A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that gradual weight loss is not more effective than rapid weight loss for achieving long-term weight control. In the trial, participants who lost weight quickly were more likely to achieve target weight loss and had lower drop-out rates.
The series examines four distinct phases in Latin American countries' history of health system reform and universal coverage. It highlights the importance of social determinants, intersectoral action, and solidarity-based financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage.
A new study published in The Lancet reports the first evidence of medium-term to long-term safety and tolerability of human embryonic stem cell transplants in humans. hESCs restored sight in more than half of patients with severe vision loss, and no safety concerns were detected after up to 3 years post-transplant.
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health found that widespread sanitation programs did not reduce diarrheal diseases, parasitic worm infections, or child malnutrition. Despite providing access to latrines, the intervention failed to improve health outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into its effectiveness.
A new Series on mental health interventions in schools published in The Lancet Psychiatry highlights the importance of childhood intervention and routine screening in identifying and treating mental health issues. The series aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, with a focus on child-centered approaches.
The study found that adolescents with cerebral palsy rated their overall QoL as comparable to that of their able-bodied peers. They also reported better QoL in five areas of life, including moods and emotions, self-perception, autonomy, relationships with parents, and school life.
Fertility experts advocate for making ovarian tissue and egg freezing options widely available to healthy women. The techniques have restored fertility in female cancer patients and enabled the birth of nearly 2000 babies without an increase in birth defects.
A team of researchers reports a case of a baby born with HIV who appeared to be cured after early antiretroviral treatment, but later exhibited detectable HIV infection. The child's immune system showed signs of responding to HIV even after the virus was undetectable.
Evolocumab, a new PCSK9 inhibitor, has been shown to significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) by an average of 60% more than placebo. The treatment was well-tolerated and achieved recommended LDL cholesterol targets in over 60% of patients.
New estimates show that preterm birth complications and pneumonia are the leading causes of death in children under five years, responsible for nearly 2 million deaths in 2013. The largest single cause, preterm birth complications, accounted for 965000 deaths.
A large genetic study has found no evidence of a causal link between vitamin D levels and the development of type 2 diabetes. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, examined the genes that control blood levels of vitamin D and found no association with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that people working more than 55 hours a week, especially those in low socioeconomic status jobs, have a 30% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that work factors affecting health behaviors and stress may need to be addressed for prevention.
A new study published in The Lancet Haematology found that PET-CT is more accurate than conventional CT scanning in measuring response to treatment and predicting survival in patients with follicular lymphoma. The findings suggest that PET-CT should be used routinely in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
Scientists used CT scans and micro-CT imaging to analyze the King's skeletal remains, revealing three injuries that could have caused death quickly. The most likely causes of his death are two skull injuries from a sword or staff weapon, and a penetrating injury from an edged weapon.
A new radiotherapy strategy for treating advanced small-cell lung cancer significantly prolongs long-term survival and reduces cancer recurrence in the chest. The study found that patients treated with thoracic radiation therapy had a 50% lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those who did not receive it.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that combining basal insulin with a GLP-1 agonist resulted in improved blood sugar control, similar rates of hypoglycaemia, and greater weight loss compared to other anti-diabetic treatments. This combination therapy showed a 92% greater likelihood of achieving target blood sugar control.
A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.
A new observational study investigates the prevalence of paradoxical bronchoconstriction after using β2 agonists in smokers and ex-smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The study reveals that African-American patients are twice as likely to experience a paradoxical response, leading to worse respiratory outcomes.
A large meta-analysis shows that frequent cannabis use during adolescence is associated with reduced educational attainment, increased risk of depression, suicide, and cannabis dependence. The study found that daily users are seven times more likely to attempt suicide and 18 times more likely to experience cannabis dependence.
Researchers found that statin use decreased the risk of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and gangrene in individuals with diabetes. However, statin use did not affect the risk of kidney disease.
A multicenter trial of 1358 children found intermittent montelukast reduced wheezing episodes only in those with the specific genetic subtype. The treatment was ineffective in children without this genotype, highlighting the need for targeted research.
A randomized trial of 101 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease found that benralizumab had no effect on acute exacerbation rates. However, subgroup analyses indicate the need for further investigation into the use of benralizumab in patients with COPD and eosinophilia.
Research published in The Lancet HIV reveals that polydrug use is common among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, and is strongly linked to condomless sex. Condom use was markedly lower with increasing polydrug use.
The Lancet has published new international growth standards for fetal development, providing accurate measurements of ideal growth from conception to birth. These standards will help identify signs of under-nutrition, stunting, wasting, and overweight in newborns, enabling early intervention to reduce long-term health problems.
A new series on child deaths in high-income countries reveals that many deaths are preventable, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role. The series calls for improved healthcare services and social policies to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality.
A new Comment in The Lancet calls for a Global Health Systems Fund to prevent future infectious disease crises and strengthen health infrastructure. The proposed fund would address human resource shortages and fragile health systems that contributed to the devastating Ebola outbreak.
A new series published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology finds that the growing global diabetes epidemic is hampering progress in controlling and eliminating tuberculosis. With over 1 million cases annually, diabetes-associated TB cases are expected to offset the present downward trend in global TB cases by 8% or more by 2035.
A third of the world's population uses plant-based solid fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting, resulting in high levels of household air pollution. The Commission concludes that an estimated 600-800 million families worldwide are at increased risk of illnesses such as respiratory tract infections and lung cancer.
Researchers compared ultrathin strut sirolimus-eluting stents to thin strut everolimus-eluting stents, finding similar target lesion failure risks. A meta-analysis of β blocker therapy in heart failure with atrial fibrillation found no significant benefit over rate-control medications.
Respiratory infection control measures for Ebola patients are unnecessary and may contribute to public panic, according to a new letter published in The Lancet. Excessive precautions could reinforce the view that some lives are more valuable than others, exacerbating the spread of infection.
China's rapid emergence as a global power has coincided with unprecedented challenges to its people's health, including rising chronic disease burdens and inefficient healthcare delivery. China must act now to tackle these time-bombs of illnesses or face the huge toll of largely preventable health loss suffered by high-income countries.
A new integrated treatment programme is more effective at reducing depression and improving quality of life than current care for depressed cancer patients. The programme, called 'Depression Care for People with Cancer', includes both antidepressants and psychological therapy.
The Lancet emphasizes the need for fair distribution of experimental Ebola drugs and rigorous testing in clinical trials. Bioethicists recommend prioritizing containment of the epidemic and strengthening health systems over treatment with potentially ineffective interventions.
Leading infectious disease experts argue that screening and isolating infected patients may not be effective in preventing MRSA spread. Instead, they recommend a broader approach focusing on reducing all hospital-acquired infections.
Research highlights the effectiveness of blood pressure-lowering treatment based on cardiovascular risk, as well as the importance of predicted baseline risk equations. Additionally, studies investigate the use of bivalirudin versus heparin in percutaneous coronary intervention and implant-based multiparameter telemonitoring for heart ...
A new virus-like particle vaccine has shown promising results in a human trial, generating antibodies that provide long-term protection against chikungunya. The vaccine, composed of non-infectious VLP particles, was well-tolerated and effective across different doses.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing 10 common cancers, with over 12,000 cases estimated each year in the UK. The study also estimates that a population-wide 1 kg/m² increase in average BMI could result in an additional 3,790 cases annually.
A new study found that the reclassification of PTSD diagnosis in DSM-5 potentially excludes soldiers who were previously diagnosed under previous criteria. The authors surveyed 1822 US soldiers and found that just under a third were excluded when using DSM-5 criteria, highlighting concerns for treatment and benefits.
A major study estimates that nearly half of the US adult population will develop type 2 diabetes by age 20, with Hispanic men and non-Hispanic black women facing the highest risk. The study found a significant increase in lifetime risk of diabetes over 26 years, driven by rising rates and longer life expectancy.
A major international study found that only half of women eligible for antenatal corticosteroids received them, highlighting gaps in treatment practices. The use of these life-saving medications is highly variable across countries, with some nations receiving up to 91% of eligible women.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that astronauts suffer from significant sleep deficiency during spaceflight, with average durations of less than six hours per night. This is despite NASA's scheduled 8.5 hours of sleep, and the build-up of sleep deficiency begins long before launch.
A European trial with 13-year follow-up found that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing can reduce prostate cancer deaths by about a fifth. However, due to the risk of over-diagnosis and overtreatment, routine PSA screening is not currently recommended.
A meta-analysis of 6,700 stroke patients shows that alteplase treatment significantly improves chances of good outcome and reduces disability. Prompt administration within 4-5 hours of symptoms onset yields the best results.
A systematic analysis of hepatitis E virus transmission by blood components found that about 1 in 3000 donors in England have the virus. Around 1200 HEV-containing blood components are likely to be transfused every year in England.
Two new pill-only antiviral drug regimens have shown promise in treating the most difficult-to-cure form of hepatitis C, with high cure rates and minimal side effects. The treatments offer a more effective, safer, and shorter option for patients with cirrhosis or those who have failed existing therapies.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that less than 1% of UK public and charitable funding was allocated to bacteriology projects, with only around 0.7% dedicated to antibiotic research. This inadequate funding poses a significant threat to tackling the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.
A large randomized trial found paracetamol to be no better than placebo in treating acute lower back pain, challenging universal recommendations. The study suggests advice and reassurance may be more effective than pharmacological strategies for acute episodes of low-back pain.
A major new Series on HIV and sex workers published in The Lancet concludes that decriminalizing sex work is crucial for controlling the HIV pandemic. Decriminalization could avert at least a third of HIV infections among sex workers and their clients, while reducing sexual violence and improving access to healthcare.
The study shows accelerated progress in reducing the global burden of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) since governments adopted MDG 6. The number of people living with HIV has risen to around 29 million, while TB prevalence rates have decreased in many regions.
A large international study has found that overall death rates among HIV-positive adults have almost halved since 1999, while deaths due to AIDS-related causes and cardiovascular disease have declined significantly. Non-AIDS cancers remain a leading cause of non-AIDS deaths in people with HIV.