Articles tagged with Drug Studies
The TOAST classification system is widely employed in stroke studies worldwide, categorizing ischemic strokes into five broad causes. While useful for real-world research, it has limitations when determining treatment for individual patients.
A University of Missouri researcher found that behavioral interventions for patients are more effective than those targeting healthcare providers in improving medication adherence. The study analyzed 29 interventions and concluded that patient-centered approaches can help identify the root causes of non-adherence.
A Northwestern University study found that clinical trials for finasteride, a common hair loss treatment, inadequately reported sexual dysfunction, which may persist. The study analyzed 34 clinical trials and found no adequate information on the severity, frequency, or reversibility of sexual adverse effects.
A new investigation by The BMJ reveals that NHS doctors could prescribe the affordable and effective sight loss drug Avastin for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. If allowed, this could release £102 million annually to reinvest in other frontline patient services.
A new study found that children who get a taste of their parents' wine are more likely to start drinking by high school. Of the 561 students surveyed, those who'd 'sipped' alcohol by sixth grade were five times more likely to down a full drink and four times more likely to binge or get drunk.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully restored memory and synaptic connections in Alzheimer's mice using the experimental cancer drug AZD05030. The treatment blocks damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and has led to the launch of human trials.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have discovered a unique mechanism of borrelidin, a natural product with wide-ranging antifungal, antibacterial, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. The study sheds light on the compound's inhibition of protein synthesis by occupying four distinct subsites on tRNA synthetase.
A new analysis found that studies supporting the value of second-generation antidepressant drugs for anxiety disorders have been distorted by publication bias, outcome reporting bias, and 'spin'. The researchers concluded that these medications may not be significantly more useful than a placebo in treating anxiety disorders.
A new oral drug, ZS-9, has been shown to normalize high potassium levels in 98% of patients with chronic kidney disease treated with Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System inhibitors (RAASI's). This effective treatment reduces the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia.
A new study suggests that fasting combined with a class of cancer-inhibiting drugs can starve colorectal, breast and lung cancer cells, potentially replacing chemotherapy. The research found that this combination is equally effective in killing cancer cells.
Two studies show that midwives can safely treat failed abortions and miscarriages in rural districts of Uganda, and that home pregnancy tests can replace clinical follow-up examinations. These findings may lead to new international recommendations for medical abortion treatment.
Two experimental Ebola vaccines have proven safe in a phase 2 clinical trial involving over 600 participants in Liberia. The trial may now advance to Phase 3 testing if the results are confirmed, with the ultimate goal of determining whether these vaccines can protect against Ebola virus disease.
Existing health information exchange studies show little to no correlation between their use and improved patient care outcomes. Researchers found that high-quality evidence linking HIE adoption to clear benefits is scarce, with most studies having methodological limitations.
A two-year clinical trial using low doses of ketamine may hold promise for reversing the devastating symptoms of Rett Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder found almost exclusively in females. The trial aims to measure changes in breathing patterns and overall clinical severity among up to 35 participants.
A new study suggests discontinuing statins in patients with life-limiting illness can improve quality of life without adverse health effects. The study found no significant differences in mortality between those who continued and discontinued statin therapy.
A new study evaluates currently available screening tools for senior cancer patients taking too many medications. It found that a more comprehensive assessment and monitoring plan is needed to improve treatment outcomes.
New approach aims to enhance neuroplastic processes, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis and axonal sprouting to improve neurological recovery. Early clinical trials are underway for innovative drugs such as Glibenclamide, Minocycline and Statins.
Researchers found that patients with narrower PICC lines and those taking aspirin and statins before PICC placement have a lower risk of DVT. Doctors should use PICCs only when necessary and monitor for clots, ensuring continued medication to prevent complications.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that 27% of acne patients failed to get prescribed medications, with higher non-adherence rates for those taking multiple medications. Researchers suggest simplifying treatment regimens could reduce non-adherence.
Regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs reduces colorectal cancer risk, but rare genetic variants do not offer the same benefit to some individuals. The study found a 30% reduction in risk for most participants, but no protective effect for those with certain genetic variations.
Researchers at Henry Ford Health discovered that sildenafil improves neurological function even in middle-aged mice with long-term diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests new insights into underlying mechanisms and potential treatment for long-term diabetic neuropathy.
A new TB drug regimen, PaMZ, has shown promising results in a Phase 2b clinical trial, demonstrating the potential to treat both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant TB in four to six months. The regimen, comprising pretomanid and moxifloxacin, was found to be effective independent of HIV status.
A new study published in Medical Care found that specific health system factors, including prescriptions with a 90-day supply and lower copayments, nearly doubled the likelihood of patients adhering to prescribed heart and diabetes medications. The study examined nearly 130,000 Kaiser Permanente members with diabetes and aged 65 or older.
The study found bivalirudin to be associated with significantly lower rates of bleeding complications and death, but failed to meet its co-primary composite endpoints. The high prevalence of heart attacks in patients may have diluted the benefits reflected in the rates of death and bleeding.
A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that redesigned IV medication labels can significantly reduce the risk of medication errors in the operating room. The research used simulated surgical emergency scenarios and showed a higher correct selection rate with redesigned labels compared to standard labels.
A new study in baboons reveals that social relationships play a role in shaping an individual's gut microbial makeup. The researchers found that baboons who groomed each other more frequently shared more similar sets of gut microbes, suggesting that physical contact may be a key factor in allowing people to swap gut germs.
Patients over 80 with acute coronary syndromes who received invasive procedures had a 47% reduction in heart attacks, urgent revascularization, stroke, and death compared to conservative treatment. The study suggests that older patients may be denied necessary treatments due to their age.
A study of over 18,000 patients found that newer drug-coated stents have similar long-term rates of death as traditional bypass surgery. However, the stent group had slightly more heart attacks in the long term.
A new study finds that carotid baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) improves NYHA Class, quality of life scores and exercise capacity in symptomatic advanced heart failure patients receiving optimum drug therapy. BAT was safely implanted with few complications and no adverse effects.
A comprehensive study of over 95,000 patients found that glucose-lowering therapies prescribed to diabetes patients may pose an increased risk for the development of heart failure. The study showed a 14% overall increased risk of heart failure with intensive blood sugar-lowering drugs or strategies.
Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease receive better outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than angioplasty and stent implantation, according to a study. This is in line with past studies that have shown CABG leads to better outcomes for patients with multiple narrowed arteries.
Patients taking evolocumab, a new class of cholesterol-lowering medications, were half as likely to die or experience a heart attack/stroke compared to those on standard care. The study found that patients treated with evolocumab had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular events and adverse effects.
The study found that adding ticagrelor to aspirin therapy after a heart attack significantly reduced the rate of subsequent death from cardiovascular causes, with benefits appearing for nearly three years. The trial recruited 21,162 patients and showed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular death with both ticagrelor doses.
Researchers discovered that Valacyclovir can reduce HIV-1 levels independently of herpes infection, promising new avenues for drug development. The study's findings suggest the potential for a broader range of HIV-fighting drugs and could inform the design of new agents based on Valacyclovir's molecular structure.
A comprehensive review of 39 clinical trials found no evidence of increased risk of suicidal behavior, depression, or death in Varenicline users compared to placebo groups. The study also showed a 25% reduction in the risk of anxiety, likely attributed to the positive impact of quitting smoking on mental health.
Researchers examined the effects of Amitriptyline, Gabapentin, and Carbamazepine on human skin keratinocyte and oral keratinocyte cells. The study found that lower concentrations of Amitriptyline were more cytotoxic to HaCat cells, while Gabapentin and Carbamazepine had less toxic effects.
Duke Medicine researchers found that only 13.4% of clinical trials reported findings within the required one-year window, with industry-sponsored trials reporting at 17%, while academic/non-NIH-funded trials reported at just 5.7%. The lack of transparency hampers progress and violates obligations to patients.
A new natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease, withanamides, is being developed by Michigan State University. The compound has shown to protect brain cells from damage caused by the rogue protein BAP, which is a common factor in Alzheimer's progression.
A study led by Drs. Kelleher and Shen discovered that presenilin-1 mutations decrease gamma-secretase activity, leading to age-dependent death of neurons and neurodegeneration. The findings may transform the way scientists design drugs for inherited Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a conclusive link between genetic variants and increased bleeding risk with warfarin treatment. Patients with specific genetic differences benefit from alternative anticoagulants like edoxaban, offering improved safety and efficacy.
Scientists at Imperial College London developed a test using human stem cells to predict severe immune reactions to new drugs. The test recreates the unique conditions found in blood vessels, making it a more reliable method than current tests.
A new study by researchers from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, the Regenstrief Institute, and Indiana University School of Medicine reports that a stepped-care strategy improved function and decreased pain severity in veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain, producing at least a 30 percent improvement in pain-related di...
A McGill University study reveals that only 37% of registered drug trials in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases were published between 2005 and 2009. The findings highlight the importance of sharing information from stalled drug trials to improve care, protect patients, and discover better drugs.
A new experimental drug, GC-1, has been found to convert 'bad' white fat into 'good' brown-like fat, leading to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in mice. Researchers believe this conversion may help treat obesity and metabolic disease.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that abaloparatide reduces the rate of new spinal fractures by 86 percent and also significantly lowers the fracture rate at other parts of the body. The treatment also delays the time to the first nonvertebral fracture and increases bone mineral density.
A systematic review of studies on racial/ethnic variations in overuse of health care found that a substantial proportion (43%) suggests white patients receive excessive testing and treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for carefully designed interventions to minimize unintended consequences.
A recent study found that the apixaban-amiodarone combination significantly decreased stroke risk for patients with AFib who require both heart rhythm regulation and blood thinning medication. This alternative to warfarin offers a better option for managing high-risk atrial fibrillation.
A meta-analysis of 29 studies involving over 120,000 men found no connection between testosterone therapy and increased risk of heart problems. An observational study from Wisconsin also showed low cardiovascular event rates in both treated and untreated groups.
The GeneSight test combines multiple gene variations to predict patient responses to medications, improving treatment outcomes and healthcare resource utilization. The study found that patients on red category medications showed significantly less improvement in depressive symptoms.
Patients taking digoxin for atrial fibrillation face a 27% increased risk of dying compared to those not on the medication. The analysis of 19 studies involving over 500,000 patients also found that those with kidney failure are at an especially high risk.
Research suggests that early life stress can lead to an excess release of serotonin, resulting in a deficit. This could explain why many people with depression and anxiety disorders don't respond well to SSRIs, which aim to increase serotonin levels.
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology presented awards for papers on stent patency and inhibiting tumor growth at the Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting. These awards recognized advancements in chemotherapy and radiation, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that company dossiers and dossier assessments contain significantly more information than conventional documents on clinical studies, especially regarding patient-relevant outcomes. This suggests that early benefit assessment may be a model for increased transparency in other areas.
A Group Health study of over 3,000 patients found that anticholinergic medications increase the risk of pneumonia in older adults. The study suggests that clinicians should review medications regularly to identify potential risks and explore alternative treatments.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nut and peanut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of total mortality and cardiovascular disease death across different ethnic groups. The study suggested that peanuts, due to their affordability, may be a cost-effective measure to improve cardiovascular health.
Researchers found a consistent dose-response relationship between paracetamol and adverse events, including mortality, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal problems. This suggests that clinicians should reevaluate the drug's effectiveness and tolerability for certain conditions, particularly when analgesic benefit is uncertain.
A new study suggests that taking popular anti-smoking medication for several weeks before quitting may make it easier to quit and stay quit. The research found that extending the use of bupropion prior to quitting reduced smoking during that period without increasing craving or withdrawal.
The NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of ZMapp, an experimental Ebola treatment. The study will enroll adults and children with known Ebola infection and compare the treatment to standard care.
A large retrospective study of 885 patients with soft-tissue sarcoma found that YONDELIS treatment was effective, with median progression-free survival and overall survival of 4.4 and 12.2 months, respectively. Early administration as second-line therapy may optimize efficacy.
Researchers found that blocking interleukin-1, a master regulator of inflammation, increased the risk of coronary heart disease and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In contrast, naturally occurring interleukin-1 inhibition decreased the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.