Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Esketamine nasal spray effective against depression

A Phase IIIb study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that esketamine nasal spray achieved higher remission rates (27.1%) compared to quetiapine extended-release (17.6%) in patients with treatment-resistant depression, indicating its potential as a targeted therapy for this population.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 5, 2023

Early metformin in gestational diabetes

A randomized clinical trial found that early metformin treatment did not improve insulin initiation or fasting glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Further investigation into larger trials is warranted based on prespecified secondary outcome data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 3, 2023

High cure rate, low toxicity maintained with shortened radiation treatment for intermediate risk prostate cancer, study finds

A phase III trial suggests that fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five sessions are as effective as lower doses delivered over several weeks for patients with locally advanced disease. The treatment achieved a 96% five-year disease control rate, comparable to 95% for conventional radiation.

Tailored text messages not enough to improve mobility after heart issues

A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

Estimated lifetime gained with cancer screening tests

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found no significant lifetime gain from common cancer screening tests. However, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may have a potential benefit, according to the study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

MIND diet study shows 'short-term' impact on cognition

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the MIND diet had a significant improvement in cognition during the first two years, but no significant difference in three-year changes. The study enrolled 604 people with suboptimal diets and family history of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2023

Metformin's role in preventing metabolic syndrome during androgen deprivation therapy: a Phase II study

A randomized phase II study found that adding metformin to androgen deprivation therapy did not reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome or improve PSA response in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Metformin showed some antitumor effects through mTOR inhibition, but these were not significant.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023

A supervised hospital walking program may reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults

A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2023

‘A smarter kinder approach to treatment’ for anal cancer

A recent clinical trial, PLATO, demonstrated that lowering the dose and duration of radiotherapy treatments for anal cancer reduces side effects without compromising cancer cure rates. The treatment involves intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), which allows for personalized doses to be applied to visible tumors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Home measurement of blood oxygen levels by corona patients themselves easily applicable

A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

Social-belonging intervention promotes college success, increasing proportion of students who complete first year

A randomized controlled experiment involving 26,911 students at 22 diverse U.S. universities found that a low-cost online social-belonging intervention increased the rate of students completing their first year as full-time students, particularly among historically underrepresented groups. The study demonstrates the efficacy of this in...

Growing number of states provide coverage for outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants

A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Risks of removing ovaries at benign hysterectomy may outweigh the benefits for women at low risk for ovarian cancer

Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

A video-based decision support tool may aid decision-making for Black individuals considering ICD implantation

A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

Use of monoclonal antibodies reduces death, hospitalization risk by more than one-third after COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers found that using monoclonal antibodies within two days of a COVID-19 diagnosis reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 39% compared to those who did not receive treatment. This finding suggests that early treatment with monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the severity of COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Primary care program promoting senior health demonstrated acceptable reach and adoption but lacked clinical benefits

A multi-site randomized controlled trial found Health TAPESTRY to have widespread reach and adoption, but no significant clinical benefits on hospitalizations and physical activity. The study tested implementation and reproducibility of the program across diverse primary care practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023