Eight low-cost interventions can prevent an estimated 566,000 stillbirths and 5.2 million babies born preterm or small for gestational age each year. Implementing these interventions in 81 low- and middle-income countries could save the lives of millions of babies and improve long-term health outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.
A study examining the link between hearing aid use and dementia found that those using hearing aids had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-users. The study was retracted due to an error in data processing, which rendered the findings inaccurate.
Researchers identified a technique to detect abnormal protein deposits linked to Parkinson's disease, confirming its accuracy for early detection and characterisation. The α-synuclein seed amplification assay (αSyn-SAA) can identify people with Parkinson's disease and at-risk individuals prior to diagnosis.
A phase 3 randomised controlled trial found monthly injections of fitusiran effective in reducing bleeds in patients with severe haemophilia A or B. The study included 56 male patients with inhibitors, who experienced no bleeds after nine months on prophylactic treatment.
A comprehensive US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals wide variations in health, education, and economic performance across the country. States with higher poverty, lower educational attainment, and lower healthcare access experienced disproportionately higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 deaths.
A new series in The Lancet calls for governments to legislate higher standards for marketing harmful products and businesses to commit to ending lobbying against pro-health policies. The authors also congratulate commercial actors adopting alternative financing models that create social value and promote positive health outcomes.
A Swedish study suggests that elite male footballers are 1.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, compared to population controls. Football players had a higher risk of dementia due to head trauma exposure, with goalkeepers showing no significant increase in risk.
A new study published in The Lancet found that contracting a respiratory infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before the age of two were 93% more likely to die prematurely from respiratory disease, account...
A comprehensive review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet suggests that natural immunity from COVID-19 infection provides significant protection against hospitalization, symptomatic disease, and severe illness for at least 10 months. However, this protection declines over time, with an estimated 85% protection rate at one month ...
An analysis of cases in Beijing found that two existing Omicron sub-variants, BA.5.2 and BF.7, accounted for more than 90% of local infections between November 14 and December 20, 2022. The study suggests these variants are chiefly responsible for the current surge in Beijing, likely China as a whole.
The Lancet experts urge an international treaty to curb irresponsible formula milk marketing, exploiting parents' worries about infant health. The series highlights how profits benefit high-income countries while causing social, economic, and environmental harms in low- and middle-income nations.
A modelling study suggests that increasing urban tree cover to 30% could decrease deaths from higher summer temperatures by a third. The study found that tree cover reduced urban temperatures by an average of 0.4 degrees during the summer, resulting in 6,700 premature deaths attributable to hotter urban temperatures.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health suggests that implementing net zero policies will have significant health benefits, particularly from retrofitting homes with insulation. This could add up to 836,000 life-years gained by 2050, driving the largest benefit to health.
A new Lancet Series argues that a 'One Health' approach is needed to prevent, monitor, and respond to public health emergencies globally. The series calls for greater investment in preventive and preparedness interventions, as well as greater representation of environmental organisations.
A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal suggests that newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) can lead to better movement ability and independence in affected children. At two years post diagnosis, 11/14 children diagnosed by NBS were walking independently or with assistance.
A randomised controlled trial found that molnupiravir treatment did not decrease hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults with higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection. However, patients treated at home with molnupiravir recovered faster compared to the control group.
Despite decreases in some high-income countries, the global cervical cancer burden remains high due to inadequate screening and vaccination programs in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for scaling up HPV vaccination and screening efforts globally to achieve the WHO's 2030 elimination target.
A new Lancet Series reveals racism, xenophobia, and discrimination as fundamental drivers of health inequities worldwide. These social and political factors have profound effects on the health of disadvantaged populations, including higher mortality rates, poorer health outcomes, and limited access to healthcare.
A new study found that a single dose of acoziborole is as effective as current treatments for sleeping sickness, with a cure rate of 95% for late-stage patients and 100% for early/intermediate-stage patients. The treatment could revolutionize treatment for the disease by eliminating barriers such as hospitalization and travel distances.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that hospitalised young people with a gender dysphoria diagnosis were four to five times more likely to experience self-harm or suicide attempts compared to those without the condition. This highlights the need for improved support and care for this vulnerable group.
A new report by the European Groundshot Commission highlights current and future challenges in cancer research across Europe. The authors estimate that approximately one million cancer diagnoses were missed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine poses a significant threat to clinical trials and workforce gaps.
The Lancet Countdown report highlights the compounding effects of fossil fuel dependence on climate change, leading to severe health impacts worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for immediate action to shift to clean energy and energy efficiency to mitigate these harms.
A study of over 700 adolescents who underwent puberty suppression and then started gender-affirming hormone treatment found that 98% continued use. The findings contradict recent concerns about regret and support the long-term benefits of hormone therapy for young people with gender dysphoria.
Over 250 health journals globally publish an editorial urging wealthy nations to provide climate justice for Africa, citing severe flooding, increased infectious diseases, and economic devastation. The authors argue that achieving the $100bn climate finance target is now 'globally critical' to forestall systemic risks.
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that adults with a history of childhood trauma can experience symptom improvement after pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or combination treatment. Despite previous theories, these common treatments are effective for patients with childhood trauma.
A new study estimates that up to 17.5 million people worldwide will live with Type 1 Diabetes by 2040, with the highest burden in low- and middle-income countries. The modeling study predicts a significant increase in global deaths due to T1D, highlighting the need for improved surveillance, diagnosis, and care.
The Lancet Commission report highlights widespread, global failures in the COVID-19 response, resulting in millions of preventable deaths and reversed progress towards UN SDGs. The report calls for strengthened multilateral cooperation, improved technology, and international health financing to address future health threats.
A large Canadian study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal suggests COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women who received the vaccine experienced lower rates of health events post-vaccination compared to non-pregnant vaccinated individuals.
A large Dutch study found that 12.7% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience long-term symptoms, including breathing problems and fatigue, three to five months after infection. The study suggests that these symptoms can be used to distinguish between post-COVID-19 condition and non-COVID-19-related symptoms.
A new study estimates that over 160 million women and adolescents worldwide need contraception but lack access to it, with significant disparities in use across regions and age groups. The study found that young women, particularly those aged 15-24, face the highest levels of unmet need, amounting to 43 million globally.
Young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption, while older adults without underlying conditions may benefit from small amounts. The study recommends age and region-based guidelines to minimize risks and maximize potential benefits.
A study of 54 patients with monkeypox in London's sexual health clinics found higher skin lesion prevalence and lower tiredness/fever rates compared to previous outbreaks. The authors suggest reviewing current case definitions due to differences in clinical features, including a possible link to sexually transmitted infections.
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduced severe disease cases across all BMI groups. Vaccine effectiveness was slightly lower in underweight individuals, but substantial reductions in risk were observed for those with healthy weights and higher BMIs.
A new study suggests that outsourcing NHS services to the private sector is associated with a decline in healthcare quality, leading to increased deaths from treatable causes. The analysis of over 12,700 files revealed a link between increased privatization and higher rates of treatable mortality.
A new Series published in The Lancet estimates that adopting proven road safety interventions targeting four key risk factors could prevent between 25% and 40% of all fatal road injuries worldwide every year. This could save up to half a million lives annually, with increased focus on low- and middle-income countries.
A mathematical modelling study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates that COVID-19 vaccines have prevented approximately 19.8 million deaths worldwide in the first year of the vaccination program, a reduction of 63%. This represents nearly 80% of potential deaths that would have occurred without vaccination.
The study found that children diagnosed with COVID-19 in all age groups were more likely to experience at least one symptom for two months or longer than the control group. Most common symptoms included mood swings, fatigue, and trouble remembering.
A study published in The Lancet Microbe reveals that typhoid-causing bacteria have developed resistance to critical antibiotics, spreading globally since 1990. This rise threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics for treating typhoid fever infections.
Life expectancy increased more for Black populations, but significant disparities remain between groups. API and Latino populations had the highest life expectancy, while AIAN populations faced alarming trends.
A comprehensive analysis of testosterone replacement therapy found no increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in the short-to-medium term. Testosterone treatment was also found to reduce serum cholesterol levels, but no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or glycaemic parameters.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
A new study estimates that RSV-attributable acute lower respiratory infection was responsible for over 100,000 deaths worldwide in children under five in 2019. The study found that infants under six months old are particularly vulnerable to RSV and account for one in five of the total global cases.
The Lancet report states that air pollution, water pollution, and chemical pollution are responsible for nine million deaths globally. Despite declining mortality from traditional pollution, industrial pollution has increased over the past two decades, offsetting these gains.
A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.
Cancer incidence is projected to double in SSA by 2040, with 1.4 million cases per year expected without rapid interventions. Women are more affected by cancer than men in the region, with breast and cervical cancers among the most common types.
Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.
New research suggests that stricter pandemic policy measures are associated with poorer mental health outcomes and lower life evaluations. Eliminator countries experienced fewer deaths and better mental health trends compared to mitigator countries.
Meningitis vaccines may offer significant protection against gonorrhoea, reducing cases of the infection considerably. Studies suggest a two-dose course of 4CMenB provides 40% protection against gonorrhoea in young adults and adolescents.
A new international study confirms the low risk of myopericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, with a rate of 18 cases per million doses. The study found no statistically significant difference between the incidence of myopericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination and other vaccinations.