A study of fully vaccinated patients with cancer who experienced breakthrough COVID-19 found a 13% mortality rate. Fully vaccinated patients were at high risk for hospitalization and death, even after receiving booster vaccines.
A new medication dupilumab has been added to the treatment options for children with moderate-to-severe asthma. The international multicenter Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations and improved lung function in children aged 6 to 11.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a nanoparticle called a supermere, which carries enzymes, proteins, and RNA associated with multiple diseases. The discovery provides new insights into the role of extracellular vesicles and nanoparticles in disease transmission.
The Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations by nearly 60% and improved lung function and asthma control in children ages 6 to 11. Dupilumab was also shown to be safe, with minimal adverse reactions.
Researchers have discovered new genetic variations associated with developmental stuttering, offering new therapeutic directions to improve outcomes. The study found that stuttering is polygenic, meaning multiple genetic factors contribute to and protect against the condition.
Researchers discovered inhibiting or genetically deleting the MTHFD2 enzyme reduced disease severity in various inflammatory disease models. This suggests that MTHFD2 function is important for immune cell regulation, particularly for T cell subsets involved in inflammation.
A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health found that more US veterans died in 2020 than prior years, but the increase was less than in the general population. Despite having higher comorbidities that increase risk of severe COVID-19 illness, the VA system performed better at preventing deaths related to the pandemic.
A new Health Affairs study found that the Medicare Two-Midnight Rule hastened a shift from inpatient to observation stays, but ultimately led to stabilization of both types of stays. The authors suggest weighing the rule's continued benefit against its substantial administrative burden on hospitals.
The rate of HCV in pregnant people increased from 1.8 to 5.1 per 1,000 live births between 2009 and 2019. Researchers found that rural residence, higher rates of employment, and a greater density of obstetricians were associated with a lower risk of developing HCV during pregnancy.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center technology has led to the discovery of an 'ultra-potent' monoclonal antibody that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The antibody's unique characteristics make it a valuable addition to therapeutic candidates.
A large multicenter study of US children with COVID-19 found that older age and chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes are associated with more severe disease. The study aims to inform mitigation strategies for high-risk children and support vaccination efforts.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new antibacterial mechanism where immune cells cooperate to capture and 'eat' bacteria. This cooperation enhances the killing power of macrophages, increasing phagocytosis of bacterial pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant staph
A study found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received the rheumatoid arthritis drug baricitinib, in combination with the standard of care, died less often than those receiving only the standard of care. The COV-BARRIER trial showed a 5% reduction in 28-day and 60-day mortality.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered that aneuploidy drives gain-of-function phenotypes in cells expressing mutant p53. This finding has implications for developing therapies targeting mutant p53, which is mutated in more than half of all human cancers.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center developed a standardized MRI protocol for pancreatic imaging, enabling reproducible measurements across different MRI hardware and software. The study demonstrates potential for incorporating MRI into multisite clinical trials, advancing diabetes research and treatment.
A high-fat diet causes inflammation and damages intestinal epithelial cells, leading to the growth of harmful microbes and increased production of trimethylamine-N-oxide, a metabolite associated with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that restoring intestinal function with a drug can blunt this effect.
Researchers found shared clones of antibody-producing white blood cells among COVID-19 survivors and vaccinated individuals, targeting the viral surface 'spike' protein. This discovery could help design more effective vaccines and therapies against emerging variants.
Researchers have identified a biomarker, MHC-II, that predicts response to immunotherapies in breast cancer patients. The study found that MHC-II expression is associated with response to standard chemotherapy plus durvalumab or pembrolizumab, but not to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone.
A recent study has identified a panel of human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize a broad range of norovirus variants. The researchers discovered a conserved antigenic site on the virus that could be used to reformulate vaccine candidates for broad effectiveness.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (z-drugs) significantly increase the risk of death when used in combination with opioid pain medications. The risk is particularly high for those taking benzodiazepines, which had a 221% increased risk of death.
A decade's worth of data shows a significant decrease in mechanical ventilation use and an increase in non-invasive respiratory support, such as CPAP, for preterm infants. This shift is associated with improved health outcomes, including reduced lung injury and neurodevelopmental risks.
Researchers have identified a gene variant that contributes to unnecessary bone marrow biopsies in African Americans. The study found that 63% of African Americans carry the variant, which lowers white blood cell levels and is associated with Benign Ethnic Neutropenia.
Researchers developed a cell-penetrating peptide to prevent septic shock in animal models. The treatment shows promise in protecting patients with metabolic syndrome and those at risk of severe COVID-19 complications.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center identified a common mechanism underlying a spectrum of brain disorders caused by variations in the SLC6A1 gene. Boosting transporter function via genetic or pharmacological means may be beneficial in treating these disorders.
A secret shopper study found that pregnant women are 20% less likely to be accepted for opioid treatment than non-pregnant women, citing long on-hold times and difficult interactions. The study highlights the need for increased access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) regardless of pregnancy status.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center developed a predictive model to identify patients who may benefit from genetic testing based on routine information in electronic health records. The model accurately classified over 87% of cases and 96% of controls, and identified potential patients with rare undiagnosed diseases.
A new class of diabetes medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists, has been shown to improve asthma symptoms and reduce lung inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that these medications can help control asthma exacerbations and reduce breathing symptoms.
A predictive model has been developed to identify pediatric patients at risk of developing blood clots or venous thromboembolisms. The model includes 11 risk factors and has been validated on over 44,000 separate admissions. In a trial called CLOT, the model is being used to inform personalized prevention plans for high-risk patients.
A study by Vanderbilt researchers found that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce colorectal cancer risk by nearly 40% among those with a high genetic risk. Those at low genetic risk see only a 25% reduction, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies for high-risk individuals.
Researchers found that severity of illness, history of stroke, and being divorced or widowed are predictive factors of delirium. Nearly 50% of patients admitted to the hospital had delirium at admission, highlighting the need for earlier identification and management.
A recent study found dramatic increases in life expectancy for people living with HIV in seven Latin American countries, with a 14-year retrospective analysis of 30,688 individuals. The study reveals significant gains in life expectancy, particularly among women and those with lower HIV transmission risk factors.
A new study suggests that long-term survival data for immunotherapies should be re-analyzed for potential misinterpretation. Researchers propose an adjustment method, Cox-TEL, to correct inaccurate results based on the Cox proportional-hazards model.
A recent study by Vanderbilt researchers reveals that non-cancer cells in a tumor, primarily immune cells called macrophages, have the highest glucose uptake, upending traditional models of cancer metabolism. This finding could lead to new therapies and imaging strategies.
Chronic side effects among melanoma survivors after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment are more common than previously recognized, affecting 43% of patients. The most frequently affected organs were joints and the endocrine system.
The CCC19 study found associations between laboratory measures, clinical factors, and poor clinical outcomes in patients with cancer diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with COVID-19 and cancer had a higher risk of hospitalization and death compared to the general population.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that preterm birth rates in Tennessee declined by 14% during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily attributed to lower late preterm infant births. The study suggests that stay-at-home orders may have contributed to this reduction.
A machine learning algorithm has been shown to accurately predict adult patients at risk of attempting or experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Vanderbilt Suicide Attempt and Ideation Likelihood (VSAIL) model uses routine health records to identify those who should receive further screening, potentially directing limited resources where ...
A new multicenter study published in Journal of Hospital Medicine found significant reductions in pediatric emergency visits and hospitalizations for common illnesses like asthma and pneumonia. The trend is attributed to public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and handwashing instituted during the pandemic.
A monoclonal antibody 'cocktail' developed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center effectively neutralizes all known COVID-19 variants. The treatment, comprising two antibodies isolated from previously infected individuals, targets sites on the spike protein other than the highly mutable E484K residue.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center survey identified strong collaborative relationships as a key factor in retaining clinical research coordinators. The study also found that compensation, career growth opportunities, and collegial relationships through hands-on involvement in clinical trials were significant predictors of retention.
Researchers found that delirium in critically ill patients is associated with higher mortality and disability rates at six months after discharge. The study evaluated 711 patients in Zambia and found that delirium occurred in 48.5% of cases, predicting higher odds of mortality and disability.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dexmedetomidine and propofol are equally effective and safe for light sedation in critically ill patients. The study, which enrolled 422 adults with sepsis, found similar patient outcomes between the two sedatives.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered the coronavirus's 'Achilles' heel', a proofreading enzyme called nsp14-ExoN. This enzyme regulates RNA recombination and can be targeted to block viral replication, potentially leading to new treatments for COVID-19.
Researchers identified genetic factors increasing pneumonia risk in patients of European and African ancestry, highlighting potential disparities in COVID-19 outcomes. The study may aid efforts to identify high-risk patients and develop targeted treatments.
A theoretical model describes the cause of autism as a combination of socially valued traits and co-occurring disabilities, accounting for most cases. The BAPCO-DMAP theory explains how positive traits of autism interact with development and disabilities.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found lower degrees of myocarditis in athletes with a history of COVID-19 compared to previously reported rates. The research highlights the importance of considering cardiac MRI as an additional screening tool for detecting myocarditis in athletes.
A large international study found that COVID-19 patients in ICUs were subject to a significantly higher burden of delirium and coma, with 82% comatose and 55% delirious. The study attributes this to outdated sedation practices and reduced family visitation.
A large-scale electronic health record study found that functional seizures are prevalent and often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. The study also discovered novel associations between functional seizures and cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, as well as psychiatric disorders such as PTSD and depression.
Researchers discovered that abatacept reduced severity of myocarditis in genetic mouse model and human patients. The study provides a potential new treatment option for patients with immune-related side effects from immunotherapies.
A recent study reveals unique mutation patterns in the genes PIK3CA, GNAS, SMAD3, and TSC2 among young patients with appendiceal cancer. These findings suggest potential for targeted therapies, such as alpelisib, which have already been approved for advanced breast cancer.