Researchers suggest significant improvements in mesothelioma staging by incorporating tumor weight and volume into the current TNM system. This could lead to more accurate prognoses and personalized treatment plans for patients.
A comprehensive review reveals frequent opportunities for HCV exposure in Ghana, including traditional practices like circumcision and home births. The study found a substantial genetic diversity of HCV-2, confirming its long epidemic history in the country.
Researchers found that most cases of severe brain damage in newborns occur after birth, despite proper resuscitation. Infections and anemia before birth do not cause the damage, but rather trigger devastating outcomes that can be prevented with timely medical attention.
Researchers from Loyola University Medical Center identified 60 genetic diseases that involve the skin, central nervous system, and/or peripheral nervous system. These conditions, including neurofibromatosis, can cause a range of symptoms such as tumors, learning disabilities, and bone deformities.
Hydrocephalus, a buildup of excess fluid in the brain, can be treated effectively with surgery. Neurosurgeon Vikram Prabhu calls for neurosurgeons to work towards eliminating infant deaths from hydrocephalus by 2030. This goal aims to provide basic surgical care to children with hydrocephalus worldwide.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that antidepressant escitalopram reduces levels of two neurotoxic compounds associated with memory loss and dementia in severely depressed patients. The study suggests a potential link between depression and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that direct funduscopy exams are being performed infrequently among patients with headaches and altered mental status. The exam can detect neurological conditions, but valuable clinical information may be missed if not performed.
A study by Loyola Medicine found that patients with post hospital syndrome (PHS) who underwent elective outpatient hernia surgery were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days than those without PHS. Additionally, PHS patients had a higher risk of emergency department admissions after hernia surgery.
Research suggests that antidepressants like SSRIs and NRI can improve motor recovery and aphasia treatment in stroke patients. However, more studies with well-designed methodologies are required to establish the usefulness of these medications as adjuvants to rehabilitation.
A study by Loyola University Medical Center found that hospitals with increased nurse-to-bed ratios, full adoption of electronic medical records, inpatient physical rehabilitation, home-health programs, and pain management programs were more likely to overcome the 'weekend effect' and improve patient outcomes. This suggests that improv...
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that children who have suffered from recent infections or are not up-to-date on their vaccinations are at a higher risk of stroke. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 children, found that 18% of those who experienced strokes had recently contracted an infection.
A major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has identified a 21-gene test that can determine which breast cancer patients can safely avoid chemotherapy. The test, called Oncotype DX Recurrence Score, analyzes tumor samples and assigns scores between 0-100, indicating the risk of cancer recurrence.
A study in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases explores the pros and cons of general anesthesia versus conscious sedation for stroke patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery. The authors conclude that an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team should be present to provide sedation, regardless of the approach used.
A study at Loyola University Medical Center found that knee replacements can treat degeneration caused by Blount disease, resulting in stable knees and no pain medications. Researchers used a scoring system to evaluate the success of the surgery, with mean scores indicating excellent range of motion and low disability.
A new study has found an alternative limb-lengthening technique that significantly reduces the amount of time patients spend in the external fixator, from 11 months to seven months. The technique combines an internal titanium rod with the external fixator, resulting in good-to-excellent outcomes for trauma patients.
A study found that severe burns alter bacteria populations dramatically, leading to a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in potentially harmful Enterobacteriaceae. This imbalance may contribute to sepsis and other infectious complications in burn patients.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recommends the use of brain stent retrievers in certain patients undergoing acute ischemic strokes. The devices can restore blood flow and reduce stroke damage when treated promptly, making them a valuable option for carefully selected patients.
Studies purporting to show a cancer link between radiation from medical imaging and cancer are badly flawed due to reliance on the linear no-threshold model. The human body has evolved to repair damage from low-dose radiation, making it unlikely that exposure would cause cancer.
Athletes should drink only when thirsty to prevent exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), a condition that can lead to life-threatening swelling in cells. Drinking excess fluids does not prevent fatigue or heat stroke, and athletes can safely lose up to 3% of their body weight during competition without loss of performance.
A recent study published in Hemodialysis International found that the association between poverty and kidney disease changes over time. Adults beginning dialysis are more likely to be living in a poor zip code, with rates increasing from 27.4% in 1995-2004 to 34% in 2005-2010.
A multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Medical Center physicians report a case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. The case highlights the challenge in distinguishing different lesions based on imaging, emphasizing the importance of carefully analyzing available ...
Stritch School of Medicine's reflection-based curriculum aims to promote student self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and social justice. Students engage in regular reflections on their experiences through the Patient Centered Medicine Course and co-curricular programs.
A new study finds that anastrozole significantly reduces breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women with non-invasive DCIS, outperforming tamoxifen. The treatment also improves disease-free survival and overall survival rates for patients.
A Loyola Medicine study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke during the first 12 months after surgery. Among bladder cancer patients, 24.8% experienced a heart attack or stroke with POAF, compared to 10.9% without POAF.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that among 205 cases of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, more than half survived at least five years and 43 percent survived at least 10 years. Survival rates varied depending on tumor location, with axial tumors showing worse outcomes.
A new study by Loyola researchers shows that giving non-toxic C. difficile spores orally can stop repeated bouts of the infection, which occurs in 25-30% of patients. The treatment reduces recurrence rates to as low as 5%, offering real hope for those debilitated by recurring bouts.
Researchers report a rare case of a patient with HIV/AIDS who developed cerebral vasculitis and hemorrhagic stroke due to reactivated varicella-zoster virus. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider this potential complication in patients with compromised immune systems.
A new study from Loyola University Medical Center found that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely, achieving independent oral feeding at 36 weeks and four days on average. Researchers also discovered that being born before 29 weeks of pregnancy negatively influences the ability to eat independently.
A new study identifies five resources that help hospitals overcome the 'weekend effect' in urgent general surgery procedures. Hospitals with increased nurse-to-bed ratios, electronic medical records, inpatient physical rehabilitation programs, home-health programs, and pain management programs are more likely to improve patient outcomes.
Proviso Partners for Health (PP4H) has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement to support its efforts in improving community health. The grant will help PP4H develop ways to share and spread effective improvement approaches across the country.
A study by Loyola University Medical Center resident neurologists found that simulation-based education significantly improved the knowledge, skills, and confidence of first-year neurology residents treating stroke patients in the emergency department. The study resulted in a 16.1% improvement on a multiple-choice test about treating s...
The study found a significant increase in major depression among US adults during the Great Recession, with prevalence rising from 2.33% to 3.79%. Less severe depression also saw a decline in prevalence after 2009-2010. Vulnerable populations such as those living in poverty or with less than a high school education were most affected.
The TOAST classification system is widely employed in stroke studies worldwide, categorizing ischemic strokes into five broad causes. While useful for real-world research, it has limitations when determining treatment for individual patients.
A recent Loyola University Health System study found that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for biopsy in many cases. The study concluded that if breast masses meet certain criteria, biopsies may be unnecessary.
Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found bacteria in the bladders of healthy women, contradicting the long-held belief that normal urine is sterile. This discovery has significant implications for understanding bladder health and disease, particularly lower urinary tract disorders.
A study in Movement Disorders reveals that certain cerebellar ataxias can be effectively treated with regimens such as prescription drugs, high doses of vitamin E, and gluten-free diets. Early treatment is crucial to prevent neurological deterioration in these conditions.
Researchers found a link between vitamin D deficiency and chronic diseases such as cognitive decline, depression, and osteoporosis in older adults. The study highlights the need for universal guidelines on testing and treating vitamin D deficiency to prevent age-related disorders.
A new study published in Journal of Vascular Surgery found that minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair can extend lives even in patients with advanced age and kidney disease. However, not all high-risk patients benefit from the procedure, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment.
A minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and a shorter hospital stay. The surgery allows for faster recovery and return to work, greatly improving patients' quality of life.
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that adding goserelin to chemotherapy regimens can significantly reduce the risk of early menopause and improve fertility in young breast cancer patients. Women who took goserelin had a higher pregnancy rate and were more likely to deliver healthy babies.
Susac syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease causing acute confusion, hearing problems, and eyesight issues. It is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis or ADEM, but may be considered in young patients with unexplained acute onset of confusion and abnormal spinal fluid tests
A study found that many doctors may not be pressing hard enough during breast exams, missing deep-tissue masses. The researchers used sensor technology to assess physicians' clinical skills and found that accuracy improved with increased force application, but only up to a point.
A new study found that administering antibiotics within the first hour of injury can significantly reduce infection rates in trauma patients. The study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, included 137 patients with open fractures and found that those who received antibiotics early had much lower infection rates.
Loyola Medicine researchers will develop and test a Family-based Lifestyle Intervention Program (FLIP) for African American and Hispanic/Latino families. The program aims to promote healthy lifestyles, navigate the healthcare system, and reduce health disparities.
A new study by Loyola University Medical Center shows that using high-fidelity patient simulators can significantly improve the knowledge, skills, and confidence of first-year neurology residents. The study found a 16.1% improvement in multiple-choice tests about treating stroke patients.
A study found a link between grief, anger, and inflammation in partner caregivers of veterans with traumatic-brain injuries. High levels of TNF-alpha were associated with blame and anger, increasing the risk for inflammatory-related health problems.
A new study reveals that hepatitis C is more common than previously thought, with over 180 million people worldwide infected. The study also found that active infection rates are high in West Africa, where cultural and daily practices contribute to transmission.
The article discusses the five main strategies scholars use when writing review articles, highlighting their unique approaches and strengths. Dr. McGaghie emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting these traditions while embracing new approaches to research synthesis.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that lung transplant patients who receive lungs from heavy drinkers are nearly nine times more likely to experience primary graft dysfunction, a life-threatening complication. These transplants also displayed poorer gas-exchange and longer ventilator stays.
A new study reveals that a genetic mutation in the MYBPC3 gene causes cardiac dysfunction and is responsible for up to 8% of deaths among South Asians. The mutation affects the protein that controls heart muscle contractions, leading to toxic effects on the cell.