A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that baricitinib significantly reduced all-cause mortality in critically ill COVID patients on mechanical ventilation. The drug showed a 62% lower mortality rate compared to placebo, with one additional life saved for every six people treated with baricitinib.
Researchers outline a comprehensive framework to tackle early-onset colorectal cancer, addressing epidemiology, molecular landscape, and treatment options. The framework emphasizes the need for tailored support, including peer support, educational counseling, and financial guidance.
A clinical score system developed by Vanderbilt researchers can guide PRRT treatment decisions, indicating that patients with a score of 4 or less may experience improved progression-free and overall survival. The study suggests that a minimum of three doses are needed to achieve meaningful DNA damage in neuroendocrine tumors.
A new study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a five-day course of antibiotics is superior to a 10-day strategy for treating community-acquired pneumonia in children under 6. The trial showed similar response rates and lower antibiotic resistance genes in the shorter treatment group.
Cancer-Immu, a new data portal, helps predict patient response to immunotherapies by integrating large-scale omics data and clinical phenotypes. The portal covers 16 cancer types and detects 182 genes with mutations significantly associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Researchers have revealed mechanisms by which polyps develop into colorectal cancer, setting the stage for improved surveillance utilizing precision medicine. The study found that serrated polyps derive from metaplasia, an abnormal change of cells into non-native tissue.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that the DNA methylome of aggressive brain tumors can be reprogrammed with L-methylfolate, a folic acid-like drug. The treatment showed improved median overall survival in patients with recurrent glioblastoma, paving the way for future epigenetic studies and potential immunotherapy combinations.
Researchers found that buprenorphine providers are less likely to discriminate between Medicaid and privately insured patients, but patients face numerous barriers to obtaining an initial appointment. Despite this, disparities persist in access to OUD treatment.
Adults from sexual minority groups are more likely to use alternative therapies, skip medication doses, and delay prescription refills to reduce medication costs. The findings highlight a significant disparity in health outcomes for LGBTQ+ patients and underscore the need for improved access to medications.
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.