A team of scientists from Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine have discovered a critical component for renewing the heart's molecular motor, which breaks down in heart failure. Restoring BAG3 levels could strengthen the heart as a potential treatment for heart failure.
Researchers found that brachytherapy can proceed without delay or antibiotics in cervical cancer patients with uterine perforations, reducing treatment complications. The study suggests this approach could lead to a new standard of care and improved survival rates for these patients.
A recent Loyola Medicine study found that reducing the standard dose of IV-administered ketamine in half is as effective as the larger dose in reducing pain in adults. The study involved 98 patients and showed similar results at 30 minutes, with lower adverse event rates in the low-dose group.
Researchers at Loyola University Medical Center identified common symptoms in pediatric acoustic neuroma patients, including hearing loss and vertigo. They also found that residual tumors in pediatric patients had a higher rate of regrowth than those in adults.
A new study sheds light on the mysterious condition known as silent hypoxemia or 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients. The research reveals that low oxygen levels without shortness of breath may be caused by a combination of factors, including inaccurate pulse oximeter readings and the brain's delayed response to low oxygen levels.
New guidelines are needed to manage stroke patients safely within strained health systems, considering COVID-19 risks. Recommendations include telemedicine, virtual monitoring, and emphasis on preventive measures to optimize care while minimizing the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Cities with strict early restrictions had lower disease and mortality rates compared to those with fewer and later restrictions. Cities that adopted broad isolation measures, including school closures, mask wearing, and case isolation, saw significant reductions in disease spread.
A literature review by Loyola Medicine neurologist Antonio H. Iglesias highlights TMS efficacy in treating depression, OCD, and other neurological conditions, including stroke, acute migraines, and dementia. The treatment is well-tolerated with few side effects.
A study by Loyola Medicine researchers found that pharmacist presence in the ER speeds up delivery of coagulation drug, improving patient outcomes. Patients with a bedside pharmacist spent less time in ICU (2 days vs. 5 days) and hospital overall (5.5 days vs. 8 days).
A sepsis care quality improvement program at Loyola Medicine has been shown to lower in-hospital death rates by 30% and reduce discharge time by 25%. The program also resulted in significant cost savings of $272,645 among patients with suspected infections.
Researchers have generated two antibodies that potentially could be used in a simple filter paper test to detect Ebola virus. The study, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, marks a breakthrough in diagnosing Ebola and Marburg viruses, which can cause severe bleeding and organ failure with high fatality rates.
Researchers used AI to analyze electronic health records and identified 16 medical concepts predicting alcohol misuse in 78% of cases. This method could overcome staffing and patient barriers for screening and referral programs at trauma centers.
A new study by Loyola Medicine and colleagues reveals that only 21.8% of non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients use statins, despite being at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that ibrutinib is significantly more effective than standard therapy in treating CLL, causing fewer side effects and requiring less frequent patient visits. Ibrutinib was shown to improve survival rates by 13% compared to standard treatment.
A new study published in a medical journal found that black women with early-stage breast cancer have worse outcomes than white women, even after receiving the same treatment. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found that black women had a lower survival rate and higher recurrence of invasive breast cancer.
Researchers have generated six Zika virus antibodies that could be used to diagnose and potentially treat the mosquito-borne disease. The neutralizing property of these antibodies prevents the virus from infecting cells, rendering it harmless.
A new study found that personalized medicine technique reduced treatment times by up to 6 weeks, with 21 patients remaining virus-free and no significant loss of efficacy. The results have the potential to save $10 billion annually in healthcare costs.
Loyola Medicine is testing a new catheter ablation system called Durablate that can destroy troublesome heart tissue not accessible to standard techniques. This approach may improve treatment outcomes for patients with ventricular tachycardia.
Stroke specialists often see conditions known as stroke mimics and 'chameleons' that can mimic ischemic strokes, making accurate diagnosis complicated. Accurate diagnosis requires a detailed history and neurologic examination to avoid administering clot-busting drugs incorrectly.
A Loyola University Chicago study reveals that diabetes causes heart failure through the accumulation of methylglyoxal, which weakens heart muscle cells. The findings suggest new drug treatments to counter the effects of methylglyoxal and prevent heart failure in diabetics.
Loyola will produce a more purified CAR-T cell product potentially reducing toxicities and costs. The Leukemia Research Foundation is supporting the research with a $250,000 grant.
A Loyola Medicine study shows that an educational curriculum for physicians improves their emotional intelligence, stress management, and overall wellness. The study suggests that teaching emotional intelligence skills may improve stress management, promote wellness, and prevent burnout in resident physicians.
Researchers developed a three-factor model predicting burn patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The model includes inhalation injury extent, percentage of body burned, and von Willebrand factor levels. This prediction tool could guide clinical trials to prevent ARDS in high-risk patients.
Neurologist Camilo R. Gomez argues that the effect of time on ischemic stroke outcomes varies greatly among patients, with collateral circulation playing a critical role in determining treatment efficacy. He proposes a new approach to stroke care, taking into account individual patient variability and blood circulation patterns.
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is crucial for slowing chronic kidney disease progression and reducing healthcare costs. Despite its importance, only 10% of non-dialysis kidney patients receive MNT, which includes individualized nutrition assessment and personalized dietary education.
Intractable hiccups can occur with underlying medical conditions and impair quality of life. Various treatments including medications, nerve blocks, and alternative remedies are being studied.
A major new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a hepatitis C vaccine would significantly reduce transmission among injecting drug users, even if it doesn't provide complete sterilizing immunity. The study estimated that the risk of transmission could decrease to between 1 and 25 percent with vaccination.
A landmark study published in The Lancet found that robotic surgery is as effective as traditional open surgery in treating bladder cancer. Robotic surgery patients experienced less blood loss and shorter hospital stays but longer surgeries compared to those who underwent open surgery.
A new study has found that female bladders contain bacteria similar to those in the vagina, with beneficial microbes potentially providing protection against urinary infections. The research could lead to improved diagnostic tests and treatments for urinary tract disorders.
A Loyola Medicine study found lax, rubbery eyelids in 53% of sleep apnea patients, associated with the most severe cases. Sleep apnea affects an estimated 34% of men and 17% of women, but up to 80% remain undiagnosed.
A major international study has found that 1.5% of infants and 3.1% of children who were hospitalized for ischemic stroke died, with an overall mortality rate of 2.6%. Risk factors for dying included congenital heart disease, severe stroke type, and Hispanic ethnicity.
A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most breast cancer patients with intermediate scores on a 21-gene test can safely avoid chemotherapy. The study's results have significant implications for doctors and patients, allowing for more personalized treatment options.
A Loyola Medicine survey found that 15.8% of adult burn patients screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study highlights the importance of identifying patients who may benefit from mental health assessment and intervention.
A Loyola Medicine study found that new ultrasound guidelines can reliably identify children who need a biopsy for thyroid cancer. The American College of Radiology's system grades nodules on a scale, with higher scores indicating more suspicious cancer.
Lung transplant patients with recent alcohol use spent more time in the hospital and on ventilators, with no differences in lung function. Abstaining from alcohol may help optimize lung transplant outcomes.
A Loyola Medicine study found that 15.4% of osteoporosis patients taking bisphosphonates experienced bone fractures during a six-year follow-up period. Patients at high risk of fracture should be closely followed, especially as the drug holiday lengthens.
A study by Loyola Medicine researchers found a diverse mix of bacteria in the urine of kidney disease patients, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This diversity is higher in patients experiencing urinary urgency and may lead to new approaches for treating lower urinary tract problems.
Researchers found a significant link between pancreatitis in minority populations and severe levels of triglycerides, as well as gallstones and excessive alcohol intake. The study's findings may help physicians assess the risk of pancreatitis and develop early detection strategies.
Ear infections, especially in children, can cause severe complications such as meningitis, brain abscesses, and facial paralysis. Modern antibiotic treatments have significantly reduced mortality rates from these conditions, but it is essential to remain vigilant about potential neurologic complications.
A new study found that serious chest muscle injuries, including pectoralis major tears, are occurring with 'alarming frequency' among deployed service members who lift weights. The injuries required surgical repair and six months recovery.
A recent study found that medical students receive little formal instruction in radiation oncology, a crucial aspect of cancer treatment. The study highlights the need for radiation oncologists to take ownership over educating medical students about their specialty's value in patient care. Despite this gap, some departments reported en...
A study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine found a significant link between mother's alcohol use one month prior to or early in pregnancy and an increased risk of gastroschisis. The condition occurs when an infant's intestines form outside the abdomen, posing risks for other organ system anomalies.
Exertional heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in athletes that requires immediate cooling to prevent critical cell damage. The recommended treatment protocol 'cool first, transport second' prioritizes rapid cooling of the body to less than 104.5 degrees F within 30 minutes.
A recent study on hospital palliative care reveals high rates of caregiver depression and significant moral distress among resident physicians. The research also explores the challenges faced by LGBT individuals who have lost a partner, including homophobia and additional legal and financial issues. Effective interventions, such as adv...
A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.
A landmark clinical trial has shown impressive results for a CAR-T cancer treatment in refractory large B-cell lymphoma patients, achieving complete remission in 42% of cases. However, severe side effects including cytokine release syndrome and neurologic problems were also observed, affecting up to 95% of patients.
A Loyola University Chicago study has identified the protein bicaudal D2, which facilitates the trafficking and nuclear import of HIV-1 genomes during infection. This finding raises the possibility of developing a drug that would prevent HIV-1 from binding to bicaudal D2.
Researchers found that heart rate variability measured by an electrocardiogram indicated whether subjects had major depression or bipolar disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder had higher blood levels of inflammation biomarkers than those with major depression.
A simple blood test for phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can accurately identify critically ill hospital patients who misuse alcohol. The test has been found to be 88.7% accurate in identifying participants with alcohol misuse, with a level of at least 250 ng/ml being a useful cut-point.
A study of patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections found that many changed their behaviors, including increased hand washing and use of soap and water. However, certain dietary changes and probiotic supplements showed little evidence to reduce the risk of future infections.