A large randomized trial found that preventive antibiotic use significantly reduces the risk of infection with highly resistant microorganisms in intensive care patients. Patients treated with selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) were 59% less likely to develop bacteraemia and 38% less likely to colonize respiratory tracts.
Increasing rates of drug-resistant TB pose a significant threat to global progress in controlling the disease. The growing burden of TB is also linked to other risk factors like smoking and diabetes, which increase the risk of contracting the disease by two- and three-fold, respectively.
A study found that injection of a bulking agent into the anal canal improved symptoms of faecal incontinence more than sham treatment. The treatment was shown to be safe with minimal adverse events.
A double-blind gene therapy trial has demonstrated safety and significant improvement in motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that injecting the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene directly into the brain improved motor scores by 23.1% compared to a placebo group.
A new study predicts nearly 800,000 cases and 11,100 deaths in Haiti due to cholera, significantly underestimating official projections. Combining available disease control strategies such as clean water access, oral vaccination, and expanded antibiotic use could prevent thousands of deaths.
A new analysis of 69 studies involving 143,000 healthy children has identified new reference ranges for heart rate and respiratory rate that differ significantly from existing guidelines. The study found a decline in respiratory rate from birth to early adolescence, with infants under 2 years showing the steepest fall.
The Lancet is publishing online abstracts from a global health conference that explores various topics, including non-communicable diseases, malaria, and health inequalities. The conference aims to advance the field of health metrics and evaluation by sharing knowledge and expertise among professionals.
A randomized trial suggests that preoperative colonic stenting offers no clear benefit over emergency surgery for patients with colorectal cancer and acute malignant left-sided colonic obstruction. The study found a high rate of tumor perforations, which may worsen clinical outcomes.
An international study of 220,000 people found that obese individuals with central obesity have a similar risk of heart attacks and strokes as those with general obesity, challenging earlier research. The study highlights the importance of measuring blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels in primary prevention.
A new ultra-long-acting form of insulin, degludec, has shown improved glucose control when administered just three times a week, compared to daily injections. This reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia and improves patient adherence.
A pioneering study shows tissue-engineered urethras, made with the boys' own cells, are functional and viable within 3 months. The grafts have lasted at least six years and maintained adequate outflow, offering a new alternative for reconstruction.
The phase 3 trial shows that zalutumumab treatment is associated with a long-term benefit in progression-free survival, with a 20% PFS rate at 6 months compared to 7.3% in the best supportive care group. However, overall survival was not significantly increased.
A new clinical prediction rule has been developed to predict a patient's chances of walking independently after a spinal cord injury, with accuracy exceeding 95%. The model uses a combination of age and four neurological test results, providing a simple yet effective tool for physicians to counsel patients and their families.
A study published in The Lancet found that eribulin monotherapy extends the lives of breast cancer patients with extensive treatment by a median 2.5 months compared to physician's choice treatment. The drug targets microtubules, leading to cell death and improved survival rates.
Breast cancer is a significant global health issue, with most deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. A Personal View published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that population-based mammography screening is not practical or cost-effective in these countries.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases article explores possible explanations for NDM-1 cases in Balkan countries. Authors suggest two hypotheses: independent emergence or import from the Indian subcontinent via medical tourism.
A recent study found that approximately 50% of men in the general population are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus known for causing cervical cancer in women. The study also revealed high incidence and transmission rates, particularly among men with multiple partners.
A group of public health experts suggest an alternative way forward for reforming public health in England, proposing the creation of an independent authority within the NHS. This would allow for more control over budgets and a unified workforce, reducing political interference and promoting staff unity and morale.
A recent study found that transmitted drug-resistant (TDR) HIV significantly increases the likelihood of treatment failure, with patients more than three times as likely to experience virological failure. However, pre-treatment genotypic testing and use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors can minimize this risk.
A phase 3 study shows that denosumab delays and prevents bone events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer, improving outcomes compared to zoledronic acid. Denosumab reduces the risk of bone fractures and other complications by inhibiting osteoclast activity.
A long-term study confirms trastuzumab's benefit for women with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, showing a significant reduction in disease-free survival and no increase in mortality risk. The treatment also improves outcomes in patients who cross over to trastuzumab therapy.
A study published in The Lancet found that air pollution increases the risk of triggering a heart attack by 5%, while cocaine use increases the risk by 23 times. Air pollution poses a significant public health risk, with substantial decreases needed to meet WHO standards.
A new quadruple therapy regimen with omeprazole and a three-in-one capsule has been shown to be more effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection than the standard 7-day treatment regimen. The study found that eradication rates were 80% for the quadruple therapy group versus 55% for the standard therapy group.
The UK's failure to address its alcohol problem could result in a significant increase in liver deaths, with the country facing a projected 77,000 excess deaths over 20 years if it doesn't adopt effective policies. The authors argue that increasing alcohol quality and limiting availability of cheap products can help reduce death rates.
A new trial confirms that CBT and GET are safe and moderately effective outpatient treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, improving symptoms more than adaptive pacing therapy or specialist medical care alone. Serious adverse reactions were rare across all treatment groups.
Patients with serious mental health conditions are at risk of poor physical health due to antipsychotic medication. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the need for integrated care and training in cardiometabolic disease management. Effective interventions like smoking cessation and weight loss can improve patients' physical health.
A new balloon kyphoplasty procedure provides rapid pain relief, increased mobility, and reduced need for painkillers compared to standard non-surgical care. Cancer patients with spinal fractures experience improved spinal function, quality of life, and pain during the study period.
A new cell-culture-derived flu vaccine has shown to be at least as immunogenic and efficacious as traditional egg-derived vaccines. The vaccine was well-tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events, and its production allows for more reliable and flexible supply.
Researchers found that rescue therapy was effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and treatment failures, with linear growth not affected. The study suggests using rescue inhaled corticosteroid as a step-down alternative for mild persistent asthma.
The SCAST study found that candesartan did not reduce the risk of vascular death, stroke, or heart attack in patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. In fact, it increased the risk of poor outcomes and low blood pressure-related symptoms.
Tests on children with developmental difficulties have led to discovery of genetic disorders, also revealing parentage information. In cases where a quarter or more of the genome is the same, the likely cause is almost certainly an incestuous relationship.
A new study found that patients with implanted wireless devices to monitor pulmonary artery pressure had a 39% reduction in heart-failure related hospitalisations compared to those receiving standard care. This innovative approach shows promise for reducing healthcare costs and improving patient management.
The tobacco industry is expanding its sales in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, with Imperial Tobacco and Phillip Morris reporting increases in cigarette sales. The Lancet Editorial criticizes the companies' 'selling, addicting, and killing' business model, describing it as 'morally repugnant'.
The prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled globally, with women more likely to be obese than men. Meanwhile, high-income countries have shown impressive reductions in mean blood pressure and cholesterol levels, with some countries performing better than others.
Researchers conclude that a special restricted diet should be included in the standard care for all children with ADHD. The diet, also known as the restricted elimination diet, was shown to significantly improve ADHD symptoms and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in children aged 4-8 years.
Researchers have developed a new assay test that can detect minute amounts of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-causing prions in human blood, making it possible to screen donated blood before acceptance. This could lead to improved and earlier diagnosis for patients and a better understanding of the prevalence of the disease.
Researchers have identified five additional genetic variations that contribute significantly to Parkinson's disease risk, with 20% of patients carrying high-risk variants being two-and-a-half times more likely to develop PD. The study highlights the importance of common genetic variation in the development of this debilitating condition.
A new study found that protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are equally effective as initial treatment for children with HIV, delaying switch to second-line drugs does not impact long-term outcomes. Regular monitoring of viral load is crucial to prevent resistance.
The Lancet Editorial warns that the UK government's Health and Social Care Bill will fundamentally change the National Health Service (NHS), shifting from a national to individualized care model. The proposed reforms have sparked fears about patient outcomes, access to healthcare, and the overall future of the NHS.
Researchers analyzed over 20,000 patients who took simvastatin and found that statins reduced major vascular events by the same amount regardless of CRP levels. The results suggest that baseline CRP concentration or inflammation status does not impact the benefits of statin therapy.
In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 32 million pregnant women are at risk of malaria every year. Despite national policies to reduce and control malaria during pregnancy, coverage rates of two key interventions, insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment, remain inadequate.
The Lancet series on health in Southeast Asia examines the region's diverse health systems, shifting disease burdens, and emerging infectious diseases. The series proposes increased regional cooperation for better maternal and child health outcomes.
A recent study found that adhering to current guidelines for treating intensive-care unit patients with multi-drug resistant pneumonia may result in higher mortality rates. The authors suggest re-assessing the guidelines due to a lack of evidence supporting triple antibiotic therapy.
A meta-analysis found depression affects approximately one-sixth of cancer patients, with about a third having more widely defined mood disorder. The study suggests that depression is not an inevitable consequence of cancer diagnosis.
A new CPR technique has been shown to increase long-term survival after cardiac arrest, with a 53% improvement in survival rates compared to standard CPR. The active compression-decompression cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) method provides nearly three times more blood flow to the heart and brain.
Key figures in global health argue that medical publishers must provide free access to all of their journals in low-income countries, including Bangladesh. The Lancet editorial supports this call and advocates for universal free access to critical knowledge in the 42 countries with low human development.
The TEAM study found that sequential treatment of tamoxifen followed by exemestane yields a comparable disease-free survival rate to exemestane alone, yet with distinct side effect profiles. This implies the need to tailor treatment regimens for specific patient groups.
A new study identifies genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. The researchers found that certain genetic profiles increase the risk of CAD and heart attacks in individuals with CAD, while blood group O offers protection against heart attacks.
In Pakistan, community health workers known as Lady Health Workers (LHWs) reduced stillbirths by 21% and newborn deaths by 15%, despite low coverage. The LHWs delivered a package of preventive and promotive maternal and newborn care interventions, including antenatal care promotion and clean delivery kits.
A randomized controlled trial found that a triple-drug regimen during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces HIV transmission to infants. The study's findings support the use of long-term treatment for women with low CD4 cell counts and ARV prophylaxis for all breastfeeding mothers.