A study comparing child mortality in England and Sweden reveals that the UK's higher rates are driven by factors such as lower birth weights, preterm births, and congenital anomalies. The authors propose population-wide programs to improve maternal health and socioeconomic circumstances to reduce these disparities.
A new study tests the safety and effectiveness of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting it may enhance benefits of psychotherapy. However, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and long-term effects.
A new emphasis on preparing for conception is needed to improve health in future generations. Research suggests that parental diet and lifestyle before conception can influence the risk of future chronic disease in children.
Recommended alcohol limits in many countries may need to be lowered to around 100g/week for men and women, based on data from 600,000 current drinkers. This is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, but higher risks of stroke and fatal conditions
A randomized controlled trial found that a new bed net coated with piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and pyrethroid insecticide reduced malaria prevalence in children by 44%, compared to standard nets, over one year. The WHO recommends increasing coverage of PBO bed nets in areas where resistance to pyrethroids is developing.
A nationwide study of 2.8 million people over 36 years found that sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The risk of dementia increased with the number and severity of injuries, even a single mild TBI.
Three-quarters of COPD cases have origins in poor lung function pathways beginning in childhood, amplified by adult factors. Childhood illnesses and exposures are key indicators of COPD risk.
A comprehensive analysis of global data shows that taxes on unhealthy products have the potential to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030. Implementation of these taxes can provide financial protection through tax-financed health care and social health insurance programmes.
A case-control study in the UK and USA found rare genetic mutations associated with impaired breathing muscles in children who died from sudden infant death syndrome. The study suggests a possible genetic element to the disorder, but more research is needed to understand the link and potential treatments.
A randomised trial found that high doses of ivermectin can kill mosquitoes feeding on humans for at least 28 days. Adding ivermectin to community-wide antimalarial treatment campaigns could boost impact by up to 61 percent, reducing malaria prevalence in areas with low transmission rates.
The study highlights the significant burden of hepatitis B virus globally, with 292 million individuals living with the virus in 2016. Only 5% of eligible patients received antiviral therapy, and less than 1% of expectant mothers with high viral load received prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
A new drug, siponimod, has been shown to slow the progression of disability in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis for the first time. The trial involved 1645 patients and found that those given siponimod had a 21% lower risk of disability worsening compared to placebo.
A new Series in The Lancet highlights the extent to which low back pain is mistreated, with patients often receiving education and advice instead of evidence-based treatments. Key findings include high rates of opioid prescription and limited exercise prescriptions, even in countries with high-income counterparts.
A study spanning 1953-2011 found that socioeconomic inequalities in UK children's weight have reversed over time, with disadvantaged children now more likely to be overweight. The difference in BMI levels between the most and least disadvantaged children expanded, while the difference in height narrowed.
A study estimates that historical lead exposure may be responsible for 256,000 premature deaths from cardiovascular disease each year in the USA. The study found that low-level lead exposure increases the risk of premature death, especially from cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health finds that implementing the Paris Climate Agreement could lead to significant health savings due to reduced air pollution-related disease and death. Estimated costs range from 0.5-1% global GDP, while potential health benefits could be as high as 2.5 times greater than these costs.
Researchers identified five distinct subtypes of type 2 diabetes and one autoimmune type, each with unique characteristics and associated complications. These findings may enable tailored treatment approaches for patients with diabetes, moving towards precision medicine.
Canada's legacy in health is threatened by unacceptable Indigenous health disparities and a need for healthcare reform. The Lancet Series calls for bold action to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable health system for all Canadians.
A meta-analysis of 522 trials confirms that antidepressants are more effective than placebo for short-term treatment of acute depression in adults. The study found varying effectiveness among different antidepressants, with some proving more tolerable.
A study of over 40,000 people in Canada found that single fathers had a higher risk of premature mortality than single mothers and partnered parents. Single fathers were more likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles, which may explain the increased risk.
A study of over 12,500 patients across 66 countries found that surgical site infections are a significant global health issue, with 22% of cases resistant to pre-surgery antibiotics. The incidence of infections varied greatly depending on the country's income level, with low-income countries being most at risk.
A new study reveals that the WHO strategy to eradicate yaws is inadequate due to high rates of antibiotic resistance and relapse of latent infections. The research found that even with high coverage rates, mass treatment alone may not be sufficient to achieve elimination, highlighting the need for adapted strategies.
A new trial shows that family-integrated care in neonatal intensive care units leads to improved weight gain, breastfeeding rates, and reduced parental stress among preterm infants. The program also may have long-term benefits for neurodevelopmental outcomes.
A genetic study reveals that multidrug-resistant malaria in southeast Asia originated from a single mutation combination in 2008, which spread rapidly across the region before becoming apparent in 2013. The study highlights the need for close monitoring of genetic mutations to mitigate resistance and prevent further outbreaks.
Research published in The Lancet finds conflict and political instability are key drivers of differences in maternal and child mortality between Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. Higher literacy and empowerment of women also positively impact on maternal and child health.
The CONCORD-3 study reveals global improvement in cancer survival, with some countries experiencing significant gains, while others lag behind. However, disparities in childhood cancers and incomplete data in Africa limit the accuracy of these findings.
A six-year study found no benefits or protective effects of giving teenagers alcohol when compared to those not given alcohol. Parental provision was associated with increased likelihood of accessing alcohol through other sources. The study advises against supplying alcohol to teenagers to reduce risk of alcohol-related harms.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that cannabidiol reduced the number of drop seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by 43.9% compared to placebo. However, long-term efficacy and safety concerns remain to be confirmed.
A prospective cohort study found that young women diagnosed with breast cancer who carry a BRCA mutation have the same chances of survival as women without the mutation. After treatment, women with early breast cancer and BRCA mutations do not have a significant difference in overall survival compared to those without the mutation.
A new study in The Lancet Psychiatry found that tamper-resistant oxycodone tablets had no significant effect on rates of opioid use or harms at a population level. However, the study did find that people who inject drugs were less likely to tamper with the tablets, suggesting a potential benefit for this group.
Human antibodies manufactured from transchromosomic cattle have been found safe in healthy volunteers, suggesting a potential novel technique for rapidly producing antibodies for passive immunotherapy against emerging infectious diseases like MERS. The treatment, SAB-301, was well-tolerated and showed promise in countering the virus.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that air quality alert programs, like Toronto's, had limited effects on protecting public health. However, the authors suggest that collective and enforceable actions, such as improved urban planning and emission control, may be more effective in reducing health risks from air poll...
Despite being younger with fewer complications, African surgery patients face a higher risk of death compared to the global average. The study calls for improved monitoring of patients during and after surgery to improve outcomes.
A self-taught breathing retraining program shows similar results to face-to-face training with a physiotherapist in improving symptoms, mood, and ability to conduct day-to-day activities. The program is cheaper and less resource-intensive than physiotherapist training.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that people living within a kilometre of physical activity facilities have smaller waist circumferences, lower BMI, and lower body fat percentages. Increasing access to physical activity facilities and reducing fast food outlets may help reduce obesity.
A clinical trial found that combining an antibody drug with food desensitization treatment improved allergy relief for children with multiple food allergies. The treatment, omalizumab, showed promising results in reducing allergic reactions when introducing small amounts of trigger foods into their diet.
The first analysis of surgical suite carbon footprints reveals that anaesthetic gas choice is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions can also reduce costs, without compromising patient care.
The study highlights that since 2011, the conflict has claimed an increasing number of civilian child deaths due to the systematic use of aerial bombing on populated areas. The majority of civilian deaths were men, followed by children and women, with barrel bombs causing a high proportion of civilian deaths.
A study found that walking through traffic-polluted streets like Oxford Street in London can have negative effects on the heart and lungs, particularly in older adults. The study suggests that reducing vehicle emissions could help individuals enjoy the health benefits of physical activity.
A weight management programme can reverse type 2 diabetes in most people who have had the condition for up to 6 years, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Almost half of participants achieved and maintained diabetes remission at one year without antidiabetic medications.
Bacteria resistant to ampicillin emerged several years before its widespread use in humans, according to a new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Low doses of penicillin added to animal feed in the 1950s and 60s may have encouraged antibiotic-resistant bacteria to evolve and spread.
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that diabetes and high BMI were responsible for 544,300 new cancer cases globally in 2012. The authors project a significant increase in the proportion of cancers attributable to these risk factors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A randomised controlled trial found that avatar therapy was more effective at reducing hallucinations at 12-week follow-up, and had a large effect size. Patients who received avatar therapy experienced rapid improvements in their symptoms, with some reports of complete disappearance after 12 weeks.
The number of new heart failure cases in the UK has increased by 12% between 2002 and 2014, reaching numbers similar to those of breast, prostate, lung, and bowel cancer. The study found that people from deprived backgrounds are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age with multiple chronic conditions.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that common shoulder surgery does not provide significant relief from pain for people with shoulder impingement. Despite being slightly more effective than no treatment, the difference was small and unlikely to result in noticeable symptoms.
The study reveals wide inequalities in life expectancy between states, with some experiencing significant improvements while others lag behind. Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim a disproportionate number of lives across many states.
A meta-analysis of over 40,000 patients found that the likelihood of death due to blood loss was reduced by over 70% if the low-cost drug was given immediately after injury or birth. The survival benefit rose to 70% if treatment was administered promptly, with a 10% decrease in survival benefit for every 15-minute delay.
The Lancet Oncology Commission recommends prioritizing key areas for US$2 billion funding to advance cancer research and treatment, focusing on prevention, targeted interventions, and patient-centered data sharing. The report aims to improve cancer care for underserved groups and reduce health disparities.
The Lancet Countdown report reveals that climate change is having a significant impact on health, with 125 million adults over 65 exposed to heatwaves, and an estimated 5.3% loss in labour productivity. The report also highlights the increase in mosquito-borne diseases, air pollution, and economic losses linked to extreme weather events.
A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.