A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that high malpractice premiums are affecting the supply of obstetricians, particularly in states with the highest costs. Researchers found a significant increase in births-per-junior fellow in high-premium states compared to low-premium states.
Scientists develop gene transfer technology to block neuropathic pain by delivering a GABA-enhancing gene via a disabled herpes simplex virus. The treatment showed promise in animal studies, with pain-relieving effects lasting up to six weeks. A clinical trial in humans is planned.
Researchers at U-M have identified a method that produces viable eggs when thawed, allowing cancer patients to preserve fertility. The vitrification technique enables 98% survival of eggs after thawing, compared to traditional slow-freeze techniques.
Researchers found that 33% of men and 49% of women with asthma are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which is related to asthma severity. The study suggests that doctors should examine their patients' sleep patterns more often to identify potential aggravating conditions.
The HIPAA privacy rule has made it harder and costlier for researchers to conduct follow-up surveys after hospitalization, resulting in a drastic drop in participation rates from 96% to 34%. The changes have also increased the cost of performing surveys and skewed the data due to patient demographics.
A new study found that statin use can decrease the risk of colon cancer in people taking cholesterol-lowering medications. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,900 participants and found a 47% reduced risk of colorectal cancer among those taking statins.
A large-scale study found that colonoscopy outperforms flexible sigmoidoscopy in detecting advanced pre-cancerous polyps in women, highlighting the need for unique screening approaches in women. The study suggests that women should get a colonoscopy after age 50 to prevent colon cancer.
Researchers found statin chemoprevention to be a promising strategy for managing patients with chronic ulcerative colitis, preventing 90-96% of colon cancers. Compared to frequent colonoscopic surveillance, this approach may improve quality of life and reduce costs.
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
A study found that patients with high circulating endothelial cell counts before treatment were more likely to have growing tumors, while those with low counts remained stable. This test may predict patient outcomes and survival, allowing doctors to tailor treatment and spare unnecessary side effects.
A phase II trial found that Herceptin can be used safely for bladder cancer with few serious adverse effects related to the drug. The study showed good responses to treatment in patients with HER2-positive bladder cancer, laying the foundation for a future phase III trial.
Researchers found that non-dippers had higher fasting glucose levels and were more likely to develop diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels is crucial for these patients to prevent cardiovascular problems.
Researchers found that speaking Spanish, offering health benefits, and addressing community needs are key factors in recruiting Hispanic participants for studies. The study, presented at the American Geriatrics Society meeting, aimed to understand how diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease affect Hispanics.
A national study found that 80% of US adults would pay an extra $3-$6 per month for health insurance to cover newly recommended vaccines. This trend has left millions underinsured, but the study suggests innovative ways to structure plans to improve coverage.
A recent Michigan Medicine study reveals that only 53.9% of children with elevated blood lead levels in Medicaid received critical subsequent follow-up testing, leaving many vulnerable to lead poisoning. Nearly half of those who did receive testing still had elevated blood lead levels, highlighting missed opportunities for prevention.
Researchers found that patients who mounted an immune response against beta amyloid experienced improved memory performance and reduced brain size, suggesting the removal of built-up protein. The new trial aims to stimulate an immune attack without raising brain inflammation risk.
A recent study found that fibromyalgia patients' level of depression has little impact on their intensity of pain experience, suggesting that treatments for each condition should be considered separately. Researchers hope that separating these two complex conditions can lead to more effective pain management.
A survey of 1,105 emergency physicians found that many are hesitant to use tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) due to bleeding risks, despite its potential to restore blood flow in the brain. Team-based approaches and risk-reducing measures may help increase tPA adoption.
A new meta-analysis shows patients treated with nesiritide had an 80% increased risk of death compared to traditional drugs, highlighting the need for a randomized clinical trial. The study's authors argue that nesiritide is likely associated with important risks and suggest diuretics and vasodilators as safer alternatives.
Researchers have discovered a compound derived from Chinese medicine that works to regulate a protein called Bcl-xL, which is overexpressed in cancer cells. The compound, (-)-gossypol, has been shown to induce programmed cell death in head and neck cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy.
A new study shows that the GeoForm mitral valve repair ring can reverse damage caused by congestive heart failure and improve symptoms in patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation. The ring has been approved for tightening leaky mitral valves, but also changes the shape of the left ventricle to help it contract better.
A new study suggests that insomnia is more likely to lead to falls in older adults than previously believed. The research found that individuals with untreated insomnia were 90% more likely to fall, compared to those taking sleep medications. Effective treatment of insomnia can help reduce the risk of falls.
Researchers found that individuals with higher financial assets before becoming disabled reported better well-being and less sadness after disability, compared to those with lower financial resources. The study suggests that financial security is crucial for maintaining psychological well-being during times of health decline.
Researchers found that chronic gastritis can progress to gastric cancer in mice with abnormally low levels of gastrin. The study identified key genes and molecular changes involved in the development of human gastric cancer.
Researchers developed a functional diffusion map using MRI scans to track water diffusion in the brain, finding that changes predicted tumor response 10 weeks before traditional techniques. This method could spare patients from ineffective treatment and allow doctors to switch to more effective therapies.
Researchers discovered a new protein, KCP, that enhances signals from bone morphogenetic proteins, vital for kidney development and function. In models of mice with renal injuries, KCP activity slowed the progression of kidney disease, suggesting it could be a potential therapeutic agent.
Researchers found that leptin regulates blood sugar through two brain-body pathways, one controlling appetite and fat storage, and another influencing liver glucose reserves. The study suggests that disrupting both pathways may be necessary for developing full-blown diabetes.
A study published in Michigan Medicine found that women are less likely to receive quality heart attack care compared to men, despite experiencing the same mortality benefits. However, when given a one-on-one session with doctors or nurses and signing a discharge contract, women's survival rates improved significantly.
A small study found that St. John's wort amplifies the effect of blood thinner Plavix, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding among those who take both. The researchers plan to conduct further studies to confirm the finding and explore its implications for new drug development.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that mutations in NPHP5 produce defects in cilia, leading to kidney failure and retinitis pigmentosa. The study reveals a common molecular mechanism causing both diseases.
A new study found that nearly two-thirds of men are up-to-date with prostate cancer screening, but only 47.6% have had a recent colon cancer screening. The researchers suggest using prostate cancer screenings as an opportunity to encourage men to get screened for colon cancer, which is projected to affect over 70,000 men this year.
A new state-of-the-art hospital will provide patients in Michigan and globally with access to U-M's world-class medical care for newborns, children, and pregnant women. The proposed facility will house current services and expand research and treatment capabilities.
A new study found that pre-diabetes prevention efforts are worth every penny, with a one-on-one weight loss and exercise program showing a 58% reduction in Type 2 diabetes risk. Lifestyle interventions could delay the onset of diabetes by an average of 11 years and reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 20%.
Researchers at U-M Health System found that disease severity in patients with ulcerative colitis can be accurately evaluated without frequent lower endoscopies. The study suggests using non-invasive indices, such as patient-reported symptoms, to monitor disease activity and spare patients the discomfort of regular endoscopies.
A new study reveals that a secreted signaling protein called Wnt10b stimulates the growth of bone cells and inhibits fat cell development, leading to increased bone mass and density in mice. The research also shows that Wnt10b protects against bone loss from aging or estrogen deficiency.
A new radioactive antibody treatment called Bexxar has shown promising results in a study, rivaling traditional chemotherapy regimens for follicular lymphoma. The treatment achieved a 95% response rate and 75% complete remission in patients with advanced-stage disease.
The IRE1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating new protein synthesis and immune cell development. Researchers have found that IRE1 is essential for the development of B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies to fight infections. The study suggests that IRE1 could be a target for new drugs to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Researchers found that people with fibromyalgia have similar average activity levels as those without the condition, but lower high-intensity activities. This study suggests a more nuanced understanding of fibromyalgia and could lead to changes in treatment.
A study by researchers at Michigan Medicine and the University of South Florida found a significant generation gap in chronic pain coping among black and white adults. Older adults generally scored higher on pain intensity and disability measurements, but younger adults experienced more depression symptoms and sleep disturbances.
A new study found that rats bred for low aerobic exercise capacity had more cardiovascular disease risk factors than those bred for high exercise capacity. The researchers discovered a close association between low aerobic capacity and metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, insulin-resistance, and abdominal fat.
A study by U-M researchers found that night-time splinting can effectively improve hand and wrist discomfort for active workers with early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The results showed significant improvement in symptoms for half of the splinted group after six weeks.
A new study found that children's hospitals can do better in preventing hospital-acquired infections, clots in intravenous lines, and bedsores. The analysis suggests ways to refine analytical tools to fit children's care more accurately.
Research suggests that changes in gut microflora can intensify immune reactions to common allergens, increasing the risk of chronic allergies or asthma. A mouse model study found that antibiotic treatment led to an overzealous allergic response in the lung.
Research reviews medical studies on mixed dementia and finds that treating cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure can be more effective in protecting brain function. This approach shows promise as a complementary strategy to memory-preserving drugs.
A new biopsy technique combining ultrasound and fine needle aspiration can reliably determine whether lymph nodes are malignant in women with breast cancer. The method allows for the identification of cancerous nodes without the need for sentinel lymph node sampling or axillary node dissection, saving patients from additional surgery.
A computer program reads CT scans and combines with radiologist's judgment to detect lung cancer, improving detection rates. The system analyzes size, texture, density, and change over time of nodules to determine cancer likelihood.
A new study reveals women with heart attacks wait significantly longer than men to receive emergency angioplasty, resulting in higher death rates. Patients who received treatment within 90 minutes of arrival had a 50% lower risk of dying in the hospital.
Researchers found that ICDs reduced heart-related deaths by 60% and overall mortality by 48%. However, patients with diabetes, kidney failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure were more likely to die within a year of ICD implantation.
A study of 9,611 older adults found that regular physical activity in middle age significantly reduced the risk of early death. Even light activities like walking or gardening provided a protective effect.
A phase I/II study demonstrates the bioartificial kidney's safety and effectiveness in treating acute renal failure, with six patients surviving over 30 days after treatment. The device uses human adult progenitor/stem cells to filter blood and regulate immune system molecules.