A new research study published in JAMA found that sepsis was present in six percent of all hospitalizations and one in three hospitalizations that ended in death. The study used electronic health record data from nearly 3 million patients to estimate the total burden of sepsis nationwide.
A new study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between hormone therapy and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, or other major illnesses. However, younger women who received hormone therapy showed a trend toward reduced mortality rates compared to older women.
Researchers found that individuals with high body fat percentages consumed most of their calories shortly before going to sleep when melatonin levels were high. This study provides evidence that the consumption of food during the circadian evening/night plays an important role in body composition.
A new pathway to target Parkinson's disease has been identified, leveraging beta2-adrenergic agonists that lower alpha-synuclein production. Studies in mice and human health records suggest a 34% reduced PD risk for patients taking salbutamol.
Women who breastfed for longer periods had significantly lower risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis, with exclusive breastfeeding offering even greater protection. Longer durations of breastfeeding were associated with an 8-14% drop in risk, and women who breastfed exclusively across multiple pregnancies saw a nearly 30% lower risk.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital are set to present groundbreaking findings on cardiovascular treatment at the ESC Congress 2017. These studies, including CANTOS and RE-DUAL PCI, will provide new insights into the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy and dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found that ultra-low LDL cholesterol levels (below 10 mg/dL) significantly reduced cardiovascular event risk by over 40%. No adverse effects on cognition or safety endpoints were reported. The study suggests achieving low LDL cholesterol levels beyond current treatment targets may further reduce cardiovascular risk.
A landmark trial found that a drug targeting inflammation reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received the anti-inflammatory drug had a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular events compared to those on standard care.
Researchers found that patients who received canakinumab had a marked reduction in lung cancer incidence and mortality, with death from cancer reduced by half in the highest dosage group. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory therapy may help slow lung cancer progression.
A new study found that using two anticlotting medicines instead of three can reduce the risk of major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation who have had a stent placed. The RE-DUAL PCI trial showed that dabigatran, combined with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor, cut the risk of bleeding by half compared to standard triple therapy.
The study estimates that 23.3 million infants were born small for gestational age in 2012, with 606,500 newborn deaths attributed to this condition. Implementing proven interventions, such as continuous skin-to-skin contact and breast feeding support, can prevent approximately 250,000 newborn deaths annually
Researchers found that only half of Accelerated Approval post-approval studies were completed within three years, and the characteristics did not differ much from pre-approval studies. The proportion of randomized or blinded trials was also similar.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that an online team-based game improved glucose control in veteran patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants who played the game had significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels, with those having severe diabetes experiencing the greatest improvement.
Researchers identified a cluster of immunoresolvents in blood that activate immune cells, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight bacterial infections. This new profiling procedure has potential applications in distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue.
Researchers developed a novel, tough, and triggerable hydrogel material that addresses safety concerns of traditional swallowable drug delivery systems. The new material can withstand gastrointestinal forces and release medication in a controlled manner.
New narrative review calls for additional research to better understand cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors in transgender individuals receiving long-term cross-sex hormone therapy. Studies suggest worsening cardiovascular risk factors in transgender men and increased thromboembolic risk in transgender women.
A new clinical decision support tool calculates and displays kidney failure risk based on criteria identified from a large cohort study. The tool automatically calculates and displays a risk score within the health record, making it easier for physicians to spot disease progression and take action.
A new study found that patients who continued receiving statins after experiencing an adverse reaction, such as muscle aches and pains, had a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events. The study analyzed data from 28,266 participants and found that about 70% of patients continued taking statin prescriptions.
A new era in human genomic variation interpretation is underway, driven by the need for standardized and accurate clinical care. Data sharing has become increasingly important, with payers requiring labs that share data to be reimbursed.
A structured program using technology improved team communication and patient engagement in ICUs, leading to a 29% reduction in adverse events. Patient satisfaction scores also increased significantly with the intervention.
A study published in Cell Reports found that altering the levels of microRNA miR-128 can induce a more homogeneous subtype of glioblastoma cells, making them more responsive to treatment. This discovery opens the door for using miR-128 as a therapeutic agent.
A recent study highlights the growing threat of cyber attacks on information systems, with 64% of organizations reporting successful medical file targeted attacks in 2016. The authors stress the need to acknowledge public health implications of information security to improve dialogue and protect patient care.
A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a potential therapy using stem cells loaded with oncolytic viruses to target skin cancer metastases in the brain. The study found that this approach led to the elimination of metastatic skin cancer cells from the brain, resulting in prolonged survival.
A team of investigators discovered a genetic program that some cancers use to cloak themselves from the immune system, affecting detection and treatment outcomes. The research highlights potential new immunotherapy targets and biomarkers for cancer survival.
Adolescent weight gain has been linked to a long-term increased risk of stroke in adulthood, according to new research. Children who returned to a normal BMI by age 20 had no such increased risk.
A randomized trial of whole genome sequencing in healthy primary care patients reveals that nearly a fifth carry pathogenic variants for rare diseases. While anxiety remains low, participants incur more medical tests and healthcare expenses following disclosure of results.
A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.
Emergency room visits for shingles increased among patients aged 20-59 years old after vaccination, while decreases were seen in younger and older groups. Shingles-related costs rose by 111% from 2006 to 2013, with the majority attributed to middle-aged patients.
Researchers found that in fit, young people, increased right ventricular outflow tract pressure during exercise may be a normal physiological response. This finding challenges the assumption of equal systolic pressures in the lung arteries and heart pumping to them.
A new research tool may predict a patient's risk for developing dementia in Parkinson's disease, enabling the design of 'smarter' trials that require fewer participating patients. The tool was built using data from 3,200 people with PD and evaluates seven known clinical and genetic risk factors.
A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.
A new study published in Cell Host and Microbe has uncovered the immune mechanism driving diarrhea and its role in pathogen clearance. Researchers found that diarrhea resulting from the signaling of specific molecules helps promote pathogen clearance and limit disease severity.
Research found that irregular sleep patterns, including timing and duration, are associated with lower grade point averages and delayed melatonin release. Students with more regular sleep patterns had better school grades on average.
A pilot study found that patients following cesarean delivery often receive double the number of pain pills they need, leading to unused medication. Using a shared decision-making tool reduced opioid prescriptions by 50%.
A new study found that SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis by twice as much as another class of diabetes medications. Despite being rare, this complication can be fatal if left untreated.
A new study published in NEJM suggests a modest increased risk of cardiac defects with lithium use during the first trimester, approximately two cases per 100 live births. The dose-dependent association found supports a more nuanced understanding of lithium's effects on fetal development.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model to mimic the blood-brain barrier, using miniature spheroids that replicate key properties and functions. This innovative approach may advance neuroscience research and expedite the discovery of brain-penetrant drugs for treating diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that 3.6 percent of the population studied had a documented food allergy or intolerance. Shellfish was the most commonly reported food allergy, with the highest rates among females and Asians.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a link between complement C3 signaling and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. In preclinical models, mice with C3 deficiency showed improved cognitive function despite accumulating amyloid plaques, suggesting modulating immune response could combat the disease.
Researchers found that black patients have not benefited equally from declining risk factors for stroke, with a greater decline in hypertension. Despite decreasing contributions of major risk factors across the entire participant sample, the disparity in reducing these risks highlights racial disparities in cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that 20% of children involved in fatal crashes were unrestrained or inappropriately restrained. A 10% improvement in child restraint use could avert approximately 232 pediatric deaths per year.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an antibody that can precisely target regulatory T cells, unleashing the immune system to kill cancer cells. The antibody decreased tumor growth in models of melanoma, glioblastoma, and colorectal carcinoma.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that preoperative opioid use is associated with less pain reduction after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who used opioids before their procedure experienced about 9 percent less pain relief at six months following surgery compared to those who did not.
A proof-of-principle study found that imatinib improved airway hyperresponsiveness and decreased mast cell presence in patients with severe asthma. Treatment also showed a small improvement in airway function.
A new study models HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality to determine feasible targets for ending the US AIDS epidemic. Achieving a reduction of 12,000 new infections by 2025 could mark an important turning point in the epidemic, with significant declines in HIV transmission rates and related deaths.
Researchers discovered Hinokitiol's ability to transport iron across cell membranes, correcting anemia caused by genetic deficiencies. The compound also promotes iron gut absorption and hemoglobin creation, suggesting its potential for treating human diseases.
Women who undergo postmenopausal hormone therapy may be at higher risk of hearing loss, according to a new study. The risk tends to increase with longer duration of use and is associated with older age at natural menopause.
Scientists discovered that humans are able to keep accumulating damaging mutations in check due to the synergistic interactions between different parts of the human genome. This study provides evidence for natural selection against highly damaging genetic mutations and sheds light on the evolutionary maintenance of sexual reproduction.
A study found that nearly 1 in 3 FDA-approved drugs had postmarket safety events, with biologics and psychiatric disease treatments being most affected. The study highlights the need for ongoing safety monitoring of approved medications.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Medicare spending on topical steroids increased by 226.5% and out-of-pocket costs for patients rose by 145.9% between 2011 and 2015. Researchers suggest using physician decision support to pick more affordable generic options, potentially saving $944.8 million and $66.6 million.