Not all hospitals treat elderly the same
A study found that hospitals prioritize young patients over elderly ones, highlighting the need for tailored care and more geriatricians in Canada.
St. Michael's Hospital
Higher return to prison for women without drug abuse programs
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital reveals that female prisoners who did not participate in a drug treatment program after their release were 10 times more likely to return to prison within one year. The study highlights the importance of post-release treatment programs for prisoners with substance abuse problems.
Private weight-loss surgery clinics shedding quality patient care
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that private weight-loss surgery clinics in Canada offer significantly shorter wait times than the public system, with median wait times of only one month compared to 21 months in the public health-care system. However, the quality of patient care may be suffering due to a lack of critica...
Folic acid given to mother rats protects offspring from colon cancer
A new study found that folic acid supplements given to mother rats significantly protect their offspring from developing colorectal cancer. The research suggests that folic acid may have different effects on cancer development in different organs, and more studies are needed.
No health card means no family doctor for many homeless people
A new report by St. Michael's Hospital and Street Health reveals that homeless people are more likely to have a family doctor if they possess a health card or have chronic medical conditions. The report highlights the need for programs to secure and maintain health cards and increase access to primary care in this population.
Social media can alter research priorities, according to paper in Nature
A paper in Nature notes the power of social media in shaping research priorities in Canada, particularly in the case of a controversial multiple sclerosis treatment. Researchers call for more effective communication tools between scientists and the public to ensure patients' concerns are heard.
Research shows blood protein levels may predict risk of a cardiovascular event: Study
A recent study published in European Heart Journal found that high plasma renin activity (PRA) levels may predict cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. By measuring PRA levels, doctors can assess a patient's risk and introduce therapies to lower their PRA levels, potentially preventing heart attacks or strokes.
Video games effective treatment for stroke patients: study
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that video game treatment can significantly improve upper-arm motor function in stroke survivors. Virtual reality games showed promise as a promising and potentially useful alternative to traditional physiotherapy.
McCain gives $5 million to St. Michael’s Hospital for therapeutic endoscopy
The donation will support recruitment of a world-class physician-researcher at the hospital's largest and most advanced therapeutic endoscopy program, treating over 14,000 patients annually. This initiative aims to establish St. Michael's as a leading centre for gastrointestinal endoscopy in Canada.
Studies on heart disease and stroke prevention overlook ethnic groups: Study
Researchers found that only 1 in 4 studies reported on participant ethnicity, with most being superficial in scope. The study highlights the importance of considering ethnicity when conducting research on heart disease and stroke prevention to target prevention strategies effectively.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalGlobal Journal on Quality and Safety in Healthcare·DateMar 17, 2011
Brain injuries rise sharply in minor hockey after bodychecking rules relaxed: Study
A study published in Open Medicine found that lowering the age of bodychecking significantly increases the risk of brain injuries among minor hockey players. The researchers analyzed records of 8,552 male youth and found that more than half of hockey-related injuries were caused by bodychecking.
Study: Homeless patients cost $2,500 more than the average patient for each hospital stay
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital found that homeless patients cost an additional $2,559 per hospital stay compared to housed patients, after adjusting for age and illness severity. This excess cost is largely due to the severity of psychiatric illnesses among homeless individuals.
Universal screening programs can uncover abuse, study finds
A new study confirms that universal screening programs for domestic abuse increase the number of women acknowledging abuse, with effective programs having support services and training for staff. The study reverses previous thinking on the value of such programs.
Men in low income neighborhoods drink more than women: Study
A recent study by St. Michael's Hospital found a significant gap in drinking patterns between men and women living in low-income neighborhoods. Men in these areas consume nearly four times as many drinks per week as women, while there is little difference in drinking habits among women regardless of neighborhood type.
Study links long-term use of osteoporosis drugs to unusual fractures
A new study found that women taking bisphosphonates for five years or more may be at higher risk of certain kinds of fractures of their thigh bone, but the drugs still prevent hip fractures. The overall risk is low, and researchers recommend continuing use for high-risk patients
Death rate from tuberculosis in homeless alarmingly high: Study
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that one in five homeless people with tuberculosis die within a year of diagnosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced prevention and treatment strategies.
Offspring of female rats given folic acid supplements develop more breast cancer
A study found that female rats given folic acid supplements before conception and during pregnancy had higher rates of breast cancer, with twice as many tumours and faster-growing tumours. The researchers stress the need for more research to determine whether this applies to humans.
New online tool predicts probability of death from stroke
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital developed an online tool that estimates stroke patient mortality based on risk factors like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The tool was validated in a study of 12,262 patients and found to be accurate in predicting death rates 30 days and one year after ischemic stroke.
Coastal Canadians living in high-risk neighborhoods in poorer health: Study
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that Canadians living in high-risk neighborhoods are twice as likely to report poor health, particularly on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The study highlights the importance of targeted health policies for specific regions and neighborhoods at greatest risk.
Screening for cervical cancer low for immigrant women
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that only one in five South Asian immigrants over 50 had a recent Pap test, compared to 79% of Canadian-born women with high-income neighborhoods and primary care doctors. The low screening rates may be due to cultural factors and lack of awareness about the importance of the test.
Health-care systems not using best evidence in decision-making
A study by Dr. Sharon Straus found that 55% of adult patients do not receive recommended care, highlighting the need for improved knowledge translation in healthcare. Evidence-based approaches, such as delirium prevention strategies, can lower hospitalization rates and improve patient outcomes.
Home dialysis effective for kidney patients after transplant fails
A new study found that patients who return to dialysis after a kidney transplant failure can survive just as well on home dialysis as hospital dialysis. However, only 18% of these patients choose the home version due to concerns and limited education about its benefits.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 13, 2011
Liver disease a possible predictor of stroke: Study
A study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that people with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the condition. High levels of liver enzymes were also found in adults who had an acute stroke, suggesting a potential link between the two.
Headgear, mouth guards have little or no impact on reducing concussions in rugby players
A recent study by Dr. Michael Cusimano found that existing headgear and mouth guards are ineffective in preventing concussions in rugby players, but educational injury prevention programs and rule changes can significantly reduce injuries.
Researchers led by St. Michael's Hospital receive grant to teach new method of CPR
Toronto-area high schools will receive training on a quick and inexpensive CPR method, which can quadruple survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The innovative program aims to raise bystander CPR rates and expand its use among friends and relatives.
Asthma drug prevents spread of breast cancer: study
Researchers found a Japanese asthma drug can stop the spread of breast cancer cells and reduce tumour growth by 50%. Tranilast targets a molecule in cancer cells that binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, making it beneficial for treating allergies, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Severely injured should go directly to trauma center: Research
Researchers found that transporting severely injured patients directly to trauma centers results in a significantly lower mortality rate. The study analyzed 11,398 patients and discovered that 24% more patients die if taken to non-trauma centers first.
Hemostatic powder stops bleeding ulcers: Doctor
Researchers have discovered a hemostatic powder that effectively treats bleeding ulcers in up to 95% of patients. The powder's technique is simple and has shown high success rates with minimal complications.
South Asians at twice the risk of heart attack and death after transplant: study
A recent study led by St. Michael's nephrologist Dr. Ramesh Prasad has found that South Asian patients are more than twice as likely to suffer a heart attack after a kidney transplant compared to Caucasian, black and East Asian men and women.
SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 30, 2010
Cholesterol drug may have role in treating prostate cancer
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital discovered that the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor suppressed human prostate cancer cells grown in mice. This pre-clinical evidence suggests statins could be an effective treatment for prostate cancer, potentially offering a safer alternative to existing therapies.
St. Michael's receives prestigious grants to study trauma
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital will study traumatic brain injuries in sports, vulnerable groups, and motor vehicle collisions. The hospital aims to improve care for rural Canadians lacking access to trauma centers during the critical 'golden hour'.
St. Michael's doctor wins $50,000 N.Y. Academy of Medicine Glaucoma Prize
Dr. Yücel's discovery dispels the longstanding assumption that the eye has no lymphatics, leading to new treatments for glaucoma and eye tumours. The find also refutes the idea that the eye is not connected to the body's immune system.
Toronto homeless report barriers to health care
A new study reveals that 17% of Toronto's homeless population has unmet health care needs, with women and those with dependent children facing significant barriers. The study highlights the importance of primary care providers and access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Doctors can influence when parents wean children from bottle, study finds
A study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that a five-minute advice session at the nine-month well baby checkup can lead to a dramatic drop in babies still using bottles at age two. Most stop using the bottle by their first birthday, compared to 16 months for those who received no instruction.
Canadians track infectious disease threats at World Cup
Researchers will monitor infectious disease threats from countries participating in the tournament and cities with high air travel to South Africa. They aim to predict potential outbreaks of diseases like mumps, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, Rift Valley Fever, and more.
CPR-training rates low in Toronto
A recent survey found that only 6% of Toronto high schools train students to use an AED and perform CPR. Despite the benefits of increased survival rates, many students lack this essential skill.
Over half of women in abusive relationships still saw their male partners as dependable
A new study based on women's self-reports suggests that many who live with chronic psychological abuse still see certain positive traits in their abusers, such as dependability and being affectionate. The study found that over half of the surveyed women (54%) saw their partners as highly dependable.
Canadian researchers study mass gatherings and risks of infectious disease threats
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston are using real-time intelligence systems to monitor potential infectious disease threats to mass gatherings like the Olympics. The collaboration is providing actionable intelligence to help organizers prepare for and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
Helmets must be part of skiing and snowboarding culture, doctors urge
Head injuries are a common cause of hospital admissions and death in skiing and snowboarding, with 120,000 people in North America affected annually. Helmets can reduce the risk by up to 60%, according to research. Doctors recommend integrating helmets into ski culture through public awareness campaigns and role modeling.
Chocolate lovers could be lowering their risk of stroke: Study
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that eating chocolate weekly may reduce the risk of stroke and death after suffering a stroke. Flavonoids in chocolate are believed to have a protective effect against stroke due to their antioxidant properties.
Deaths related to narcotic pain relievers have doubled since 1991: Study
A study led by St. Michael's Hospital found that deaths from opioid use in Ontario doubled between 1991 and 2004, with a five-fold increase in oxycodone-related deaths after OxyContin was introduced in 2000. Most opioid-related fatalities were accidental, and most people who died had visited a doctor recently.
Mechanical ventilation for patients with lung damage don't always work as planned
Researchers found that prone ventilation did not significantly improve mortality rates in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. A lack of funding and commercial interest hindered the development of definitive conclusions, leading Dr. Slutsky to call for large-scale clinical trials.
Researchers mobilizing global resources to test new treatments for severe H1N1 infection
The International Forum for Acute Care Trialists (InFACT) H1N1 Collaboration aims to develop coordinated, long-term approaches to treating severe H1N1 infection. Clinical trials will evaluate corticosteroids and statins as potential treatments for patients with severe H1N1 infection.
New mathematical model more accurately diagnoses acute heart failure in emergency rooms
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital developed a new mathematical model to quickly and reliably diagnose acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency room patients. The model uses natriuretic-peptide levels and clinician judgement to improve diagnosis accuracy from less than 80% to over 80%
Risk of abnormally slow heart rate twice as high in those taking drugs to slow Alzheimer's
A new study has found that older people taking cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs like donepezil are more likely to be hospitalized for bradycardia, an abnormally slow resting heart rate. This condition can cause serious symptoms such as fainting and shortness of breath.
Acute kidney injury patients more likely to need dialysis within 5 years
A new study from St. Michael's Hospital reveals that patients with acute kidney injury requiring in-hospital dialysis are three times more likely to need long-term dialysis later in life. Early medical surveillance and intervention may prevent progression to irreversible end-stage kidney disease.
Scientific system accurately predicts spread of H1N1: study
A scientific system developed by St. Michael's Hospital accurately predicted the international spread of H1N1 by analyzing flight itineraries of over 2.3 million passengers. The system, known as The BIO.DIASPORA Project, quickly integrated information on worldwide air traffic patterns with global infectious disease threats.
New approach to treating heart attacks reduces risk of life-threatening complications
A new study suggests that transferring heart attack patients to specialized hospitals for angioplasty within six hours after clot-busting drugs significantly improves outcomes, reducing repeat heart attacks and serious cardiac complications by 36%. Patients who received earlier angioplasty also had lower rates of chest pain and second ...
First of its kind study identifies risk factors for LRTIs in Inuit children
Researchers found that Inuit infants are four times more likely to be admitted for LRTI than mixed or non-Inuit infants, with risk factors including smoking during pregnancy, overcrowded living conditions, and not being breastfed. Immunizing rural Inuit infants with the Palivisumab vaccine could save up to $8,000 per admission avoided.