A new study reveals that older patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries are less likely to receive surgery and experience longer wait times for treatment. The delay in diagnosis and treatment may be due to age-related biases or delayed recognition of less severe injuries.
Researchers identified clusters where higher numbers of children who developed asthma were born in Toronto, suggesting early life factors at the neighbourhood level are relevant to childhood asthma. Air pollution during pregnancy and shortly after birth was found to be related to developing asthma later in childhood.
Research suggests that medically complex patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes who receive early endocrinologist care have lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study, which analyzed Ontario health data, found that these patients had a 10-20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that serotonin receptor antagonists, commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery, may also increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. The safest options were ondansetron plus dexamethasone for adults and dolasetron for all ages, with inconclusive findings for children.
The five-year survival rate for Canadians with cystic fibrosis who have received a lung transplant is 67 percent, according to new research published in the Journal of Heart Lung Transplantation. Additionally, half of those who have had transplants live beyond 10 years. The study found that factors such as age at transplant and certain...
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital tested a new drug that prevents blood vessels from leaking into the lungs, reducing mortality rates in mice infected with influenza. The treatment, Vasculotide, was effective against multiple strains of flu and worked when administered days after infection began.
A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology found that individuals with social support were less likely to experience emotional or verbal abuse. However, those living in neighborhoods with social and economic issues were more prone to physical violence, highlighting the need for co-ordinated services.
Using order sets to manage worsening COPD can lead to better medical care and results for patients. The study found a significant reduction in hospital length of stay, with patients spending about two-and-a-half days less time in the hospital.
ER physicians emphasize the importance of developing strategies to optimize communications between police and ED workers due to differing perspectives on patient privacy and investigation needs. They suggest attempting to obtain patient consent before disclosing information and using limited disclosure when necessary.
A new study published in Accident Analysis and Prevention found that Ontario adults who experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) also reported higher incidents of serious road-related driving aggression. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital, analyzed data from almost 4,000 adults aged 18-97 and discovered a s...
Two new papers by St. Michael's Hospital researchers identified effective treatments for diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers, as well as cost-effective interventions for complex wounds. The studies analyzed high-quality systematic reviews and cost-effectiveness analyses to provide clinicians and decision-makers with a guide towards tai...
A new study found that parents' country of origin influences the risk of stillbirth in Canada, with higher risks seen for couples from Nigeria, Portugal, Jamaica, and Guyana. Genetic factors may contribute to this increased risk, although environmental factors also play a role.
A new study suggests that mental practice helps establish common team goals, set priorities, and maintain situation awareness among trauma resuscitation teams. This improves team behavior, including improved communication, and can improve patient safety and reduce medical errors.
A new study by Dr. Faraj Adballah found that single-shot nerve blocks provide limited pain relief after shoulder surgery, lasting only six to eight hours. After this initial period, patients who received the shot experienced a phenomenon known as rebound pain, which worsened their symptoms.
A Canadian study found that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience poorer health outcomes than those in higher socioeconomic brackets. The research analyzed data from over 68,000 new mothers and their babies, highlighting disparities in prenatal care, labor experiences, and infant health.
Researchers found that the immune system's attack on new blood vessel cells in fetuses may be responsible for life-threatening brain bleeds. This discovery challenges the previous belief that low platelet counts were the cause of fetal brain bleeds, suggesting a need for alternative therapies.
Researchers discovered a new bodily process that explains low blood oxygen in cystic fibrosis patients with infected lungs, highlighting the importance of CFTR protein function in directing blood flow. The study suggests strategies aimed at restoring or activating the CFTR protein may improve blood oxygen levels and circulation.
Oncologists welcome gene expression profiling tests as an added tool in deciding whether women with early-stage breast cancer should have chemotherapy. However, they have significant reservations about the cost of the test and whether it is being overused and used for the right patients.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless individuals with mental illness who received rent supplement support and intensive case management had significantly higher rates of stable housing (62.7-77%) compared to those receiving standard care (23.6-38.8%). The Housing First program resulted in a net cost offset of $4,84...
A systematic review of 59 studies found that interventions in prisons led to improved health outcomes for prisoners and the general population. The research highlights the importance of providing treatment and access to primary care after release, resulting in reduced substance abuse, mental health problems, and infectious diseases.
Researchers found that a regional anesthetic technique, called ultrasound-guided paravertebral blocks, can significantly reduce chronic post-operative pain in women after mastectomies. The study showed that these nerve blocks most reduced neuropathic pain, which affects sensation and is the most common form of chronic pain.
Filipinos who move to Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age than women from other parts of East Asia or Caucasians. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with a more aggressive form of cancer and undergo mastectomies.
Research reveals that homeless individuals with mental illness have a greater than double risk of developing serious or fatal cardiovascular disease. The risk is significantly higher among men and those with substance abuse problems.
A study found that even with health impact assessments, political agendas often override HiAP considerations in decision-making. Funding for HiAP initiatives can be split between government departments, creating challenges to its success.
A study published in CMAJ Open found that the incidence of newborn opioid withdrawal increased 15-fold in Ontario between 1992 and 2011, with most babies born to mothers who were legally prescribed opioids. The shift from other opioids to methadone before delivery was associated with higher rates of premature birth and low birth weight.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that 25% of homeless people surveyed in Toronto had vision problems, including blindness, four times higher than the general population. Glasses or contact lenses would help only two in five individuals with vision issues.
A new study at St. Michael's Hospital emphasizes the importance of strong teamwork and communication skills for clinicians in emergency departments. Strategies include introducing staff, speaking with nurses before assessment, sharing learning opportunities, and being clear and concise in communication.
A study assessing neurocognitive functioning in 1,500 homeless adults found nearly three-quarters to have cognitive deficits. Cognitive remediation practices need improvement for this population, with adaptations required in treatment and support options.
Dr. Smylie will focus on improving access to effective treatments for illnesses disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples, such as diabetes and tuberculosis. Her research prioritizes community partnerships and integrates Indigenous approaches to health and well-being.
A new study highlights the need for trauma screening and treatment in Canadian prisons, particularly for Aboriginal women who are grossly over-represented. The research findings emphasize that trauma can lead to serious health and social consequences, including physical and mental illness, substance abuse, and unemployment.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that men living in areas with high concentrations of cheque-cashing places have a greater risk of premature death. The research suggests that these facilities may provide quick access to cash and alcohol, particularly during the holiday season.
Researchers analyzed 10,319 acute ischemic strokes between July 2003 and March 2008, finding patients admitted in July had similar outcomes to those admitted any other month. The study suggests the lack of a 'July effect' may be due to the multidisciplinary nature of stroke care compensating for trainee experience.
A study of Ontario adults found that nearly 17% reported a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with those who had TBI more likely to engage in harmful behaviors such as opioid use and smoking. The study suggests a link between TBI and substance abuse, highlighting the need for preventive action against TBI.
Researchers are deciphering the 'neural code' of information being sent by neurons to the central nervous system (CNS) to diagnose and treat infections and autoimmune diseases. This could enable timely diagnoses and interventions, reducing mortality rates and complications.
Research found teens with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are two to four times more likely to drink alcohol, use cannabis, or abuse other drugs compared to peers without a history of TBI. Specifically, teens with TBI reported higher rates of using crystal meth.
A new study published in the journal Diabetes shows that a chemical produced in the pancreas, gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA), can prevent and reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice with human beta cells transplanted into their bodies. GABA also improved the survival rate of pancreatic cells during transplantation.
Researchers found that Canadians with cystic fibrosis are living almost 20 years longer than they did two decades ago, with the median survival age increasing to 50.9 years. The death rate declined from 1.4 deaths per year in 1990 to 0.99 deaths per year in 2012.
A study by Dr. Marcelo Urquia found that using birthweight curves tailored to specific ethnic groups can help identify babies who are at risk of adverse events, such as premature death or complications during delivery. The new charts can provide more accurate measurements and trigger fewer unnecessary medical interventions.
A recent study published in The Lancet highlights the need for comprehensive policy changes to address homelessness. Homeless individuals are not only sick physically and mentally but also have lower life expectancy.
A new study found that children who drink non-cow's milk, such as rice, almond, or soy milk, have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood. The researchers associated every additional cup of non-cow's milk with a five percent drop in vitamin D levels per month.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that controlling Ebola outbreaks at the source in West Africa is the most effective way to prevent international spread. Focusing on exit screening for travelers leaving affected countries can be a more efficient approach than entry screening.
New research published in the BMJ suggests that long-acting insulin is superior to intermediate-acting insulin for controlling blood sugar levels, preventing weight gain, and treating severe hypoglycemia. Long-acting insulin also showed improved cost-effectiveness compared to intermediate-acting insulin.
A study of 9,288 Ontario students found that teenagers with traumatic brain injuries, especially girls, reported significantly higher rates of harmful behaviors. The research highlights the importance of monitoring adolescents with TBI and providing support to prevent mental health issues and addiction.
A virtual ward, which provides community-based care for high-risk patients after discharge, did not reduce hospital readmissions as hoped. Despite a large sample size and multiple sites, the study found no significant difference in readmission rates at various time points.
A new study by Dr. Flora Matheson found that women who are involved in their discharge planning have a higher chance of successfully reintegrating into society. The study highlights the importance of stable and trusting relationships with parole officers and access to positive social support networks.
Researchers found that coordinated patient care can reduce hospital admissions among seniors and people with chronic conditions by 20% and emergency department use by 31%. Empowering patients through education and tools also improves care outcomes.
Rates of high-dose opioid dispensing increased across provinces, with Ontario having the highest rates and Quebec the lowest. Provincial differences may be attributed to varying coverage, training, and marketing strategies.
A new study found that vulnerable populations in Toronto reported more discrimination by healthcare workers based on their housing status, mental health, or substance abuse issues than race. Forty-two percent of people surveyed experienced at least one form of perceived discrimination.
Researchers found that fibronectin can switch its function from stopping bleeding to preventing overactive blood clots, which could improve results from transfusions.
Researchers found that giving a prescription to stroke patients before discharge increases short- and long-term stroke prevention by 70% and 40% respectively. The study suggests simple interventions like handing over prescriptions can improve patient care.