The Glasgow Coma Scale has become a practical method for bedside assessment of impairment of conscious level in acute brain injury. Professor Graham Teasdale examines the scale's original aspirations, criticisms, and its continued role in research and clinical practice.
A large population-based study of European adults with blood cancers found that regional differences in treatment and care quality contribute to varying survival rates. The study analyzed data from 30 cancer registries covering all patients diagnosed in 20 European countries between 1997 and 2008.
The Lancet Neurology calls for sports authorities to consider long-term neurological problems caused by repeated concussions in footballers. Many sporting organisations have drawn up new protocols to protect athletes who sustain a head injury, but the decision on return-to-play should be made solely by healthcare professionals.
Giving children under 5 an extra dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) boosts their immunity to the poliovirus, supporting global eradication efforts. The additional dose substantially improves protective antibodies and intestinal immunity against poliovirus.
A new dengue vaccine candidate, CYD-TDV, has shown moderate protection of 56% against the disease in a phase 3 clinical trial. The vaccine demonstrated high efficacy against three out of four dengue viruses and reduced severe disease and hospitalizations by more than half.
Research into bedaquiline, a new drug for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), should proceed cautiously in people with drug-sensitive tuberculosis. The drug has shown promising activity against MDR-TB but also presents safety concerns, including increased risk of liver and cardiac toxicity.
New estimates suggest that over 650,000 children develop TB annually in high-burden countries, with India accounting for 27% of the total burden. The study highlights an enormous opportunity for preventive antibiotic treatment among exposed children to reduce the number of cases.
Researchers in Sierra Leone call for enhanced access to diagnostic technologies, healthcare resources, and disease surveillance systems. They also highlight the need for reliable personal protective equipment and effective communication to combat misinformation and improve compliance with prevention measures.
A new study published in The Lancet compares two drugs used to prevent blood clot formation during emergency heart attack treatment. The results suggest that systematic use of heparin rather than bivalirudin after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) could save health services substantial sums of money while potentially im...
A chronic subdural haematoma was reported after a Motörhead concert, highlighting the potential dangers of headbanging. The case study suggests that heavy metal music's fast tempo may contribute to such injuries.
The OpT2mise trial found that insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients using the pumps achieved a significantly greater reduction in average blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycaemia.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
Endemic infectious diseases continue to affect millions of individuals in the US, with racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately affected. Emerging vector-borne and zoonotic disease infections are threatening new areas and populations.
Half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, with a quarter having two or more. The report highlights the need for coordinated action to reduce the chronic disease burden, including promoting health and healthy behaviors, effective prevention services, and stronger links between healthcare and community services.
According to the report, nearly 180,000 people die each year from preventable causes such as automobile crashes and drug overdoses. Preventive strategies show promise in reducing these deaths, particularly child safety seats, seatbelt laws, and drink driving laws.
The US saw a dramatic slowdown in healthcare spending growth between 2000 and 2011, aligning with other high-spending countries. However, the authors warn that future economic recovery could reverse this progress, highlighting the need for measures to control healthcare costs.
The Affordable Care Act can improve the US population's health by focusing on disease prevention, health promotion, and early detection. The Act promotes collaboration between healthcare and public health systems, leading to better quality services and greater integration of public health entities into healthcare.
The new Review from the Countdown to 2015 collaboration summarizes results from the 2014 report, highlighting progress and challenges in women's and children's health. The study emphasizes the need for continued action to achieve the global targets of improving survival rates and reducing disparities in health outcomes.
Norovirus infections contribute substantially to the global burden of acute gastroenteritis, causing both severe and mild cases across all age groups. The virus is highly contagious and can be spread through contaminated food or water and contact with surfaces.
A genetic study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests a causal link between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure. The study found that increasing vitamin D levels was associated with a drop in blood pressure and a decreased risk of developing hypertension.
A large-scale clinical study found that adults with Asperger Syndrome are nine times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. The study also revealed a significant link between depression and increased risk of suicidal ideation in this group.
The study found that hospitalizations for STEMI increased from 3.7 to 15.8 per 100,000 population over the decade, despite improvements in treatment intensity.
A major new Series in The Lancet emphasizes the critical role of midwifery in saving millions of women and children worldwide. Effective midwifery can prevent up to three-quarters of stillbirths and maternal deaths, and even modest improvements in coverage could halve current rates by 2030.
A 6200-year-old schistosomiasis parasite egg discovered in Syria's Tell Zeidan grave suggests ancient agricultural irrigation systems may have spread the disease. The find, dating back a thousand years earlier than previous discoveries, highlights how human technology can exacerbate disease burdens.
Suicides among mental health patients treated at home by crisis resolution home treatment teams have more than doubled in recent years, with an average of 163 deaths in 2010-2011. In contrast, suicides on psychiatric wards fell by over half during the same period.
A national study reveals that mental health patients are two and a half times more likely to be victims of homicide than the general public. The study found that 6% of homicide victims had been under mental health care in the year preceding their death, with many cases involving substance misuse and a history of violence.
Despite initial progress in reducing child mortality, the UK has fallen behind other wealthy countries over the past four decades. The country's poor performance in addressing non-communicable diseases, particularly among young people, is a major concern, with an estimated 446 excess deaths from NCDs by 2008.
A new trial has found that levodopa is better than newer treatments for Parkinson's disease patients, particularly in terms of mobility and quality of life. The study, the largest ever performed on PD treatment, showed small but persistent benefits of starting treatment with levodopa.
Rates of adverse outcomes, including premature death and violent crime, in people with schizophrenia are increasing compared to the general population. Men and women with schizophrenia were eight times more likely to die prematurely than the general population.
Researchers analyzed King Richard III's remains to determine the extent of his scoliosis, a condition characterized by a curved spine. The study found that Richard's condition would have had a small impact on his appearance and likely didn't affect his ability to exercise.
The study found that improved blood pressure management has led to a significant reduction in major cardiovascular events. Between 1994 and 2011, hypertension treatment rates doubled and control rates tripled in England.
Raised systolic blood pressures increase risk of intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and stable angina, while diastolic pressure is linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm. Modern therapy still struggles to manage hypertension's substantial lifetime burden.
The study reveals a staggering 28% increase in adult obesity rates and a 47% rise in childhood obesity globally. The findings highlight the need for urgent action to reverse this trend, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A recent study highlights the challenges faced by refugees from Iraq and Syria in accessing affordable cancer treatment, with host countries struggling to find the money and medicine. Innovative financing schemes are needed to improve access to quality care for these patients.
Italian scientists developed a continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) machine to treat smallest babies and have successfully used it to treat a newborn with multiple organ failure. The CARPEDIEM device overcomes technical challenges of existing machines, allowing for accurate fluid management and treatment delivery.
A new real-time disease surveillance system successfully monitored public health risks among 5 million pilgrims from 184 countries during the Hajj 2012 and 2013. The system rapidly relayed demographic and health data to guide investigation and intervention.
New research suggests that adults who lose weight at any age can enjoy improved cardiovascular health. Long-term exposure to excess body fat in adulthood is linked to increased cardiovascular risk factors, but even modest weight loss can reduce these manifestations.
The management of Euro 2012 Football Championships provides valuable lessons for future sporting mass gatherings in terms of safety and wellbeing. Organisers can learn from their experiences by sharing them through international networks, enabling better planning for future events.
Researchers found that despite no major incidents, the biggest challenge was reassuring officials, media, and public about absent health threats. Enhanced surveillance systems are needed to detect and respond quickly, especially for large international events.
A new series published in The Lancet reveals that almost all newborn and stillborn babies who die every year enter the world without official recognition, resulting in slower progress in reducing mortality rates. The research sets targets to be achieved by 2030 to ensure every newborn has a healthy start.
The Lancet Series presents a clear picture of progress and challenges in improving newborn survival worldwide. The research highlights the need for political commitment and increased investment in newborn health to reduce preventable deaths by 2030.
The Lancet publication highlights the need for accelerated action to reduce newborn mortality rates, citing a lack of registration and official recognition as a key barrier. The research suggests that scaling up achievable interventions can save three million lives by 2025.
A new series of papers highlights the need for improved investment, leadership, and measurement to prevent newborn deaths. The research reveals that three million lives can be saved by 2025 with achievable interventions scaled up to nearly universal coverage.
A major new Series of papers reveals that three million lives can be saved by 2025 if achievable interventions are scaled up to nearly universal coverage. The research highlights the critical need for improving care at the time of birth, particularly for small and sick newborns.
Scientists have developed an early warning system to predict dengue infections for Brazil's 553 microregions during the football World Cup. The system estimates little risk of dengue outbreaks in southern and central capitals, but predicts a moderate risk in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
A landmark study shows that intensive insulin treatment significantly improves survival in patients with type 2 diabetes who have had a heart attack. The trial, which followed patients for up to 20 years, found that those who received intensified insulin treatment survived an average of 2.3 years longer than those on standard treatment.
A study of over 80,000 patients found that antipsychotic medication reduced violent crime rates by 45%, while mood stabilisers lowered rates by 24%. The findings suggest that these medications can help prevent violence in patients with psychiatric disorders.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that reducing six modifiable risk factors could prevent over 37 million premature deaths from non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Meeting the targets for these risk factors would reduce mortality by 22% in men and 19% in women.
The UK has a higher child mortality rate than nearly every other country in Western Europe, with 3800 children under five dying in the UK in 2013. The country's high infant mortality rates are attributed to poor organisation of children's health services.
A nationwide study found that heightened newspaper coverage after a suicide might lead to initiation of some teenage suicide clusters. The content of media reports, including prominent stories and detailed descriptions, is crucial in this regard.