Articles tagged with Drug Studies
A new risk score provides individualized assessment of DAPT benefits and risks, helping clinicians tailor treatment for patients with specific risk factors. The tool assigns a numerical score based on patient age, cardiovascular risk factors, and procedural characteristics.
A study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that patients with S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections took only 57% of their prescribed antibiotic doses after leaving the hospital. This led to nearly half of them getting a new infection or requiring additional treatment.
Two studies by Penn researchers found that high out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs reduce their use, particularly for cancer treatments. The studies suggest that cost-sharing policies under Medicare Part D are limiting access to life-saving therapies.
A large-scale study examining the relationship between incretin-based drugs and hospitalization for heart failure found no increased risk. The study, conducted by the Canadian Network for Observational Drug Effect Studies (CNODES), analyzed health records of over 1.4 million patients in Canada, the US, and the UK.
A new drug, Arimoclomol, has shown promise against muscle wasting disease inclusion body myositis (IBM) by reversing key symptoms in mice and improving muscle strength. A patient safety trial also found the drug to be safe and well-tolerated.
A recent review of medical literature found no significant effect of antipsychotics on delirium incidence, duration, or mortality. The study analyzed data from 19 studies and concluded that there is no compelling signal to support routine use of antipsychotic medications for delirium prevention.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that delayed follow-up with patients after a heart attack is associated with lower medication adherence. Patients who received earlier outpatient follow-up had higher rates of medication adherence, while those with delayed follow-up had lower rates, particularly at 90 days and 1 year.
Despite weight gain, smoking cessation reduces cardiovascular risks among patients with serious mental illness. The study found that those who remained abstinent had a lower Framingham Risk Score than those who relapsed, indicating continued risk due to worsening obesity and diabetes.
A new analysis of 87 studies found that many were flawed and did not support the claim that moderate drinking reduces mortality risk. In fact, occasional drinkers who had less than one drink per week lived the longest. The study suggests that alcohol may not be a panacea for good health.
A study found that only 15.5% of available clinical trials were requested through open access platforms, suggesting underutilization due to lack of awareness or funding support. The researchers called for promoting the use of shared clinical trial data to increase transparency and validation studies.
Researchers at Group Health Research Institute discovered that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can alleviate chronic low back pain, with improvements seen at six months and one year compared to usual care. MBSR training led to significant reductions in functional limitations and self-reported back pain.
A new study compared over 611 trials to find the most effective methods for inducing labor. Oxytocin, artificial rupture of membranes, and vaginally administered misoprostol were found to be more successful in achieving vaginal delivery within 24 hours.
The Operation Brain Trauma Therapy (OBTT) consortium has published results from five therapies for traumatic brain injury, finding Levetiracetam to be the most beneficial treatment. Biomarker GFAP was also found to perform well across studies.
A new study by JAMA Network reveals that concurrent use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements among older adults increases the risk of major drug interactions. The study found that 15.1% of older adults in 2010-2011 were at risk for a major drug interaction, up from an estimated 8.4% in 2005-2006.
A study in western Kenya assesses the acceptability of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for preventing malaria in pregnancy. The trial found promising results but identified challenges related to adherence and confidence in rapid diagnostic tests.
Researchers at VCU have developed computer models that can simulate the recovery of the immune system in patients undergoing stem cell transplants. The models use DNA sequencing and matrix mathematics to predict which patients may suffer complications such as graft-versus-host-disease.
A large-scale analysis of pain-relief medication for osteoarthritis found that paracetamol does not meet the minimum standard of clinical effectiveness in reducing pain or improving physical function. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was found to be more effective for short-term pain relief.
A randomized clinical trial found that using four drugs for TB does not improve survival rates over isoniazid therapy in advanced HIV/AIDS patients. The study validates the World Health Organization guidelines for prescribing isoniazid to vulnerable patients.
A multi-center trial will test the effectiveness of Harvoni in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver transplant patients. The $3.8M grant, funded by Gilead Sciences, aims to evaluate the drug's cure rate and compare it to existing treatments.
A new study found that 18% of children under six still received cough and cold medications despite label warnings, highlighting the need for stronger measures to deter their use. The study suggests that better public awareness and making these medications harder to purchase may help reduce their use.
Conservatives tend to use a more structured approach, while liberals rely on 'Aha!' insights. Research from Northwestern University finds these cognitive styles affect everyday problems beyond politics.
A small clinical study using the anticancer drug bevacizumab has restored hearing in a handful of people with neurofibromatosis type 2, who previously suffered from progressive hearing loss. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor size without affecting nerve function.
A randomized controlled trial found that CPAP did not significantly improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers suggest that OSA may play a bigger role in the development of diabetes than its control, and that adherence to CPAP treatment may be a challenge.
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to find the most effective treatment for established status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by persistent seizures. The trial, ESETT, will evaluate three commonly used medications to determine which one is most effective at stopping seizures quickly.
A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery found that septorhinoplasty revision rates were low at 3.3%, but certain patient characteristics, such as younger age and history of anxiety or autoimmune disease, were associated with increased revision rates. The authors analyzed data from over 175,000 patients undergoing septorhinopla...
A new study by SWOG found that negative cancer trials have a significant impact on cancer research, despite initial skepticism. The study analyzed 94 randomized Phase III cancer trials and found that the scientific impact of negative trials was similar to that of positive trials over time.
A medical approach combining psychoactive medications, long-term psychotherapy, and screening for associated health issues is recommended for treating posttraumatic symptoms in refugees. This approach provides rapid relief from suffering and supports a long-term doctor-patient relationship.
Researchers are testing SPI-1005, an oral drug containing ebselen, as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder. The treatment has shown promise in addressing the lack of effective options for patients with this condition.
The naltrexone-bupropion treatment combination reduced weight in phase 3 clinical trials but lacked demonstration of cardiovascular benefits. A trial with 8,910 patients was terminated early due to premature release of interim data, casting doubt on the treatment's safety profile.
Researchers found that targeting high prescribers of Schedule II controlled substances with informative letters did not significantly reduce overprescribing, but the study's findings still have important implications for policymakers aiming to curb prescription drug misuse.
Rutgers University has developed a promising antimalarial compound, SJ733, which could help fight the long-dreaded disease. The compound works by blocking a malaria parasite protein, causing water to rush in and 'blowing up' the parasite inside human blood cells.
A large cross-sectional study found that children taking ADHD medication show decreased bone density, particularly in the femur and lumbar spine. Physicians should address this risk and consider nutritional counseling to prevent long-term consequences of low-bone density.
A University of Florida Health study found that 88% of teens who misused prescription stimulants got them from someone else. The study also highlighted differences in behavior and friend networks between those who exclusively used stimulants non-medically and those who reported both medical and non-medical use.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that women require daily doses of Truvada to prevent HIV infection, while men only need two doses per week. The research highlights the importance of understanding how drugs interact with different body tissues to protect against HIV.
Researchers are being called upon to share data from a landmark trial that raised concerns about the use of starch solutions in critically ill patients. The CHEST trial, published in 2012, led to regulators suspending use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) products worldwide.
The study found that monotherapy with favipiravir is unlikely to be effective in patients with very high viremia, but may offer benefits in those with lower viremia. The trial also highlighted the importance of adapting research protocols for emergency situations and integrated research into care.
Researchers identified a novel syndrome resulting from multiple genomic lesions in two male siblings with similar phenotypic features. Whole exome sequencing and cytogenetic testing revealed terminal duplications of Chromosome 16q and deletions of Chromosome 5p, which likely contribute to the complex clinical presentation.
A new study is exploring whether the drug Omalizumab can be targeted at specific patients with severe asthma, who are expected to benefit most from the treatment. This research aims to identify biomarkers that will enable more effective treatment and improve symptoms for those suffering from severe asthma.
A recent phase II clinical trial found that prucalopride significantly reduces the duration of intestinal paralysis after abdominal surgery. In the study, patients taking prucalopride experienced a reduced risk of prolonged ileus compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine discovered that the nuclear export of the opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) is CRM1 dependent. OGFr must translocate into the nucleus to facilitate its role in cell cycle regulation and does so utilizing nuclear localization signals and β and Ran proteins.
The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) trial is a groundbreaking collaboration that uses genomic profiling to match patients with promising new treatments. With the addition of nivolumab, an FDA-approved immunotherapy, the trial offers innovative therapies for advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer.
A two-year clinical trial found that Eylea (aflibercept) performed better than Avastin (bevacizumab) in participants with moderate or worse vision loss, while Lucentis (ranibizumab) yielded similar gains. The study confirmed the effectiveness of all three drugs for diabetic macular edema treatment.
PharmaMar has initiated a Phase II clinical trial for its antitumor drug PM184, targeting hormone-receptor positive and HER2-negative breast cancer patients. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of PM184 on four-month progression-free survival and assess safety and pharmacological profiles.
A Phase 2 study demonstrated the safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in treating mild Alzheimer's disease. No adverse effects were reported, but the next step is evaluating efficacy and longer-term safety in a larger patient population.
A study by Penn State and Columbia University found that individuals who experience more negative emotions and perceive stressful events as more stressful have lower heart rate variability, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This suggests that reaction to stress is more important than its frequency in determining health risks.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) will lead the Direct Volunteers Pilot Studies under the first grant awarded in the federal Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to engage 1 million or more U.S. volunteers, providing a platform for expanding precision medicine approaches.
A clinical trial found that paroxetine modestly improves decision-making and reaction time, and suppresses inflammation in people with HIV-associated cognitive impairment. This is the first time a SSRI has been shown to improve key measures of cognition in people with HIV in a controlled study.
Researchers have discovered that a new medication, pioglitazone, can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by nearly a quarter in patients who have previously suffered a stroke or mini-stroke. This breakthrough finding presents a promising new strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease.
A novel coordinated care program helped black men who have sex with men adhere to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication regimen that prevents HIV infection. Nearly 80% of participants agreed to take PrEP, and 70% had protective levels in their plasma at the midpoint.
A new study demonstrates that pediatric patients with asthma who received their medications in hospital are more likely to avoid emergency department visits. The 'Meds-in-Hand' program, which provides on-site pharmacy delivery, significantly reduced ED visits and improved patient outcomes for discharged children with asthma.
The HPTN 073 Study found that a novel coordinated counseling and care approach resulted in high uptake of PrEP among BMSM, suggesting a lower rate of HIV infection. The study showed that 92% of participants completed the 12-month follow-up and 79% accepted PrEP.
A Phase 2 trial found that maraviroc-containing regimens are as safe and well-tolerated as TDF and emtricitabine when used as PrEP to prevent HIV infection in high-risk men. Five participants became infected with HIV during the study, but their low drug levels suggested inconsistent use of PrEP.
Researchers found that young adult males and transgender participants experienced a measurable but clinically insignificant loss of bone mineral density while taking PrEP. However, after stopping the regimen, bone mineral density levels returned to normal in just six months.
A single dose of zoledronic acid inhibited bone loss in HIV-infected patients and reduced the risk of fractures. The study found a significant reduction in bone loss with treatment, while men showed greater protection against bone loss than women.
Researchers have identified a powerful drug, SOM0226 (tolcapone), that can significantly improve the pharmacological treatment of familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Tolcapone has been shown to inhibit the aggregation of amyloid fibers by TTR and stabilize the protein structure, slowing down disease progression.
Two large studies confirm the monthly vaginal ring's effectiveness in preventing HIV-1 infection in women, with a 30% overall reduction in infections. The ring's efficacy varies by age and consistent use, highlighting the need to overcome barriers to prevention for younger women.
The dapivirine ring reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27 percent overall among more than 2,600 women in Africa. Women aged 25 and older saw a significant reduction in HIV risk, with some experiencing a cut in risk of over half.
A large clinical trial found that a vaginal ring releasing an experimental antiretroviral drug reduced the risk of HIV infection by 27% overall and 61% among women ages 25 and older. The study's results suggest age-related disparities in protection, with younger women showing less consistent use and lower protection.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) had better survival rates than men at one year. However, women also experienced a higher rate of vascular complications and major bleeding after the procedure.
A phase III clinical trial found that using a cardiac clot-busting drug to treat hemorrhagic strokes safely decreased the death rate by 10 percent. The study also showed that flushing unwanted blood from the brain was associated with better outcomes for many patients, with almost 50 percent living independently at 180 days.