A national study suggests that half of pediatric opioid prescriptions are considered high-risk, increasing the risk of overdose and addiction. A small group of prescribers in the top 5% account for half of these high-risk prescriptions, particularly dentists or surgeons who practice mainly in the South.
Researchers have identified several drug contenders that can block or reduce SARS-CoV2 infection in cells, including lactoferrin and MEK-inhibitors. These findings suggest potential efficacy against COVID-19 variants, with ongoing clinical trials to examine their ability to reduce viral loads and inflammation.
A US nationwide cohort study found that nearly 85% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were not back to their pre-COVID lives one month later. The study also revealed significant factors driving people's inability to recover, including a lack of follow-up healthcare services and new disabilities preventing daily activities.
A Michigan Medicine study found that altering interferon kappa levels in mice with psoriasis-like lesions reduced disease severity. The research suggests using therapies to modulate interferon states may limit inflammation in psoriasis patients.
Researchers have discovered that inhibiting the GOT1 enzyme can promote ferroptosis, a type of programmed cell death, in pancreatic cancer cells by conserving nutrients and releasing iron stores. This study provides a new potential therapeutic target for treating pancreatic cancer.
Researchers discovered a protein called CTRP9 associated with pulmonary function in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with higher CTRP9 levels developed more severe lung disease, while low levels were linked to preserved function. The study suggests CTRP9 could help predict treatment needs for these patients.
Researchers have found a way to harness the power of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer by targeting a protein called PIKfyve. Blocking PIKfyve with the inhibitor ESK981 has been shown to increase tumor death and recruit immune T cells, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of cancer.
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely led to an increase in falls among older adults due to decreased physical activity, worsened physical conditioning, and heightened fear of falling. This is a pressing concern as falls can result in significant injuries, particularly among this age group.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 10% of households with high school-age teens reported buying a firearm, and 3% of U.S. households became first-time gun owners. One in seven households that purchased a gun during this time also had a teen experiencing depression symptoms.
A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.
A new genomic test may help identify patients at high risk of prostate cancer progression. The Decipher Biopsy test showed that men with high scores needed active treatment sooner, and those who underwent surgery had shorter time until PSA levels increased or they were put on anti-androgen therapy.
A new study reveals that the TCF7L2 gene plays a key role in smooth muscle cell death and replenishment, potentially reducing aortic aneurysm risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 1,300 individuals with aortic aneurysms and found a significant genetic link to the disease.
The study found that medications prescribed for children dropped by more than a quarter, with steep declines in infection-related medicines like antibiotics and cough-and-cold drugs. Chronic disease drug prescriptions also declined, but no change was observed in antidepressant prescriptions.
A new study published by the University of Michigan found that genetic predisposition significantly affects people's reaction to the Spring forward time change. Early birds with a certain genomic profile can adjust their sleep schedule within days, while night owls may take over a week to get back on track.
A growing body of studies suggests COVID-19 emulates systemic autoimmune disorders. Researchers analyzed serum from over 300 hospitalized patients, discovering a novel autoantibody that shields toxic NETs from destruction. Those with higher levels were more likely to develop severe symptoms.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that women were 20-30% less likely to receive preventive care services like mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, and birth control in 2020 compared to 2019. Disparities in care worsened for women from lower-income areas and those with limited English proficiency.
Research found that adult patients under 65 had less trouble paying for medications, dental care, and delayed treatment due to cost. The ACA's key features, including the Health Insurance Marketplace, led to a significant decrease in financial burdens.
A new study suggests a significant increase in hospitalizations for eating disorders among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with admissions more than doubling at one center. The study attributes this surge to disruptions in daily routines and social isolation, which may have triggered or worsened symptoms.
Researchers discovered 47 lipids significantly different between rapid and slow kidney function decliners, providing a platform for risk stratification. The study's findings also suggest the underlying mechanism of progressive kidney disease, which could be a future target for therapeutic intervention.
A new study found that over 70% of people with fibromyalgia who use CBD substitute it for opioids or other pain medications, reporting improved symptom relief. CBD is being used as a harm reduction strategy due to its non-intoxicating properties and lower potential for abuse.
Researchers developed a blood test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA to predict treatment response in metastatic HPV-positive throat cancer. The test showed promise in identifying non-responding patients months earlier than standard imaging scans.
A recent study found that a widely used sepsis prediction model performs poorly, correctly identifying patients at risk of sepsis only 63% of the time. The tool was developed based on billing codes, which can be inaccurate, and sent alerts to nearly 1 in 5 patients without actual sepsis.
Researchers identify lineage plasticity as a deadly identity switch in castration-resistant prostate cancers, which can behave like small cell lung cancer. BET bromodomain inhibitors show promise in blocking this switch and overcoming treatment-emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer.
A decade-long study found that personalized medicine, considering patient needs and environment, is more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. The research team recommended a tailored approach for distal radius fractures, taking into account the patient's social environment and risk tolerance.
A new study found that 1 in 6 privately insured families spent more than $5,000 on maternal and newborn hospitalizations, with some exceeding $10,000 if neonatal intensive care was required. Researchers analyzed data from 12 million enrollees and identified significant cost-sharing driven by deductibles and co-insurance.
Researchers found that online mental health intervention improved anxiety and depression in people with scleroderma, a disease causing skin and connective tissue tightening. The four-week program offered group mental health intervention from trained peer support leaders, resulting in significant improvements six weeks later.
New studies suggest that treating post-surgery pain with non-opioid medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can lead to equal short-term outcomes and patient satisfaction as opioids. Researchers analyzed data from over 22,000 patients who had one of seven common operations at 70 hospitals.
Researchers found that middle-aged men with cerebral palsy are up to 5.6 times more likely to suffer fractures than men without the disorder. The study also revealed that critical periods of bone health vary across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly affecting females and males at different times.
Researchers developed Seq-Scope technology to visualize all gene expression from a tissue sample, offering ultra-high-resolution imaging. The method, using high-throughput sequencing and barcode-based spatial coordinates, enables diagnosis of diseases at the microscopic scale.
A new statewide study in Michigan found that smokers needed their blocked arteries fixed nearly a decade earlier than non-smokers, with patients with obesity undergoing procedures four years earlier than non-obese patients. The study suggests that preventing smoking and obesity could delay the onset of heart disease.
A national panel of experts recommends recognizing seven major modifiable risk factors for dementia and taking steps to lower risk through medication, lifestyle changes, and interventions. By controlling vascular risk factors, people can preserve cognitive function and reduce heart attack and stroke risk.
Researchers have found that leptin can help mobilize extra fat in the liver, reversing conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with partial lipodystrophy and/or low leptin levels. Leptin therapy showed promise in improving insulin sensitivity and body weight.
Researchers have identified specific cell types and tumor pathways that can predict which kidney cancers respond to immunotherapy, offering new insights into treatment strategies. The study's findings could lead to the development of biomarkers to guide kidney cancer treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic initially slowed down conception rates, but a baby surge is expected as pregnancy volumes rebound. Researchers at Michigan Medicine used electronic health records to model pregnancy episodes and project changes in pregnancy volumes during the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many ECT centers reduced services, but most were able to react and return to care by mid-summer. The survey found that 70% of sites had patients return to inpatient psychiatric care due to unscheduled ECT cancellations.
A recent study found that tens of thousands of women visited the emergency room for fibroid symptoms, with only 1 in 10 leading to hospital admission. The study suggests that many cases could have been managed in an alternative non-urgent health setting.
A recent study found that adults with cerebral palsy receive significantly less physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, despite greater risk of secondary comorbid conditions. The researchers underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and improved screening strategies to address this inequity in healthcare.
A team of researchers studied how the brain recovers from general anesthesia, finding that recovery unfolds over time and higher cognition recovers first. After anesthetizing 30 healthy adults for three hours, they discovered that abstract problem-solving abilities return before reaction time and attention.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that female interventional cardiologists have comparable outcomes to their male counterparts in coronary angioplasties. Despite being significantly under-represented, they demonstrate excellent practitioner skills. The findings suggest benefits for female trainees considering the field.
A new multicenter study found that continuing antiseizure medication after neonatal seizures stopped did not prevent epilepsy or developmental delays in babies. This contradicts standard practice of extending treatment for months, and highlights the need to reassess standard care for newborns with seizures.
A global study found that nearly half a billion people with diabetes are not receiving comprehensive care, which can reduce health risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and nerve damage. The study highlights major gaps in specific care, including low cholesterol-lowering medication use.
A national study found nearly 90,000 people taking immunosuppressive drugs, including steroids, may have a slower or weaker response to COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are exploring strategies to improve vaccine efficacy in this vulnerable population.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that people with venom allergies are nearly 10 times more likely to suffer from mastocytosis, a bone marrow disorder. The study analyzed 27 million US patients and revealed the condition in over 0.1% of venom allergy patients.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a long noncoding RNA, LIMIT, that promotes the body's immune response against cancer. By activating key genes and pathways, LIMIT boosts T cell infiltration into tumors, offering new potential therapeutic approaches to overcome immune evasion in human cancers.
Preoperative testing is often unnecessary for low-risk surgeries, yet it continues to be ordered despite evidence suggesting its low value. Patients who had a complete medical history and physical done during a visit were more likely to have had preoperative testing.
A team of researchers has developed first-in-class small molecules to inhibit the SET domain of the ASH1L protein, preventing critical molecular interactions in leukemia development. The lead compound, AS-99, successfully reduced leukemia progression in mouse models.
A recent study found that combining two medications can double the effectiveness of gout treatment. Researchers at Michigan Medicine discovered that adding immunomodulation drug mycophenolate mofetil to Pegloticase infusions significantly increased the success rate, reducing urate levels below the therapeutic target in 86% of patients.
A new study of Michigan's Medicaid expansion program found that even small monthly fees for health insurance can lead to increased disenrollment among healthy, low-income individuals. This can result in a sicker pool of patients for the insurance company and decreased access to preventive care.
A patient support program for people with autoimmune diseases and complex medication regimens can help them avoid using opioids or reduce their use. The study found that patients in the program were 13% less likely to start taking opioid pain medications and 26% less likely to fill two or more opioid prescriptions.
A new study from Michigan Medicine researchers identifies the anterior insular cortex as a key area in the brain that acts as a filter, allowing only the most important sensory information to enter conscious awareness. This gate-like structure regulates brain network transitions and plays a crucial role in conscious access.