The international consensus on diagnosing and treating opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome has been published, providing support for families and clinicians. The guidance outlines the condition's characteristics, causes, and management options, aiming to improve care for affected children.
A recent study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with acne, providing potential new targets for treatment and helping clinicians identify individuals at high risk of severe disease. The research, involving over 20,000 individuals with acne, also found a link between genetic risk and disease severity.
A moderate exercise programme was shown to improve chemotherapy success rates and reduce negative side effects in oesophageal cancer patients. The study found that exercise can be safely included as part of cancer treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.
A new study has identified 74 previously unknown genomic regions that influence how people's bodies break down food into energy. These findings could help develop more personalized ways to maintain a healthy weight by taking into account an individual's genetic profile.
A rapid same-day test has been developed to identify secondary infections in COVID-19 patients on intensive care, allowing for targeted antibiotic treatment and reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance. The test uses nanopore sequencing technology to analyze bacterial and fungal pathogens present in patient samples.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found a significant reduction in UK ICU bloodstream infections over an 8-year period. The research used data from over 1 million patients admitted to 276 NHS adult ICUs, showing a 95% decline in MRSA infections and a 57% drop in E. coli infections.
A 40-minute MRI scan has been shown to guide treatment decisions for patients with angina, resulting in fewer hospital stays and procedures. The MR-INFORM trial found similar patient outcomes between those who received the standard invasive angiography and those whose treatment was dictated by their MRI scan.
Women with severe morning sickness during pregnancy are invited to join the largest European study of hyperemesis gravidarum, a condition that can lead to weight loss, dehydration, and malnutrition. The study aims to build a database of information about the genetic basis for the condition and potentially find new ways to treat it.
A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve movement and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. The selective dorsal rhizotomy procedure involves cutting sensory nerves to relieve stiffness and pain. The study provided convincing evidence that the procedure helps children, with no significant health risks identified.
Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict kidney transplant rejection up to two months in advance. By monitoring seven immune genes, doctors may be able to intervene before damage occurs, improving patient outcomes and organ lifespan.
Researchers at NIHR Guy's and St Thomas' Biomedical Research Centre develop a treatment involving patients' modified cells, restoring healthy levels of integrin α4β7, effective in treating Crohn's disease. The proposed Tribute Trial will test the treatment's safety and effectiveness.
A simple blood test can now identify women at high risk of stillbirth due to a liver disorder, allowing targeted interventions and reducing unnecessary early deliveries. For most women with the condition, regular bile acid testing will suffice, reassuring them that their pregnancy is not at increased risk.
A landmark study has identified a small stretch of DNA that best predicts long-term kidney transplant success. The HLA locus genetic match between donor and recipient is crucial for predicting transplant survival and potential personalized treatments.
A new study found that breastfed babies have a 54% lower risk of eczema at age 16. The study examined over 13,000 Belarussian teenagers and found that exclusive breastfeeding for four to six months significantly reduced the risk of eczema.
A group of inflammatory proteins called 'IL-36' play a significant role in the development of psoriasis and can be blocked without posing a risk to patients. The findings open up the possibility for new drugs to tackle this debilitating condition.
UK researchers have made a breakthrough in treating severe lung disease by developing a home ventilation therapy that reduces hospital readmissions. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found patients using this treatment were two-thirds less likely to be readmitted within 28 days.
Researchers have discovered that nitric oxide, which regulates blood pressure, is formed in nerves rather than blood vessel walls. This finding could lead to new treatments for people with poorly controlled high blood pressure.
Researchers have discovered a new group of apolipoproteins, including apoE, apoC2, and apoC3, that are associated with a stronger link to cardiovascular disease. These findings could lead to improved screening methods and personalized treatments for patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified T-bet as the key control point regulating genetic risk in specific diseases like IBD and Celiac disease. This discovery provides a specific target for treatment development, potentially leading to more effective therapies for life-changing auto-immune conditions.
A new study confirms that lupus prevalence is higher in non-European populations due to a genetic basis. The research identified 10 additional risk alleles associated with lupus, bringing the total to 88.