Current oral contraceptive users have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, but this risk returns to normal after 10 years of not using the contraceptives. The study also found that women who test positive for high-risk human papillomavirus are more likely to develop in-situ or invasive cervical cancer.
Researchers found that a multifaceted approach including psychoeducational groups and treatment adherence support led to significant clinical improvements in low-income mothers with postnatal depression. The study suggests that this intervention could be effectively implemented in developing countries, reducing the adverse effects of p...
A single dose of tenofovir and emtricitabine can substantially reduce non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations in women given intrapartum nevirapine for perinatal HIV prevention. The study found a 53% lower risk of NNRTI mutations in the intervention group compared to controls.
A study published in The Lancet found that fenofibrate reduces the frequency of first laser treatment for macular oedema and proliferative DR by 31% and 30%, respectively. These findings suggest additional mechanisms of benefit beyond lipid-lowering effects, potentially additive to blood glucose and blood pressure control.
Researchers found that children of parents who died from these cancers have significantly worse survival rates than those with good parental survival. The risk of death was increased by 75% for breast cancer and 107% for prostate cancer.
The Lancet report highlights Australia's poor indigenous health statistics, including a 17-year gap in life expectancy between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Improving access to quality care, prevention strategies, and increasing the number of indigenous health workers are key recommendations.
UK government's focus on cannabis reclassification may divert attention from more pressing health concerns. Experts argue that increasing penalties have limited impact on cannabis use and harm, highlighting the need for better public communication about the risks of substance abuse.
The Lancet seminar highlights the need for a collaborative approach to prevent SIDS, emphasizing the importance of campaigns like placing infants on their backs during sleep. Other risk factors include maternal smoking, soft bedding, and bed sharing, while room-sharing without bed-sharing has been shown to reduce SIDS risk.
A new study suggests that drug-eluting stents are not cost-effective for low-risk patients due to higher costs and lower quality-adjusted life years. However, the treatment is found to be beneficial in high-risk patients with small vessel or bypass-graft stenting.
The UK faces a growing obesity crisis with alarming statistics showing a 30-50% increase in obesity rates over the past decade. Experts call for a comprehensive approach to tackle the epidemic, including promoting healthy eating and exercise, and investing in meaningful interventions.
Five essayists have been chosen from a shortlist of 40 for their innovative approaches to addressing health inequities in developing countries. The winners tackle topics such as patent systems, food security, HIV/AIDS, and healthcare access in China.
A randomized phase III trial found that minocycline accelerates the deterioration of ALS patients, contradicting previous positive results in animal models. The study suggests reassessing trials of minocycline in other neurological conditions.
Targeting hand-touch surfaces in hospitals is a feasible short-term strategy for tackling MRSA transmission. Dr Stephanie Dancer argues that prioritizing cleaning over hand hygiene is essential to controlling the spread of MRSA.
A phase II trial of axitinib has shown promising activity in patients with cytokine-refractory, metastatic kidney cancer. In the trial, 23 patients had complete or partial responses, with some responses lasting up to 26 months.
A lack of reliable national statistics on births, deaths, and causes of death hinders global health development. The authors of a recent study found that only a few developing countries have improved their civil registration systems in the past 50 years.
A study by Dr. Philip Setel highlights the need for comprehensive civil registration in developing countries to track vital statistics, benefiting individuals and societies. The authors argue that affordable remedies exist to overcome stagnation, but their implementation is crucial for policy formation and accountability.
A lack of civil registration systems and vital statistics in many low-income countries hinders evidence-based decision-making. The authors propose three options to tackle this challenge: advocating for government support, establishing an international body, and leveraging new funding flows.
The WHO Counts? Series exposes the scandal of invisibility, where millions are born and die without record. The Lancet's editor Dr Richard Horton calls for robust national statistics systems, strong government ministries, and civil society pressure to act.
Innovative strategies fill information gaps in countries with inaccurate civil registration systems, complemented by census and survey data for a state-of-the-art health information system. International agencies should support coordinated data collection and sharing activities.
A Comment in The Lancet calls for global investment in civil registration to improve data on population and health trends. This would enable countries to make informed decisions on governance and healthcare policies.
Researchers found that a combination of infection control measures, including masks, reduced hospitalization time, and improved ventilation, could prevent nearly half of new XDR tuberculosis cases. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate action to address the growing epidemic in South Africa.
A 30-year study found that hysterectomy more than doubles the risk of requiring stress-urinary-incontinence surgery. The highest risk was within five years after surgery, with multiparous women particularly affected. Researchers suggest surgical trauma and changes to pelvic-floor supportive tissues may contribute to this association.
Patients given human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) after a heart attack have lower infarct sizes, fewer reperfusion injuries, and better outcomes than control group patients. ANP also increases left ventricle ejection fraction post-heart-attack.
Research by Dr Brendan Kelly found that medical romance novels often feature primary care and emergency settings, with common plot pairings including male doctor with female doctor or nurse. The novels highlight the romantic possibilities of these settings and suggest an urgent need for training programs to include romance education.
The WHO EURO region's Ministerial Forum on tuberculosis must consider the global impact of the disease and take collective action to control poverty and inequality. The authors propose a six-pronged approach to tackle the threat, including addressing trade policies and global poverty.
A new study suggests that a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent variant of epoetin could be an effective alternative to conventional therapy for treating anaemia in haemodialysis patients. The treatment involves giving the drug every 2 or 4 weeks, which may reduce errors and improve patient quality of life.
Researchers found that pitrakinra significantly reduced asthma symptoms in patients, with a maximum decrease of 17.1% in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) compared to placebo groups. The study suggests that pitrakinra may be an effective treatment option for asthma, offering promising results.
The NHS must address issues of fairness, where doctors are scarce in areas with greatest need; responsiveness, including evening/Saturday opening of general practices; and safety, particularly concerning healthcare-associated infections. The organization also needs to improve effectiveness by adopting new techniques and approaches.
A double-blind trial of 214 African infants tested the safety and efficacy of a malaria vaccine, showing no serious adverse events and a 65% reduction in new malaria infections compared to previous trials. The study provides evidence of a strong association between vaccine-induced antibodies and reduced risk of infection.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the alarming persistence of maternal mortality despite two decades of global efforts to reduce its burden. The journal urges a renewed focus on women's rights and healthcare, emphasizing that there is both knowledge and resources available to address the issue.
The study found that maternal mortality decreased by 68% in the ICDDR,B region and 54% in the government region over a 30-year period. Additionally, educational differentials played a significant role in reducing maternal mortality, with women having more than eight years of schooling being less likely to die.
The Lancet study reveals that nearly a third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, while the rate in Africa is significantly lower. The study attributes the decline in abortion rates in Eastern Europe to increased use of modern contraception methods.
A study of 1014 women in Burkina Faso found that those with severe obstetric complications were at higher risk of death and mental health problems. The researchers also found that babies born to these women were more likely to die within a year, and that mothers with SOCs were more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
Global progress in maternal health is uneven and inequitable, with over half a million maternal deaths occurring annually. Despite this, successes in countries like Sri Lanka show that investment in education, employment, and maternal care can lead to significant improvements.
The Lancet study found that maternal mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa are not decreasing fast enough to meet the MDG5 target, with a yearly rate of decline required to achieve the target being 5.5%. The authors conclude that a huge emphasis on improved pregnancy and delivery care is needed throughout the developing world.
Two studies found that early initiation of current treatments following a minor stroke or TIA significantly reduces the risk of subsequent major stroke. The UK alone could prevent nearly 10,000 strokes per year if this treatment is universally applied.
A study of 447 patients with multiple myeloma found that thalidomide improved overall survival and response rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The MPT regimen was associated with significantly better outcomes, making it a potential new treatment option for elderly patients.
Researchers propose safer nicotine alternatives to reduce tobacco-related deaths and illnesses. The authors suggest the creation of dedicated regulatory authorities to oversee nicotine product regulation.
A study published in The Lancet found that zinc supplementation did not have a significant impact on child mortality rates in Nepal. However, the researchers suggest that children with specific histories of illness or malnutrition may benefit from zinc supplementation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study published in The Lancet found that daytime and nighttime blood pressure are both predictive of cardiovascular events, with nighttime blood pressure predicting mortality. The study suggests recording ambulatory blood pressure during the whole day for accurate prognosis.
A new study found that HPV DNA testing can detect clinically relevant cervical lesions earlier than conventional cytological techniques. This allows for the potential extension of the screening interval by at least one year. Earlier detection reduces the lifetime number of screening tests and referrals, benefiting women.
A study published in The Lancet found that the IPS program is twice as effective as vocational services in establishing people with severe mental illness in competitive employment. IPS involves job searching based on patient preference and continuing support from an employment specialist.
An Editorial in The Lancet concludes that politicians should focus on evidence-based solutions to prevent hospital-acquired infections, rather than relying on populist measures. Disinfection of high-touch surfaces is a key strategy for reducing HAIs, and efforts should be made to improve hand hygiene among healthcare staff.
Researchers detected viral genetic material in the placenta of a pregnant woman who died from bird flu. The study found that H5N1 virus can infect organs other than the lungs, including the brain, liver, and intestinal cells, in infected adults and fetuses.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that rosiglitazone and pioglitazone increased the risk of congestive heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. However, these drugs did not increase the risk of cardiovascular death. The authors recommend caution when prescribing TZDs to patients with cardiovascular di...
The Lancet Infectious Diseases report highlights frailty selection bias and non-specific trial endpoints as reasons behind the exaggeration. Few trials have included elderly people, especially those aged at least 70 years, which accounts for three-quarters of all influenza-related deaths.
The use of insecticide-treated bednets leads to a significant reduction in child mortality, with estimated protection rates ranging from 34% to 56%. ITN coverage has increased rapidly in Kenya, with an estimated averting seven deaths for every 1000 ITNs used.
A recent study published in The Lancet reveals that mental disorders are more common in rural settings in Mozambique compared to urban areas. The research found higher lifetime prevalence rates for psychoses, mental retardation, and seizure disorders in rural households.
A new study published in The Lancet found that global under-5 mortality rates have fallen from 110 per 1000 in 1980 to 72 per 1000 in 2005. However, the target of a 67% decline by 2015 is unlikely to be met due to slow progress in sub-Saharan Africa.
New chemotherapy regimens such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based treatments have been shown to prolong the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The meta-analysis found that these regimens can provide an estimated absolute survival benefit of 8-4.7 months for certain patient groups.