Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new scoring method developed by researchers can help identify individuals at high risk of serious bleeding after a stroke. The score is based on ten factors, including age, sex, smoking, and prior strokes, and ranges from 2% for low-risk individuals to over 10% for those aged 75-85 with multiple risk factors.
Researchers developed a multilayer clustering algorithm to sort through dozens of data points from two large studies, identifying two distinct groups: rapid decliners and slow-moving disease. The 'rapid decliners' group showed twice the rate of brain atrophy and progressed faster to dementia.
A systematic review of ketamine treatment for depression found few studies reporting on the safety of repeated doses or sustained use. The review highlights the need for more research into the long-term effects of ketamine treatment to ensure its safe adoption as a clinical treatment.
A population-based study found a 16% increased risk of hospitalization among elderly individuals taking potentially inappropriate medications. The study estimated that 27,444 fewer hospitalizations would have occurred if exposure to these medications had been zero.
A study published by the University of California - San Diego found that e-cigarette use increased among smokers attempting to quit, leading to a higher overall quitting rate. The study suggests that e-cigarettes play a role as a cessation tool and may have contributed to an increase in smoking cessation rates in the US.
Scientists at James Cook University warn that concurrent training can impair endurance development if recovery is not accounted for. They propose a new approach to mitigate resistance training-induced fatigue, which can affect athletes' performance several days after a single session.
Researchers found that fluid changes in a specific brain area could provide a way to track Parkinson's damage, with increased free water linked to worsening symptoms and progressive degeneration of neurons.
Two clinical trials found that adolescents using oral Truvada and a vaginal ring for HIV prevention had high adherence rates, with most participants taking the medication as prescribed. The studies pave the way for larger trials of these interventions in this vulnerable age group.
The HPTN 077 study found that long-acting injectable cabotegravir was well-tolerated by men and women, with consistent levels in the bloodstream and good acceptance. The 600mg dose every 8 weeks showed promising results for HIV prevention.
A study conducted in the US has found that adolescent girls can safely use a dapivirine vaginal ring to prevent HIV. The ring, which contains an antiretroviral drug, was shown to be highly acceptable and easy to use, with high adherence rates among participants.
A phase 2 trial found that an injectable antiretroviral therapy was as effective in maintaining viral suppression in patients with HIV as a daily oral dose over 96 weeks. The long-acting injections had similar efficacy to the daily oral medication in preventing treatment failure and drug-resistant mutations.
A US study of the dapivirine ring among lactating women found that the drug is absorbed in very low concentrations into breastmilk. The results support further studies on the safety of the ring during breastfeeding and pregnancy, which are planned to be conducted in Africa.
Researchers have conducted the world's first randomised control trial assessing ketamine's effectiveness as an antidepressant in elderly patients. The trial found that repeated intravenous doses of ketamine resulted in a 68.8% response and remission rate among patients, with no severe side effects reported.
Researchers found that memantine significantly reduced blood levels of neuron-specific enolase, a marker of neuronal damage, in patients with moderate TBI. The study also showed marked improvements in Glasgow Coma Scale scores on day 3, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.
A study found that only about 7% of older adults who smoked used prescription smoking cessation medications within 90 days after a heart attack. Factors associated with early use included being younger and living in areas with higher high school graduate rates.
A study by Children's National Hospital found that doctors in the US have reached an unexpected consensus on prescribing medications for pediatric epilepsy patients, with levetiracetam being the most frequently chosen. The study highlights a need for real data on efficacy for each medication to inform evidence-based decision-making.
A new study found that arts-based group participation boosts positive emotions in both healthy adults and those with mental health conditions. This effect is short-lived, while improved emotional regulation lasts throughout the day.
Erectile dysfunction is common in men with diabetes, affecting over half of cases, according to a review of 145 studies involving 88,577 men. Clinicians should routinely screen for ED in diabetic men, as both conditions increase cardiovascular risks.
Experts recommend a physical and breathing exam, comprehensive health history, and trigger questionnaires to diagnose asthma. Effective treatment also involves spirometry testing, medication management, and written action plans to control symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Researchers found that using newer dosing methods can minimize harmful effects while maximizing benefits in children with varying body mass indices. The study also suggests cost savings for the NHS.
A team-based primary care model, TOPCARE, has been shown to decrease prescription opioid use among patients with chronic pain by 40 percent. This study, conducted in four primary care practices, found that TOPCARE patients had lower opioid doses and were more likely to adhere to AAPM guidelines.
A randomized trial found that combining a specific care management program with memantine significantly improves daily function in Alzheimer's patients. The study shows that the medication plus care program patient group tested 7.5 times higher than the medication-only group.
A preclinical study published in PNAS found that BMTP-11 targets high-risk osteosarcoma and shows anti-tumor activity. The treatment has the potential to reduce cumulative side effects associated with current treatments, which often cause health problems and organ damage.
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients taking cortisone for inflammation conditions have a 65% reduced risk of hip fractures when receiving the osteoporosis medication alendronate. The study analyzed over 400,000 elderly patients and found that only one in four patients received this protective treatment.
A randomized clinical trial found tramadol extended-release to suppress opioid withdrawal more effectively than clonidine, and similarly to buprenorphine. The study suggests tramadol ER as a promising medication for opioid use disorder treatment, but notes the need for further research.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ADHD medication use is associated with a lower risk of substance abuse in adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from nearly 3 million people with ADHD and found a 35% lower risk in men and a 31% lower risk in women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has downgraded the status of Tamiflu due to limited evidence. A study published in The BMJ found that oseltamivir had no significant impact on complications, hospital admissions, or mortality from influenza. This decision comes after years of stockpiling and promotion of the drug.
A new therapy, idarucizumab, has been shown to rapidly reverse the effects of the blood thinner dabigatran in patients with life-threatening bleeding or emergency surgery needs. The study found that idarucizumab was able to stop bleeding within 2.5 hours and allow surgery to begin at a median of 1.6 hours after administration.
A new study found a 100% increase in medication errors per 100,000 U.S. residents from 2000 to 2012, with cardiovascular and analgesic medications being the most common causes of serious outcomes. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep written logs of medication administration to prevent errors.
A novel monoclonal antibody called emicizumab has been shown to decrease the incidence of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A and inhibitors by 87%. This breakthrough therapy offers a more effective and safer alternative to traditional treatments, reducing the need for frequent dosing and minimizing side effects.
Primary care physicians identify barriers to deprescribing, including patient expectations and organizational constraints. Less experienced physicians face additional challenges, highlighting the need for supportive interventions to promote safer prescribing practices.
Researchers found that sildenafil reduced clumping of blood platelets by 30 percent and increased activity of an enzyme that helps prevent restenosis. If similar results are found in clinical trials, sildenafil could be used to coat drug-eluting stents or given orally after stent implantation.
Two large studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for death, particularly among whites and non-white populations. The studies found that moderate to high coffee intake was linked to reduced mortality rates for diseases such as digestive tract disorders and ...
A meta-analysis of 19,760 patients found S-DAPT associated with higher rates of myocardial infarction but lower TIMI major bleeding compared to L-DAPT. The optimal DAPT duration remains unclear due to varying patient risks and agent choices.
A new clinical trial found that high doses of vitamin D can reduce skin redness, swelling, and inflammation after a sunburn. Vitamin D at doses of 50,000-200,000 IU was shown to have long-lasting benefits in reducing skin inflammation and promoting skin barrier repair.
Researchers discovered a molecular signature in patients who responded to the anti-asthma drug amlexanox, which showed significant improvements in blood glucose levels. The study reveals a potential new therapeutic approach for treating type 2 diabetes and identifies key gene changes associated with the beneficial effects.
A study has shown that an inexpensive fertility drug can be just as effective as more recent reproductive hormones in treating unexplained infertility. The 50-year-old drug, taken orally, was found to have a comparable pregnancy rate to newer hormones used in intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovarian stimulation.
Two studies found that insulin degludec reduced hypoglycemic episodes and severe hypoglycemia in patients with Type 1 or 2 diabetes, compared to insulin glargine U100. The trials involved over 800 adults and had mixed results.
A new poll reveals that many older adults aren't getting help from doctors and pharmacists on drug costs, despite taking multiple prescriptions. Patients who spoke up about cost received recommendations for less expensive drugs, but there's a need for health professionals to engage with patients more routinely.
A new study found that EPO blood doping has little effect on high-intensity laboratory cycling tests and endurance road-race performances. However, the drug was associated with increased risk of thrombosis due to elevated haemoglobin and adhesion molecule levels.
A survey by McGill University found that experts and novices predicted a high success rate for replicating preclinical cancer studies, but none actually met these criteria. The study's findings raise questions about the interpretation of scientific reports in cancer research.
Researchers developed a scoring system using electronic medical records to predict patients at high risk for atrial fibrillation after stroke. The system identifies seven risk factors and assigns patients to one of three risk groups, enabling personalized treatment.
A randomized clinical trial involving 1,000 Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that acupuncture did not increase live births when combined with clomiphene or placebo medication. The study suggests that acupuncture may not be an effective supplemental treatment for infertility in women with PCOS.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults taking five or more medications have a slower walking speed. After accounting for chronic health problems and other factors, researchers confirmed a link between polypharmacy and reduced mobility.
Researchers found that zolpidem can have significant effects on patients with disorders of consciousness or movement disorders, including those in comas and vegetative states. The medication's effects were often transient but repeatable, and some patients showed improvement to a minimally conscious state.
Research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association finds that off-label antipsychotic medications increase mortality rates in elderly people with dementia. Non-drug interventions like behavior management and sensory stimulation show promise as effective alternatives.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has identified the key protein responsible for ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects in the brain. The study reveals that ketamine blocks the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, creating an initial antidepressant reaction and extending its duration.
Expanding health insurance increases access to preventive services, primary care, and chronic illness treatment, leading to improved overall health and reduced mortality rates. Insurance also has major benefits for people with depression, including improved diagnosis and treatment rates.
Recent clinical trials suggest using medications that control blood glucose while reducing cardiovascular risk can improve patient outcomes. This approach may be more effective than current treatments, which prioritize blood sugar maintenance alone.
A gene variant protecting against Alzheimer's disease significantly decreases plasma beta-amyloid levels in a population cohort. The findings provide support for the amyloid cascade hypothesis and offer insights into future research directions.
A study analyzing 9.7 million young people found that only 26.8% received medication for opioid use disorder within six months of diagnosis. Younger people, females, and non-Hispanic black and Hispanic youth were less likely to receive medications.
The HPTN 065 study found that financial incentives can motivate some people living with HIV to take their medication regularly and maintain viral load suppression. This increase in viral suppression was observed at care sites offering financial incentives, with an overall increase of 5% at the peak of the intervention.
A new study found that only one in four young adults with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications for treatment. The study highlights a critical gap in addiction treatment for teens and young adults, emphasizing the need for increased access to effective medication-based care.
A study found that acetaminophen is effective in preventing acute mountain sickness, with no significant difference in incidence and severity compared to ibuprofen. The study suggests that acetaminophen may be an alternative prophylactic treatment for AMS, potentially offering fewer side effects.
Researchers developed a new brain stimulation protocol using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and excitatory intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which showed significant benefits in reducing spasticity in spinal cord injury patients. The study found that improvements persisted even after the treatment ended.
A systematic review found no definitive standard for identifying veterans at risk of suicidal behavior, nor a clear standard of treatment to prevent suicide. Several promising approaches were identified, including screening methods with fair accuracy and interventions like restricting access to lethal means.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50 million people and found that prior statin use was associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The association was more noticeable in people taking lipophilic statins, and was most robust for those using the medication for less than two-and-a-half years.
Long-term daily aspirin use increases risk of disabling or fatal bleeding in people aged 75 or over. Co-prescribing proton-pump inhibitors can reduce this risk by up to 90%. Studies have shown that the benefits of long-term PPI use outweigh the risks for patients in this age group.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that elevated brain amyloid plaques are an early precursor to Alzheimer's disease, which can lead to faster mental decline. The research suggests that intervening against amyloid levels could slow or even stop the onset of the disease.
Researchers have developed a new sequential multiple assignment randomized (SMART) trial method to test two hypotheses at once. This approach allows for the simultaneous evaluation of different treatments, potentially leading to more accurate results and increased efficiency in clinical trials.