A new study found that black patients with bladder cancer are 35 percent more likely to die of the disease than white patients. Black women in particular had more aggressive tumors and lower survival rates compared to white men and women and black men.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that while more small kidney tumors are being detected and treated, the death rate from kidney cancer is not decreasing. The researchers suggest re-examining treatment strategies for patients with small renal masses, as surgery may not be the best option for everyone.
Researchers found that one-third of older adults struggle with bathing, highlighting the need for bathroom safety features and education. The study recommends installing shower curtains instead of glass doors and providing proper instruction on built-in safety features.
Researchers found that men with lower PSA levels after seven months of hormone therapy had a longer survival rate. Patients with undetectable or low PSA levels lived up to 75 months, while those with higher PSA levels survived for 13 months.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that Mexican-Americans are more likely to suffer another stroke in the first two years after living through one, and have a significantly higher risk of dying from it. The researchers emphasize the importance of secondary prevention measures for this population.
A new study predicts that the US will spend $2.2 trillion on stroke care over the next 45 years unless preventive measures are taken. The highest costs will be for African American and Latino patients, who suffer strokes at younger ages and receive poorer-quality care.
A new study found that over half of men with lower-risk prostate cancer received aggressive treatment, despite active surveillance being a viable option. Men under 55 were more likely to receive surgery, while those aged 70-74 were more likely to receive radiation.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that two-thirds of pregnant women with full-blown major depression aren
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that managing early pregnancy failures in an office setting is an acceptable option for many women, with lower costs and longer procedures compared to operating room procedures. Women opted for the office procedure reported higher pain levels but no major complications.
Researchers have found a significant association between OCD patients and genetic variations on the SLC1A1 gene, which regulates glutamate flow in brain cells. The study suggests that this gene may be a primary candidate for OCD, potentially leading to improved understanding and treatment of the disorder.
Researchers found three genes over-expressed in rheumatoid arthritis that varied between identical twin pairs, suggesting environmental factors influence gene expression. The discovery provides insights into the variability of disease symptoms and response to treatment.
Researchers found that 90% of patients who survived emergency surgery and hospitalization for aortic dissection would be alive three years later. Those without pre-existing heart and blood vessel problems were more likely to survive, with a quarter having hypertension and nearly 25% having atherosclerosis before their dissection.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that women were less likely to benefit from hospitals' quality-improvement measures and received fewer drugs and lifestyle counseling after a heart attack. This disparity led to a higher risk of death within a year, despite overall improved care for both men and women.
A study found that external 'condom' catheters reduced the risk of urinary tract infections by 80% compared to indwelling catheters. The condom catheters were also associated with lower rates of discomfort and pain, making them a more comfortable option for patients.
A new study suggests that expensive heart rhythm treatment LACA is cost-effective for younger patients with certain risk factors, while older patients or those without additional risk factors may not benefit from the procedure. The analysis used computer modeling to compare costs and benefits of LACA versus traditional drug therapy.
William H. Herman suggests that glycosylated hemoglobin test may not be suitable for making diabetes diagnosis, and instead recommends blood glucose tests after a special sugary drink for accurate diagnosis. Population-level studies show how screening can optimize detection of impaired glucose tolerance and prevent diabetes complications.
A new study reveals that both young people and older individuals think older people are happier than themselves, but research shows the opposite is true. The study found that individuals tend to mis-remember their own happiness as youths and overestimate their future happiness in old age.
A 10-year study by U-M researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations who underwent breast-conserving surgery and hormonal treatment had lower rates of breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen reduced the risk of same-breast recurrence by 58 percent, while oophorectomy lowered the risk even further.
A new study explores how people make medical decisions, revealing that stepping into others' shoes can lead to better choices. By considering multiple perspectives, including those of doctors, parents, and medical directors, participants made treatment decisions that were more informed than their own self-interest would suggest.
Researchers have gained insights into the genetic mechanisms of Proteus mirabilis, a bacterium causing kidney stones and complicated urinary tract infections. The complete genome sequence, including 3,693 genes and 4.063 megabases of DNA, will help scientists identify potential targets for new vaccines.
Researchers at U-M aim to develop new treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by understanding the role of fibrocytes and signaling pathways involved in the disease. They found that lipid mediators called cysteinyl leukotrienes may be responsible for inappropriate activation of fibrocytes.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that patients often struggle to access reliable medical information online. Librarians play a crucial role in helping patients find quality resources, providing expertise and accessing specialized databases not available to the general public.
Researchers have identified NRL as the earliest marker of rod precursors, allowing them to pinpoint the exact time at which rods are formed. This discovery provides a new vantage point for understanding healthy visual system development and raises the possibility of re-directing cell production to stave off eye disease.
A U-M study found that non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can be effectively treated with lumpectomy and radiation, with only 8% of women experiencing recurrence. Regular follow-up mammograms are a reliable way to detect any return of cancer.
Researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of hearing loss when paired with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic. The study, conducted in China and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 75% lower incidence of hearing loss in patients given aspirin compared to those receiving placebos.
A national study reveals that nearly 60% of older diabetics are not taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs, despite clear signs of problems. The study's findings highlight the need for improved awareness and incentives to encourage responsible prescribing and increased use of these life-saving medications.
A team of University of Michigan researchers used fMRI to capture the brain's instant response to costly mistakes. They found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) becomes more active when errors carry consequences, suggesting a key role in emotional responses and decision-making processes.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Raymond De Vries found that everyday problems in scientific research are most common, including struggles with data interpretation and adherence to scientific rules. The study also found that unbridled competition and organizational injustices contribute to scientific misconduct.
Researchers found that ginger causes both apoptosis and autophagic cell death in ovarian cancer cells, potentially circumventing resistance to conventional chemotherapy. The study suggests ginger may be a promising new treatment option for ovarian cancer with minimal side effects.
A new study found that children with behavior and sleep problems were more likely to have improved symptoms after undergoing tonsillectomy. The research suggests a link between sleep-related breathing problems and daytime behavior issues, but notes that the procedure is not a cure-all for ADHD.
A study by U-M researchers found that patients with delayed surgery (more than 93 days) had worse survival rates and lower three-year survival rates compared to those with timely surgery. Scheduling issues were the most common cause of delay, which can lead to micrometastases and poor outcomes.
A 10-year federally sponsored flu vaccination promotional program aimed at the elderly could increase vaccination rates by 20 percentage points within its first five years and achieve a 90% vaccination target. The study found that such a program would save more than 6,500 lives at a cost of $37,600 per life-year saved.
A new automatic system at the Ann Arbor VA hospital kept eight patients with serious scan results from falling through the cracks, including five who had cancer. The system, which uses electronic tags to alert doctors to potential problems, was developed after a similar issue occurred at the institution.
Researchers discovered a key gene associated with psoriasis, which is the first genetic determinant identified in a large-scale study. The discovery could lead to new treatments for psoriasis without the risks of current therapies.
A four-year study of 772 people with pre-hypertension found that early blood pressure treatment can postpone true hypertension by 15.6%. The study suggests that drug treatment interrupted blood-vessel processes that raise blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers suggest using a microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) test to help determine which patients need implanted defibrillators, reducing costs for Medicare. The study estimates that this approach could save $690 million annually.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that tight blood glucose control can reduce the risk of nerve problems and foot amputations in diabetics. The study involved 1,441 people with Type 1 diabetes who had controlled their blood sugar tightly for at least five years.
A national analysis of local TV news health coverage reveals opportunities for improvement in accuracy and perspective. The study found that health and medical stories comprised 11% of late-evening newscasts, but often lacked specific information about disease prevalence and prevention methods.
A new study suggests that regionalizing heart attack care, similar to trauma care, could be feasible for the US. Nearly 80% of Americans live within a 60-minute ambulance trip of an angioplasty-performing hospital, with most being able to reach one within 30 minutes.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that radiofrequency catheter ablation significantly improved heart rhythm and quality of life for patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. The procedure was effective in returning 74% of patients to normal rhythm, even in those with difficult-to-treat cases.
A new study from the University of Michigan Medical School found that a particular surgical procedure, the middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach, can preserve hearing in patients with small acoustic neuromas. The study examined 73 patients and reported a high rate of success, with three-quarters retaining useful hearing after tumor removal.
A University of Michigan study suggests that 96% of the gender difference in death risk after coronary artery bypass surgery may be due to differences in infection. Women were more likely to have infections, but once infected, men had higher mortality rates.
A new study suggests that people who are overweight or obese may have better results with the prescription pill sold as Singulair than with a type of inhaled steroid, while leaner people may have better luck with an inhaled steroid. The findings indicate that obesity may influence individuals' responses to asthma medications.
Researchers found that patients with elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels at seven days post-transplant were more likely to develop graft vs. host disease and had lower one-year survival rates. Elevated TNF levels were tied to a higher risk of this deadly complication, suggesting potential targets for prevention and treatment.
A multi-hospital project led by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center improved angioplasty care, increasing preventive medication use, reducing heparin and dye, and lowering complication rates. The study found a strong association between quality improvement efforts and patient outcomes.
A majority of patients with small kidney tumors have their entire kidney removed, despite the availability of organ-sparing surgery. Studies show that partial nephrectomy is just as effective in controlling cancer while preserving long-term kidney function. However, its infrequent use may be due to surgeon expertise and hospital policies.
A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers demonstrates that a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular thoracic aortic repair (ETAR) can successfully treat many patients with upper aorta problems, offering an alternative to open-chest surgery. The procedure uses stent-grafts inserted through small incisions in the leg or belly.
Researchers found that early identification of patients who would benefit from non-surgical treatment improved survival rates. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed a significantly better cure rate when matching the right treatment to the patient's tumor biology.
Researchers have identified individual, isolated hematopoietic stem cells at the edge of bone marrow using a novel gene expression technique. This breakthrough allows for the study of these rare cells in their natural environment, shedding light on how they maintain their pluripotency and function.
A study of focus groups with 73 participants found diverse views on healthcare, spirituality, family, and dying among different racial and ethnic groups. Cultural values and Western medical system's limitations influence these differences.