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AASM publishes clinical practice guideline on use of PAP therapy for sleep apnea

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a clinical practice guideline for the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults. The guideline provides nine recommendations, including the use of PAP therapy as a first-line treatment for OSA in adults with excessive sleepiness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Promising results for new acute porphyria treatment

A new drug candidate, givosiran, has shown promising results in treating acute porphyria by preventing attacks and reducing hemin need by up to 83%, according to a recent clinical trial. The study's lead author notes that the treatment can effectively prevent acute attacks in seriously afflicted patients with limited options.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2019

Yoga regimen reduces severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

A study published in Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience found that eight weeks of intensive yoga practice significantly decreases the severity of physical and psychological symptoms in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The results show marked improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, functional status, and disease activity.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateFeb 5, 2019

Physics can show us the inside of tumors

Researchers used noncontact imaging to differentiate malignant cells and monitor treatment effectiveness, revealing mechanical properties of tumors that influence disease progression. This technique may lead to personalized therapies and more effective treatments.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 8, 2019

Edging closer to personalized medicine for patients with irregular heartbeat

A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has made a significant step towards precision medicine for patients with Long QT Syndrome Type 3, a life-threatening form of irregular heartbeat. By analyzing genetic variation and the nanoscale interaction of a commonly used drug treatment, they determined which patients woul...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCirculation Research·DateDec 19, 2018

Breathlessness treatments do reduce patient distress

A new study from King's College London found that breathlessness-focused services can significantly reduce patient distress and symptoms of depression. These holistic services, which combine palliative care and self-management strategies, empower patients to take control of their breathlessness and improve their quality of life.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThorax·DateNov 29, 2018

Investigational drug shows promising results in Phase II study of aggressive, often fatal blood disorder with no approved therapies

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center report high response rates of 90% among frontline-treated patients with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN). The study, led by Naveen Pemmaraju, presents a novel targeted therapy targeting CD-123, a cell surface receptor expressed in BPDCN and other hematologic malignancies.

Getting women in the mood for sex

Researchers discuss historical and current evidence-based approaches to stimulating female sexual desire, highlighting the role of dopamine and music in enhancing pleasure. The study aims to improve healthcare providers' understanding of women's sexual health, particularly those affected by hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

Genes key to identifying drug resistant parasites in Brazil

A study published in eBioMedicine found that the absence of four particular genes in the Leishmania infantum parasite makes it less susceptible to miltefosine, an oral drug used to treat visceral leishmaniasis. This discovery could lead to a new prognostic test to predict treatment outcomes and tailor medicines accordingly.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEBioMedicine·DateOct 1, 2018

Black women more likely to skip crucial breast cancer treatments

A new study reveals that black women are more likely to skip hormone therapy treatments for breast cancer, with barriers including cost, side effects, and difficulty adhering to treatment plans. The study highlights the need for culturally competent behavioral interventions to improve outcomes for all women with breast cancer.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 20, 2018

Is cancer fundraising fuelling quackery?

Crowdfunding sites have seen a surge in UK cancer-related appeals, with £8m raised since 2012. Critics argue that these platforms are not adequately vetting appeals, potentially leading to patients being exploited by unproven treatments.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 12, 2018

Insuring patient access and affordability for treatments for rare and ultra-rare diseases

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics emphasizes the need for affordable treatment options for rare and ultra-rare diseases. Key recommendations include preventing abuses of the Orphan Drug Act and aligning drug packaging with dosing recommendations to reduce waste. The organization urges policymakers to develop simple,...

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

Rethinking the stroke rule 'time is brain'

Neurologist Camilo R. Gomez argues that the effect of time on ischemic stroke outcomes varies greatly among patients, with collateral circulation playing a critical role in determining treatment efficacy. He proposes a new approach to stroke care, taking into account individual patient variability and blood circulation patterns.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateAug 13, 2018

Can medical marijuana help treat intractable epilepsy?

A review suggests that cannabidiol, a compound in cannabis, may have modest efficacy in treating severe epilepsy, particularly in children. However, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its potential and minimize side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateAug 8, 2018

Latent TB treatment: Shorter is better

A new study from McGill University Health Centre reveals that a four-month rifampin treatment is as effective as nine months of isoniazid in preventing tuberculosis, with significantly fewer side effects. The treatment was also more acceptable to patients, particularly those with liver toxicity.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018