A new study shows that telehealth, particularly audio-only visits, helped keep VA patients on medication for opioid use disorder during the pandemic. Phone visits also played a key role in reducing dropouts from care.
A study of over 500 patients with multiple myeloma reveals a high prevalence of genetic alterations in oncogenic pathways, leading to treatment resistance. The research found a specific link between RASopathies and mutations in these pathways, offering new insights into the development of resistance mechanisms.
According to a new poll, nearly 40% of older adults (50-80) use at least one integrative medicine strategy to alleviate symptoms or relax. However, only 18% discuss these strategies with their healthcare providers. The poll highlights the importance of primary care clinicians discussing integrative approaches with patients.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that an alert about a shortage of blood test tubes led to a significant reduction in unnecessary blood clotting tests. The study suggests that similar interventions could reduce low-value care and promote wise use of medical tests.
A new study led by researchers from the University of Michigan and Penn State College of Medicine compared two approaches for people with early form of memory loss: mnemonic strategy training and spaced retrieval training. Mnemonic strategy training showed increased brain activity in areas often affected by Alzheimer's disease, while s...
Researchers developed an AI-driven device that detects and predicts hemodynamic instability using a single ECG lead, outperforming traditional vital sign measurements with nearly 97% sensitivity. The technology has the potential to provide continuous dynamic monitoring capabilities in patients with intermittent static vital sign measur...
A new study published in JAMA Surgery found that surgeons who oversee multiple surgeries simultaneously have a higher risk of complications and death. For surgeries involving one anesthesiologist directing CRNA or resident care, those managing three to four overlapping cases saw complication rates rise by 14%.
The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.
Researchers have created a noninvasive method to identify tumors causing hypertension by reducing radiation exposure. The new fluorine-based agent replaces an iodine-based agent and may allow for screening of patients with hypertension-linked aldosterone adenomas.
A new study found that while the availability of lower-priced epinephrine auto-injector competitors has improved affordability for many patients, a significant minority still pay significantly more for life-saving medication. High-deductible health plans are a major contributing factor to these high costs.
A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.
A new study found that pulse oximeters missed low oxygen levels in over 75,000 Black veterans each year, compared to fewer instances in White veterans. The study highlights the need for better, more accurate pulse oximeters and increased clinician awareness to address this issue.
A new study reveals that up to 10% of pre-teen children are curious about using substances, with boys more likely than girls to be interested. Parents' rules and home access play a significant role in shaping their children's curiosity, with Black parents being more likely to set rules against substance use.
The global contrast media shortage has affected millions of diagnostic imaging examinations and requires immediate attention. Researchers propose several methods to conserve contrast media, including weight-based dosing and adjusting CT settings.
A new study found that hospitals can reduce excessive opioid prescribing by implementing an evidence-based default setting for opioid prescriptions written in electronic health records. The study showed that patients who received a standard prescription size with a lower default dose of opioids had similar pain control, but took home f...
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.
New research shows a decrease in antibiotic use, treatment within 48 hours, and broad-spectrum antibiotics among patients with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The study found improvements in mortality rates and development of multi-drug resistant bacteria without increasing antibiotic overuse.
Researchers used CT and MRI perfusion techniques to analyze 19 patients with successful free flap reconstruction and five with wound failure. The study found that both methods showed significant differences between the two patient groups. Early postoperative scans could help surgeons intervene earlier, potentially reducing hospital stays.
A new study finds that four in five apps target preschool-aged children with manipulative designs, keeping them engaged longer and encouraging purchases or watching ads. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately affected, highlighting inequities in how young children's attention is exploited for monetization.
A new study found a close link between ageism and poor physical and mental health in older adults. Those with more health concerns experienced higher rates of everyday ageism, including internalized and interpersonal forms.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that elementary school-aged children in remote learning experienced greater behavioral and learning-related difficulties compared to those in in-person instruction. Children in virtual school also showed signs of hyperactivity, peer problems, and sleep issues.
A new study found that 82% of teens and young adults are open to COVID-19 vaccine incentives, but 21% question their ethics. Most youth believe incentives will promote vaccination and serve the greater good, while some express concerns about bribery or eroding trust in vaccines.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that people in some states will be significantly affected by restrictions on interstate telehealth. Rural residents have taken advantage of this service, with 18% using it for in-person care or telehealth, compared to 13% of non-rural residents.
A study found that high fat diets and synthetic substances in unregulated athletic performance enhancers can activate a receptor accelerating the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice. Limiting exposure to these substances may help prevent pancreatic cancer development.
A Michigan study reveals that hundreds of thousands of surgical and dental opioid prescriptions are filled long after writing, but a state law helped reduce this trend. The authors suggest tightening state laws to prevent or reduce misuse associated with delayed dispensing of opioids.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
A new poll found that most Gen Z youth want their healthcare providers to screen for and provide support for social determinants of health. Nearly 81% of respondents believe providers should ask about factors such as housing, food, education, safety, and discrimination.
A decade-long effort to reduce medication risks for nursing home residents with dementia has shown some positive results, but also unintended consequences. Fewer people are receiving antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which can raise the risk of falling or dying, but more are receiving alternative behavior-changing medications with ...
A new study from Michigan Medicine reveals that dementia diagnoses are often accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. The research found that the average Medicare spending jumped by 150% after a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a nanoparticle-based inhibitor that successfully triggers the immune system to eliminate brain tumors in mouse models. The approach breaks the shield built by glioma cells around the immune system, allowing the immune cells to attack and delay tumor progression.
Research found that men taking abiraterone or enzalutamide plus hormone therapy had a higher risk of metabolic and cardiovascular issues than those undergoing hormone therapy alone. This increased risk was observed in patients with Medicare health insurance, who were significantly older than those in clinical trials.
Scientists found that lithium chloride can cause X-inactivation loss in female hESCs, leading to cell death. The study suggests a possible new model for regulating X-inactivation and warns against using GSK-3 inhibitors like lithium.
A new national poll reveals that most people over 50 feel their health is as good or better than before 2020, but a sizable minority say their health has declined. Key findings highlight the importance of social connections, hobbies, and getting outdoors in helping older adults age well.
A new lymphoma treatment, zanubrutinib, has been found to be effective in 80% of patients with marginal zone lymphoma, resulting in significant cancer shrinkage. However, its impact on follicular lymphoma is less pronounced.
A new study reveals massive variations in hospice medication prescriptions, with treatment agency being the primary factor. Patients in agencies with high prescription rates were up to 50 times more likely to receive benzodiazepines or antipsychotics.
Researchers found that targeting both tumor and lymph node microenvironments with nanomedicine improves treatment response for metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Long-term tumor remission was achieved in mice models using nanoparticles to deliver immune-modulating drugs.
A recent poll found that menopause symptoms significantly impact older women's sex lives, with 84% of women experiencing symptoms in the past year. Despite this, only 44% have discussed treatment with their healthcare provider, while 28% reported symptoms interfering with sexual activity.
Researchers developed a novel 'Wikiguideline' approach to establish medical guidelines, leveraging online collaboration and high-quality data. The method was tested using osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, and found sufficient data for only two recommendations: increasing oral antibiotic therapy and limiting therapy duration.
A study published in JCI Insight reveals that epigenetic drugs targeting BRD4 significantly reduce scarring in patients with scleroderma. The findings could lead to repurposing these drugs for faster relief from debilitating symptoms of this chronic disease.
Surgeons-in-training suggest reducing waste, switching to reusable devices and gowns, optimizing OR energy use, and delivering care via telemedicine to lower climate impact. Implementing these changes can help extend patient lifespan and expand access to timely care while addressing climate change.
Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.
Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...
More than half of Michigan pharmacies offer naloxone, a life-saving medication for opioid overdose, without requiring a prescription. The standing order allows pharmacists to dispense the drug in emergency situations.
A recent study found that an artificial intelligence-based system improved providers' assessments of bladder cancer patients' response to chemotherapy. The AI tool helped doctors from different specialties and experience levels make more accurate diagnoses, with those in academia showing the greatest gains.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that for children with a pelvic tilt and lower lumbar spine tilt of fewer than 10 degrees, the pelvis did not need to be included when inserting growing rods. This could help avoid painful complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
ACOs with higher percentages of minority patients have lower quality performance and poorer preventive care outcomes. In contrast, ACOs with lower out-of-network primary care rates show no differences in quality performance among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study reveals that a specific bacterium breaks down xanthan gum in the human gut, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids. The widespread consumption of xanthan gum may alter the gut microbiome, potentially affecting intestinal health and total caloric intake.
A new poll by the National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that many older adults are not prepared for aging in place, despite wanting to live independently. The poll highlights the importance of planning for home modifications and social support, particularly for those without family members to care for them.
Raising awareness about cardiac radiation exposure reduced the number of patients receiving high heart doses in lung cancer patients. The study found that standardized cardiac dose constraints improved patient care without minimizing tumor treatment or increasing dosage to other at-risk organs.
A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.