Intracerebral hemorrhage (IH) is a major public health problem accounting for 2 million strokes worldwide each year. Hospital admissions for IH have increased by 18% in the past 10 years, primarily due to increases in elderly patients with inadequate blood pressure control and anticoagulant use.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the lack of evidence for some swine flu interventions, including culling pigs, restricting pork trade, and distributing facemasks. Experts emphasize the need for timely and accurate information dissemination to healthcare professionals, particularly in pandemic preparedness.
A phase III study found that oral rivaroxaban is more effective than subcutaneous enoxaparin in preventing blood clots (venous thromboembolism/VTE) after knee replacement surgery. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 31% reduction in relative risk for patients given oral rivaroxaban.
Research highlights the importance of fathers' mental health on child development, citing increased risks for behavioral and emotional problems, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. The study also notes the potential for 'child-to-parent effects' and emphasizes the need for further international research.
A phase III study found that adding cetuximab to standard chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) extends survival by almost one month compared to chemotherapy alone. The treatment has been shown to target epidermal growth factor receptor, which plays a key role in tumour growth.
A recent report by the Royal College of Physicians found that up to a quarter of stroke patients do not receive optimal treatment in specialist units. The editorial advocates for increased public awareness and priority for stroke care, citing the importance of rapid recognition and admission to acute units.
A new study found that adding oral methylprednisolone to interferon beta-1a therapy significantly reduces the relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment was associated with a threefold lower relapse rate compared to placebo.
A meta-analysis of 53 cancer trials found that erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increased mortality in all patients with cancer by 17%. The treatment's benefits must be weighed against the increased risks of death and thromboembolic events.
The new NHS Evidence service provides a fast and efficient web-based search facility to access a wide range of information on various topics. It also has a commissioning function to ensure knowledge gaps are filled and to provide central purchasing of online journals for staff in the National Health Service (NHS) in England.
A study of breast cancer risk factors in young women suggests that risk assessment and prevention should start much earlier in life. The study found a link between breast tissue composition in young women and the risk of breast cancer in middle age and older.
A novel H1N1 swine influenza A virus has spread rapidly around the world, infecting over 60 people and causing seven deaths. The WHO has activated its emergency response room to coordinate global efforts to contain the outbreak.
Current treatments for cystic fibrosis, including hypertonic saline, macrolide antibiotics, and ibuprofen, are crucial for improving life expectancy. Patients with CF can benefit from airway clearance techniques, nutrition supplements, and medications to prevent bacterial infections.
In a phase II study, lapatinib demonstrated efficacy in treating patients with inflammatory breast cancer, with 49% experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The median overall survival for responding patients was 18.4 months, significantly longer than non-responders.
A pioneering study has successfully implanted autologous tissue-engineered vascular grafts in dialysis patients, with a majority of the grafts functioning for six to 20 months after implantation. The novel approach uses cells harvested from the patient's own skin to create the grafts without synthetic scaffolds or biomaterials.
In the past two years, significant strides have been made in malaria control and elimination, with many countries setting ambitious strategies to achieve low transmission and mortality rates. Research into vaccines, drugs, and other interventions continues to flourish, offering hope for a future malaria-free world.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, citing higher maternal and infant mortality rates in the Tamil-dominated northeast. The report attributes these inequalities to violence, economic embargo, and discrimination against Tamils.
NICE is expanding its programs and taking on new initiatives due to the Next Stage Review of the NHS. The institute will build a web-based portal called NHS Evidence, providing validated information for clinicians and managers.
In a randomized trial, voglibose significantly improved glucose tolerance and delayed disease progression in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. Patients treated with voglibose had a 40% lower risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes than those receiving placebo.
Children resuscitated at birth show increased risk of low IQ at age 8, even in absence of encephalopathy. The study found a 65% increased risk in asymptomatic infants and a six-fold increased risk in those with symptoms.
The article discusses various risk factors that contribute to suicide, including male sex, psychiatric disorders, unemployment, and easy access to means. Mental health problems, such as depression and bipolar disorder, significantly increase the risk of suicide.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that calcium dobesilate did not prevent the development of clinically significant macular oedema (CSME) in patients with mild-to-moderate diabetic retinopathy. In fact, patients who received calcium dobesilate were more likely to develop CSME than those given a placebo.
The fourth round of data from the Global Project on Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance shows a significant regional variation in drug-resistant TB prevalence. The majority of MDR-TB burden falls in China and former Soviet states, with the highest prevalence reported in these regions.
A multicentre trial found that paracetamol improved functional outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke and baseline body temperature of 37°C. The study suggests a potential benefit of paracetamol in reducing body temperature and improving outcome for patients with acute stroke in this specific temperature range.
The study found that statin use is associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk, with each 1 mmol/L decrease in LDL cholesterol resulting in a relative risk reduction of 21%. Statins also have additional benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation.
A randomized controlled trial in Kampala showed that home delivery of prepackaged artemether-lumefantrine had little effect on clinical outcomes and led to overuse of the drug. The study suggests that standard care in health facilities is a more effective approach, especially in urban areas with low malaria transmission.
Researchers found that avotermin improved scar appearance by an average of five points at six months and eight points by month 12 in two studies. The treatment also showed a significant improvement in the structure of healed skin, with 60% of scars demonstrating less abnormal collagen fibre orientation.
A randomised controlled trial found that a single annual infusion of zoledronic acid improved bone mineral density by 4.1% compared to daily risedronate's 2.7%. This increase in BMD is associated with reduced fracture risk and acceptable safety and tolerability profiles.
A recent editorial in The Lancet critiques Coca-Cola's marketing tactics, drawing parallels with the tobacco industry. The company is accused of using celebrity endorsements and blaming shifting to avoid responsibility for its products' impact on health.
A new study analyzing over 45,000 people with HIV in Europe and North America found that starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at a minimum CD4-cell count of 350 cells per µL reduces AIDS-related events and death rates. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending cART initiation at a lower threshold.
A randomized assessment of Mexico's Seguro Popular program reveals a significant reduction in household-crippling expenditure, with poorest individuals benefiting most. The study also introduces innovative approaches to evaluate public policies and provides a validated architecture for delivering health services to the poor.
A woman developed a large blood clot in her left leg after eating grapefruit for breakfast every morning on an aggressive weight-loss diet. Treatment with clot-busting medication and a stent resolved the issue, but underlying factors included oral contraceptive use and an inherited mutation.
A phase II study found that moxifloxacin, in combination with other drugs, significantly improved sputum culture conversion rates, potentially shortening tuberculosis treatment time. The results demonstrate moxifloxacin's antimycobacterial activity and suggest a new regimen could cure drug-resistant TB strains.
The UK Biobank project, which enlists 500,000 people to study disease development, faces criticism for its methodological flaws and lack of respect for participants' rights. The Editorial highlights issues with the consent process, including a lack of privacy and incomplete information disclosure.
Research shows that surgeons operating on prostate cancer patients face a steep learning curve when switching to laparoscopic surgery. Patients may be at increased risk of cancer recurrence if treated by inexperienced surgeons. To minimize this risk, specialist cancer centers with experienced surgeons are recommended.
A polypill containing a statin, aspirin, and three blood pressure-lowering drugs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals. The formulation also lowered LDL cholesterol, heart rate, and urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, but to a lesser extent than with individual components alone.
A catheter-based technique deactivates nerves in the kidneys, reducing blood pressure and offering a new treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension. The study found significant blood-pressure reduction in treated patients, while non-treated patients experienced an increase in blood pressure.
A phase II study showed relaxin reduces cardiovascular mortality and shortness of breath in heart failure patients with high blood pressure. The drug also improves other clinical endpoints, including hospital stay and days alive out of hospital.
Researchers found that reducing high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and LDL cholesterol significantly reduces vascular events. Achieving both targets resulted in the largest reduction in cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of addressing inflammation in statin therapy.
Long-term follow-up of patients with coiled and clipped aneurysms reveals improved survival rates for coiled aneurysms at five years. However, the risk of rebleeding is slightly higher for coiled aneurysms in the first five years.
A randomized trial found that frequent treatment of children under 10 years old with azithromycin can decrease infection prevalence in older individuals and adults, demonstrating herd protection. Treatment frequency four times a year is comparable to treating the entire population once a year.
Research suggests that aspirin can reduce the risk of polyps forming in the colon or rectum, a precursor to colorectal cancer. Studies have shown mixed results regarding the optimal dose and duration of use, but experts call for more evidence on the effects of aspirin on cancer.
Three Editorials in The Lancet focus on inadequate conditions for US migrant detainees, the need for tailored disease-prevention programs, and the recent Danish decision to award compensation to breast cancer sufferers who worked night shifts. Pope Benedict XVI's comments on AIDS are also criticized for distorting scientific evidence.
A study published in The Lancet found that whole-body CT scans improved survival rates for patients with severe injuries, with a relative risk reduction of 25% and 13%. The procedure was shown to be an independent predictor of survival.
A new study analyzing UK cancer survival data reveals a modest improvement in survival rates since the introduction of the NHS cancer plan in 2000. However, significant regional variations in survival remain, with affluent southern regions showing better outcomes.
A recent study comparing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) with catheter/balloon/stent percutaneous intervention (PCI) found that CABG may be a better option for patients with diabetes and those aged 65-75 years. The research, involving 7812 patients, revealed lower mortality rates in these subgroups.
A study of nearly 218,000 children across 45 low-income and middle-income countries found significant delays in vaccination timing, with some countries experiencing delays of over 10 weeks for certain vaccines. The study highlights the need for improved vaccine coverage and timeliness to protect children from preventable diseases.
The Lancet Editorial calls on UK PM Gordon Brown to lead strong and just leadership at the G20 summit, ensuring poorer countries are not left out of global solutions. The Editorial suggests several proposals to aid Brown, including detailed IMF voting rights proposals and a plan to end illegal flight capital.
Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who received adjuvant imatinib after surgery experienced increased recurrence-free survival compared to those given placebo. Imatinib significantly improved recurrence-free survival at one year, with the most impact on tumors over 10cm in size.
A study of 900,000 adults found that a body-mass index above the ideal range of 22.5-25 kg/m2 leads to increased mortality rates. Moderate obesity has only one-third the effect on mortality as smoking, while severe obesity has a similar impact but is relatively rare.
A study found a widening gap between heart disease guidelines and patients' lifestyles, with doctors prescribing more drugs while lifestyles remain unchanged. Lifestyle interventions are crucial to prevent heart disease, but comprehensive programs are lacking.