A Northwestern Medicine study found that online platforms are offering therapies to men who don't meet guidelines for testosterone deficiency, while failing to convey the risks and benefits of therapy. The study recommends seeing a provider with expertise in hypogonadism for accurate care.
Incidental imaging findings in medical imaging studies are often overlooked by providers, leading to delayed and missed care. Northwestern Medicine's AI-powered system identifies these findings and triggers alerts for follow-up, improving patient outcomes. The system has been shown to flag over 68,000 lung finding occurrences per year.
A Northwestern Medicine-led study found that a novel, minimally invasive cardiac implant device called an atrial shunt may benefit some patients with HFpEF. The device improves symptoms and quality of life by allowing blood to flow from the stiff left atrium to the normal right atrium.
Specialized geriatric emergency care reduces hospitalizations and costs for Medicare beneficiaries, with savings ranging up to $2,905 after 30 days. The study found a significant reduction in total costs of care when patients were seen by transitional care nurses or social workers trained in geriatric emergency care.
Results from the PARTNER 3 trial demonstrate that low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis can significantly benefit from minimally invasive TAVR, leading to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. This groundbreaking procedure has the potential to transform treatment options for patients with heart disease.
The Polsky Urologic Cancer Institute will provide personalized, integrated, and innovative care to individuals with urologic cancers through a disease-centric program of research, education, and discovery. The institute aims to transform how urologic cancers are treated in Chicago and worldwide.
A new study will assess the effectiveness of AI-assisted ultrasound technology in enabling non-specialist medical professionals to capture high-quality echocardiograms. The 'SHAPE' study aims to determine if AI-guided acquisition and interpretation can detect more patients with cardiac disease in primary care settings.
A recent study analyzed the impact of mass shootings on blood supply and demand for blood products. The research found that a call for immediate blood donation was unnecessary and resulted in wasted blood resources. The study suggests that cities develop protocols for mass casualty events, such as issuing calls for donations by ZIP code.
A randomized phase III trial found that avoiding the hippocampal region during whole-brain radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline. The study results have far-reaching implications for brain tumor treatment, offering a safer alternative to traditional whole-brain radiation therapy.
A new Northwestern Medicine study shows proton therapy outperforms intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in five-year overall survival rates, with a 93.25% rate for proton patients compared to 88.43% for IMRT patients. Proton therapy also reduces complications and secondary malignancies, particularly for younger patients.
Researchers analyzed over 150 years of genetic data to gain insight into the genetic diversity of ataxias, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement and balance. The study sheds light on cellular pathways and protein networks in ataxia, potentially leading to new diagnostic and treatment options.
A clinical trial found that islet transplants effectively prevented severe hypoglycemic events and restored awareness in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study also demonstrated excellent glycemic control, with nearly 88% of subjects remaining free from severe hypoglycemia at one year.
A large nationwide study found that testosterone treatment improved sexual desire and function, as well as mood and depressive symptoms, in men with low testosterone levels. The treatment also showed no significant increase in cardiovascular issues.
Northwestern Medicine researchers have identified a specific bacteria as the cause of a rare and deadly lung transplant infection. The bacteria can be successfully treated with antibiotics, saving other patients who had contracted the infection.
A new clinical trial led by Northwestern Medicine aims to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) in treating chronic pain caused by limb amputation. The procedure involves transferring a damaged nerve into a functioning muscle, allowing it to grow and prevent neuroma formation.
Most surgical readmissions are caused by expected complications like wound infections, occurring after discharge. Hospitals should focus on reducing surgical site infections and addressing issues like dehydration through better communication and patient education.
A five-year, $20 million project will evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for women with uterine fibroids by building a national database. The study aims to answer questions about treatment outcomes, fertility, and symptom recurrence.
Researchers found that traditional surgical resection provided significantly better outcomes with an 87.6 percent five-year survival rate compared to endoscopic resection at 76 percent. The study suggests that endoscopic treatment is safe and effective for low-risk T1a cancer patients, but should only be offered to those with unfavorab...
A new study found that electronic health record algorithms can accurately identify patients with undiagnosed hypertension. The study used automated office blood pressure testing and notified healthcare staff when a patient was at risk, leading to formal diagnoses and related conditions in over 90% of cases.
A new clinical trial aims to remove the need for immunosuppressive drugs in organ transplant patients by increasing their regulatory T cells. The TRACT study uses a therapeutic approach that isolates and expands T-regs from participants prior to kidney transplantation.
A four-year trial found that 30% of patients with cryptogenic stroke had atrial fibrillation detected within three years with the device, compared to 3% in those who received standard follow-up care. Patients with atrial fibrillation were switched to blood thinners, which proved more effective in preventing future strokes.
The Northwestern Medicine Developmental Therapeutics Institute has received a significant $2 million pledge from The Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. This funding will support the launch of the institute, establish its first clinics, and create a fellowship program for physician-scientists specializing in developmental ...
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly 30 million Americans, causing significant healthcare costs annually. The Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center is receiving a $8.4M NIH grant to advance CRS research and develop new treatment strategies.
Researchers have developed a new device that detects atrial fibrillation in 30% of cryptogenic stroke patients, allowing for improved prevention of future strokes. The device uses a tiny implantable cardiac monitor to capture abnormal ECG activity and has been shown to be more effective than standard tests.
A phase 2 trial of a personalized vaccine made from patient tumor tissue showed improved survival rates compared to standard care alone. The vaccine, HSPPC-96, triggered an immune response to kill remaining tumor cells after surgery.
The Illinois Surgical Quality Improvement Collaborative aims to reduce surgical complications, inpatient stays, readmission rates, and deaths by analyzing hospital practices and outcomes. By sharing data and best practices, hospitals can identify areas for improvement and develop effective solutions.
A new study provides the first evidence-based recommendations for the use of PRP in orthopaedic care, identifying successful treatments and areas where further research is needed. The authors conclude that PRP can be effective for conditions like arthritis in the ankle and tennis elbow, but more study is required for other applications.
A new stroke research network is forming in Chicago, bringing together top medical centers to develop and execute high-quality clinical trials for stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. The consortium aims to rapidly advance therapies and reduce death and disability from the disease.
A Northwestern Medicine study using stem cells has shown promise in improving organ transplant outcomes by enabling patients to stop taking anti-rejection medicines. The research, which began in 2009, uses specially engineered stem cells to make the recipient's immune system recognize the new kidney as its own.
Researchers found that a quick neck injection of local anesthesia can reduce severe hot flashes in women by as much as 50 percent for at least six months. The treatment uses bupivacaine hydrochloride to target the stellate ganglion nerve bundle, providing symptom relief without hormonal therapy.
A randomized phase II trial is investigating a personalized vaccine made from a patient's own brain tumor, combined with Avastin, for treating recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. The trial aims to extend survival and slow tumor progression, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
The Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern University has received an outstanding National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant rating, indicating its exceptional research and clinical capabilities. The center will receive $24.9 million in funding over the next five years.
Research by Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Jeffrey Goldberger combines evidence-based guidelines with tailored treatment for patients, reducing over-treatment and under-treatment. By analyzing clinical data and individual characteristics, physicians can make more precise decisions, leading to better patient care.
Northwestern Medicine researchers developed a proactive risk assessment method to evaluate and improve door-to-balloon time for STEMI patients. By identifying high-risk steps and implementing changes, they achieved significant improvements in door-to-balloon times, with an average reduction of 20 minutes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that patients with atrial fibrillation who undergo cardiac surgery without treatment have a lower long-term survival rate compared to those with sinus rhythm. Successful surgical treatment of A-fib during cardiac surgery can improve patient outcomes an...
A 27-year-old man received a new kidney after his original one failed, then donated the healthy organ to another patient with FSGS. The successful re-transplant reversed damage and allowed another patient to thrive.
A new study suggests that organ transplant recipients may no longer need anti-rejection medication thanks to the power of stem cells. Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using donor stem cell infusions to 'trick' the recipient's immune system, gradually eliminating or reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Paul Ruby, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in 2006, founded the Paul Ruby Foundation to raise funds for Northwestern Medicine researchers working towards a cure. The foundation has contributed over $325,000 to Parkinson's research, including a recent $100,000 gift.
A new procedure called InterStim Therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerve and improve muscle function, reducing or eliminating bowel incontinence in 80% of patients. This minimally invasive treatment offers a long-term solution for patients seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of fecal incontinence.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that CT scans can detect lung cancer at an early stage, reducing death rates by 20%. The trial involved over 53,000 current or former heavy smokers and showed improved survival rates for those who received the CT scan.
Researchers have discovered a link between a variant of the fat mass and obesity associated gene (FTO) and an increased incidence of breast cancer. The study, published in BMC Medical Genetics, found that people with this genetic variant have a 30% higher chance of developing breast cancer.
Researchers monitoring people with cryptogenic strokes for intermittent atrial fibrillation aim to prevent future strokes. The CRYSTAL AF trial uses an FDA-approved implanted cardiac monitor to detect arrhythmia and guide treatment.
A study by Northwestern Medicine found that CD34+ cells can stimulate new blood vessel formation in ischemic limbs, reducing the risk of amputation. The treatment also showed significant repair of cardiac and vascular tissues, providing evidence for its potential to treat previously irreversible conditions.
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones is being honored by the American Heart Association for his outstanding contribution to improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and research grants.
Patients on dialysis face a heightened risk of sudden cardiac death from cardiovascular disease, with mortality rates as high as 43%. Research is underway to understand the connection between renal disease and cardiovascular disease, with medicinal options and dialysate prescription modification being explored as prevention methods.
Researchers at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare have successfully implanted two small Heartware VADs in a 44-year-old patient with severe myocarditis, marking the first time this biventricular approach has been used in the US. The device provides total heart support without removing the patient's natural heart.
A 44-year-old sailor received a groundbreaking treatment for severe myocarditis, which caused inflammation of his heart muscle and led to heart failure. He was implanted with two small ventricular assist devices, making him the first person in North America to receive this life-saving therapy.
A study of nearly 2,000 patients who had been treated for a heart attack found that many were not receiving the correct dose of beta blockers. The majority of patients were taking less than 50% of the target dose, which can lead to increased risk of subsequent heart attacks.
A recent study found that almost 50% of medication discrepancies are related to a failure to understand all prescription medications at the time of hospital admission. Presenting medication lists can significantly reduce medication errors, with 85% of errors originating from patients' medication histories.
A Northwestern Memorial study found that integrated team training and pre-operative discussions significantly improved staff communication and teamwork, reducing operating room errors. The study revealed a direct correlation between enhanced teamwork and a safer, more efficient operating environment.