Researchers from Loyola University Health System found a link between premature births and cerebral palsy, with inflammation of the umbilical cord being a common complication. The study suggests that managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine have identified a regulatory protein that binds to RSK, keeping its activity in check. This discovery could lead to new treatments for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and heart enlargement, as well as Carney complex.
A landmark study published in JAMA found that catheter ablation significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms of atrial fibrillation compared to drug therapy. The treatment, which destroys abnormal heart tissue, resulted in a 66% success rate for patients with no recurrent irregular heartbeats or symptoms.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine found that sun damage silences protein kinase C gene, allowing cancerous cells to grow and divide unchecked. The study could lead to development of new drugs to shrink tumors.
A new 21-gene test is helping doctors and patients make informed treatment decisions by predicting whether chemotherapy is necessary for early-stage breast cancer. The test, which examines tumor gene activity, has led to changes in treatment recommendations in 31.5% of cases, with most changes favoring avoidance of chemotherapy.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System failed to find evidence of TB bacteria forming spores, contradicting a provocative theory. The new findings could help ensure that efforts to improve treatments for tuberculosis are focused on productive directions.
Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.
Researchers have identified a protein that can be disabled to prevent cancer cells from forming in children with mixed-lineage leukemia. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments for this devastating disease.
A landmark study by Dr. Kathy Albain of Loyola University Health System found that chemotherapy improves survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients, while a multigene test can identify those who may not benefit from chemotherapy. The study established the standard of care for tamoxifen treatment in relation to chemotherapy.
A recent study by Loyola University Health System found that one out of five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese. The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes increased by 141% between 1976 and 2006, highlighting the growing public health implications.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine found that adults using pet therapy during recovery had 50% less pain medication usage. The animal-assisted therapy was trained through a program called Canine Companions for Independence.
A new study of 519 junior tennis players found that specialization increases the risk of injury. Players who had experienced an injury or illness in the past year were 5.4 times more likely to withdraw from a tournament due to medical reasons.
A Loyola University Health System study found that co-managing high-risk surgical patients with general internists trained in managing medical complications resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays. Patients also reported being treated with more courtesy and respect.
The RWJF New Careers in Nursing Scholarship Program aims to increase diversity and address the nation's nursing shortage. Scholarships will be awarded to 15 accelerated nursing students enrolled in the spring 2010 semester, with preference given to students from underrepresented groups.
A Loyola University Health System study found that breast cancer patients can prevent bone loss by correcting secondary causes, such as vitamin D deficiency, and using bisphosphonate osteoporosis drugs. After one year, patients with secondary causes showed stable bone mineral density.
Loyola will raise an additional $2 million from private donors to match The Coleman Foundation's $2 million grant. The new bone marrow transplant wing will be named The Coleman Foundation Bone Marrow Transplant Center.
A new study by Loyola University Health System researchers highlights the limitations of hospital report cards, particularly in neurosurgery. The mortality index used in these reports fails to account for factors such as patient mix, complex cases, and treatment of lower-risk elective versus high-risk non-elective cases.
A new therapy called cardiac resynchronization can significantly delay the onset of heart failure symptoms and hospitalization for up to 41% with pacing therapy. The treatment improves heart-pumping efficiency, enabling patients like Rosemary Jakubowski to engage in physical activities without fatigue.
A statewide program aims to enhance pediatric emergency medical care in Illinois by supporting facilities in managing critically ill and injured children. The program, led by Loyola University Health System, focuses on preparing emergency medicine facilities to provide quality care for this vulnerable patient population.
A major study published in The Lancet found that surgery after chemotherapy and radiation can prolong survival without progression of the lung cancer, but does not improve overall survival compared to conventional treatment alone. Patients who underwent a section of the lung removal saw a major benefit from surgery.
A recent study by Loyola Medicine found that unfavorable work conditions contribute to low job satisfaction among primary care physicians. Adverse workflow environments are linked to burnout, stress, and a desire to leave the profession.
Researchers found African Americans have lower survival rates for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers due to biological factors, not socioeconomic ones. The study of 19,457 patients showed 49% more likelihood of death from early-stage breast cancer among African Americans.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for excisional biopsies in many cases. The study found that 15 out of 21 lumps were benign and did not require biopsy, highlighting the potential benefit of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found nearly 1 in 10 patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience 'parasomnia' symptoms. Researchers examined records of 537 adult sleep apnea patients, finding 51 reported parasomnia symptoms, including sleep paralysis and hallucinations.
Several insurance companies deny coverage for ankle replacements despite FDA approval, citing a flawed meta-analysis from earlier studies. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael Pinzur questions the logic behind this decision, arguing that it undermines patient choice and access to reasonable treatment options.
Dr. Aileen Go has won a prestigious Amgen Foundation Fellowship grant to study treatment options for older leukemia and lymphoma patients. The research aims to develop a reduced-intensity chemotherapy regimen and methods to boost stem cells for patients aged 55-75.
A recent study found that catheter ablation is more effective than drugs in treating atrial fibrillation, with 63% of patients free of arrhythmias one year after treatment. The procedure involves destroying heart tissue responsible for erratic electrical signals, resulting in improved quality of life and reduced symptoms.
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence, with patients experiencing a substantial improvement in symptoms. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises to train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System warn that the surgical gel FloSeal may cause microcalcifications on mammograms after breast cancer surgery. The study highlights the need for caution when using FloSeal in lumpectomies to avoid misdiagnosis.
A new technique for staging bladder cancer has shown encouraging results, accurately identifying tumors in 95.2% of specimens and avoiding unnecessary bladder removals in some cases. The technique uses an antibody to distinguish between deep muscle layers, reducing the risk of mistaken diagnoses.
Researchers have long focused on Toxin A, but a new study reveals Toxin B is the real culprit behind C-diff's deadly effects. The discovery has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that clinics serving higher proportions of minority patients tend to have more challenging work environments and organizational characteristics. This can lead to unfavorable patient and physician outcomes, including lower job satisfaction, increased stress, and burnout.
A recent study published in PLoS ONE found that women who drink two or more cans of soda per day are nearly twice as likely to show early signs of kidney disease. The study also did not find an elevated risk for men or diet soda consumption.
A new study found that increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium consumption can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed 24-hour urine samples from over 2,900 participants and discovered a strong correlation between the ratio of sodium-to-potassium in urine and cardiovascular disease.
A recent review article found that adequate vitamin D intake may prevent or delay diabetes onset and reduce complications for those diagnosed. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity and secretion, and deficiency is common among Americans with diabetes.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System found no significant difference between African American women in metropolitan Chicago and Nigerian women in terms of calories burned during physical activity. The study suggests that dietary intake may be more important than energy expenditure level in the rising rates of obesity.
A study found that 78% of breast cancer patients had at least one other cause of bone loss besides cancer drugs. Vitamin D deficiency was the most common factor, affecting 38% of breast cancer patients compared to 51% of non-cancer patients.
A new review article in Circulation highlights the link between vitamin D deficiency and heart disease, with rates of severe disease or death potentially 30-50% higher among sun-deprived individuals. Treatment options such as vitamin D supplements may help decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
A major international study finds catheter ablation is superior to medication for treating irregular heartbeat. One year after treatment, 75% of patients were symptom-free, compared to 21%, highlighting the effectiveness of this procedure.
A 35-year-old woman suffered a stroke due to a blood clot caused by a heart defect and birth control pills. She received an interventional neuroradiologist-guided catheter delivery of tPA, resulting in immediate and dramatic improvement. Her stroke score improved from 13 to 1 after treatment.
Patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms are increasingly being treated with stent grafts, which require minimal incision and rapid recovery. A recent study found that patients receiving stent grafts had significantly lower complication rates compared to those undergoing open chest surgery.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine report a potential treatment for stroke patients that could restore functions and reverse damage. The technique involves anti-nogo-A immunotherapy, which has improved lab animal results and is being tested in human clinical trials.
Dr. Edward Duckworth is using less-invasive techniques to remove tumors, repair life-threatening aneurysms, and reduce seizures in epilepsy patients. The procedure involves reaching the brain through smaller openings, resulting in decreased pain and shorter hospital stays.
A Loyola study found that continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring detects unsuspected paroxysmal abnormalities in stroke patients, including atrial fibrillation. Cardiovascular risk factors were discovered more frequently in monitored patients, highlighting the importance of routine telemetry for all stroke patients.
Loyola Medicine has become the first in the US to implant a new, FDA-approved defibrillator that can signal doctors of patient's irregular heartbeat or device malfunction. This innovation allows for real-time monitoring and early intervention, reducing mortality rates associated with arrhythmia.
Loyola researchers found higher levels of BNP in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy than constrictive pericarditis, enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment. This discovery may improve patient outcomes for the millions of Americans affected by congestive heart failure.
A landmark Phase III trial found that concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy followed by surgery significantly improves lung cancer patient survival. Five-year survival rates were 36% for patients with partial lung removal and 27% for those who underwent concurrent treatment.
A new study by Loyola Medicine found that tamoxifen or other hormonal therapy alone may not be sufficient to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer. Chemotherapy proved more effective in stopping cancer recurrence, especially when combined with tamoxifen.
A Loyola study found that drug-coated stents significantly reduced inflammatory response compared to bare-metal stents, resulting in fewer cases of renarrowing. The new stent uses a polymer to deliver medication that inhibits excessive cell growth, reducing the risk of complications.
Loyola is conducting a clinical trial using a blood substitute in trauma patients to increase oxygen delivery and improve survival rates. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute to those receiving saline solution.