A Loyola Medicine sports medicine physician warns that even perfectly executed dives can lead to injuries, with a focus on back, shoulder, and elbow injuries. The athlete's intense training schedule, including frequent dry-land exercises, also contributes to the risk of injury.
A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.
A report by three neurosurgeons highlights industry's growing role in funding neurosurgery research, while also addressing ethical concerns and disparities. The authors advocate for careful oversight and disclosure to maintain high ethical standards.
A recent study found that the percentage of breast cancers diagnosed at early Stage 1 increased by 3.6 percentage points after the Affordable Care Act took effect. This increase was particularly notable among African American and Latina patients, who saw significant gains in Stage 1 diagnoses.
Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal MS treatment and quality of life. The process involves working together to select tests, treatments, and care plans, taking into account evidence-based treatments and lifestyle factors.
Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.
A new enhanced test, EQUC, detects significantly more bacteria in urine samples than the standard culture, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. The study enrolled 150 urogynecologic patients and found that EQUC identified 110 species of bacteria, while the standard culture only identified 50 percent ...
A study by Loyola Medicine found that 0.09% of patients who underwent urologic surgery were diagnosed with opioid dependence or overdose (ODO) within a year. Patients at highest risk for ODO were younger, had longer hospital stays, and were on Medicaid or Medicare.
Researchers found that abnormal proteins in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases cause the same type of vesicle damage, potentially leading to effective treatments for multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
A Loyola Medicine study found that simulation techniques using SimMan 3G and trained actors improved neurologists' diagnostic skills for brain death. The training also enhanced their ability to communicate bad news to families, leading to better outcomes.
A new biopsy technique combining MRI and ultrasound improves prostate cancer detection. Researchers found that patients are willing to pay $1,598 more for a biopsy increasing the likelihood of detecting all types of prostate cancer from 43% to 51%.
Emergency departments are increasingly using intranasal medication administration as an alternative to injections or IVs, offering a fast and noninvasive route to deliver medications directly to the brain. This method requires no needles, is less painful than IVs or injections, and minimizes infectious disease spread.
A Loyola Medicine study found that electronic health record (EHR) systems can mitigate the weekend effect in urgent general surgery patients. Patients at hospitals with high-speed EHR connectivity and electronic bed management systems experienced lower hospital stays and mortality rates, with reductions of up to 35%.
A new Loyola study reveals that physicians-in-training possess a high level of emotional intelligence, scoring in the high range on an emotional intelligence survey. The study found that pediatric and med-peds residents scored highest in empathy and social responsibility, but lowest in assertiveness.
A new study found that intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure to below 120 mm Hg would prevent 107,500 deaths per year in the United States. This reduction would be primarily among men aged 75 or older.
Patients with spinal cord injuries are at risk for various systemic complications, including pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain. Eighty percent of patients suffer from chronic pain, which affects their daily activities and emotional well-being.
Researchers followed adults in five countries and found no association between physical activity and weight gain. However, weight at the initial visit, age, and gender were significantly associated with weight change. The study provides new evidence that exercise is not a reliable method for controlling weight.
Surgical site infections affect up to 300,000 patients annually, with an estimated annual cost of $3.5 billion to $10 billion. The new guidelines recommend measures such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and using antibiotic sutures to reduce the risk of SSIs.
Chronic kidney disease patients spent a median $1,439 in annual out-of-pocket costs, compared to $770 for cancer patients and $748 for stroke patients. The study found that these high costs are due to the need for multiple medications and frequent doctor visits.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology have released new osteoporosis guidelines recommending that all postmenopausal women aged 50 and older be evaluated for osteoporosis risk. Successful treatment is defined as stable or increasing bone mineral density with no evidence of new fract...
Repeated binge drinking during adolescence can alter gene expression in the brains of future generations, impacting neurological health. The study found 159 gene changes in offspring of binge-drinking mothers, 93 in offspring of binge-drinking fathers, and 244 in offspring of both parents.
A Loyola study found that giving severely depressed bipolar patients the arthritis drug celecoxib significantly boosted the effectiveness of their antidepressant escitalopram. In the eight-week study, 78% of patients in the celecoxib group experienced a 50% reduction in depression scores, compared to 45% in the placebo group.
A new study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researchers has found that bovine heparin has equivalent anti-clotting properties to porcine heparin. This breakthrough could help address possible shortages of the essential medication, which is primarily derived from pigs.
African genetic variants associated with increased risk of albuminuria and low glomerular filtration rate among Hispanic/Latino adults, highlighting the importance of ancestry in kidney disease risk, researchers say.
A recent study published in npj Breast Cancer found that postmenopausal breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen have a lower risk of uterine cancer than expected. The study suggests that a normal ultrasound before treatment may provide additional reassurance for women concerned about endometrial side effects.
A new study suggests that intensive treatment of systolic blood pressure to below 120mmHg can reduce mortality by 27%, with an estimated 107,500 deaths prevented per year. However, this approach also carries a significant risk of serious side effects, including low blood pressure episodes and fainting.
A Loyola Medicine study found female triathletes experience high rates of stress urinary and anal incontinence, with nearly a quarter also screening positive for the female athlete triad. Researchers highlight the need for women to seek medical care if symptoms persist.
Tendon transfer surgery can significantly improve hand and elbow function in quadriplegics, enabling patients to perform daily activities like dressing and bathing. However, the procedure remains underused due to lack of coordinated collaboration among specialists.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with lower nitric oxide levels in the lungs, which helps protect against certain bacteria. The researchers suggest that lung doctors should consider the impact of alcohol on nitric oxide levels when interpreting test results.
Two groundbreaking studies published in New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with specific subtypes of breast cancer responded better to neratinib and veliparib combinations before surgery. These findings have led to the fast-tracking of experimental drugs for large-scale phase 3 trials.
Stent retrievers effectively reverse strokes by removing gelatinous blood clots, outperforming intravenous drug tPA in reducing disability. The devices will impact stroke systems of care and treatment location, routing higher severity patients to centers capable of neuroendovascular procedures.
HIV can enter the nucleus of immune system cells without dividing, a process previously unknown to scientists. By hijacking a motor protein called KIF5B, HIV manipulates the nuclear envelope to create a pathway for entry.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that mesothelioma surgery, specifically pleurectomy and decortication, improves quality of life in patients. The procedure can control fluid buildup, improve breathing, and reduce cancer pain, with benefits observed as early as one month after surgery.
A study led by Loyola Medicine researchers found that taking tamoxifen for breast cancer reduces the risk of uterine cancer in postmenopausal patients. The study also showed that a normal ultrasound before treatment may provide additional reassurance.
A Loyola Medicine study found that robotic-assisted surgery to remove the prostate reduces the risk of blood loss and prolonged hospital stays in obese prostate cancer patients. Compared to open surgery, robotic-assisted surgery was associated with a 83% lower rate of blood transfusions and a 72% lower rate of prolonged hospital stays.
Researchers combine radiation treatments with new immunotherapies to target melanoma, showing synergistic effects that improve treatment outcomes. The combination of radiation and immunotherapy has been shown to increase one-year survival rates for patients with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma.
A Loyola Medicine study found no differences in bacterial infections between knee replacement patients who showered two days after surgery and those who waited 10-14 days. Patients overwhelmingly preferred early showering, with 94% reporting its importance.
Loyola researchers identified a tumor gene that predicts survival outcomes in mouth and tongue cancer patients. The spectrin gene is expressed in 4.6 times more likely to die, requiring more aggressive treatment.
Researchers found that humans consume 400 more calories daily than chimpanzees and bonobos, and 635 more calories than gorillas and orangutans. This higher metabolism supports having larger brains and longer lifespans.
A study found that patients with lower literacy levels tend to visit websites promoting products or services, while those with higher education seek non-commercial sites. The study highlights the need for clinicians to guide patients towards reputable online health information sources.
A new generation of blood thinners can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation without requiring frequent monitoring. However, careful consideration must be given to individual patient factors such as age and kidney function before prescribing these medications.
Patients with severe kidney stones admitted on weekends are 26% less likely to receive timely treatment, with nearly three times higher mortality rates compared to those treated early.
Common Parkinson's disease medications can cause impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling, compulsive buying and binge eating in some patients. Alternative treatment strategies include adjusting medications, deep brain stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System have developed a new approach to treating hepatitis C, using mathematical models to predict when patients can safely stop taking direct-acting antiviral medication. This approach could lead to a 50% reduction in treatment cost and improved patient adherence.
A Loyola Medicine study found that women are 1.38 times more likely to report neck pain than men. The research adds to the growing body of evidence on sex differences in pain experience.
Osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates have significantly reduced fracture risks but also increase the risk of atypical femur fractures. Treatment involves stopping the drug and supplementing with calcium and vitamin D.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism that regulates how the heart pumps blood, with titin protein identified as key player. The study's findings could lead to new medications more effectively treating heart failure.
A study found that patients treated with nasoalveolar molding required fewer surgeries and had reduced healthcare costs compared to those without NAM treatment. This technique, which molds the lip, nose, and gums before surgery, improves outcomes and reduces complications.
Exposure to specific antibiotics is linked to the development of antibiotic-resistant C. difficile , one of the fastest growing bacteria superbugs. The study found that fluoroquinolone and macrolide exposure was more frequent in patients with a highly resistant strain, supporting targeted antibiotic stewardship monitoring programs.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology challenges the widely-held belief that low-dose radiation from medical imaging procedures can cause cancer. The authors argue that the linear no-threshold model, used to estimate cancer risks, has never been conclusively demonstrated by empirical evidence.