A family-based self-management intervention aimed at low income adolescents with Type 1 diabetes led to better health and functioning in the short term. The program helped kids eat better and exercise more, resulting in improved physical functioning.
A pilot study from the University of Michigan Health System found insulin pumps to be as effective as injections in controlling blood sugar levels and reducing parental stress. Parents reported lower worry and emotional stress with pump therapy, while those on injections experienced more anxiety.
A study found that babies described as difficult eaters or overeaters are more likely to eat when their mother handles food and feed themselves after receiving a bite. This relationship was not seen in non-problem eater children, suggesting an innate link to social cues.
A three-year study shows that Botox injections significantly improve the voices and quality of life of patients with spasmodic dysphonia. The treatment produces a powerful and sustained improvement in voice-related quality of life, even after repeated injections.
A long-term family study found that toddlers with sleep problems are at a higher risk of becoming teens who smoke, drink or do drugs. The study suggests that early sleep problems may be a predictor for later adolescent substance use.
Researchers found that men with a family history of prostate cancer can accurately assess their lifetime risk and are more likely to use supplements to improve their health. The study also reveals that younger brothers of men with prostate cancer are nearly four times more likely to report using complementary or alternative medicine.
A recent UMHS study found that black men with moderate-grade prostate cancer are 36% less likely to receive treatment than white men. Hispanic men also face disparities in treatment, with 16% fewer chances of receiving definitive therapy compared to white men.
A recent study found that HIPAA compliance severely affected patient participation in long-term outcome studies, with a significant drop from 96.1% to 38.5%. This reduction resulted in a less representative sample of patients, which could bias study results.
A study of 2,800 Medicare patients found that hospitals implementing the ACC's Guidelines Applied in Practice (GAP) Project reduced mortality rates by 25% at 30 days and one year. The project improved care through standardized tests, drugs, and lifestyle advice.
The study found that the UNOS rule change reduced transplant gaming behavior, but the competitive nature of organ allocation still poses a risk. By dividing patients into three status levels and requiring recertification, the new rules have made it more difficult for hospitals to exaggerate their patients' conditions.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that heart attack and angina patients experience difficulties sticking to their medication regimens six months after hospitalization. Forgetfulness, carelessness, and side effects are among the top reasons for non-adherence, affecting up to half of the patients studied.
A recent study found that over half of patients with heart failure could benefit from implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), but Medicare's current guidelines exclude them. ICDs can prevent sudden cardiac death by monitoring heart rhythm and shocking the heart back into a normal pace.
Researchers have confirmed three previously suggested loci and identified two new ones for potential AMD genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 9, 22. The study used high-resolution genome scans to narrow the search for AMD-related genes.
Four new studies expose disparities in children's eye care based on race, income, and insurance status. Minorities and uninsured children are significantly less likely to receive eye exams or corrective lenses than their peers.
Researchers have discovered that low-dose HDAC inhibitors can prevent the production of inflammatory cytokines, reducing cell damage and improving survival rates in mice with GVHD. The study suggests that these drugs may be used to reduce the risk of death, hospitalization, and serious side effects associated with bone marrow transplants.
Patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal surgery at teaching hospitals are less likely to die or experience complications, with death rates under 10% compared to non-teaching hospitals. Higher hospital volumes also lead to fewer prolonged hospital stays, suggesting fewer complications from surgery.
Researchers found that anthrax spores can germinate, reproduce and form new spores in soil samples, defying the long-held belief that they require a host to survive. The study suggests that the deadly pathogen may be more versatile and resilient than initially thought.
HUPO scientists have created a master proteomics database from human blood plasma, which will help answer key questions about protein identification and analysis. The project's long-term goals include identifying all protein constituents of human blood plasma and determining variation across populations.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that nearly half of patients with diabetes use multiple prescriptions, with 29% spending $100 or more per month out-of-pocket. Patients who cut back on medication use had poorer diabetes control, more symptoms, and worse functioning. The researchers recommend better access to prescription drug c...
African-Americans are more likely to have advanced stage cancer by the time it's diagnosed, and less likely to receive radiation therapy after surgery. Rectal cancer patients of any race still don't always receive optimal post-surgery care, highlighting a need for further studies to improve treatment guidelines.
Researchers found that brain waves change with each breath, suggesting a new understanding of how sleep apnea affects the brain. The study's novel algorithm detected changes in brain wave activity linked to breathing cycles, promising potential for predicting daytime sleepiness and treatment outcomes.
The minimally invasive surgical techniques made possible by the robot system can give the same surgical result as open-chest techniques with less impact on young patients' bodies. Robot-assisted surgery may be a good option for certain defects and reduces hospital stays, operative trauma, cosmetic impact, and overall recovery time.
A study found that patients taking statins before leg bypass surgery had better graft patency and lower risk of amputation. Patients on ACE inhibitors also had a lower risk of dying after surgery. The medications' effects outweighed PAD severity and other medical issues.
A UMHS study found that heavy drinkers with chronic back pain showed less physical disability than light drinkers on functional tests. Women were underreported for heavy drinking, suggesting doctors should be more vigilant about prescribing narcotic pain relievers.
A substantial majority of people who purchased Prilosec OTC complied very well with the label instructions. The study found that frequent heartburn sufferers increased consultation with their physicians after using the medication.
Researchers found that 3% of women report chronic pain and 1.7% currently have pain, affecting millions across the US. The study also revealed that African-American women are as likely to experience vulvodynia as Caucasian women.
A recent study found no association between BRCA mutations and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers tested blood samples from 1,422 patients with colorectal cancer and 1,566 control subjects for mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The results suggest that BRCA mutation carriers do not need to worry about an elevated risk ...
A survey of primary care doctors found that those who favored prescribing expensive medications were more likely to provide patients with free drug samples from pharmaceutical representatives. This may lead to a bias towards prescribing more expensive options, despite their comparable effectiveness to cheaper alternatives.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers suggests the risk for recurrent yeast infections is related to a woman's immune response to the yeast. Women who have had cunnilingus or masturbation with saliva in the past month were more likely to develop recurrent yeast infections.
A study by Michigan Medicine and Harvard University found that FDA review fees for drug companies haven't led to faster approvals. The researchers analyzed data from 843 new drugs submitted between 1977 and 2000 and found that staffing levels, not fee-based system, were responsible for the decline in approval times.
A study found that nearly 750 pediatricians and family practice physicians reported a rise in vaccine concerns, with many citing short-term effects and unproven allegations. Physicians must be equipped to address these concerns and provide accurate information on vaccine safety.
Researchers have identified key genes and proteins involved in anthrax spore formation, revealing a complex process that involves the production of over 750 individual proteins. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular biology of anthrax and could lead to new vaccines and treatments.
A study found that nearly one-third of online bladder cancer information is outdated and inaccurate, with limited information on treatment options and follow-up care. The researchers recommend using reliable sources such as the National Cancer Institute and MEDLINEplus for accurate information.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that seeking a second opinion for breast cancer may significantly alter diagnosis and treatment plans. The research, led by Dr. Amy Rochester Guest, suggests that patients with complex cases or those who are diagnosed with both breasts affected benefit most from consulting specialized teams.
A new cryoablation technique has shown promising results in killing most small malignant breast cancers, with seven out of nine patients experiencing complete tumor necrosis. The technique also showed no cosmetic changes to the breast's appearance and may be a viable option for women with early-stage disease.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine developed computer-assisted breast imaging systems that improve the accuracy of interpretation of digital mammograms and breast ultrasound images. The systems were shown to improve the ability of highly experienced radiologists to detect cancerous tumors, potentially sparing women from unnecessary biops...
A new CT scan technique called multi-detector CT urography (MDCTU) has been shown to detect various urinary system problems, including bladder cancer, kidney stones, and cysts. The technique is more accurate than traditional methods and may be beneficial for high-risk patients.
A study by University of Michigan doctors found that gender is the biggest predictor of chaperone use, with male doctors more likely to have a nurse or assistant present. Regional differences also exist, with Southern doctors using chaperones more frequently than those in the Midwest.
Research at Michigan Medicine has discovered that inflammatory molecules and immune system cells play a major role in the formation of blood clots in veins, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The study found that mice with high levels of P-selectin developed larger blood clots and more inflammatory cells in their vein walls.
Researchers from Michigan Medicine report dramatic success in treating atrial fibrillation patients using radiofrequency catheter ablation, achieving high cure rates and low complication rates. The technique involves delivering intense radiofrequency waves to specific areas of disorganized electrical activity, resulting in a significan...
Researchers found that levels of apoptotic endothelial cells in lupus patients correlated with their vascular function and symptoms, suggesting a high risk of heart disease. The study suggests that lupus patients' heightened heart risk may be due to the rapid death and slow replacement of endothelial cells.
A joint effort by Michigan hospitals led to improved delivery of proven medications, reduced use of potentially toxic dye, and lower risk-adjusted rate of in-hospital death. The project also showed reductions in unnecessary use of a blood thinner after the procedure.
A new study found that systolic heart failure patients who received a one-hour education session with a nurse educator had a 35% lower risk of re-hospitalization or death within 180 days of discharge. The patients scored better on measures of following self-care regimens, such as salt and fluid intake restrictions.
Women with heart attacks tend to have milder blockages in their arteries but are less likely to receive aggressive drug therapy or undergo procedures like angioplasty. This disparity may be due to the disease itself, rather than bias against women's treatment.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine found that only 5% of patients and physicians agreed on their top three treatment goals, but nearly half shared one strategy. Patients who prioritized their healthcare goals with their doctors reported better diabetes management outcomes.
Children with significant behavior problems are nearly three times as likely to be overweight and five times more likely to become overweight later. The study highlights the need for parents, teachers, and physicians to consider both physical health and mental/behavioral health linked in a child's growth and development.
The state of Michigan has secured a five-year, $11.9 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources to bolster its cutting-edge proteomics capabilities. This award will provide every Michigan scientist with access to a state-of-the-art research facility and expert support services.
Researchers found that Bmi-1 is essential for self-renewal in two types of adult stem cells: neural stem cells from the central nervous system and hematopoietic stem cells. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of cancer development, as Bmi-1's overexpression can promote uncontrolled growth.
Researchers at UMHS have developed re-engineered blood vessels that can be used in heart bypass surgery, lower extremity bypasses, and tissue transfers. The new method reduces the risk of rejection by using the host's own cells, increasing the likelihood of success.
UMHS researchers found poor bone quality in rats with high-dose radiation, suggesting new therapies to improve human treatment. The study uses a rat model to analyze the success and failure of distraction osteogenesis in irradiated cancer patients.