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.
A study found that teenagers face challenges in accessing relevant health information online, with common barriers including poorly designed websites, lack of targeted content, and ineffective search strategies. To improve access, researchers suggest teaching better search skills and designing websites more tailored to users' needs.
The study found that mortality rates are significantly lower for patients with a vascular surgeon performing the operation. High-volume surgeons and hospitals resulted in better outcomes, suggesting that experience counts when it comes to treating aortic aneurysms.
A new international study found that a heartburn medication called esomeprazole effectively prevented ulcers among long-term painkiller users. The study showed the drug produced few side effects and was safe for daily use, offering hope to patients who need to take painkillers regularly.
A three-year community campaign aimed at the public and health professionals increased the use of tPA, a life-saving emergency drug for stroke patients. The study found that 69% of eligible patients received tPA, compared to 2.2% in non-intervention areas.
Scientists have discovered two mutations in the ATCAY gene, responsible for Cayman ataxia in humans and similar neurological disorders in mice. The study provides a breakthrough in understanding rare genetic diseases and may lead to diagnostic tests and treatments.
A study found racial and ethnic disparities in pain perception, diagnosis, and treatment across various specialties. Disparities were seen in emergency departments, cancer clinics, chronic pain, and disability, with African Americans and Hispanics facing unequal access to pain medication and treatment.
A new gene mutation has been discovered for a rare form of inherited paralysis called hereditary spastic paraplegia. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and potential treatments for the condition, which affects around 20,000 Americans.
The study found that uninsured patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms are more likely to be diagnosed late, leading to a higher mortality rate. Insured patients who received timely treatment had lower death rates, highlighting the importance of access to regular medical care.
TM has shown promising results in treating Wilson's disease by reducing copper levels, while also inhibiting tumor growth and inflammation in various cancers. The drug's potential to treat inflammatory fibrosis diseases is being explored through ongoing clinical trials.
A new study has found that the protein EZH2 is linked to aggressive and deadly breast tumors, with higher levels corresponding to worse patient outcomes. The discovery may lead to a new test for determining breast cancer prognosis more precisely.
A new study found that 16.5% of non-kidney transplant recipients develop chronic kidney failure, with older age, being a woman, and pre-transplant hepatitis C infection increasing the risk. The risk is higher for those whose kidneys fail after transplant, highlighting the need for better treatment regimens.
A new study finds that nearly 1 in 3 doctors hesitate to administer the Prevnar vaccine due to its high cost, especially among those with many uninsured patients. The vaccine protects against bacterial meningitis and other diseases, but its expense creates obstacles for families without insurance coverage.
Research shows a shift toward 'medicalization' of deviation from women's traditional roles, while men's depressive illness is increasingly described in terms connoting work and aggression. The study highlights the importance of accurate media representation in influencing patient-doctor communication about mental health concerns.
Hirschsprung's disease is caused by mutations in genes expressed in neural crest stem cells that impair their ability to form a normal intestinal nervous system. The study identifies Ret and other genes involved in the disease, offering new insights into its causes.
Researchers have discovered a modifier gene, Scnm1, that affects the severity of neurological diseases in mice and is also present in humans. The study found that when the genetic code for this gene is transcribed, it can produce non-functional protein that alters the physical effects of inherited diseases.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation associated with an eye disease that resembles age-related macular degeneration. The study, led by Michigan Medicine scientists, has found that the mutation in RDS can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, affecting central vision and leading to permanent loss of vision.
Researchers identified a new gene, inversin, associated with nephronophthisis type 2, a deadly kidney disease in children. The discovery may lead to treatments and connections between the childhood disease and adult polycystic kidney disease.
A large study by the University of Michigan Health System found that entrenched attitudes, lack of communication, and limited data contribute to the controversy. The researchers surveyed nearly 1,000 doctors and analyzed state-by-state variation in hand surgery rates.