Researchers pinpoint pain responses in newborns
Newborn infants exhibit increased pain response after repeated painful procedures, learning to anticipate pain. The study supports efforts to decrease pain in infants undergoing medical procedures.
Analgesics
Research on pain-relieving drugs. Covers new pain-management startups, omega-3 approaches, drug safety, and AI-driven drug discovery.
Boston chemist wins national award for tailor-made molecules
Panek and his research team have discovered a process that leads to an almost pure form of 'handed' tetrahydropyridine, a component found in many drugs. The molecule's unusual chemical properties can control a reaction's three-dimensional orientation.
Aspirin may help prevent pancreatic cancer
A study of over 7 years found that women taking aspirin two to five times per week had a lower risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those not taking it. The researchers estimate that aspirin use might prevent up to 43% of pancreatic cancer cases in women who do not normally take aspirin.
Researchers seek genetic clues to identify addicts and patients who will benefit from treatment
A study examines the potential of pharmacogenomic testing to help drug-treatment centers select suitable treatment regimens for opiate-addicted patients. The research investigates genetic polymorphisms affecting opioid metabolism, aiming to improve pain management and drug-abuse treatment.
Drug combo curbs artery re-closing after some heart attacks
A combination therapy of aspirin and coumarin reduced artery re-closure after heart attacks by 45% in a clinical trial. The therapy also improved problem-free survival rates and reduced the incidence of second heart attacks, according to researchers from the American Heart Association.
Acetaminophen may protect against heart damage according to Rutgers research
Rutgers researchers found that acetaminophen can exert an antioxidant effect on heart muscle cells, blocking damage caused by oxidants. The study suggests that acetaminophen may play a role in preventing some of the damaging effects of cardiovascular disease and hardening of the arteries.
Snail venom heralds new era of pain treatment
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a new compound, ACV1, derived from cone shell venom that is more powerful and longer-lasting than morphine. The compound has shown promising results in laboratory studies, treating pain by blocking transmission along peripheral nervous systems without addictive side effects.
Health recommendations from study on aspirin and lung cancer are premature
A new study suggests that taking aspirin three or more times a week for six months may reduce the risk of developing non-small cell lung cancer in women. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dose due to potential side effects like gastrointestinal bleeding.
Drugs may not be best weapon against teen migraines, study finds
Researchers at Ohio University found that a behavioral therapy program reduced migraine frequency and severity in teens by 80%, with no medication required. The study suggests an alternative approach to treating migraines in children and teens.
Why do doctors lie to insurers?
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that 11% of doctors are willing to misrepresent patient information to obtain HMO approval for surgery or additional procedures. The 'hassle factor' plays a significant role in this behavior, with more physicians willing to deceive if the appeal process is longer or more burdensome.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 26, 2002
Implantable pain pumps improve cancer patients' quality of life
Researchers found that implantable pain pumps improved cancer patients' quality of life by increasing survival rates, reducing pain and side effects. Patients treated with the pump had significantly less fatigue, constipation, and nausea compared to those on medical management.
Picturing your pain
Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that can be difficult to treat, but research suggests that psychological factors play a crucial role. Dr. Bushnell's work highlights the importance of catching pain early and treating it aggressively, as well as exploring alternative approaches such as meditation and drawing
XALACOM® more effective than Cosopt® for IOP reduction in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertens
A study found XALACOM to be more effective than Cosopt in reducing intraocular pressure by 1.00 mmHg, with fewer reported eye pain and irritation. XALACOM was also well-tolerated systemically, with no taste disturbances reported.
New treatment for spinal disorder proves effective in UCSF study
A UCSF study shows that 80% of patients taking etanercept experience significant relief from ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. The drug reduces spinal inflammation and slows disease progression, offering a new therapeutic option for the chronic inflammatory arthritis.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 1, 2002
New research adds to evidence that acetaminophen may prevent colon cancer in lab animals
New research adds to evidence that acetaminophen may prevent colon cancer in lab animals. The study found that pretreating animals with acetaminophen significantly protected them against cellular changes indicative of colon cancer. However, more animal research is needed before humans can be studied in clinical trials.
Solving the COX conundrum
The balancing act between COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes plays a crucial role in protecting the heart from cardiovascular disease. The study found that PGI2 production is stimulated as a response to platelet interactions with the vessel wall, limiting the harmful effects of thromboxane.
Accidental overdose with Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) carries a greater risk of death
A study of 93 patients hospitalised due to acetaminophen overdose found that those who accidentally overdosed fared less well, despite lower drug levels. Delayed treatment and alcohol consumption exacerbated liver damage and death risk.
Patch delivers longer, deeper relief from dental pain
A recent study by Ohio State University found that the DentiPatch, a small adhesive patch containing lidocaine, delivers longer and deeper relief from dental pain. The patch's anesthetic effects last up to 45 minutes, whereas traditional gel-based treatments only last about a minute.
Millions of migraine sufferers could benefit from better use of medical care
A recent study found that migraine prevalence in the US has remained stable over the past decade, with many sufferers relying on over-the-counter medications. The study suggests that millions of people could benefit from proper medical attention, which can lead to more effective treatment and improved quality of life.
Medicines, caffeine and antibacterial soap among contaminants found in American streams
A USGS survey found 82 organic wastewater contaminants in at least one stream across the US, including medications, caffeine and antimicrobial soaps. The presence of mixtures was a surprising finding, with some streams containing up to 38 chemicals.
Study succeeds in closing gaps in heart attack care
A Michigan Medicine-led study has successfully improved the odds that patients receive life-saving treatments after a heart attack. The study, GAP (Guidelines Applied in Practice), used reminders, checklists, and educational materials to boost adherence to American College of Cardiology guidelines. As a result, hospitals saw significan...
Could an aspirin a day help keep prostate cancer away? Possibly
A recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that daily NSAID use reduced prostate cancer risk by up to 60% in men aged 60 and older. The study, which followed 1,362 Caucasian men for an average of five and a half years, suggests that the beneficial effect may increase with age.
Multimillion-dollar pain research center funded at Wake Forest
The Center for the Study of Pharmacologic Plasticity in the Presence of Pain at Wake Forest will study changes in the spinal cord caused by certain medicines and their impact on pain sensation. The research aims to develop new, effective pain treatments for patients with nerve injury or neuropathic pain.
Breakthrough pain in cancer associated with need for increased medical services, higher medical costs
Breakthrough pain in cancer patients incurs $12,000/year in medical services; non-breakthrough patients incur $2,400/year. Study finds link between breakthrough pain and increased need for hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and doctor visits.
Research shows way to boost morphine's pain-killing benefits
UCSF scientists have demonstrated in animals how morphine's potent painkilling powers can be sustained without increasing dosages. By pairing morphine with an opioid that facilitates endocytosis, they showed that the natural cellular process can arrest the pattern of tolerance to morphine.
UNC-RTI study supports aspirin to cut heart attacks, federal task force urges doctors to discuss with patients
Researchers found that regular use of aspirin cuts coronary heart disease risk by 28% in people at heightened risk. Doctors should discuss pros and cons with patients to determine individualized decision, considering age, habits, and medical histories.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002
USPSTF urges patients and doctors to discuss aspirin therapy
The USPSTF recommends discussing aspirin therapy with adult patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease, such as those with unfavorable cholesterol levels, smoking, or hypertension. Aspirin may help prevent heart attacks in these individuals, but its benefits and harms should be carefully weighed.
Researchers find gene involved in pain relief
A genetic mechanism involved in pain modulation has been discovered, which could lead to an entirely new approach to pain control. Genetically engineered mice lacking the DREAM gene showed dramatic loss of pain sensitivity compared to those with the gene.
Over 40,000 lives lost worldwide every year
A new study strengthens evidence that aspirin prevents heart attacks and strokes in patients with high-risk conditions like angina and diabetes. Researchers estimate an extra 40,000 lives could be saved annually if more people with these conditions receive aspirin.
Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, January 1, 2002
Six popular herbal therapies - Ginkgo, St John's wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw palmetto, and Kava - have varying levels of effectiveness and safety. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid, reduced swelling and progression of damage to joints in patients with early active rheumatoid arthritis.
Ibuprofen blocks aspirin’s ability to protect against heart attacks
Researchers found that taking ibuprofen daily can reduce the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin in preventing heart attacks. This interaction occurs because ibuprofen blocks aspirin from binding to the COX-1 enzyme, which is essential for platelet clotting and heart protection.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 19, 2001
Study finds brain's reward areas also activated by pain
Researchers found that brain structures associated with rewarding experiences are also activated by painful stimuli, leading to a better understanding of pain's emotional component. This study may lead to the development of new approaches to diagnosing and treating chronic pain.
Poor adherence to pain medication regimen, insufficient prescriptions, key factors in ineffective cancer pain management
A study by UCSF found that cancer patients often prefer to experience pain over the side effects of opioid analgesics. Effective pain management requires repeated assessment and adjustments in dosage, according to experts.
Insufficient prescriptions and poor adherence are key factors in poor cancer pain management
A new UCSF study found that many cancer patients are not taking around-the-clock and as-needed pain medicines as prescribed by their physicians. This results in inadequate pain relief, with only 29.2% of patients receiving both long-acting and short-acting opioids.
Warfarin and aspirin provide no significant difference in preventing another stroke in the ischemic stroke patients
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that warfarin and aspirin provide no significant difference in preventing another stroke in ischemic stroke patients without atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed 2,206 individuals for two years, showed no statistically significant differences between the tw...
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 15, 2001
Study shows that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective for stroke prevention
A 7-year clinical trial comparing aspirin and warfarin found that both drugs are safe and effective in preventing recurrent strokes in most patients. Aspirin slows clotting of blood platelets, while warfarin inhibits circulating clotting proteins.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 14, 2001
Positive attitude is best prevention against heart disease
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that nitroglycerin relief does not accurately predict coronary artery disease, challenging the long-held assumption. The study found that only 28% of patients with heart disease experienced chest pain relief from nitroglycerin.
Stockings, heparin found to eliminate 'coach class' syndrome
Researchers find that heparin and compression stockings can effectively prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in people at high risk for clots, particularly those with a history of heart disease or stroke. Compression stockings were found to significantly reduce DVT incidence by 18.75 times compared to controls.
Study finds bupropion SR effective in treating neuropathic pain
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found bupropion SR to be clinically effective for treating neuropathic pain. Approximately three-quarters of patients experienced a 30% reduction in pain symptoms with bupropion SR, while those on placebo saw little improvement.
Aspirin not a cost effective substitute for colorectal cancer screening
Researchers found that aspirin is not cost-effective addition to national strategy for reducing death from colorectal cancer. Screening methods, such as flexible sigmoidoscopy and yearly fecal occult blood testing, remain highly effective and cost-efficient options.
Aspirin not a substitute for colorectal cancer screening
Researchers found that aspirin does not reduce costs and increase life expectancy for colorectal cancer prevention. Regular screening tests remain highly effective and cost-effective, even for patients taking aspirin for other reasons.
Morphine-like drugs could offer relief for amputees
Researchers found that morphine significantly relieved both types of pain, while lidocaine only relieved stump pain. The study suggests different therapeutic sensitivities and mechanisms for stump and phantom pain. Morphine's action on both peripheral and central nervous systems may provide new treatment options.
Acupuncture reduces pain after breast surgery
A clinical trial found acupuncture to be as effective as the commonly used medication ondansetron in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Additionally, women who received acupuncture reported lower levels of moderate to severe pain after breast surgery, a surprising discovery that opens up new possibilities for pain management.
Take less medicine and have fewer tension headaches
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine found that small doses of botulinum toxin Type A effectively relaxed muscles involved in triggering tension headaches, resulting in reduced frequency and intensity for most patients. The injections were also easier to control symptoms.
UCSF researchers study effectiveness of integrating medical care with addiction treatment
A UCSF study found that patients with substance abuse-related medical conditions benefit from integrated medical and addiction treatment, leading to improved abstinence rates and reduced inpatient use. The two-year study showed no significant differences in total abstinence rates between the integrated and independent care groups.
Investigational drug makes earlier hospital discharge possible following surgery
Researchers discovered a new drug that can restore bowel function without affecting pain relief, enabling patients to recover faster and be discharged sooner. The study found significant improvements in recovery times for patients taking the 6mg dose of ADL 8-2698.
Study results show promise for pain relief in nerve pain common to diabetes
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that patients with diabetic neuropathy experienced significant pain reduction with Lamictal treatment. Almost half of the patients achieved a 50% reduction in pain, and most were able to reduce their need for additional pain medication.
Chemist at University of California, San Diego, wins national award for drug research
Murray Goodman, a bioorganic chemist at the University of California, San Diego, has developed new strategies to create more effective and selective drugs. His research aims to mimic the action of peptides, which help direct processes in the body, and improve upon their natural opioids.
Queens University chemist wins U.S. award for new reactions to make drugs, agrochemicals, conductors
Victor Snieckus has invented more efficient methods for creating organometallic compounds, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and electronics. His research has led to the development of a new painkiller, fungicides for wheat crops, and conducting materials.
Teaching old pains new tricks: Links with learning and memory provide clues why pain persists
Studies reveal a connection between neuronal plasticity and chronic neuropathic pain. Gene therapy targeting protein kinase C shows promise in reducing sensitivity to pain. Such findings may lead to innovative treatments for persistent and debilitating pain conditions.
Columbia asthma researcher awarded prestigious research grant
Dr. Barr will investigate the relationship between rising acetaminophen use and a 20-year increase in asthma prevalence, exploring potential mechanisms behind the association. The research aims to inform treatment strategies and public education about pain medication use.
The struggle for pain relief in India
A study in Calicut, India found no instances of misuse or diversion of oral morphine over 2 years. The research shows that opioids can be dispensed safely for home use with proper controls in place, overcoming regulatory barriers.
Study gives first glimpse of human brain's natural painkiller system in action
A unique experiment studying chemical activity in human brains while experiencing sustained pain revealed long-suspected connections between pain-dampening changes in brain chemistry and sensory/emotional responses. The findings may help researchers better understand prolonged pain and find more effective ways to relieve it.
Untangling prostaglandin signaling
A study by Stock et al. reveals that genetic disruption of the PGE2 receptor EP1 significantly reduces pain behavior and blood pressure responses to inflammation. The findings suggest that NSAID treatment's analgesic effect can be explained by inhibition of signaling through this single receptor type.
Drug can reduce pain for stroke patients
A new drug, lamotrigine, has been shown to reduce central post-stroke pain in patients by an average of 30 percent. The treatment was found to be effective for patients who could not tolerate amitriptyline due to its side effects.
Aspirin use may increase pancreatic cancer risk
A long duration of regular aspirin use is associated with a significant increase in pancreatic cancer risk among women. Women taking 14 or more tablets per week experience nearly an 86% increased risk, while those taking six to 13 tablets per week see a 41% higher risk.
Researcher uncovers allergy/reflux link
A new study establishes a link between gastroesophageal reflux and allergies, including environmental allergens like pollens and molds. The discovery could lead to new treatments for children with eosinophilic esophagitis and adults with refractory reflux.
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 26, 2000
OHSU researchers survey physicians and nurses regarding increases in pain among dying patients
A recent study by OHSU researchers found that 96% of physicians and nurses believe increased family expectations for pain management contributed to the observed increase in family reports of pain among dying patients. Additionally, decreased physician prescribing of pain medications (66%) and reduced nurse administration of pain medica...
VA trial to weigh aspirin against other anti-clotting drugs in heart disease patients
A new clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin in preventing heart attacks, strokes, and deaths in patients with chronic heart failure. The study, funded by the VA, will enroll 4,500 patients and provide insights into which medication is most effective, safe, and cost-efficient.
Results of Yale study confirm aspirin helpful in preventing a first heart attack
A Yale study of over 51,000 participants found that taking aspirin daily reduces the risk of a first heart attack by 32%. However, it did not significantly reduce overall stroke or cardiovascular death rates, and may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.