers found yoga and physical therapy significantly improved sleep quality for 52 weeks after 12-week treatment. Participants with early pain improvements were three times more likely to have better sleep outcomes.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center identified specific virus characteristics that can help predict the efficacy of HIV-1 treatments using antibody-based treatments. These findings will enable physicians to make better-informed decisions on treatment plans for patients with HIV-1, ultimately treating the virus to slow it down earlier.
A new study found that public reporting of aortic valve replacement outcomes has resulted in fewer surgeries for people with endocarditis, particularly those with injection drug use. The researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2015 and found that these patients were 30% less likely to receive the surgery two years after outcomes data be...
A new study at Boston Medical Center aims to determine the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) in treating chronic lower back pain. The 8-week group mindfulness program may improve patients' physical and psychological function, as well as their likelihood of reducing opioid prescriptions.
The Center for the Urban Child and Healthy Family at Boston Medical Center has been selected for a national demonstration project to develop innovative, person-centered strategies for adults and children with complex health and social needs. The program aims to improve health outcomes and foster health equity by integrating care services.
A new study from Boston Medical Center demonstrates that hematologists can identify patients' specific needs through universal screening, connecting them to local resources. Two-thirds of patients screened positive for at least one unmet socioeconomic need, most commonly food insecurity and difficulty paying utilities.
A new study found that one in three young adults (18-45 years old) received medication for opioid use disorder within 12 months of a non-fatal overdose. The study shows that age affects the type of medication administered, with younger adults more likely to receive naltrexone and older adults more likely to receive methadone.
New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that community members responding to an overdose with naloxone are more likely to seek emergency help. The study analyzed overdose rescue reports and identified factors associated with calling emergency services when helping someone with naloxone.
Researchers have identified specific touchpoints where individuals with opioid use disorder encounter the healthcare system, criminal justice, or public health services, increasing their risk of overdose death. Targeted interventions and harm reduction services can reduce these deaths by up to 50%.
A national study found that black and Hispanic patients are more likely to be transported to safety-net hospitals compared to white counterparts living in the same zip code. The research also showed that ambulance diversion practices can exacerbate health disparities.
Researchers are conducting a national trial to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in older minority patients with congestive heart failure. The goal is to use highly sensitive heart imaging and blood tests to diagnose the disease earlier, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Post-opioid overdose interventions are emerging in the US to provide support to survivors and reduce future overdose risk. The interventions often involve collaboration between emergency departments, law enforcement, and public health departments.
Infants born to mothers taking naltrexone developed no signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, whereas those exposed to buprenorphine showed higher rates of NOWS. Naltrexone was also associated with shorter hospital stays and improved breastfeeding outcomes.
Conversion therapy practices cause significant harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and economic burdens. Physicians advocate for education reform to better identify patients who underwent or may be undergoing conversion therapy.
The effects of skin aging differ among ethnic groups, with varying levels of damage from environmental factors such as sunlight. Key findings show that patients of color experience changes in pigmentation, while those of European descent have thinner skin and wrinkles.
A new study reveals a significantly higher prevalence of anal cancer precursors in women living with HIV compared to previous reports. The researchers recommend developing cost-effective detection and management strategies for this population.
A study at Boston Medical Center found that symptom-triggered medication dosing for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome reduces hospital stay length and unnecessary medication exposure. Infants treated with this approach had a median stay of 10.5 days, compared to 17 days for fixed-schedule treatment.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that a state-wide quality improvement initiative improved hospital-based breastfeeding support practices and first milk expression among mothers of very low birth weight infants. However, disparities in mother's milk provision persisted after three weeks of hospitalization.
A new study reveals that polysubstance use, where individuals combine opioids with other substances like stimulants, is now the norm in Massachusetts. Social determinants of health, including homelessness and mental illness, are significantly associated with these overdose deaths.
A novel method of embedding child psychiatric care in an urban pediatrics clinic increases access to and engagement in psychiatric care among primarily Latino patients. The study found that nearly two-thirds of referred patients completed evaluations, with younger children and those with a history of therapy more likely to do so.
Researchers found that testing all persons entering prison for Hepatitis C, treating those with at least 12 months remaining in their sentence, and linking individuals to care upon release improves health outcomes. The strategy was cost-effective but associated with an additional annual cost of $1,440 per prisoner.
The hospital developed an electronic health record-based model, THRIVE, which facilitates automatic referral information for resources when patients identify unmet social needs. This innovative systematic model helps clinicians better address social determinants of health to improve overall patient health.
A study at Boston Medical Center found that mothers of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants who expressed first milk within 8 hours had a higher probability of successful lactation. The research suggests prioritizing early milk expression to support long-term lactation success.
Families with young children who experienced a reduction or cutoff in SNAP benefits showed increased food insecurity and reported poor health. Those whose benefits were reduced experienced more negative outcomes, including housing instability and compromised child and caregiver health.
Researchers developed ELISAtools to limit variability in research-use-only assay kits, enabling more consistent results over time. The software provides a stable platform for comparing data from different kits, reducing variability by up to 90%.
Researchers found a potential predictor of (future) Alzheimer's disease in eye fluid, linking low amyloid-β and tau protein levels to lower cognitive scores. The study suggests that proteins in the eye may be accessible for an affordable test to predict future AD.
For adolescents with obesity, weight loss medications may be an effective option that hasn't improved with lifestyle modification or surgery. Researchers recommend evidence-based guidance on medication use, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and further research.
A multi-site randomized controlled trial is enrolling patients with critical limb ischemia to compare treatment efficacy, functional outcomes, cost effectiveness, and quality of life. The BEST-CLI Trial seeks to overcome treatment bias by involving multidisciplinary CLI teams at participating sites.
Breastfeeding initiation rates increased by 9% among African Americans, narrowing the gap with White women. CHAMPS program adoption led to improved maternity care and evidence-based practices.
A new study by Boston Medical Center found that patients are less likely to disclose drug use earlier in treatment, but urine drug testing can help identify and engage patients with positive test results. The study suggests developing interventions for patients with positive urine tests to keep them engaged in care.
A recent editorial emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting the benefits of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Experts stress that these treatments should be evaluated like any other chronic illness, free from unnecessary regulations and biases.
Researchers found women with a history of sexual trauma have unique preferences regarding communication and treatment during pregnancy and childbirth. They recommend improved communication, sensitive language, and control over their care team and examination procedures.
A new study found that routine Hepatitis C testing in correctional facilities identified nearly 35% more cases than targeted testing, which could lead to the cure of many cases and prevention of liver disease. Researchers recommend implementing routine testing for all incarcerated individuals upon arrival to address the national strate...
A new study found that pregnant women with opioid use disorder who experience food insecurity are more likely to have their infants treated for severe neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study suggests that screening for food insecurity could be a way to reduce NAS severity and improve infant and mother outcomes.
Research from Children's HealthWatch highlights the importance of access to and effectiveness of programs enabling low-income families to afford basic needs like food, shelter, and medical care. The study found that living in a hardship-free family was associated with good overall health for children and caregivers.
Researchers developed a new, BNP-based staging system to predict survival in AL Amyloidosis patients, improving access at hospitals without NT-proBNP testing. The study found the system accurately identified cardiac involvement and separated patients into survival stages.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
A recent study estimates that over 275,000 people in Massachusetts have opioid use disorder, with the prevalence increasing from 2.7% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2015. The study used linked public health data sets to provide a more accurate picture of the impact of opioids in the state.
Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.
A recent study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that e-cigarette vaping negatively impacts wound healing, causing damage comparable to traditional cigarette smoking. The researchers discovered increased tissue death and delayed wound healing in experimental models exposed to both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) is leading a $3.2M education program to educate hospital providers on how to counsel women about contraception use, particularly long-acting reversible contraception methods. The program aims to improve birth control options for pregnant women and reduce unwanted pregnancies.