A new study suggests that MRI scans can precisely measure cholesterol within artery-clogging plaque, allowing for better assessment of cholesterol medication effectiveness. After three years, patients showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and plaque volume.
A new study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine could lead to improved gene therapies for conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Researchers found that a virus used in vaccines can also be tailored to cause less of an immune response in gene therapy applications.
Researchers have identified a new strategy for preventing the migration of muscle cells that can lead to coronary artery reclogging after angioplasty. Introducing FRNK, a protein that inhibits muscle cell migration while allowing endothelial cell movement, could help prevent clots and reduce the need for repeat procedures.
Researchers have discovered a potential new biomarker for heart attacks, cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), which is released into the blood following a heart attack. Elevated levels of cMyBP-C may help diagnose heart attacks more accurately, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
According to a survey by Loyola University Health System researchers, nearly half of recreational runners drink too much fluid during races, with 36.5% following a preset schedule and 8.9% drinking as much as possible. The main cause of low sodium in runners is drinking too much water or sports drinks.
Research suggests that statin cholesterol-lowering medications can lower stroke risk in patients with ischemic strokes. However, patients with hemorrhagic strokes or certain high-risk profiles may not benefit from statins. Further research is needed to understand the optimal use of statins in these cases.
Researchers found moderate drinkers were 23% less likely to develop cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Moderate drinking was more beneficial than beer or spirits, but the finding was based on a relatively small number of studies.
A Loyola University Health System study found that 35% of retired NFL players had scores suggesting possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of the players was 61, and their impairments were highly similar to those exhibited by patients with MCI.
A study by Loyola University Health System researcher Holly Kramer found that a large waist circumference doubles the risk of dying among kidney disease patients. Waist circumference was more strongly linked to mortality than BMI, a commonly used measure of obesity.
A landmark editorial in The Spine Journal denounces flawed clinical research in bone growth products and inadequate disclosure of industry relationships. Financial ties between physicians and medical device industries have led to biased and corrupted research, harming patients, according to the editors.
Patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma who receive early stem cell transplants have comparable survival rates to those who undergo chemotherapy alone. Researchers urge caution for patients with poor risk factors, recommending careful consultation with their physician.
A study by Loyola researcher Christopher Randolph found that baseline concussion tests may have a high 'false negative' rate, returning injured athletes to play prematurely. This could lead to increased risks of further injury or cognitive impairments.
Research suggests that kids who specialize in one sport have a significantly higher average score on a sports specialization scale than uninjured athletes. Injured athletes tend to have more intense specialized training, making parents consider enrolling their children in multiple sports.
A Loyola University Health System study found that binge drinking can change the body's immune system response to orthopaedic injury, complicating trauma care. This means that measuring chemical markers in the blood may be misleading when alcohol is involved.
Loyola University Health System's Heart Attack Rapid Response Team has dramatically improved care for heart attack patients by reducing door-to-balloon times to just 47 minutes.
A study of 60 burn patients found that those who died from their injuries had lower inflammatory responses in their lungs compared to survivors. This unexpected finding may lead to better therapies for improving outcomes in burn care.
A study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals that the elderly are more susceptible to pneumonia and bacterial infections due to a decline in immune system cells. Researchers have found that macrophages and B cells, which fight bacteria, appear effective but are fewer in number, making them less effective. Developing targeted ...
Researchers found a delay in detecting CADASIL, a vascular brain disorder, and diagnosed it as multiple sclerosis in some patients. The study suggests that CADASIL often goes misdiagnosed due to similarities with MS in brain MRIs and symptoms.
Patients with strokes and spinal cord injuries are prone to life-threatening blood clots. Despite the high risk, many do not receive preventive therapy. Studies show that starting heparin medication within 24-48 hours can be both safe and effective in preventing recurrent VTE.
Researchers found that certain immune system cells can hinder wound healing, leading to chronic ulcers. Supressing these cells may speed up the healing process.
Loyola University Health System neurologists Dr. José Biller and Dr. Michael J. Schneck predict an 'explosive growth in potential medical therapies' for age-related neurological disorders. New treatments and diagnostic tests have led to an increased demand for neurologists and interest in the field.
A new experimental drug, morphine-6-0-sulfate, has been found to be more potent and longer-lasting than standard morphine, with less likelihood of causing constipation. The study, led by Dr. Joseph Holtman Jr., tested the drug on rats and demonstrated its potential clinical advantages compared to morphine.
A study of medical students' professor evaluations found that scores and comments remained consistent, with only 3% of evaluations revised. The study highlights the importance of making a good first impression in the classroom.
According to a 21-year study, surgery for acoustic neuromas achieves gross total resection in the vast majority of patients, resulting in minimal morbidity and mortality. The procedure also preserves facial function in 90% of cases, with 44% of patients regaining useful hearing in the affected ear.
A recent study found that bone density remained stable for three years in patients who took a drug holiday from bisphosphonates, a popular class of osteoporosis drugs. The researchers recommend taking drug holidays after four to five years, but the study suggests that this duration may be longer, potentially up to three years.
Neurological complications after heart surgery are common, affecting central and peripheral nervous systems, according to a study published in Hospital Practice. Complications can include strokes, seizures, delirium, and medication toxicity, highlighting the need for prompt identification and optimal management.
Research reveals alcohol's far-reaching consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired bone growth, and increased risks of HIV transmission and poor surgical outcomes.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that stroke patients who show improvement within one hour of receiving rt-PA are more likely to have a favorable outcome three months later. Researchers followed 120 patients and found that 68.2% had a favorable outcome, compared to 29.6% for those who did not show early improvement.
A Loyola University Health System study found that 80.5% of hospitalized patients are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can cause poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness. The study suggests that hospitals should consider administering a simple screening test to identify these patients.
A dozen new epilepsy drugs are now available, offering more treatment options for patients. However, this increased choice also complicates treatment decisions for clinicians.
A significant increase in lung transplant rejection was found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. The study suggests that optimal vitamin D levels are critical for positive outcomes in lung transplant patients.
Loyola University Hospital reduced blood transfusions by 10% in 2009, saving $453,355, while improving patient safety without compromising care. The new blood management program implemented evidence-based indications and protocols to reduce unnecessary transfusions.
A special issue of Neurologic Clinics details latest advances in treating neurologic disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. The issue includes treatments for Parkinson's disease and headaches, as well as new medications for epilepsy.
A Loyola University Health System study found that only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots. Researchers suggest screening for DVTs in the arms as well as legs before and after surgery to assess risk.
Scientists have identified six critical amino acids in the TRIM5α protein that enable it to destroy HIV. Altering these amino acids in human cells renders TRIM5α ineffective against HIV-1 infection, highlighting a potential target for therapy development.
A new study found that expensive brand-name medications for high blood pressure are no better than generic diuretics in preventing cardiovascular disease. The ALLHAT trial, which followed patients with high blood pressure for eight to 13 years, showed that the diuretic was superior in two measures: stroke death rate and hospitalization...
A new surgical technique using a circular external fixator secures foot bones, allowing 90% of obese diabetics with Charcot foot to walk normally. The device is attached for only two or three months, reducing recovery time and complications.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System found long-lasting disruptions in hundreds of genes involved in bone formation in rats exposed to binge drinking. The study suggests that lifestyle-related damage done during young adulthood may have repercussions lasting decades.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine have discovered protein acetylation, a common molecular reaction in bacteria that affects protein function and gene regulation. This finding has significant implications for understanding bacterial physiology and developing new drugs to combat harmful bacteria.
Researchers discovered how bacteria aid digestion and enhance immune function by binding to B lymphocytes. This finding suggests the possibility of using bacterial spores to treat people with weakened or undeveloped immune systems.
A major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, with similar improvements in motor function regardless of the targeted region. The study also revealed small differences in non-motor effects such as mood and cognitive function.
Three new oral blood-thinning drugs may offer significant advantages over Coumadin, but their lack of clinical experience raises concerns about potential interactions. Many adults take multiple prescription drugs, increasing the risk of adverse interactions.
Researchers used techniques similar to pharmaceutical sales reps to educate doctors on treatment guidelines, resulting in a 8.6% increase in recommended diuretic prescriptions in counties with high academic detailing activity.
Two surgical techniques for female stress incontinence were found to be equivalent in efficacy but differed in side effects. The retropubic procedure had a higher rate of urinary dysfunction requiring surgery compared to the transobturator procedure. These findings will help guide care for women undergoing stress-incontinence surgery.
A study led by Loyola University Health System researcher found that 54% of cirrhosis patients scored below the 10th percentile for their age and education on a test measuring neurocognitive abilities.
Researchers found that natural killer T (NKT) cells impede the healing process, leading to slower wound closure. Inactivating these cells using an antibody is being tested as a potential treatment.
Neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm brain infection, is increasing in Mexico and bordering southwestern US states, affecting up to 10% of the population. The infection can cause severe symptoms like seizures, headaches, and encephalitis, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and management.
Researchers found that estrogen inhibits MLK3, a protein that causes normal cell death, leading to uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and resistance to chemotherapy. This discovery could lead to new cancer-fighting drugs.
Aprepitant has been shown to dramatically reduce nausea and vomiting in bone marrow transplant patients, with 73% experiencing no vomiting and 49% having little or no nausea. This breakthrough finding suggests aprepitant could become a standard part of patients' care.
The CREST trial found that traditional surgery and stenting are roughly equal in safety and efficacy for clearing dangerous carotid artery blockages. Patients' age and medical condition should influence treatment choice.