Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials found that treating cardiovascular risk factors improves sexual function in men with erectile dysfunction, even when lifestyle interventions alone were used. The study suggests that addressing CV risk factors can have a positive impact on ED and overall quality of life.
Bipolar disorder affects 3% of the general population, with significant functional limitations and high rates of psychiatric hospitalization in children and adolescents. The diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder in adolescents include mania, euphoria, and irritability, while mixed episodes are common in this age group.
The U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratories enabled the discovery of a groundbreaking new drug treatment for malignant melanoma, with FDA-approved drug Zelboraf (vemurafenib) showing great promise in disrupting disease progression.
Research shows antipsychotics are more effective than mood stabilisers in tackling acute mania. Haloperidol, olanzapine, and risperidone were ranked most effective antimanic drugs, with haloperidol outperforming other options.
Researchers aim to develop new post-stroke therapy by repairing the blood-brain barrier, which prevents harmful substances from entering the brain. If successful, this could lead to positive therapeutic outcomes for ischemic stroke patients who may have missed the limited 3-hour tPA window.
A global study led by University of Edinburgh found that rivaroxaban is as effective as warfarin in reducing stroke risk for patients with irregular heartbeats. The new treatment has a lower risk of fatal bleeding and requires less monitoring than the current standard treatment.
Research warns that using powerful antibiotics to treat diseases like MRSA and malaria can accelerate the emergence of resistant strains. The study suggests strategies for slowing resistance spread and preventing mutations.
A recent NIH study found that ATGAM significantly improved blood cell counts and survival rates for patients with severe aplastic anemia compared to Thymoglobulin. The study enrolled 120 patients and showed improved outcomes after six months, with 96% of ATGAM patients surviving after three years.
A six-month study in Kenya found that daily text-message reminders improved correct malaria treatment management by 23.7%, with significant effects on patient adherence to medication. The intervention is cheap and can be scaled up nationally, making it a promising low-cost strategy for improving health worker performance.
A comprehensive review article found that positive activity interventions (PAIs) may offer hope to individuals with depressive disorders who do not respond to medical therapy. PAIs, such as counting blessings and practicing optimism, teach patients ways to increase their positive cognitions and emotions without professional help.
A novel molecular technique has restored dystrophin protein production in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, offering a new therapeutic option. The treatment, using antisense oligonucleotides, was well-tolerated and showed significant dose-dependent increases in muscle protein levels.
The latest evidence-based vascular medicine provides comprehensive guidance on managing noncardiac vascular diseases, including PAD, carotid stenosis, renal artery stenosis, chronic mesenteric ischemia, and critical limb ischemia. The series of articles offers expert clinicians the tools they need to improve patient care.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have longer survival rates than those who don't. Treatment for GER may help reduce microaspiration and scarring of lung tissue, leading to improved survival outcomes.
A new procedure called InterStim Therapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate the sacral nerve and improve muscle function, reducing or eliminating bowel incontinence in 80% of patients. This minimally invasive treatment offers a long-term solution for patients seeking relief from the debilitating symptoms of fecal incontinence.
Researchers at UWM have discovered that propranolol, a common beta blocker, can prevent the brain from retrieving memories associated with cocaine use in animal models. This finding could lead to the development of a first-ever pharmacological treatment for cocaine addiction.
A study examining placebo treatments in asthma patients found that they were equally effective as albuterol inhalers in relieving patient-reported symptoms. However, there was no objective impact on lung function, highlighting the subjective nature of the placebo effect.
A new study found that behavioral treatments for migraines, such as relaxation training and hypnosis, can be more cost-effective than prescription drugs in the long run. After six months, minimal-contact behavioral treatment was competitive with pharmacologic treatments, while after one year, it was nearly $500 cheaper.
A citywide study found racial disparities in the use of clot-busting drugs for acute ischemic stroke treatment due to delays in seeking care and medical conditions. Despite no racial bias detected in doctors' treatment decisions, education is needed to address these disparities and improve outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified compounds that inhibit a signaling pathway in Huntington's disease, a fatal genetic disorder. The quinazoline-derived compounds block the store-operated calcium entry signaling pathway, potentially slowing the progression of degenerative nerve disorders.
Researchers identified a molecular mechanism behind the ketogenic diet's antiepileptic effects, reducing seizures in mice by lowering Adk protein expression. The findings suggest less-restrictive diets and pharmaceutical approaches could be effective alternatives to conventional treatments.
Despite better glucose, lipid and blood pressure control, diabetic kidney disease continues to increase in prevalence. Tight control of blood sugar levels did not lead to significant improvements in kidney function, suggesting additional interventions are needed to prevent the disease.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have identified a heretofore unrecognised pathway regulating calcium activity within blood vessel smooth muscle cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for hypertension by targeting the constriction and dilation of blood vessels.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation calls for improved strategies to close the treatment gap and reduce the future burden of fractures. A new report estimates that increasing treatment uptake could avoid 13% of projected fractures by 2025, resulting in 95,000 fewer fractures annually.
A large treatment gap in Europe has been identified, leaving millions of older adults at unnecessary risk of fragility fractures. The report found that only a minority of high-risk patients are receiving treatment, despite advances in risk assessment and effective medication being widely available.
A study published in Neuroimage suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation can improve patients' inhibitory control, a key aspect of self-regulation. The treatment has potential as a non-invasive treatment for conditions such as ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, and violent impulsivity.
Researchers found that treatments tailored to subgroups with increased motivation, reduced temptation, and confidence can lead to reductions in drinking behavior. Early-onset drinkers showed greater responsiveness to anti-craving medication.
Patients with OSA experience high rates of OAT therapy compliance, as measured by objective means and subjective estimates. The study found excellent agreement between subjective and objective compliance measures for patients undergoing OAT treatment.
Researchers found that orphan disease genes encode hub proteins with multiple protein-to-protein interactions vital to cell function. Deleting about 43% of these gene homologs is lethal or causes premature death, highlighting their essential survival role.
A lower dose of zoledronic acid has been found to increase bone density and decrease bone resorption, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The study suggests that a one-fifth or one-half of the recommended dose may be sufficient for this effect.
The use of clot-busting drug rtPA for acute ischemic stroke patients in the US increased significantly between 2005 and 2009, with treatment rates doubling from 1.8% to 3.4%.
A cluster randomized trial found that providing subsidized malaria drugs in shops more than doubled the proportion of children with fever treated promptly. However, this is still lower than the target to treat 80% of children with fever.
A new nerve-stimulation treatment called Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS) has shown promise in controlling seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In a Phase 2 clinical trial, 40% of patients experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency, with some also experiencing improved mood.
A study found that injection therapy with intratympanic methylprednisolone was not inferior to oral prednisone in treating idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The treatment showed comparable efficacy at 2 and 6 months, with improved hearing recovery rates for both groups.
Advances in understanding Fragile X syndrome have led to the possibility of treating this inherited intellectual disability. Several drugs tested in humans show promising results, offering a potential breakthrough in correcting underlying causes.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found that propranolol therapy improved the size and quality of head and neck hemangiomas in children. The medication was effective in reducing tumor size, flattening lesions, and changing their color, even in cases where previous treatments were unsuccessful.
Researchers have created a new model using striped zebrafish to screen drugs for Cushing disease, allowing for rapid identification of effective treatments. The model has already shown promise with one drug suppressing hormone secretion and cortisol levels.
A study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that nearly 3% of Americans using mind-body therapies were referred by a healthcare provider, suggesting a shift towards mainstream acceptance. These patients were sicker and used the healthcare system more than those who self-referenced for MBT.
A recent study found that only about half of new drugs approved by the FDA had available comparative effectiveness data. The researchers analyzed data from 2000 to 2010 and found significant variability in the availability of this information, with some therapeutic indications having much higher rates of availability than others.
Researchers found a single trial supporting aripiprazole for maintenance therapy, but its limitations constrain interpretation. The trial had short duration and low participant completion rates, casting doubt on its effectiveness.
Researchers at UCLA develop a new method for targeted drug delivery using nanotechnology. They demonstrate the ability to package drug-loaded 'nanodisks' into vault nanoparticles, which can hold hundreds of drugs and target specific cells in the body.
Researchers discovered Camel-raised Nanobody agents that target breast cancer cells, offering a new approach to identifying effective treatments for individual patients. The 'Nanobodies' are robust, small, and easy to produce at low cost, making them a promising tool in the fight against breast cancer.
A two-year treatment regimen with Naltrexone and complementary treatments like group therapy can keep 80% of gamblers 'gamble-free' over a four-year period. Gambling addiction is a chronic disorder requiring careful monitoring and holistic treatments to avoid relapse.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have found that Metformin treatment can decrease the invasiveness of endometrial cancer cells in women with PCOS. The study suggests that long-term use of Metformin may provide protection against endometrial cancer, a significant finding for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
A European-wide retrospective analysis found both D-penicillamine and trientine to be effective treatments for Wilson disease, providing positive survival rates in patients free from a liver transplant. The study showed that over 98% of patients did not require liver transplantation.
A new treatment approach targeting CML stem cells is being tested, offering a potential cure for patients resistant to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Hydroxychloroquine has shown promise in killing cancer cells undergoing autophagy, a state that allows them to survive and return after standard therapy.
A new hepatitis C drug, boceprevir, has shown significant promise in treating patients with hard-to-treat cases. The study found that the drug helped cure more patients than traditional treatment methods within 36 weeks.
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation named Dr. Jeanne M. LaBerge the 2011 Dotter Lecturer, honoring her extraordinary contributions to interventional radiology. She is also a leader in innovation, with awards recognizing her research and education efforts.
Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new targeted drug that slows down nicotine metabolism, aiming to aid in smoking reduction therapy. The drug inhibits the CYP2A6 enzyme, which metabolizes nicotine, and is being explored as a potential alternative to traditional anti-smoking treatments.
A study found that injection of a bulking agent into the anal canal improved symptoms of faecal incontinence more than sham treatment. The treatment was shown to be safe with minimal adverse events.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that residential treatment for tobacco dependence significantly increases the chances of long-term abstinence. Compared to standard outpatient treatment, residential patients showed a higher success rate, with 52% still not smoking after six months.
A study published in The Lancet found that eribulin monotherapy extends the lives of breast cancer patients with extensive treatment by a median 2.5 months compared to physician's choice treatment. The drug targets microtubules, leading to cell death and improved survival rates.
Research identifies four major PTSD symptoms with varying effects on quality of life, challenging common assumptions about the disorder's impact. Symptoms tied to heightened arousal, such as trouble sleeping and irritability, were found to have a significant association with lower quality of life among PTSD patients.
Deep brain stimulation therapy has shown promise in reducing symptoms of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for a small subset of patients. After years of research, Dr. Benjamin Greenberg presents the longest-term results of the technique, highlighting its potential to improve symptoms and quality of life.
A new adherence course significantly improves blood pressure management in patients with high blood pressure, reducing non-adherence rates and blood pressure levels.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that intravitreal bevacizumab significantly reduces the recurrence rate of retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. The drug therapy also appears to preserve vision better than conventional laser treatment, with no need for intubation and a faster recovery.
Two neural pathways have been identified in the brain that play a role in developing phobias and anxiety disorders. The study found that individuals with overactive amygdalas and those who fail to activate their ventral prefrontal cortex are more prone to fear responses.
Researchers found that treating mild strokes with clot-busting drug intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) could reduce disability and save billions in costs. The study suggests at least 2,000 fewer patients would be disabled from mild stroke each year.
Researchers analyzed hospital records from 437 patients diagnosed with mild ischemic stroke, finding that treating them with a proven clot-busting drug could reduce the number of disabled patients by 2,176-3,761 per year. This treatment approach has the potential to save an estimated $200 million annually in disability costs.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that percutaneous drainage with adjuvant medical therapy is effective in treating hepatic hydatid cysts, with all 32 cysts showing immediate collapse and progressive decrease in size over time. The procedure was associated with no viable scolices found upon re-aspiration.
A new study uses PET scans to image metabolic changes in thyroid cancer patients treated with vandetanib, a protein kinase inhibitor. The findings show that PET imaging can help define the therapy response and identify potential markers of treatment efficacy.