A new poll finds that 45% of adults aged 65-80 and 42% of all adults aged 50-80 lack online medical accounts, which could hinder COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. Patient portals can help bridge this gap, especially for those with lower incomes, education levels, or who require assistance setting up accounts.
Two studies from Michigan Medicine reveal COVID-19 deaths are primarily due to lung damage, unlike other lung failures. Evidence-based interventions like prone positioning and mechanical ventilation improve outcomes.
A study found nearly half of summer camps didn't have official policies requiring campers be vaccinated, with only 39% mandating staffers vaccinations. Camps allow unvaccinated children with nonmedical exemptions to attend programs.
A new study found that more than half of people using cannabis for pain experience clusters of multiple withdrawal symptoms when they're between uses. About 10% of patients experienced worsening changes in sleep, mood, mental state, energy, and appetite over two years.
A study by Michigan Medicine finds that more than half of patients who received telepsychiatry during the pandemic want to continue with virtual mental health care even after COVID-19 ends. The convenience, avoiding exposure to the coronavirus, and patient experience factor heavily into this preference.
Research found that ginger's 6-gingerol lowers autoantibody production and helps halt disease progression in mice with antiphospholipid syndrome and lupus. The compound prevents neutrophil extracellular trap release, triggering autoantibodies and inflammation.
A new study found that tumors in the liver siphon off critical immune cells, rendering immunotherapy ineffective. However, coupling immunotherapy with radiotherapy restored immune cell function and led to better outcomes in mice. Researchers are now exploring potential clinical trials to understand the mechanisms at play.
Studies reveal that income level, employment, housing location, medical insurance, education, tobacco and alcohol use, diet and obesity, access to medical care are common causes of poorer outcomes in both Black patients with cancer and COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that blocking the androgen receptor reduces coronavirus infection in mice and cellular models. Anti-androgen treatments are already FDA-approved, opening up potential COVID-19 treatment options.
A new study finds that when people consider being a protector for others, they approach risk differently. They are less likely to let their personal beliefs and politics discourage them from practicing COVID protection. Emphasizing the act of protecting others may help people feel independent and strong, rather than compliant or obedient.
A team from the University of Michigan has created nine COVID-19 guidebooks based on the wisdom and experience of people who have lived through the disease or served as caregivers. The guides offer practical advice and places to record important information for hospital and post-hospital care.
Researchers discovered a link between antibodies and aggressive lung rejection, and found targeting B cells and interleukin-6 can reduce fibrosis and rejection. This approach may lead to personalized therapies for patients with chronic rejection.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found a link between autoantibodies and lung fibrosis progression in systemic sclerosis patients. The researchers discovered that osteopontin, a protein previously implicated in fibrosis, may be responsible for triggering lung scarring.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pulse oximeter readings may be less accurate in Black patients than in White patients, leading to potential mismanagement of treatment. The findings suggest that device makers may need to make changes to ensure accurate readings for all patients.
A national poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly one in four have visited an emergency department in the last two years due to cost, COVID-19 risk, or delays. Health providers can improve acute care by better supporting older adults during and after medical emergencies.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of health complications, hospital readmission, and death in the first 10 days after leaving the hospital. In contrast, heart failure and pneumonia patients have different patterns of readmission or death over 60 days.
A study found COVID-19 in post-mortem corneal tissue, highlighting the importance of donor screening processes. The research team discovered that even healthy donors with negative nasopharyngeal swabs tested positive for COVID-19 RNA, posing a transmission risk to recipients.
A new study suggests that personal appeals from emergency physicians on social media are more effective in changing public attitudes and behaviors than impersonal messages from federal officials. The simulated online study included over 2,000 participants and found that the personal appeal was associated with increased perceived effect...
A new study found that physicians did not recognize significant symptoms in over half of breast cancer patients who reported pain, itchy skin, swelling, or fatigue during radiation therapy. The under-recognition was more common among younger patients and those from Black backgrounds, suggesting the need for better symptom detection met...
A growing global population is exacerbating the need for eye care services, with no significant reduction in treatable vision loss over the last decade. The study highlights cataracts and refractive errors as major causes of moderate to severe vision impairment.
A new study suggests a link between low levels of glycine and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), potentially leading to novel treatment options. Researchers found that improving body composition and glutathione synthesis with a tripeptide called DT-109 could attenuate experimental NAFLD.
A new CRISPR/Cas9 variant, miCas9, has been developed to improve the efficiency of gene editing while reducing unintended insertions or deletions. This advancement holds promise for advancing gene editing in genetic research and potentially treating diseases.
Researchers analyzed national organ transplant data from 2008 to 2017 and found a wide variation in organ procurement organizations' efficiency. They proposed three new metrics that would give a more accurate and equitable representation of performance, highlighting the need for improved evaluation of the organ donation system.
A new special edition of Rehabilitation Psychology examines the diverse ways caring for an individual with TBI impacts well-being, including family life, mood, physical health, sleep and social relationships. A unique tool called the TBI-CareQOL Measurement System helps standardize measures for quality of life in caregivers.
A new poll reveals that while most adults over 50 say they'll get vaccinated against COVID-19, many are hesitant due to concerns about vaccine safety and cost. The poll found that people of color, those with lower incomes or education levels, and older adults are less likely to take the vaccine.
A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.
A genetic study of the live polio vaccine has identified critical mutations that allow the virus to evolve into a more virulent form, posing a risk to eradication efforts. However, the study also found that these changes are not easily transmitted from person to person.
A new medication, mavacamten, has been shown to reduce heart muscle thickness and improve cardiac structure and function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study found significant reductions in heart mass and improvements in blood flow, exercise capacity, and markers of fibrosis.
A new study reveals significant health and life impacts on patients treated in Michigan hospitals for COVID-19. Nearly 7% of patients died within two months, while 15% were rehospitalized, with many struggling with basic activities, jobs, mental health, and finances.
A new study published in BMJ Quality & Safety shows significant reductions in opioid prescribing and consumption after surgery, with no increase in patient pain or satisfaction. The study's findings suggest that team-based approaches to reducing opioid use can lead to sustained success and improved patient outcomes.
A Michigan Medicine-led study finds that nearly 170,000 underinsured transgender Americans access hormones from non-licensed sources, posing health risks. The study highlights the need for improved insurance coverage and access to gender-affirming hormone therapy.
A new study suggests that eliminating out-of-pocket costs for contraception is linked to more consistent contraceptive use and lower birth rates across all income groups. The most significant decline was observed among people from the lowest income group, experiencing a 22% drop in births.
A new study identifies an autoimmune antibody as a cause of COVID-19 blood clots in up to half of patients. Researchers found that blocking or removing these antibodies may improve outcomes for severely ill patients.
A real-time tracking system reveals a 15% increase in suspected opioid overdose deaths and a 29% rise in naloxone rescue attempts by EMS since March, coinciding with the pandemic's peak. The System for Opioid Overdose Surveillance (SOS) helps first responders target their efforts and provides critical data for public health authorities.
A new study creates a detailed portrait of the immune response in pancreatic cancer, highlighting individual differences and pointing to the need for tailored treatments. The research identifies a potential biomarker, TIGIT, that may be targeted by future therapies.
A research team discovered molecular processes in kidney cells that attract and feed COVID-19, making them a target for potential therapies. The study identified networks of molecules that result in higher levels of ACE2, a protein on the surface of kidney cells that aids in virus entry and activation.
A new staging system called STAR-CAP has been developed to predict outcomes and inform treatment decisions for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer. The system, which uses patient, tumor, and outcome data from nearly 20,000 patients, has been validated and shows strong prognostic power.
Researchers have developed a portable DNA sequencing technology to detect tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring of high-grade gliomas. This approach overcomes traditional barriers to diagnosing and treating pediatric brain cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive surgeries.
A new research letter found that clinicians gave more patients temporary mechanical pumps under the new policy, moving them up the transplant list. This could lead to a higher likelihood of prioritizing male patients over females.
Children with chronic kidney disease experience prolonged hospital stays (30% longer) and increased hospital expenses ($8,755 vs. $5,016). They also have a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, with a 50% increase compared to other chronic conditions.
Researchers studied aortic dissections in pregnant women, finding 19% associated with pregnancy and increased risk of Type A dissections. The study highlights the importance of careful monitoring of cardiac conditions during pregnancy.
The Affordable Care Act is facing an uncertain future due to the national election and a pending Supreme Court case. A panel of national experts will discuss the law's origins, impacts, and potential future at a free online event on Oct. 15.
Three Michigan nursing homes successfully limited COVID-19 spread through advance planning, universal testing, and connection with Michigan Medicine. Proactive testing of asymptomatic residents and timely test results played a crucial role in containing the outbreak.
A new poll shows that over half of older adults take two or more non-prescription drugs or supplements, and two in ten take five or more prescription medications. Many are unaware of the importance of comprehensive medication reviews, which can identify potential interactions and help save money. The poll suggests opportunities for pro...
A new study found that orphan drug costs for children with rare diseases have increased by 65% over five years, with families facing significantly higher out-of-pocket expenses. The top three drugs driving the increase are used to boost height in children with growth hormone deficiency and are prescribed off-label for other conditions.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that the baroreflex, a neural response to changes in tension, may be contributing to high blood pressure in some rats. The team observed that the baroreflex appeared to switch on and off for extended periods of time, which can predict hypertension in these animals.
Researchers used high-throughput screening to identify small molecules that confer protection against environmental stressors in mouse skin cells. These compounds may have potential as therapeutic agents for improving health and longevity.
A new study published in Transplantation found that organ transplant recipients are at a higher risk of death from COVID-19 due to the use of hydroxychloroquine treatment. The study examined data from COVID-19 positive adult solid organ transplant recipients and non-transplant patients matched by age, race, and hospital admission status.
A new study found that cardiac arrest is common in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with poor survival rates despite CPR efforts. The study, led by Michigan Medicine researchers, analyzed data from 68 US hospitals and found that patients admitted to ICUs for COVID-19 had a 14% risk of cardiac arrest within two weeks.
A new international study found that ECMO significantly improves survival rates for critically ill COVID-19 patients. The study analyzed data from over 200 hospitals worldwide and showed that ECMO can be a life-saving option for those who are failing ventilators and other care.