The study reveals that musculoskeletal and mental behavioral disorders are the leading causes of disability worldwide. Lower back pain, depression, iron-deficiency anaemia, and neck pain were found to be among the top sequelae responsible for the greatest overall health loss in both 1990 and 2010.
Non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all deaths globally in 2010. Ischaemic heart disease and stroke were responsible for one in four deaths, a significant increase from the previous decade.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adults who had not responded to antidepressant medication. After six months, 46% of participants in the CBT group showed improvement compared to 22% in the control group.
Research suggests that people with high BMI may benefit from different antihypertensive treatment regimens than those with normal weight. The study found that a combination of benazepril and amlodipine was equally effective across all weight categories, while diuretic-based regimens were more effective in obese individuals.
Researchers found that continuing tamoxifen treatment beyond 5 years further reduced breast cancer recurrence and mortality rates. The additional benefits took some years to emerge, with risks of recurrence decreasing from 21.4% at year 15 in those who continued treatment compared to 25.1% in controls.
New studies discuss the ecology, drivers, and dynamics of zoonoses, highlighting the need for effective collaboration between experts. While there are concerns about predicting zoonotic pandemics, recent advancements in modeling and technology suggest we may be on the verge of improvement.
A study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the HIV-positive partner in a serodiscordant couple significantly reduces HIV transmission rates, with a 26% relative reduction. However, the protective effect of ART seemed to only last for one year.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that combining better physical fitness and statins significantly improves survival in people with unhealthy blood fat or cholesterol levels. Moderate intensity physical activity can be achieved through walking, gardening, and gym classes, making it a feasible option for many middle-aged adul...
The conference explores key themes including physical activity, machine learning, diet, and environmental concerns. Researchers will present on topics such as CCSVI, MS treatment, and the impact of online behavior on patient feedback.
Regorafenib has shown significant promise in treating bowel cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) after standard treatments fail. Patients receiving regorafenib experienced improved overall survival rates and delayed progression compared to placebo.
A new study estimates that 54-60 million people worldwide suffer from traumatic brain injuries each year, with men and Maori people being disproportionately affected. The true annual incidence of mild TBI is substantially higher than previous WHO estimates, with rates highest in children and younger adults.
A new pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to prevent 93% of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in healthy infants who received at least one dose. The vaccine's effectiveness against IPD was confirmed by the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine Trial, which tracked over 46,000 children under 19 months.
A study suggests that limiting non-medically indicated caesareans and induced labor can reduce preterm births in high-income countries. Implementing evidence-based interventions could avert around 58,000 preterm births annually, saving $3 billion in economic costs.
Researchers developed a new method to track TB outbreaks by analyzing the genetic information of infected individuals, enabling faster response times and more targeted efforts. The approach has the potential to identify
Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.
Suicide rates in the US rose sharply from 1999 to 2010, with a quadrupled increase from 2008 to 2010, accounting for around 1500 additional deaths per year since 2007. Rising unemployment is believed to be a major contributor to this trend.
A phase 2 study reports that the combination of lapatinib and capecitabine reduces brain tumour size by at least 50% in two-thirds of women with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. This treatment delays radiotherapy, which can impair cognitive function, offering a potential advance for patients.
A monoclonal antibody called alemtuzumab shows promise in reducing MS disease activity, with nearly half as many relapses as a common current treatment. The drug also appears to improve disability outlook, particularly in refractory patients who have not responded to previous treatments.
The AMFm programme has improved access to affordable ACTs in eight countries, with over 155 million doses subsidised between 2010 and 2011. Market share of artemisinin monotherapies decreased in several countries, and private sector QAACT prices fell by up to 80%.
The Asian Oncology Summit guidelines emphasize the importance of providing supportive, palliative and end-of-life care to patients with cancer in Asia. The guidelines provide recommendations for pain assessment, medication, professional education, and specialized interventions tailored to different levels of resources in Asian countries.
A study of 1.3 million women found that quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of premature death, with smokers who stop before age 30 avoiding nearly all excess risk. The risks associated with smoking are substantial and increase with the amount smoked, highlighting the importance of quitting to extend life.
The revised Tobacco Products Directive has been put on hold due to allegations of financial impropriety against former EU Commissioner John Dalli. The delay raises concerns about the EU Commission's commitment to public health and citizens' confidence in decision-making.
Cardiac arrhythmias affect over one million people in the UK, with a growing gap between technology advancements and biological understanding. The Lancet series explores new treatments and future directions for arrhythmia management.
A study comparing sepsis mortality rates in Europe and the US found higher mortality rates in Europe, but differences may reflect varying critical care approaches rather than healthcare quality. The study also revealed disparities in ICU admission and length of stay between the two regions.
A long-term study found that radiotherapy after surgery significantly improves biochemical progression-free survival and local control for high-risk prostate cancer patients. However, its effects on clinical progression-free survival and overall survival are less clear.
Over three-quarters of people with depression report experiencing discrimination, which acts as a barrier to social life and employment. Despite this, nearly half of participants who anticipated discrimination found that their experiences did not confirm this.
The study analyzed videos of 227 falls from 130 individuals, finding incorrect weight shifting as the most frequent cause. The researchers identified common hazards, such as foot getting caught on tables or chairs, that require attention to prevent future falls.
A study published in The Lancet found that cancer resulted in the loss of nearly 170 million years of healthy life worldwide in 2008. This significant burden was largely attributed to colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancers, with men in eastern Europe facing the largest cancer burden.
The UK and US healthcare systems have much to learn from each other, particularly in areas like financing, organisation, and information technology. The authors highlight key differences between the two countries' reforms and suggest that country-specific expertise could be valuable.
A portable normothermic perfusion device has been tested on a group of twelve transplant patients, showing safe and effective preservation of donor lungs. The device has the potential to greatly improve transplant success and expand the pool of adequately-functioning donor lungs.
Researchers identified genetic signatures that can predict the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer, with patients having the signature living an average of 9.2 months compared to 21.6 months without the signature. These findings hold promise for improving patient outcomes and enabling better clinical trials.
A new study suggests that NA-1, a neuroprotective agent, may reduce brain lesions and damage after stroke surgery. The research found significantly fewer lesions in patients who received the drug compared to those who received a saline control, although there was no difference in volume of lesions recorded.
Palestinian refugees face chronic illnesses, water leakage issues, and poverty-related health problems. A significant correlation was found between chronic illness and water leakage, as well as between poverty and ill health.
A recent survey of over 5000 people in five countries found that Britons were the least likely to adopt protective behaviors against the flu. In contrast, Mexicans made significant efforts to cover their mouths with tissues when coughing and sneezing during the pandemic.
A new study published in The Lancet found that widespread diabetes screening programs do not reduce overall mortality rates. The study, which included over 20,000 patients, also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between screened and non-screened groups.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that hip resurfacing implants failed at a higher rate in women compared to men, particularly those with smaller head sizes. In contrast, men with larger femoral heads experienced comparable implant success rates to those who underwent total hip replacement.
Children and adults with epilepsy often experience psychiatric disorders, cognitive disorders, and social problems. Early detection and treatment of these comorbidities can improve quality of care and life.
A study finds that more than 60% of people in low- and lower-middle income regions are not accessing any appropriate epilepsy treatment. The burden of epilepsy in these regions is estimated to be at least double that found in high-income countries, with inadequate facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that up to 55% of cases of severe intellectual disability are caused by new, non-inherited genetic mutations. This discovery suggests a low risk of passing on the disorder to further children and highlights the potential for whole-genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that replacing intravenous catheters only when clinically necessary is safe and could save millions. This policy change would prevent up to 6 million unnecessary catheter insertions and save about $60 million annually in health costs, according to the research.
The study analyzed trends in death due to anaesthesia and perioperative mortality worldwide. The estimates suggest a significant decline in anaesthetic-related mortality, with a 90% decrease from the 1970s to the 1990s. Perioperative mortality also decreased by about 88%.
A large-scale European study found that surgical mortality rates are significantly higher than previously estimated, with 4% of patients dying after surgery. The highest mortality rates were observed in Latvia and Poland, while Ireland, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, and France also showed significant variations.
A new Case Report highlights the dangers of fake antimalarial medicines sold worldwide, particularly in Equatorial Guinea. The drugs were confirmed to be counterfeit despite convincing packaging, underscoring the need for traveller vigilance.
Niger's child mortality rate nearly halves from 226 deaths per 1000 live births to 128 deaths per 1000 live births, with 60,000 children's lives saved in 2009. Low-cost interventions such as insecticide-treated bed nets and vitamin A supplementation contribute to the country's success.
New UNICEF studies emphasize the need to prioritize health services for the poorest populations, showing that focusing on equity can improve health outcomes without sacrificing efficiency. The research reveals significant declines in under-five mortality rates worldwide since 1990, yet challenges remain.
Countries prioritizing poorest groups show fastest progress in increasing maternal and child health coverage. Lead author highlights importance of equity in assessing overall coverage progress.
A new study by the Countdown to 2015 group found that official development aid for maternal, newborn, and child health activities decreased by 0.5% in 2010, despite an increase in the number of donors. This decrease is concerning as it may impact countries' ability to meet international targets for reducing maternal and child mortality.
A phase 3 trial confirms abiraterone acetate's efficacy in extending average survival time to 15.8 months for castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. The treatment, which blocks testosterone production, also has a good safety profile.
A UK study published in The Lancet found that people who self-harm are more than three times as likely to die prematurely from natural causes, with deaths due to diseases of the digestive and circulatory systems being a major contributor. The risk is higher for individuals living in socially deprived areas.
A large European-wide study has confirmed that work stress is associated with a small but consistent increase in the risk of experiencing a first coronary heart disease event. The study found that individuals with highly demanding jobs and little freedom to make decisions are 23% more likely to experience a heart attack.