A new study reveals that environmental stress significantly increases the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in individuals with gene mutations, putting them at greater risk of developing the disease. The findings suggest that stressors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and alcohol use may trigger the onset of symptoms in car...
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that liver cirrhosis is more common than previously thought, affecting approximately 633,000 adults in the US yearly. The study also revealed that 69% of these individuals may not be aware they have the disease.
A study led by Dr. Majid Afshar found that binge drinking in young adults significantly disrupts the immune system, leading to increased risk of falls and traumatic injuries. The study showed that blood samples taken after peak intoxication revealed higher levels of white blood cells and proteins signaling an active immune response.
A study at Loyola University Health System found that social workers, dietitians, and physicians were the most central communicators in a hospital's clinical team. Effective clinical care teams show high degrees of shared cognition, whereas teams working in silos present barriers to optimal patient care.
A recent study found that cystic fibrosis patients are at a higher risk of developing ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus strains due to insufficient levels of the drug in their system. This can lead to delayed or inadequate response to treatment, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and therapeutic level adjustments.
A 4-year-old boy experienced a stroke after riding roller coasters, likely caused by a tear in his carotid artery. The incident highlights the risk of carotid artery dissection in children due to sudden movements. Previous reports have mostly focused on adult riders, making this case one of the youngest reported.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine identified a way to assess UTI risk in women after pelvic-floor surgery. The study found that certain urinary bacteria and antimicrobial peptides can identify women at increased risk, suggesting a potential method for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers have identified a novel therapeutic approach using gamma secretase inhibitors (GSI) to inhibit Notch and block critical genes involved in tumor growth. The study suggests that GSI may optimize existing endocrine therapies and overcome resistance to cancer drugs.
Shoulder pain affects athletes like baseball pitchers, with various structures contributing to the issue. Nonsurgical options include icing and medication, while arthroscopic surgery can be effective for repairing partial rotator cuff tears.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
Loyola Medicine argues that medical schools must accept applicants from undocumented immigrants, known as Dreamers, due to the country's commitment to equality and social justice. The school's policy change in 2012 paved the way for eligible students to enroll in medical programs.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Anita Rao found that homeless, mentally ill women in India suffer from a vicious cycle of homelessness and mental illness relapse. The study highlights the need for a balance between reintegrating women with their families and achieving psychiatric remission.
A study found that 80% of kidney dialysis patients were not adequately prepared for emergencies or natural disasters. However, after receiving individualized education from a multidisciplinary team, 78% of these patients became adequately prepared, according to a Loyola University Medical Center study. The educational sessions made a s...
A study found that excess fat around the heart, measured by epicardial adipose tissue volume, is more closely associated with atrial fibrillation than BMI. The layer of fat was shown to correlate with scarring in the left atrium, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeat.
Grad students require 'street smarts' for success in academia, with techniques like self-marketing and networking crucial for career advancement. The proportion of PhDs securing tenured positions has declined, emphasizing the need for efficient use of training time and professional connections.
A Loyola University Medical Center study has found radiation to be a risk factor for the development of meningiomas, a type of brain tumor, in individuals under age 30. The study analyzed records of patients diagnosed with meningiomas before age 30 and found that five had been exposed to ionizing radiation earlier in their lives.
A simple test called transcutaneous oximetry may predict which patients are most likely to experience wound-healing complications after surgery. Patients with lower oxygen levels before surgery were more likely to develop complications, highlighting the potential tool as a means of taking extra precautions.
Research led by Kate Wolin found that physically active men were 13% less likely to report nocturia and 34% less likely to experience severe nocturia compared to inactive men. The study suggests that physical activity may provide a strategy for managing BPH-related outcomes, including nocturia.
Lupus and other rheumatologic diseases can initially present as neurological disorders such as headaches and seizures, leading to delayed diagnoses. Treatments for these conditions can also cause adverse neurological effects.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine discovered that dasatinib causes cancer cells to clump together, preventing metastasis. The drug targets a protein called BCR-ABL found in various malignancies, including breast and skin cancers.
Research found that one in three female triathletes suffer from urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. High-impact sports like triathlon training can lead to decreased energy, menstrual irregularities, and abnormal bone density due to inadequate nutrition.
A study found that fish oil compound protected against inflammation and neuronal cell death in brain cells exposed to high levels of alcohol. The findings suggest limited amounts of alcohol may make brain cells more fit, reducing the risk of neurodegeneration and dementia.
Researchers found distinct bacterial communities in healthy and incontinent women, suggesting a potential link between bacteria and female urinary health. The study identified new bacteria not detected by standard culture techniques, which may contribute to the lack of response to conventional treatments for urinary incontinence.
A Loyola University Chicago study found that targeting overweight kids at random is more effective than targeting popular teens in reducing teenage obesity. The researchers used real-world data to simulate various weight-loss interventions, including those targeting popular kids.
A two-year study found that using alcohol-impregnated caps reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by 68%, with 80% of infections related to inadequate hub cleaning. This simple intervention saved over $1 million in hospital costs, making it an easy addition to infection prevention strategies.
A new clinical trial found that adding goserelin to chemotherapy regimens for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer significantly reduced the risk of early menopause. The study also showed improved overall survival rates and a higher pregnancy rate in the goserelin group.
A study led by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher William C. McGaghie found that simulation techniques like lifelike mannequins and computer systems enhance clinical skills and lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of surgical care
Researchers from Loyola University Chicago found bacteria in the bladders of healthy women, challenging the common belief that normal urine is sterile. The study also revealed differences in bladder bacteria between healthy women and those with overactive bladder (OAB), which may contribute to OAB symptoms.
Patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) may benefit from sirolimus, which slows disease progression and improves quality of life. However, the drug can complicate lung transplants due to potential fatal complications.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that young athletes from higher-income families are 68% more likely to experience serious overuse injuries than those from lower-income families. The study also revealed that privately insured young athletes are twice as likely to specialize in one sport, increasing their risk of injury.
A new study finds that binge drinkers heal from wounds at a slower rate due to impaired immune function. Binge alcohol exposure reduces key immune system components, making wounds more susceptible to infection.
A new study from Loyola Medicine found that only 10.3 percent of US children ages 6 to 18 are at risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels under the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Children who are overweight, female, non-white, and between 14 and 18 years old are more likely to be at risk.
Two common procedures to treat pelvic organ prolapse without vaginal mesh are found to be comparable in safety and efficacy. Researchers also discovered that behavioral therapy did not improve urinary incontinence or prolapse symptoms in affected women.
Fibromuscular dysplasia can cause high blood pressure, kidney failure, stroke, and other symptoms in women. A recent Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
A new blood test measures a protein called cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) to detect heart attacks more quickly. cMyBP-C is released to the bloodstream within just 15 minutes of cardiac damage, rising to significant levels in three hours.
A major study found that lowering blood pressure immediately after a stroke does not reduce the risk of death or major disability. The study included over 4,000 patients and showed no significant differences between groups in mortality or disability rates.
The American Heart Association has funded 112 studies at Loyola since 1984, with the latest award bringing the total to $10.6 million. Loyola is recognized as one of the top 50 hospitals nationwide for cardiology and heart surgery.
Loyola researchers have identified a marker to predict necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening condition affecting up to 10% of extremely low birth weight infants. Simple changes to blood transfusion practices and feeding patterns may significantly reduce NEC incidence.
A landmark multi-center study found that patients with less scarring in the left atrium had higher ablation success rates. The study suggests that earlier treatment may be beneficial, as longer A-fib experience leads to more scarring. Loyola Medicine was a major enroller in the study.
A study by Loyola Medicine neuropsychologist Christopher Randolph challenges the widely-held theory that retired NFL players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite high rates of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study found little conclusive evidence to support CTE as a distinct disease.
A recent study by Loyola Medicine finds that many internists feel ill-equipped to care for adult childhood cancer survivors due to inadequate education and training. The study highlights the need for primary care physicians to have access to survivorship care plans and guidelines.
A recent study of 1,021 men found that physical activity significantly extends the lives of male cancer survivors. The study revealed that those who expended more than 12,600 kilojoules per week in physical activity were 48% less likely to die than those who burned fewer kilojoules.
A study by Loyola University Medical Center researchers could lead to the development of a 'liquid biopsy' test for bladder cancer using microscopic droplets shed by cancer cells in urine. This non-invasive test would require only a simple urine sample, potentially informing treatment decisions.
A new study from Loyola University Health System found that patients should resume treatment immediately after a fracture, decline in bone strength, or early rise in signs of increased fracture risk. Elderly patients and those with very low bone strength require closer follow-up during drug holidays.
A patient with 'word blindness' was able to learn a new technique that enables her to recognize and read words through tactile skills. The technique, which involves tracing letters of the alphabet, was effective in helping her regain reading abilities.
A Loyola University Chicago study found that medical students are concerned about becoming insensitive when dealing with a dying patient and their family. The study highlighted the importance of compassionate presence, communication, and emotional support in end-of-life care.
A new clinical trial design, I-SPY 2, has enabled researchers to quickly identify effective treatments for high-risk breast cancer patients. Veliparib has shown a 91% probability of success in triple-negative breast cancer patients.
The Gene Expression Barcode 3.0 tool helps cancer researchers process and analyze massive amounts of genetic data from patients and mice, enabling the development of tailored treatments. The improved algorithm makes it faster and more accessible for researchers to use.
A new study found that Herceptin plus Taxol is highly effective in treating lower-risk breast cancer patients, with a 98.7% success rate of being cancer-free for at least three years. The treatment had minimal side effects, with only 3.2% experiencing severe neuropathy.
A new technology grows cord blood stem cells in a lab before transplant, increasing survival rates by 9.6% compared to traditional methods. Patients who received the StemEx transplants engrafted faster and were less vulnerable to infections and bleeding.