Patients with cirrhosis are more likely to be Hispanic, have lower education, and higher healthcare utilization. They also experience significant functional disability, requiring twice the amount of informal caregiving as non-cirrhotic peers.
A new US study confirms that updated rotavirus vaccines do not increase the occurrence of severe bowel obstruction, a potentially fatal side effect. The re-introduction of these vaccines has been credited with reducing diarrhea-related hospitalizations among children.
A nationwide survey found that few hospitals are aggressively combating catheter-associated urinary tract infections, a common healthcare-associated infection. The study suggests that hospitals may not be using enough prevention practices for UTIs, despite increased use of methods to prevent other hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers found that a combination of anti-estrogen drugs anastrozole and fulvestrant can lengthen the lives of post-menopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The therapy also showed promise in patients who had not previously received tamoxifen therapy.
Patients on liver transplant waiting lists prefer to receive high-quality donor organs, even if it means waiting longer, according to a new study. The research found that 58% of candidates would only accept organs with a risk of graft failure of 25% or less.
A University of Michigan Health System-led analysis of federal data found that over half of women who killed themselves had a known mental health diagnosis, with mood disorder being the most common. The study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors in pregnant and postpartum women to intervene and prevent suicide.
A University of Michigan pilot study found that identifying a patient's mutational landscape can match them with existing clinical trials based on biomarkers. The study aimed to overcome practical challenges in sequencing genetic material from advanced or treatment-resistant cancer patients.
A U-M study reveals Hemoglobin A1c test fails to identify children with diabetes, highlighting the need for improved nonfasting testing strategies. Researchers recommend using a nonfasting one-hour glucose challenge test or random glucose to identify children at risk of developing diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered two cancer-spurring gene rearrangements that may trigger 5 to 7 percent of all breast cancers. These rearrangements, seen in the MAST kinase and Notch family genes, can give scientists targets for potential therapies.
A 10-year follow-up study found that infants with high hemoglobin levels who received iron-fortified infant formula had poorer long-term developmental outcomes. The study suggests that the optimal amount of iron in infant formula may need to be redefined.
Researchers have discovered a key trigger for producing normal red blood cells that could lead to a new treatment for those with sickle cell disease. Increasing the expression of proteins TR2 and TR4 more than doubled the level of fetal hemoglobin produced in sickle cell mice, reducing organ damage.
Researchers have found a biomarker that can rapidly identify severe graft-versus-host disease of the intestine in hematopoietic cell transplant patients with leukemia, lymphoma or other blood disorders. The biomarker, REG3-alpha, helps doctors ensure patients receive appropriate treatment as early as possible.
A study by U-M-led researchers found that internet message boards are increasingly used by women to cope with pregnancy loss, revealing significant disparities in support. The study revealed that only half of the women surveyed had experienced a recent loss, and those from African American backgrounds were underrepresented online.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of physician practices in the US do not meet national standards for 'medical homes', a model of care that aims to provide higher quality and cost-efficient care. The lack of access to these medical homes disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those living below the poverty l...
A new ultrasound-based diagnostic tool could allow doctors to accurately distinguish between intestinal fibrosis and inflammation, enabling targeted treatment. The method has shown promising results in animal models and pilot human studies, paving the way for a long-term clinical trial.
A U-M study has identified the p38-gamma molecule as a key regulator of aggressive breast cancer cell movement. By understanding how this molecule influences cell motion, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies that can improve treatment outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that older patients who underwent carotid artery stenting from lesser experienced physicians had a higher risk of death within 30 days. The study analyzed Medicare data and found that doctors with less than six procedures per year performed worse outcomes.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System found that subtle non-verbal clues exert an influence on medical care, with patients relying on these cues to evaluate the doctor-patient relationship and doctors using them to inform their medical judgments. The study's method shows promise for improving medical decision making.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified 10 strategies to help patients understand their cancer treatment options and risks. By using plain language, visualizing risk, and considering frequency over percentages, patients can become more fluent in the language of cancer care and make informed decisions.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that false-positive newborn screening results do not lead to increased healthcare use, but preemies with false positives did have more outpatient visits. The study suggests that parental anxiety about false positives may be specific to certain groups.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that over 25% of women in the metro Detroit area have experienced ongoing vulvar pain, while only 2% sought treatment. The study sheds light on the demographics and characteristics of vulvodynia, a condition causing unexplained pain at the vagina's opening.
A recent U-M study highlights the need for a shared emphasis on both obesity prevention and treatment strategies to achieve the White House's goal of eliminating childhood obesity. The study concludes that prevention programs alone cannot effectively address the epidemic affecting minority children, who are disproportionately affected.
A new University of Michigan Health System study found that the degree and duration of obesity in adolescents and young adults significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study also revealed that black and Hispanic individuals are more susceptible to diabetes for a given amount of excess weight over time.
A U-M study found that decreased core muscle density is linked to increased cancer spread and poorer outcomes. Patients with lower muscle density had higher recurrence rates, regardless of tumor size or age.
A recent study by Dr. David C. Musch found that most eye care providers test visual acuity and peripheral vision but often fail to ask about other factors affecting driving ability, such as medical conditions or medications. Eye care providers identify a need for better guidelines and resources to assess driving capabilities.
A U-M study found that nearly 17% of oncology nurses in outpatient settings were unintentionally exposed to chemotherapy drugs on their skin or eyes. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing nurse safety measures and adhering to national guidelines for preventing these incidents.
Researchers found people with diabetes alone had a 35% higher risk and those with hypertension alone had a 17% higher risk. The study also showed hyperlipidemia reduced the risk by 5%. Regular eye exams are recommended for those at increased risk of glaucoma.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that thyroid cancer treatment varies greatly depending on where patients receive care. Radioactive iodine treatment is being used more frequently overall, but hospital factors play a significant role in its use, accounting for 29% of variation.
The study found that CT scan use grew 11 times faster than the rate of ED visits during the study period, increasing from 3.2% to 13.9% between 1996 and 2007.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center confirms that sentinel lymph node biopsy is a safe and effective way to determine the status of regional nodal basins for head and neck melanoma patients. The procedure was found to be accurate in identifying cancerous nodes, with only 4% false-negative results.
Research suggests that predictive genetic testing in children may have benefits, including identifying individual's inherited vulnerabilities to diseases and enabling early health interventions. However, existing guidelines warn of potential psychological harm, which critics argue is often based on speculation rather than evidence.
A new urine test can help identify men at high risk of clinically significant prostate cancer, potentially delaying or avoiding needle biopsies. The test supplements an elevated PSA screening result and combines genetic markers to predict cancer presence.
A study found that a 4-day non-denominational spiritual retreat significantly lowered depression in heart patients, while also raising hope. The retreat included meditation, guided imagery, and outdoor activities, leading to immediate improvements in tests measuring depression and hopefulness.
A recent study found that menopause has little to no impact on the risk of developing diabetes. Instead, lifestyle changes such as losing 7% of body weight and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week can significantly lower the risk of diabetes in postmenopausal women.
A large clinical trial in Latin America found a standard three-drug regimen for treating H. pylori more effective than four-drug regimens in Europe and Asia. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests that geographic variations in H. pylori resistance to antibiotics may account for the discrepancy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that mesenchymal stem cells, normally used for wound healing, are recruited by cancer stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer growth. By blocking this process with a protein called BMP2, researchers may have discovered a potential therapy for ovarian cancer.
Research from the University of Michigan Medical School found that children with public health insurance are 22% less likely to have a medical home, a model for pediatric primary care. Despite this, over 90% of publicly-insured children reported having a usual source of medical care.
A University of Michigan study found that breast cancer patients may be underreported for radiation treatment after breast-conserving surgery, with discrepancies in the SEER database affecting up to 1 in 5 cases. The study highlights the need for improved data accuracy to inform clinical decision-making and policy.
Researchers at U-M found that mutations caused by aging or disease can lead to a loss of cell identity, resulting in gene expression changes. This instability can have significant impacts on physiological functions, including arrhythmia in mice.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine observed key aspects of brain circuit development in living organisms, revealing two distinct types of competition between cells that shape memory circuits. The findings suggest that the brain eliminates inactive connections to maintain efficient neural networks, which is crucial for learning and memory.
A University of Michigan study reveals that black patients with heart attacks face longer waits for life-saving procedures, with elderly patients often receiving care in slow-performing hospitals. The researchers attribute these delays to poor hospital quality and lack of resources.
A University of Michigan study found that a heightened immune response to colds can exacerbate asthma symptoms. By tempering the immune response, asthma patients may experience reduced inflammation and bronchoconstriction following a cold infection.
Researchers emphasize the importance of educating the public about the value of research on newborn blood samples and obtaining parental consent for specimen use. The government guidelines published today fall short in addressing public concerns about privacy and misuse of samples.
U-M researchers found that attacking specific microRNA molecules can reduce deaths from sepsis. The approach also holds promise for other inflammatory diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and graft-vs.-host disease.
Researchers recommend a national strategy for therapeutic cancer vaccines, focusing on cancers with poor treatment options. Vaccines targeting such cancers may offer better survival rates and fewer side effects than current treatments.
A multi-site study has shown that the new drug Cabozantinib is effective in treating prostate cancer that has spread to the bone, with three-quarters of patients experiencing partial or complete tumor shrinkage. Additionally, patients showed significant improvements in bone pain and reduced need for narcotic use.
A University of Michigan Health System study shows surgery mortality dropped substantially for eight different high-risk surgeries performed on 3.2 million Medicare patients from 1999 to 2008. High-volume hospitals and their expertise drove a significant decline in deaths, particularly in pancreatectomy and cystectomy.
Researchers found a two-fold higher risk for symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness in urban schoolchildren with conduct problems like bullying. The study suggests that poor sleep may play into bullying or aggressive behaviors, highlighting the importance of good sleep for a healthy lifestyle.
A new tool, REMIT, has been developed to improve the measurement of primary care depression outcomes. The tool adds a patient's subjective sense of recovery to existing measurements, showing that about one-third of patients with mild depression were not in remission, as their PHQ score would indicate.
A new study found that children with complex chronic conditions requiring long-term mechanical ventilation have higher mortality rates, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. Infants under one year old consume the majority of healthcare resources in this group.