Smoke-free policies are reducing heart disease related to smoke exposure, prevalence of smoking in adults, and second-hand smoke exposure. These policies also increase smoke-free environments and have benefits for non-smokers.
A study found that 55-93% of new HIV infections among adults in urban Zambia and Rwanda occur within marital or cohabiting couples, with potential for increased transmission if non-cohabiting partners use condoms. Interventions targeting couples could avert 36-60% of heterosexually transmitted infections.
A cohort of half a million patients in Taiwan found that chronic kidney disease has a high prevalence and associated all-cause mortality, especially in low socioeconomic status groups. CKD is treatable and preventable at earlier stages, but awareness and treatment are often lacking globally.
A randomized controlled trial found that buprenorphine maintenance treatment significantly increased time to first heroin use and relapse compared to naltrexone and placebo. Patients on buprenorphine also had more continuous days of heroin abstinence, supporting the widespread dissemination of this effective public-health approach.
The NHS needs to revise its vision and focus on equity, availability, accessibility, and quality based on UN principles. A Technical Advisory Group, General Health Council, and annual assessment are proposed to strengthen the NHS.
The Lancet article reports 234 million global surgeries annually, with a significant gap in access to surgical care in low-income countries. The study suggests that surgical safety is now a substantial global public health concern, with the potential for improved maternal and neonatal survival through analogous efforts.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that extended use of rivaroxaban significantly reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism after total hip arthroplasty, compared to short-term enoxaparin plus placebo. This finding has important implications for preventing blood clots in patients undergoing hip surgery.
Overcrowding and understaffing in hospitals exacerbate MRSA control issues, leading to increased hospital stays and bed blocking. Effective infection control measures can help mitigate the problem, but addressing overcrowding and workforce shortages is crucial for improving patient safety and quality of care.
Patients with early stage PAH treated with bosentan show reduced clinical decline, improved exercise capacity, and lower risk of worsening events compared to placebo. Bosentan treatment is associated with improvements in pulmonary vascular resistance and prevention of clinical deterioration.
The prevalence of allergies has increased, with patients facing inadequate specialist care and resources. Community pharmacists are suggested as a solution to bridge the treatment gap, according to a recent editorial in The Lancet.
A trial found that aciclovir did not reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection in HSV-2 positive women and MSM. However, it did reduce incidence of genital ulcers by 47% and HSV-2 ulcers by 63%. The authors suggest novel strategies are needed to interrupt interactions between HSV-2 and HIV-1.
Laquinimod, an oral treatment, shows promise in reducing multiple sclerosis disease activity and is well-tolerated. The study found a significant reduction in MRI disease activity with laquinimod 0.6mg daily, while laquinimod 0.3mg daily showed no significant effects.
The six regional directors of WHO express their unequivocal support for revitalizing the Alma-Ata Declaration, acknowledging its importance in strengthening health systems. They emphasize the need for a long-term commitment to primary health care and call for alignment with WHO's strategic objectives.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for small lung tumors, with a confirmed complete response rate of 88% and overall survival rates ranging from 48-75%. The procedure was also shown to have a low risk of complications, including pneumothorax and pleural effusion.
Experts propose measuring only systolic blood pressure in patients aged 50+, as it's a better predictor of risk and simplifies communication with patients. This shift could lead to improved treatment outcomes, reduced disease rates, and increased focus on systolic hypertension.
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology found that smoking does not increase the risk of lung cancer in women compared to men. However, women who have never smoked are at higher risk of developing lung cancer than men who have never smoked.
Researchers are developing a nicotine vaccine to stimulate the immune system's response against nicotine, while also examining the effectiveness of combination therapies and counseling in treating nicotine addiction. Effective treatments are crucial to match individual patients' needs.
A gardener's death due to inhaling fungal spores from dead plant material has highlighted the risk of aspergillosis. The case report suggests that prompt treatment with an appropriate antifungal agent is vital in such cases.
A randomized controlled trial found carbocisteine significantly reduced yearly exacerbation rates in Chinese patients with COPD by 25% compared to placebo. This mucolytic drug may be a worthwhile treatment for prevention of exacerbations, particularly in developing countries.
The EUROACTION study found that a nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary family-based cardiology programme improved cardiovascular disease risk factors for patients with coronary heart disease and those at high risk. The programme also showed significant increases in physical activity levels, dietary improvements, and blood pressure contr...
A new vaccine patch has shown promising results in protecting travelers from diarrhoea, with 75% efficacy against moderate-to-severe episodes. The patch also reduced the duration and severity of illness in those who became sick, offering a new option for prevention and treatment.
Treating acute heart attacks with thrombus aspiration results in improved 1-year clinical outcomes, including lower cardiac death rates and fewer non-fatal heart attacks. This innovative approach to treatment appears to be more effective than traditional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone.
A homecare birth strategy significantly reduces neonatal mortality in Bangladeshi communities with weak health systems. The study found that the home-care approach was cost-effective, with a cost per neonatal death averted of $2995.
Induced hypothermia has been shown to reduce permeability of the blood-brain barrier and formation of small blood clots after injury. However, its use is underutilized in the UK and US due to lack of implementation strategies.
A study published in The Lancet found that primary hyperaldosteronism is more common than previously thought, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from 20 years and confirmed the diagnosis using salt suppression tests and spironolactone treatment.
Trachoma causes blindness in 84 million people worldwide, but progress has been made since 1995 with a decline from 15% to 4% of global blindness. The SAFE strategy's success is attributed to improved socioeconomic conditions and widespread implementation.
Recent studies have shown that rotigotine skin patches can effectively treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms even during the day and night. The trials found significant improvements in patient symptoms, with 75% of patients rating their treatment as good or very good. No notable augmentation of RLS symptoms was observed.
A study found high levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria in infant deaths that couldn't be explained. The researchers suggest these infections may be associated with unexplained cases of SUDI.
A randomized clinical trial found that oral prednisolone is clinically equivalent to naproxen in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with gout. The study suggests that prednisolone could be a safer alternative for treating gout, with potential economic benefits due to reduced healthcare costs.
The UN's strategy on dealing with HIV and illicit drugs needs a complete overhaul, according to a Comment published in The Lancet. The authors argue that the International Narcotics Control Board undermines recognition of HIV prevention measures for those who use drugs.
A randomized phase II study found a trend towards increased survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with axitinib plus gemcitabine compared to gemcitabine alone. The median overall survival was longer in the axitinib group, but the finding requires further investigation in a phase III trial.
Research found that individuals with gum disease have an increased risk of various cancers, including lung, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. Gum disease was associated with a 14% higher overall cancer risk compared to those without gum disease.
Indigenous Australians are more likely to have preventable cancers, such as lung and liver cancer, with poorer prognosis and late diagnosis. Improving tobacco control and health services is crucial to reducing cancer burden.
A special diabetes care package for UK residents of south Asian ethnic origin has delivered some benefits, including reduced blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, improving glycaemic control remains a major challenge, and further measures are needed to address health inequalities in this population.
A 20-year study found that group-based diet and exercise lifestyle interventions reduced diabetes incidence by 51% during the intervention period and 43% over 20 years. The interventions also led to a significant reduction in the duration of diabetes, with participants spending an average of 3.6 fewer years with the condition.
The current figure of 246 million adults worldwide with diabetes is expected to expand rapidly, with 50% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that much of the morbidity and mortality can be prevented through targeted prevention strategies.
Type 1 diabetes incidence among Finnish children more than doubled from 1980-2005, with a significant increase in obesity and early weight gain implicated as risk factors. The predicted cumulative number of new cases between 2006-2020 is around 10800, highlighting the need for urgent action to address environmental triggers.
A study found that succinobucol reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in some patients, but also increased LDL cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. However, it improved glycated haemoglobin levels, suggesting potential benefits for long-term diabetes control.
A randomized controlled trial found that early intensive insulin therapy improved blood glucose control and β-cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The treatment, which included continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections, resulted in higher remission rates and prolonged glyc...
A study published in The Lancet found that metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in elderly individuals. However, it was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Instead, individual components of metabolic syndrome were linked to a higher risk of new-onset diabetes.
A new test using galectin-3 may help identify benign thyroid nodules, reducing the need for surgery. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, with a positive predictive value of 82%.
An obese population requires 18% more food energy to maintain daily living activities compared to a normal population, resulting in increased global food demand. Promoting walking and cycling through transport policies can reduce obesity and decrease food prices by reducing transportation fuel consumption.
Two studies have shown that ustekinumab is effective in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with dosing every 12 weeks maintaining efficacy in most patients. The PHOENIX studies found that 67-76% of patients achieved PASI 75 at week 12, with long-term response maintained in those given maintenance treatment.
Researchers conclude that adding chemotherapy to active symptom control does not improve overall survival or quality of life for mesothelioma patients. However, exploratory analyses suggest that vinorelbine may merit further investigation.
Only a small proportion of diagnosed low-risk prostate cancers will progress to life-threatening disease during a patient's lifetime. Recorded incidence has increased due to screening and improved diagnosis, but mortality rates have not kept pace, suggesting that most low-risk cases may remain stable or even decrease over time.
A pilot study found that stellate-ganglion block reduced hot flushes in breast cancer survivors by up to 90% and improved sleep quality. The procedure provided long-term relief with minimal side effects, increasing overall quality of life and compliance with treatment.
A randomized trial found patients given beta-blockers after non-cardiac surgery had a higher risk of death or stroke compared to those given placebo, while having a lower risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, these medications may not outweigh the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
The ASSIST training programme, which involves training influential students to promote anti-smoking messages, has been shown to reduce smoking rates among teenagers. The programme was effective in achieving a sustained reduction in uptake of regular smoking in adolescents for two years after its delivery.
The new vaptan drug class has shown promising results in treating conditions such as painful periods, brain hemorrhage, and psychotic disorders. The drugs target the vasopressin hormone system, inducing water loss without mineral salt loss, to treat various health issues.
A carotid bruit, a 'sound' over the carotid artery indicating blockage, substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attack. The meta-analysis of 22 studies found patients with carotid bruits were around twice as likely to suffer a heart attack.