A study of commercially insured adults with chronic noncancer pain found that state medical cannabis laws did not lead to a reduction in the use of opioid or nonopioid pain treatments. The researchers also suggested slow implementation and reluctance among healthcare leaders may have contributed to these findings.
A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
A new patient-guided intervention using telemedicine has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, pain, and depression in dialysis patients. The Technology Assisted Stepped Collaborative Care (TĀCcare) trial found significant improvements in energy levels and pain severity that persisted for six months after treatment.
A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial found that low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased incidence of anemia and decline in ferritin levels in healthy older adults. The study recommends periodic monitoring of hemoglobin for patients taking aspirin.
Researchers at UCSF tested a nitroglycerin patch for treating menopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes. The study found short-term improvements, but benefits did not last past 12 weeks, with some side effects reported.
A study suggests that ketamine nasal spray is a convenient alternative to intravenous infusion for treating refractory chronic migraine. The treatment showed promise in reducing daily headaches and improving quality of life, with most participants reporting 'very effective' results.
Researchers at UCL have uncovered the molecular basis of a woman's rare genetic mutation that allows her to live pain-free and heal rapidly. The study found that the mutation in the FAAH-OUT gene turns down FAAH gene expression, affecting other molecular pathways linked to wound healing and mood.
A team of researchers at NYU College of Dentistry has successfully modified an existing anti-nausea drug to target the endosomes within cells, thereby providing a more prolonged analgesic effect. The modified netupitant showed improved pain-relieving properties compared to its original form and other drugs targeting similar receptors.
A team of researchers is exploring the potential of HDAC inhibitors to treat sickle cell disease by reactivating the fetal hemoglobin gene. Early evidence suggests that panobinostat, a specific inhibitor, can increase fetal hemoglobin levels in red blood cells and mouse models.
A Cochrane review found that most antidepressants used to manage chronic pain lack sufficient evidence of their effectiveness, with only duloxetine showing reliable pain relief. The review also revealed that harms from many commonly recommended drugs have not been well studied, posing a global public health concern.
Researchers have observed beta-arrestin molecules directly controlling receptor-mediated signals in living cells using advanced microscopy. The study reveals a new mechanism of how these proteins interact with receptors on the plasma membrane, enabling efficient control of signal flow and desensitization.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential mechanism behind hallucinations triggered by kappa opioid receptors, aiming to develop painkillers without these side effects. Targeting specific binding sites on the kappa receptor may relieve pain without inducing euphoria and addiction.
A multicentre registry study found that medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain while reducing the total number of medications and opioids taken. Products with an equal balance of THC and CBD were particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and symptoms.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation reduced pain response in rats with human lung cancer tissue without compromising paclitaxel effectiveness. The study also showed SCS improved antitumor efficacy of paclitaxel, providing evidence for its potential as a companion treatment.
Research finds diclofenac's high variability in metabolism due to UGT2B17, a little-studied enzyme. The study suggests genetic testing and dose adjustments for specific populations can help minimize side effects.
Researchers at UNIGE discovered that natural opioids cannot enter cells, whereas therapeutic opioids can, leading to differences in physiological responses. The study's findings could help develop safer medications with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
Researchers developed a simple sensor to monitor paracetamol levels in saliva in real-time, enabling personalized treatment and reducing toxic side effects. The device is low-cost, portable, and uses non-invasive collection methods, making it an attractive alternative for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Researchers discovered how aspirin reduces inflammation and its implications for cancer immunotherapies. Aspirin controls transcription factors and influences various inflammatory proteins, potentially paving the way for safer alternatives with fewer side effects.
A statewide effort in Michigan resulted in a 56% reduction in opioid prescriptions after six common operations and a 26% drop in persistent opioid use. The achievement surpassed national trends, driven by voluntary prescribing guidelines and surgical team involvement.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that dedicated hyperbaric oxygen therapy is more effective in reducing pain and healing patients with fibromyalgia caused by traumatic brain injury. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in 2 out of 5 patients, including improved pain threshold tests and quality of life indicators.
A systematic review found considerable uncertainty around analgesic effectiveness and safety for acute non-specific low back pain. Clinicians and patients are advised to use analgesics with caution due to limited high-quality evidence.
Researchers have developed a novel 3D covalent organic framework, TUS-64, with the largest pore size and lowest density ever recorded. The material shows promise as a drug nanocarrier vehicle, with high capacity to hold drugs and sustained release rate.
A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.
A US FDA mandate to limit acetaminophen dosage in pills combining it with opioids significantly reduced hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases. Researchers found a persistent decline in yearly rates of these cases after the mandate was implemented in 2014.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that can block chronic pain and provide protection against other stimuli, including heart and brain cells. The TRPV1 receptor mutation, found in avian species, was successfully transplanted into mice, showing reduced pain sensitivity and improved protective effects.
A novel surgical pain management strategy has been developed to reduce opioid use after total knee arthroplasty. The study found that changing prescriptions for opioids at discharge from automatic to upon request dramatically decreased opioid use, with over half of patients recovering without opioid use.
A systematic review of 18 studies found that muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can effectively reduce symptoms. Combining NSAIDs with paracetamol showed a greater improvement than using NSAIDs alone.
A comprehensive review of antidepressant use in chronic pain found that some classes were effective in treating certain conditions, while others showed unclear or unknown benefits. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine demonstrated efficacy for various pain conditions.
Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.
A new study found that women with pre-pregnancy migraine had greater risks of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Migraine with aura was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia than without aura.
A recent review in CMAJ provides comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and managing migraine attacks. It emphasizes a stratified approach to treatment, empowering patients to choose medications tailored to their needs and attack symptoms.
A study found a link between pain and indigestion medication purchases and ovarian cancer diagnoses, suggesting earlier symptom recognition. The research suggests that loyalty card data can be used to identify potential ovarian cancer cases.
A new study shows that Medasense's NOL monitoring during major abdominal surgery can significantly reduce the proportion of patients with severe post-operative pain. The study found that intraoperative opioid dosing based on the NOL index reduced PACU pain scores by a median of 1.5 points at 90 minutes post-surgery. This technology use...
A new clinical trial of over 12,000 patients found that inexpensive aspirin is just as effective as injectable blood thinners in preventing life-threatening blood clots and other complications. The study suggests that surgeons may change their practice to administer aspirin to patients hospitalized with bone fractures.
Researchers found that dendritic cells in meninges produce mediators causing pain hypersensitivity after nerve injury. The kynurenine pathway, primarily driven by IDO1, is involved in pain production.
A new study found that nearly a third of patients with chronic pain use cannabis to manage their symptoms, leading to decreased use of pain medications. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain management.
Research found that common anti-inflammatory drugs taken by children can alter the formation of dental enamel, leading to defects. The study's authors suggest potential harm from widespread use of these medications and plan to conduct a clinical trial to confirm findings in humans.
A study published in Addiction journal found a significant decrease in codeine consumption across Australia after the country's most misused legal opioid was switched to a prescription-only medicine. The switch led to a 37% overall drop in codeine consumption, with smaller decreases observed in regional areas.
A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a unique 3D COF with scu-c topology, exhibiting efficient gas adsorption and drug delivery capabilities. The material has been shown to exhibit excellent hydrogen and methane adsorption properties.
A new study found that taking NSAIDs for osteoarthritis pain and inflammation may worsen joint inflammation and cartilage quality over time. Researchers used MRI-based structural biomarkers to analyze the association between NSAID use and synovitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that 70% of ayahuasca users experienced physical health adverse effects, while 55% reported mental health concerns. Most adverse events were reported as mild and temporary, with only 2.3% requiring medical attention.
A study found that 16.5% of American adults with diabetes ration their insulin, with younger adults and the uninsured being most affected. Insulin rationing is often linked to cost concerns, with many patients delaying purchases or taking less insulin than needed.
A US cohort study suggests that maternal acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be associated with increased risk of sleep and attentional problems in offspring at age 3. The study found a potential link between acetaminophen exposure and neurobehavioral issues in children.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
Patients undergoing virtual reality immersion during hand surgery required significantly less anesthetic to manage pain, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacologic distraction method. The study compared VR immersion to monitored anesthesia care and found no significant differences in post-operative pain or anxiety levels.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to develop monoclonal antibodies that can bind to specific ion channels in nerve cells, inhibiting pain signal transmission. The goal is to create a monthly, non-addictive pain medication to replace opioids, which can lead to addiction.
A new poll reveals that nearly half of people over 50 experience joint pain, and many turn to prescription-based treatments despite potential health risks. The poll's authors stress the need for healthcare providers to discuss medication interactions and non-drug options with patients.
A new randomized, controlled trial demonstrates that Medasense's NOL monitoring during major abdominal surgery can reduce postoperative pain by 30% compared to standard care. The study found that personalized fentanyl dosing with NOL guidance leads to lower sympathetic activation and surgical stress, resulting in reduced PACU pain scores.
A newly identified link between chronic pain and lung cancer in mice suggests that old drugs such as clonidine, capsaicin, and fluphenazine may offer new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that blocking the BH4 pathway reduced pain sensitivity and decreased tumor growth in mouse models of KRAS-driven lung cancer.
A University of the Basque Country team has successfully produced starch-based pharmaceutical tablets using 3D printing technology. The tablets display varying release properties depending on the type of starch used, offering promising solutions for personalized medicine and tailored drug delivery.
A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.
A new University of Rochester study compares two groups of patients with dental extractions, finding that a combination of non-opioid pain medications and gabapentin can minimize or eliminate opioids for dental pain. The results show promise for reducing opioid use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers studied the impact of withholding nitrous oxide on labor pain and found no adverse outcomes for mothers or children. Opioid use increased significantly but no change in other measures such as epidural use or Caesarean section rates were observed.
Researchers at The University of Queensland are working on a new treatment to reduce pain and debilitating side effects from chemotherapy in children. Dr Hana Starobova's research aims to prevent damage from cancer treatments, reducing the impact on children's quality of life. By studying Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the team hopes t...
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that opioid prescriptions declined for US patients with both cancer and non-cancer pain between 2012 and 2019. The proportion of people receiving any opioid prescription dropped from 49.7% to 30.5% for non-cancer pain and from 86.0% to 78.7% for cancer pain.
A new analysis shows that combining two anti-platelet drugs can reduce the risk of graft failure after coronary artery bypass surgery, but also increase the risk of bleeding. The study found a significant reduction in graft failure rates with dual therapy, but more bleeding events requiring medical attention.
Researchers at Okayama University discovered EPA's molecular target, which blocks purinergic chemical transmission and reduces pain perception. The study suggests EPA can be used as a therapeutic strategy for managing chronic pain with fewer side effects.
A recent study from the University of Geneva suggests that ketamine's therapeutic use may be safe due to its limited impact on dopamine levels and neuronal communication. The research found that ketamine triggers a short increase in dopamine, but also inhibits a specific receptor that prevents addiction progression.