A study published in The Lancet found that using Lady Health Workers to treat severe pneumonia in Pakistan significantly reduced treatment delays and failures compared to standard care. The intervention resulted in lower treatment failure rates by day 6, with only two deaths reported in the control clusters.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that electroencephalography (EEG) can detect awareness in people previously thought to be in a permanently vegetative state. Three out of 16 patients showed repetitive and reliable EEG responses to commands, indicating covert awareness despite being behaviorally unresponsive.
A bivalent HPV vaccine has been shown to offer excellent protection against the most serious immediate precursor to invasive cervical cancer. The vaccine also partially protects against four other cancer-causing HPV types, which together with HPV16/18 cause about 85% of cervical cancer worldwide.
Pridopidine, a novel dopidine, appears well-tolerated and warrants further investigation for patients with Huntington's disease. The drug improved voluntary motor function and reduced chorea symptoms in a phase 3 trial.
Patients with high EGFR expression have a survival advantage when treated with cetuximab plus chemotherapy, living up to 12 months on average. In contrast, those with low EGFR expression show no difference in overall survival.
Earthquakes result in massive death tolls due to trauma, crush injuries, and disruptions to medical services. Many victims succumb to complications, sepsis, or organ failure, while others experience mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Combining radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves overall survival for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The study, published in The Lancet, found that patients receiving both treatments had a higher 7-year survival rate compared to those receiving ADT alone.
A randomized controlled trial has shown that long-term use of aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer incidence by over 60% in patients at genetically increased risk. The study involved nearly 1,000 patients with Lynch Syndrome and found a significant reduction in cancer incidence after five years of aspirin treatment.
Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) poses a significant threat globally, with over half a million cases of multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) and 25,000 to 50,000 XDR-TB cases. Sanatoria were used to isolate patients, but their dismantling led to the current crisis. The Lancet calls for new-age sanatoria to provide state-of-...
A meta-analysis found that licensed influenza vaccines in the USA have critical gaps in evidence for effectiveness, especially in high-risk individuals and those over 65. The study suggests a need for more highly effective and cross-protective vaccines to combat seasonal influenza and potential pandemics.
New research reveals that rotavirus vaccination has limited impact on deaths in middle-income countries, with most fatalities occurring in low-income nations like India and Africa. Introducing effective vaccines in these countries could substantially reduce global deaths attributable to diarrheal disease.
A new trial suggests that a Foley catheter is as successful in inducing labor as the widely used hormone-like gel prostaglandin E2, but with lower rates of infection and complications. The study found similar vaginal delivery rates and reduced risks of caesarean section, operative deliveries for fetal distress, and neonatal admissions.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a 2cm excision margin for skin melanomas thicker than 2mm is safe and effective, with similar levels of recurrence and death compared to a larger 4cm margin. This finding challenges current recommendations and may lead to changes in treatment guidelines.
A phase 2 trial shows that combining standard chemotherapy with a new cancer vaccine enhances treatment effect and slows disease progression in NSCLC patients. The vaccine stimulates an immune response against the MUC1 protein, which is overexpressed in 60% of NSCLCs.
The BIG 1-98 study found that letrozole monotherapy reduced the risk of relapse and death by at least a fifth compared to tamoxifen treatment alone. Long-term follow-up showed significant survival benefits, with women given letrozole having a 20% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Researchers have made significant progress in xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs, showing promising results in pig islet and neuronal cell transplants. Clinical trials are underway or planned for these techniques, which could expand to include other organs such as the liver and heart.
A large study of over 10,000 breast cancer patients found that radiotherapy significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. The study found that radiotherapy almost halves the 10-year-risk of recurrence and reduces the 15-year-risk of mortality by a sixth
The UK and Norway are among European countries taking a leading role in improving social determinants of health. The WHO European Region has set up a review to address the growing health divide, which shows vast differences in life expectancy within and between countries.
A review of 160 reports found that common mental health interventions, such as counselling and child-friendly spaces, often lack rigorous scrutiny. The authors call for increased research into these interventions to improve their effectiveness and sustainability in humanitarian settings.
A review of studies published in The Lancet reveals that investing in mental health interventions can improve economic status. The research highlights the need for integrated mental health services as a key strategy for addressing poverty and promoting human development.
Human rights violations against people with mental and psychosocial disabilities are pervasive in low-income and middle-income countries due to stigma and discrimination. The authors advocate adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework and implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent these viola...
A critical shortage of 1.18 million mental health workers threatens global mental health, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt. Community-based programs and task-shifting approaches are proposed as cost-effective solutions to fill this gap.
A survey of 87 mostly developing countries shows improvement in awareness of mental health issues among leaders, but poor political will and limited resources remain major barriers. Successful examples include mental health campaigns in Nigeria and Uganda's integration of services into primary care.
The Lancet Series on Global Mental Health highlights the need for improved child and adolescent mental health services in low-income and middle-income countries. The authors call for early interventions to prevent long-term health and socioeconomic burdens.
Around half of adults undergoing surgery for epilepsy are seizure-free after 10 years, with improved outcomes seen for those with anterior temporal resections. The study highlights the need for further improvements in presurgical assessment and surgical treatment to increase success rates.
A UK study reveals that a general practice domestic violence training program greatly increases referral of women to domestic violence advocacy organizations. The intervention programme included specialist training, a prompt within the medical record, and a named advocate. This improvement is attributed to the substantial difference in...
A multidisciplinary intervention targeting fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing management in acute stroke units improves 90-day survival rates and physical functioning. The study found that implementing this strategy can significantly better post-discharge outcomes for stroke patients.
A new drug combination of fludarabine and alemtuzumab significantly increases progression-free survival and prolongs the lives of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The treatment spares patients from toxicities and offers a more convenient dosing schedule.
A five-year HIV prevention initiative in India, Avahan, has successfully averted an estimated 100,000 infections. The program's effectiveness varied across states, with southern regions showing more significant reductions in HIV prevalence.
Healthcare access in Greece declined during the financial crisis, with long waiting times and supply-side problems contributing to reduced doctor consultations. This led to increased hospital admissions, suicides, and other alarming indicators such as rising HIV infections and heroin use.
Over the past decade, antiretroviral therapy has effectively managed HIV in adults with virological failure to all three original drug classes. Since 2000, nearly one in five patients achieved undetectable viral loads after treatment failure, increasing to nearly three in five by 2009.
Researchers found that additional matching for HLA-C significantly lowered transplant-related deaths after umbilical cord blood transplants. The study suggests that altering present selection strategies for cord-blood units might ameliorate excess transplant-related mortality.
Patients with anaemia undergoing non-cardiac surgery face a 42% increased risk of death and 35% higher risk of serious comorbidities compared to those without anaemia. Mild to severe anaemia also increases postoperative morbidity risks. Preoperative treatment of anaemia is recommended.
The study found that nearly one in five patients underwent a surgical procedure in the last month of life, and nearly 1 in 10 had a procedure in their last week. The likelihood of surgery varied by age, location, and hospital bed availability, suggesting that some operations may be discretionary or avoidable.
A study using MRI techniques has identified patients with recent strokes who can benefit from timely thrombosis treatment. The technique, combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), enables the pinpointing of the stroke's onset time, which is crucial for determining treatment efficacy.
A study of nearly 3800 couples found that hormonal contraception increases a woman's chances of becoming infected with HIV-1. Women using injectable methods were twice as likely to transmit the virus to their male partner, emphasizing the need for alternative methods.
A DNA vaccine regimen primed with H5N1 influenza followed by a booster dose of traditional influenza vaccine showed improved immune response and protected levels of antibodies, targeting the virus's stem region. This strategy could help prepare for future pandemics by reducing traditional vaccine manufacturing capacity.
A new method of surfactant delivery without intubation has been shown to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and improve lung function in premature babies. The study found that infants treated with this method spent less time on mechanical ventilation and had a lower need for oxygen.
The Lancet study finds that tobacco control measures immediately benefit health and reduce healthcare costs. The economic benefits of tobacco revenue are greatly offset by the savings from reduced smoking-related illnesses.
A new stratified approach to managing back pain in primary care has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The trial found that this tailored approach can significantly reduce disability scores, fear, depression, and improved general health compared to conventional care.
The ACCORD MIND study found that intensive glucose-lowering strategies offer no additional benefit in preventing cognitive decline in people with type 2 diabetes. Despite lower brain volumes, the increased risk of dying and other complications outweighed any potential benefits.
The Lancet Oncology Commission emphasizes the need for affordable cancer care in high-income countries by addressing issues like overuse, rapid expansion of demand, and shortening life cycles of medical technologies. The commission suggests value-based pricing, personalized medicine, and education to tackle these challenges.
Rapid point-of-care CD4 testing has been shown to nearly double the number of patients starting HIV treatment, while reducing dropout rates by half. This improvement is attributed to faster patient staging on-site, allowing for earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Increasing investment in early childhood development programmes can generate substantial returns, with potential benefits including long-term growth and reduced inequalities. Effective interventions include home-based and community-based parenting and family support, as well as high-quality preschool education.
The UN summit declaration on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is deemed underwhelming due to its lack of tangible targets and voluntary approach, reflecting national and industry interests. The Editorial calls for bold action from individual countries to tackle the biggest health challenge facing future generations.
Based on current trends, only 31 developing countries are expected to achieve the under-5 mortality rate reduction goal by 2015, while 13 will reach the maternal mortality ratio goal. The study used crucial data sources not included in previous analyses.
A new study found that epilepsy patients who receive additional treatment with antiepileptic drugs have a seven times lower risk of dying from a sudden unexpected death. The study suggests that the reduction in seizure frequency is the most likely explanation for this finding.
A recent analysis of over 1.5 million births found that hospital delivery significantly reduces neonatal mortality, with babies born in hospitals two to three times less likely to die than those born at home. However, improvements are needed in rural areas where high-quality care is often lacking.
NGOs call on UN to address conflicts between public health interests and corporate profits from unhealthy products, contributing to 60% of all NCD deaths. The Conflict of Interest Declaration demands a code of conduct for interacting with the food and beverage industry.
The study estimates 1.6 million new breast cancer cases and 425,000 new cervical cancer cases worldwide in 2010. Most cases occurred in developing countries, with a significant increase in women of reproductive age diagnosed with the diseases.