A small but statistically significant improvement was found in arthritis symptoms among patients given atorvastatin compared to those on placebo. The study suggests that statins could be used to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The editorial emphasizes the importance of adolescent participation in identifying problems and devising strategies for improving health. Key findings include slow progress in specialist health services for adolescents, but also highlight the need for non-judgmental information, education, and accessible services tailored to their needs.
A new study highlights the significant burden of environment on child health in Europe, with outdoor and indoor air pollution, inadequate water and sanitation, lead exposure, and injuries causing substantial deaths and disabilities. The findings emphasize the need for interventions to reduce children's exposure to unsafe environments a...
The VALUE trial found no difference in cardiac disease between valsartan and amlodipine, but patients on valsartan had lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Early blood pressure control was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
A UK study has shown a substantial reduction in stroke incidence over the past 20 years, with age-adjusted occurrence of first stroke decreased by around 30%. The decrease is associated with increased use of blood-pressure lowering and cholesterol-lowering drugs, leading to significant reductions in related risk factors.
A study found that a compulsory second opinion from another obstetrician reduced the incidence of non-emergency caesarean sections by around 7% in Latin American hospitals. The intervention did not affect maternal and infant outcomes, but is well accepted by pregnant women and attending physicians.
Severely ill children in low-income countries face high mortality rates due to inadequate referral systems. Researchers found that two out of three children referred from health centers could not reach hospital, highlighting the need for improved patient costs, stricter IMCI referral criteria, and empowered healthcare centers.
Recent studies sponsored by GSK have shown mixed results for paroxetine's safety and efficacy in children. The company faces criticism for 'off-label' prescribing, despite a lack of published trials demonstrating its benefits. GSK is urged to disclose all relevant documents related to paroxetine use in minors.
A recent study has challenged the widely practiced surgical procedure of cervical cerclage to reduce premature birth. The research found that only a small decrease in premature births occurred among women who received the surgery, highlighting the limitations of this method in reducing the risk of early preterm delivery.
A study reveals that only 0.3% of UK population receives government support, while 80,000 people wait for healthcare services. The author argues that myths surrounding asylum seekers are debunked by highlighting the real cause of long waiting lists: underinvestment in the National Health Service.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 500 adults and is the commonest cause of sudden death in otherwise fit young people. Treatment options include medication, surgery, or implantable defibrillators to relieve symptoms and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that adding superficial venous surgery to compression treatment significantly reduces the risk of venous leg ulcer recurrence. The study involved 500 patients and showed a more-than-halved one-year recurrence rate among those receiving both treatments compared to those given compression alone.
A recent study has found that COX-2 inhibitors may have a lower risk of congestive heart failure compared to non-selective NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and celecoxib showed significantly different risks of hospital admission for heart failure, with users of celecoxib having the same rate as those who had never used NSAIDs.
The Tobacco industry's document depository in Guildford, UK, is being criticized for its limited access and transparency. The company has failed to provide electronic access to requested documents, despite claiming to have 'big time imaging' capabilities.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring can significantly reduce the incidence of awareness during surgery. By using BIS-guided anaesthesia, patients at risk experienced only two cases of awareness compared to 11 reported cases with standard care.
Research finds a correlation between disrupted spermatogenesis and abnormal genomic imprinting in men with low sperm counts. The study suggests that spermatozoa from oligozoospermic patients carry an increased risk of transmitting imprinting errors.
The UK government has rejected proposals to sell simvastatin over-the-counter for the primary prevention of heart disease due to financial reasons. This decision may increase inequalities as many people cannot afford the medication, which is currently prescribed to around 1.8 million people in the UK.
Glaucoma is a group of disorders that progressively damage the optic nerve, affecting 66 million people worldwide. Early detection through comprehensive eye assessments, including optic disc examination, is crucial for limiting vision loss and advancing treatment. Current therapies can limit vision loss if identified in early stages.
A zinc supplement reduced treatment time for severe pneumonia in children by an average of one day, with a corresponding decrease in hospital stay duration. The treatment was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with significant implications for reducing antimicrobial resistance.
A review of general population longitudinal studies found consistent associations between cannabis use and lower educational attainment and increased use of other illicit drugs. However, the evidence was less clear on psychological health problems and problematic behavior. The authors emphasize the need for more research to better unde...
A study found that rectal artesunate significantly reduced parasite concentrations by over one-third in both children and adults. Early administration of this treatment may help reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in rural communities with limited healthcare access.
A prospective study found that breastfed preterm infants had lower ratios of LDL to HDL cholesterol and CRP concentrations compared to formula-fed counterparts. Longer human milk intake was associated with additional benefits on cardiovascular health.
A recent study found that statins reduced brain lesions in people with MS by 44% after six months of treatment. Researchers suggest that statins may be beneficial for patients as monotherapy or as an add-on to existing therapies, but more data is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Recent research suggests that autoantibodies can identify individuals at risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Autoantibodies were detected in healthy individuals years before the onset of symptoms, paving the way for potential preventive treatments and improved disease management.
A recent study found that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) significantly reduces the risk of stroke among high-risk patients. The 5-year risk of stroke was around half for patients under 75 years old given CEA compared to those receiving no intervention. However, the benefits of immediate surgery may be short-lived, and ongoing follow-up i...
A study found that NICE guidelines on surgical procedures had no significant impact on the adoption of recommended practices. In contrast, an increase in non-cement prostheses for hip replacements was reported after the guidelines were issued. The researchers suggest using more active dissemination methods to promote effective uptake.
A recent study by Dr. Edward Scott and colleagues found that donor cells containing a Y chromosome were present in the brains of three women up to 6 years after bone marrow transplantation. This suggests that bone marrow could be used as a therapeutic source of readily harvestable cells for nerve cell regeneration.
A South African study found that women experiencing gender-based violence are more likely to contract HIV due to abusive partners imposing risky sexual practices. The research highlights the need for effective interventions to address social constructions of masculinity and intimate partner violence in relation to HIV risk.
The article highlights the need for investment in human resources to respond to global health crises, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Human resources for health are essential for achieving better health outcomes, and donors can support these developments by acknowledging their importance.
Experts question whether Europe can achieve ambitious environmental goals for children due to limited action taken. Prioritizing specific areas with clear disease causation and high burden is recommended.
A study analyzing published and unpublished trials found that most SSRI antidepressants pose a higher risk than benefits in treating childhood depression. The analysis highlights the need for greater access to unpublished data from the pharmaceutical industry to ensure accurate treatment guidelines.
The EU's new eastern border raises concerns about the growth of communicable diseases in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Public health systems have struggled to respond to these challenges, and a global response is needed to strengthen health systems and prevent disease spread.
A new diagnostic test using proteomic signature analysis has been developed to accurately diagnose sleeping sickness. The test showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98.6%, offering a promising solution for early detection and treatment.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
Researchers have identified a potential DNA marker, SFRP2, that can be used to detect colorectal cancer in stool samples with high sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and treatment of the disease.
A 12-year study found that drinking alcohol increases the risk of gout, with daily consumption between 30-50g increasing risk by 2.5 times. Beer consumption was linked to the strongest association, while wine showed no increased risk.
A new strain of Salmonella enterica serotype choleraesuis has been isolated that is resistant to all commonly used antimicrobials, including ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Constant surveillance is needed to prevent further spread of this multidrug-resistant bacterium.
A 10-year study found that laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer has the same prognosis as conventional surgery, with a 76% 5-year survival rate. The procedure resulted in shorter postoperative recovery times but longer surgery durations compared to conventional surgery.
A study found that large and rapid workplace expansions increase the risk of long-term sickness absence and hospital admissions. Moderate expansion, however, showed a decreased risk of hospital admission. The authors suggest centralisation of workplace functions as a possible cause.
Individuals with first-time epileptic seizures after 60 years are three times more likely to experience a subsequent stroke. This increased risk justifies screening for vascular risk factors and treatment to prevent stroke in elderly patients with epilepsy.
A recent trial found that day-care services for pregnant women with high blood pressure or ruptured fetal membranes offered no clinical benefits but improved satisfaction and reduced hospital stays. The study suggests that day-care services could be a viable option for other common complications like diabetes and hyperemesis.
The editorial critiques tropical medicine's focus on external solutions, emphasizing the importance of local voices and transparent research. It highlights concerns about undemocratic supranational agencies and corporations, as well as the need to put research at the heart of policy development.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that southern India has the world's highest rates of suicide among young people, particularly young women. The study found that suicide accounted for between half and three-quarters of deaths among young women, highlighting a need for urgent intervention.
A new study suggests that male circumcision may protect against HIV-1 infection by removing the foreskin's high density of specific cellular targets. The study found a highly significant and specific protective effect of male circumcision on HIV-1 acquisition rates, but no protective effect against other STIs.
A large-scale re-analysis of data from 53 studies suggests that pregnancies ending in miscarriage or induced abortion do not increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The findings contradict previous, less reliable studies that suggested a potential link between abortion and breast cancer.
A recent report by the WHO and FAO recommends restricting free sugars to less than 10% of total energy, providing scientific justification for global strategies. Dr Jim Mann's research suggests that sucrose and other free sugars contribute significantly to the global obesity epidemic, highlighting the importance of reducing sugar intake.
The Lancet editorial highlights the need for a population-based approach to reducing drinking. Primary care is crucial in identifying and managing alcohol-related problems, but current strategies lack resources and training. A coordinated funded strategy involving primary-care providers is necessary to address this issue.
The article discusses the ongoing threat of rabies in Africa and Asia, where dog rabies epidemics hinder control efforts. Mary Warrell highlights the importance of addressing this issue through improved surveillance and vaccination methods.
A study published in The Lancet found that timely surgery significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals with carotid stenosis. Benefit from surgery is greatest when performed within two weeks after a warning stroke, but rapidly declines with increasing delay. Early treatment is crucial due to the high risk of major stroke in ...
The Lancet's patient safety series aims to enhance care coordination through a framework focusing on patient, local environment, hospital, and healthcare system levels. The subsequent papers will delve into methods for measuring and improving inpatient safety.