A new scale of drug harm assesses both individual and social harms, ranking alcohol as the most harmful, with heroin and crack in second and third place. The analysis suggests that a classification system based on overall harm scores could be more effective than current systems.
Eliminating malaria will cost more than controlling the disease, with only moderate cost savings expected in one country. The authors suggest a paradigm shift in international funding is needed to support elimination efforts.
Countries seeking to eliminate malaria must adopt a new approach, prioritizing proactive case detection, treatment with effective drugs like primaquine, and preventive measures. Effective elimination strategies are needed despite operational challenges and high costs.
The Lancet Series on Malaria Elimination concludes that a vaccine is crucial for successful elimination, but current efforts are hindered by high transmission rates, poor health systems, and lack of leadership. The series highlights the need for balance, humility, and rigorous analysis to pursue malaria elimination.
Countries with low risk and stable health systems have higher feasibility for malaria elimination. Latin America is in the best position to achieve this, while sub-Saharan African countries face substantial difficulties due to political instability, weak health systems, and high transmission rates.
The 'malaria map' has shrunk by over 150 years, with 32 countries nearing elimination and many more in controlled low-endemic states. The fight against malaria involves two main parasite species, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> and <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tests and radical treatment options.
The Lancet authors emphasize the need for a three-part strategy to achieve malaria eradication, including aggressive control in high-risk areas, elimination from the margins inward, and research and development. They also highlight the importance of strengthening guidance and support for countries aiming to eliminate malaria.
A study found 70 pediatric deaths related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 in England over a 9-month period. Children from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities had significantly higher mortality rates compared to white British children.
A new bivalent oral vaccine against poliovirus types 1 and 3 has been found to be more immunogenic than current vaccines, inducing a stronger immune response in newborn babies. The vaccine's effectiveness is comparable to that of the existing monovalent and trivalent vaccines, offering enhanced immunity for both virus types.
Women who inherit BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations from their father are at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, yet this risk is often overlooked. A study found that patients with a paternal family history of cancer were 5 times more likely to be referred for genetic testing than those with a maternal family history.
A new study reveals that malaria deaths in India are 13 times higher than currently estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research suggests that approximately 205,000 malaria deaths occur annually in India before age 70, with a cumulative probability of death from malaria at 1.8% for individuals under 70 years old.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that some CML patients can survive up to 2 years without relapse after stopping imatinib treatment, suggesting a potential cure with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. The study suggests that indefinite treatment may not be necessary and that imatinib can be safely discontinued in some cases.
A study confirms that eight human papillomavirus (HPV) types, including HPV 16, 18, and 45, are responsible for over 90% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. Current vaccines prevent infection by these high-risk HPV genotypes, but future type-specific screening is recommended to target the most common types.
A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identified herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus as the most common causes of encephalitis in the UK. However, up to 85% of patients worldwide have an unknown cause, emphasizing the need for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet found that dispatcher-assisted CPR producing chest compression only results in improved survival rates compared to standard CPR. Continuous uninterrupted chest compressions are vital for successful CPR, and avoiding mouth-to-mouth ventilation increases the probability of a successful outcome.
A new oral direct-acting antiviral drug combination has shown promising antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The treatment, which combines RG7128 and danoprevir, was well-tolerated and resulted in a significant reduction in viral load in some patients.
A new definition of Alzheimer's disease has been proposed to diagnose the condition earlier and select patients for trials of disease-modifying treatments. The revised definition includes biomarkers as a key diagnostic feature, enabling diagnosis at an earlier stage, and allows for more precise selection of patients for clinical trials.
The Lancet Series on Critical Care assesses the future of intensive care services amid increasing demand. Authors highlight the need for improved productivity, prevention efforts, and better-designed studies to address challenges in rationing care.
The European Board of Intensive Care Medicine aims to increase recognition of intensive care medicine within European legislation. The ESICM launches the 'Linking Intensive Care to Family Experience' (LIFE) campaign to improve quality by including patient and family views.
The article discusses the variations in end-of-life care in intensive care units (ICUs) and the need for clinicians to be aware of subtle institutional pressures and adapt their approach to individual patients. Key findings include differences in family involvement, communication styles, and attitudes toward withdrawing life support ac...
The conference focuses on managing global health security during mass gatherings, such as the Hajj pilgrimage. It covers various areas including communicable disease alert and response systems, water and sanitation management, and bioterrorism management.
The UK faces a critical care crisis with one of the lowest numbers of intensive care unit beds, leading to concerns about its ability to cope with large-scale disasters. Increasing demand driven by ageing populations and lack of effective interventions will require huge investments for high-income and poor countries.
The Lancet Review emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in HIV/AIDS financing, as countries face diverging challenges. High-burden low-income (HBLI) countries will likely require extended international support, while middle-income nations with lower burdens can sustain funding using domestic resources.
Germany has made significant progress in bridging the gap between East and West in social determinants of health, with women enjoying the same life expectancy. The Charité and Humboldt University are being celebrated for their contributions to Germany's golden age of scientific discovery and medical leadership.
The Lancet Review found mass media campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking prevalence and increasing seat-belt use. Campaigns also improved healthy food selection, boosted low-fat milk consumption, and increased physical activity. However, some campaigns backfired, such as those targeting alcohol and illicit drugs.
A mobile van approach to hunt down active cases of tuberculosis significantly outperformed door-to-door visits, detecting 255 smear-positive patients vs. 137 through door-to-door visits. This intervention led to a 43% decline in undiagnosed culture-positive TB in the community.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology finds that an immunosuppressive regimen can improve long-term neurological outcomes in children with small vessel childhood primary angiitis of the CNS. The treatment protocol was effective in controlling severe neurological manifestations and reversing deficits in most patients.
Global malaria funding has increased by 166% since 2007 but falls 60% short of the required $4.9 billion for comprehensive control in 2010. Meanwhile, 21 countries, including 12 in Africa, have received adequate or near-adequate funds to implement effective malaria interventions.
A new randomised trial shows that starting chemotherapy earlier does not improve survival or quality of life for women with relapsed ovarian cancer. The study found that patients who received early treatment experienced a faster deterioration in quality of life, including role, emotional, social, and fatigue symptoms.
A phase 3 trial shows cabazitaxel improves overall and progression-free survival in men with advanced multi-drug resistant prostate cancer. The medication was found to be effective in patients whose disease progressed after standard chemotherapy with docetaxel.
Researchers found that adding rituximab to chemotherapy significantly prolongs lives of CLL patients. Chemoimmunotherapy showed improved response rates and disease progression rates compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
Researchers identified duplicated or missing DNA segments in children with ADHD, suggesting a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study also found overlap between ADHD and autism, suggesting a shared biological basis.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that infant immunity to hepatitis B lasts for at least 5 years after primary vaccination, making booster shots unnecessary. The research, led by Alessandro Zanetti, found that children vaccinated with hexavac maintained protective antibody levels for over 5 years.
A recent Editorial in The Lancet highlights the need for strong leadership and education to redefine surgery's role and extend its benefits to wider populations. Key findings include inadequate operating theatres, anaesthetic cover, and emergency care provision, as well as surgeons' absence from healthcare debates and positions of power.
Successful carotid artery surgery halves the risk of stroke over the next 5 years and provides long-term benefit for up to 10 years. The procedure is recommended for asymptomatic patients under 75 years old who have narrowed neck arteries, as it significantly reduces the risk of disabling or fatal strokes.
Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advocates for 'country ownership' to maximize development aid impact. Countries must have clear vision and control over resources, allowing them to tailor proven practices to their specific circumstances.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that imatinib treatment interruption after 3 years results in rapid relapse and low progression-free survival. Patients who stopped treatment experienced significant tumour growth and poor overall survival, highlighting the need for continuous treatment to maintain cancer control.
Global cancer leaders call for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to be included in the Millennium Development Goals to address the growing health issue. NCDs, responsible for 35 million deaths worldwide, face a lack of indicators and inadequate funding, with less than 2% of overseas development aid allocated to these diseases.
A phase 2 trial found that pazopanib, an antiangiogenetic drug, significantly improved outcomes for patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancers. Approximately 49% of patients experienced a partial response, with two-thirds likely to have a lasting response over 1 year.
The amount of development aid to maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) doubled between 2003 and 2008, but its proportion relative to overall aid remained unchanged. The largest increases were made by the US, UK, EU, GAVI, and Global Fund, while others saw stagnation or fluctuations.
The latest global under-5 mortality rates show significant declines in many regions, with reductions of at least 50% in most areas except sub-Saharan Africa, southern Asia, and Oceania. However, the planet is not on track to meet MDG4's goal of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015.
The study found that between 1970 and 2009, the average woman aged 25 and over saw a doubling of her years in education. This increase in education is estimated to have prevented 4.2 million children's deaths globally in 2009.
The UK Ministry of Defence has moved its inpatient mental health contract to the NHS, improving care for both military personnel and other patients. This shift reduces stigma associated with public-sector mental health services.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder that predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found decreased striatal dopamine transporters uptake and midbrain hyperechogenicity to be risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia wi...
The Lancet-London International Development Centre Commission recommends five principles for goal development: holism, equity, sustainability, ownership, and global obligation. These principles aim to create synergies between sectors and promote sustainable and equitable access to improved wellbeing.
The MDGs have shown mixed results: poverty reduction has improved, but MDG1's lack of indicators for policy interventions has hindered progress. Meanwhile, primary education has increased globally, but unequal access remains a challenge. Gender equality and women's empowerment face significant obstacles, while child survival rates show...
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology suggests that cilostazol is at least as effective as aspirin in preventing secondary strokes, but with significantly less major bleeding. The trial involved 2757 patients and found a 26% reduced risk of stroke compared to aspirin.
A recent EFSA report reveals no known safe level of lead exposure, necessitating revised EU regulations. Lead contamination has been linked to cognitive impairment, ADHD, and increased risk of hypertension and neurocognitive decline.
A meta-analysis of three trials found that stenting is associated with a higher risk of stroke than surgical endarterectomy, particularly in patients over 70. However, younger patients (under 70) can tolerate both treatments equally well.
Uruguay's move to increase tobacco pack health warnings and plain packaging sparks a legal battle with Philip Morris, highlighting the clash between national health control and trade agreements. The case has significant implications for global health governance, international law, and the regulation of tobacco packaging.