Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A large U.S. trial found that two common mid-urethral sling procedures are similar in their chance of cure, but each has distinct risks. Women who underwent transobturator or retropubic surgery achieved equivalent levels of treatment success, with 78-81 percent experiencing dryness.
The article highlights the growing concern of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) becoming a dominant strain worldwide. MDR TB poses a major threat to existing TB control programmes due to its association with lower cure rates and higher mortality rates than drug-susceptible TB disease.
Despite high rates of sexual dysfunction among CKD patients, little is known about effective treatments. The review found that drug treatment was helpful for male patients with erectile dysfunction but few studies evaluated safety and side effects in CKD patients.
Researchers found that only 14% of participants knew to call 9-1-1 for three common stroke symptoms, while 37% reported not calling. The study emphasizes the critical role of symptom recognition and emergency medical services in reducing delays in hospital arrival.
Treatment with alteplase until 4.5 hours from stroke onset enhances favourable outcome chances, while late treatment is associated with reduced short-term survival and increased mortality risk. Early treatment initiation is crucial to maximize benefit and minimize risks.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the need for culturally competent health-care providers and information dissemination about treatment options. The study found that minorities are less likely to consider combining medication and counseling for their children due to barriers such as financial hurdles and l...
Researchers have discovered high-activity mutants of human butyrylcholinesterase that could be used to develop anti-cocaine medication. Additionally, a microbiocide-based HIV prevention measure holds promise for developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Mycobacterium tuberculosis relies on gluconeogenic substrates for growth and persistence, with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) playing a pivotal role. This finding could lead to the development of new drug therapies targeting the enzyme, potentially improving treatment outcomes fo...
Researchers found post-transplant patients off steroids have similar graft-function outcomes as those on steroids but with fewer cardiovascular events. This study contributes to a reduction in patient exposure to corticosteroids during post-transplantation treatment, improving graft survival rates and reducing early mortality.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
The Journal of Nuclear Medicine published a supplement on cardiovascular molecular imaging, discussing its potential to diagnose heart diseases earlier. The publication combines various imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, MRI, and radiotracers, to improve management of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that deep brain stimulation improves quality of life, mobility, and activities of daily living in advanced Parkinson's disease patients, while also reducing dyskinesia and off time. However, the procedure carried a higher risk of serious adverse events.
Eliminating malaria from Hispaniola would demonstrate the feasibility of global eradication efforts. The authors recommend advanced mosquito control methods, diagnosis systems, and community education to combat the parasite. Success requires unwavering political will from both governments.
The new clinics series provides comprehensive reviews of contemporary issues in cardiac electrophysiology, including epicardial interventions, advances in arrhythmia analyses, and antiarrhythmic drug therapy. These issues help electrophysiologists make informed clinical decisions for their patients.
A comparative-effectiveness study confirms that ranibizumab eye injections in combination with laser therapy result in dramatic visual improvement for patients with diabetic macular edema. The treatment demonstrates substantial visual benefits, including a 50% improvement rate and prevention of blood vessel leakage.
A nationwide study found that treating diabetic macular edema with ranibizumab eye injections, plus laser treatment if needed, results in better vision than laser treatment alone. At the one-year follow-up, nearly 50% of patients had substantial improvement in vision.
A study evaluating INT-747 added to ursodeoxycholic acid found significant improvements in liver enzyme levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The results suggest a potential new treatment option for this chronic disease, which damages bile ducts and leads to liver scarring.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed a smart delivery system capable of delivering lauric-acid-filled nano-scale bombs directly to skin-dwelling bacteria that cause common acne. This treatment has the potential to avoid undesirable side effects associated with current treatments.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who received combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine had a higher chance of achieving remission compared to those treated with azathioprine alone. The researchers also discovered comparable safety results ac...
Scientists developed a modern intelligent drug that inhibits platelet activity at cool temperatures, preventing blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia. The new drug loses its function when the body is rewarmed, minimizing bleeding problems.
A recent study published in JAMA found that withdrawing methotrexate treatment after 12 months of remission does not reduce the risk of relapse in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The study also identified a biomarker, MRP8/14, that can predict flares and suggests adjusting treatment intensity to individual patient needs.
A double-blind randomized trial found no benefit of lithium in slowing ALS progression, contrary to initial promising results from a small pilot study. The trial involved 84 patients with ALS and showed that lithium plus riluzole did not slow disease progression more than riluzole alone.
Spinal cord injuries affect approximately 12,000 people annually and 259,000 Americans currently live with long-lasting SCI. A new study suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is most likely to achieve results in treating spinal cord injuries, leveraging expertise from several fields.
Researchers at MGH Cancer Center found reversible drug tolerance in some cancer cells, associated with changes in chromatin structure. This nongenetic mechanism may be a fundamental property of many tumor cell populations, and potential therapeutic strategies are being explored.
Experiments in China have shown that changing the incentive system for healthcare providers can lead to improved basic primary health care and reduced costs. Primary-care providers are incentivized to cover more citizens with vaccinations and health education, improving access to cost-effective care.
A study published in Respiratory Research reveals that older people and those infected with HIV are at higher risk of contracting and dying from tuberculosis. The research identified factors linked to treatment abandonment and deaths, including lack of understanding, injection drug use, and age over 50 or HIV infection.
Researchers developed a strategy to overcome the issue, highlighting the importance of communication between healthcare providers. The study showed that changing drug therapy at an early stage can help patients get the full benefit of tamoxifen treatment, leading to improved breast cancer efficacy.
Members of the Society of Interventional Radiology have filed over 2,400 patents and patent applications, pioneering modern medicine with devices and drugs. These innovations continue to shape and change the medical landscape, enabling interventional radiologists to treat patients without invasive surgery.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that stomach wrap operations are more effective in reducing symptoms of severe acid reflux than acid suppression tablets. The study found significant improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery compared to drug treatment.
The use of intravitreal injections has grown significantly in Canada, but only a small proportion of ophthalmologists perform the procedure. The majority of injections are performed by a small group of providers, highlighting concerns about access to treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found heat therapy to be as effective as intravenous sodium stibogluconate in treating Leishmania major skin lesions. The study suggests that a rugged, battery-operated device like the ThermoMed could effectively treat cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Enobia Pharma and McGill University partner to develop innovative treatments for rare genetic disorder hypophosphatasia, which affects calcium-phosphate mineralization. The treatment, enzyme replacement therapy, is currently undergoing clinical testing in several countries.
In a study of 1,056 severe stroke patients, researchers found that intracranial stenting and intra-arterial tPA were effective in restoring blood flow, with success rates of 76% and 72%, respectively. Other treatment techniques showed lower restoration rates.
A Stanford University School of Medicine review confirms FDA concerns about quinine's effectiveness and safety for treating muscle cramps. The study suggests alternative therapies like vitamin B complex, calcium-channel blocking agents, and anti-epileptic drugs may be effective but require further research.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a new guideline evaluating the treatment options for muscle cramps. Quinine is no longer recommended for routine muscle cramps due to potential serious side effects, while naftidrofuryl and diltiazem may be considered as alternative treatments. More research is needed on these options.
A new multi-targeted treatment regimen combining chemotherapy and targeted drugs improves progression-free survival and tumour response in patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. The study found a clinical benefit rate of over 90% with manageable side effects.
The Tuberculosis Trials Consortium (TBTC) brings together researchers from Barcelona, the US CDC and international partners to develop new treatments and diagnostic tests for TB. With over 12,000 patients enrolled, the consortium aims to improve TB control and prevention globally.
A Tel Aviv University study suggests that early intervention may be able to prevent schizophrenia in those at high risk. The researchers found that administering drugs to rats during adolescence prevented the development of schizophrenia-like symptoms and brain deterioration.
A study led by Dr. David Granville identified Granzyme B as a protein-degrading enzyme abundant in AAAs, which can be targeted to slow progression and improve survival. This discovery may lead to the development of pharmaceuticals to treat aneurysms without surgery.
Recent enhancements to Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) therapy, such as matrix-assisted ACI (MACI), show promise in repairing cartilaginous tissue. These therapies may help delay or prevent the need for total joint replacement in OA patients.
A joint UC study found that three-quarters of medical students believe conventional Western medicine would benefit from integrating more complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. The survey revealed that CAM can enhance patient care, improve treatment outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of healthcare systems.
A new oral drug Cladribine has been shown to significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) relapse and deterioration, with no short-term side effects. The treatment, which only needs to be taken for 8-10 days a year, promises to change the lives of the 100,000 people in the UK affected by MS.
The study analyzed data from 15 trials involving 3,452 women, finding that chemoradiotherapy improved survival rates compared to radiotherapy alone. This treatment also reduced the chance of cancer recurrence and spread.
Treadmill training can improve walking movements and reduce gait hypokinesia in Parkinson's patients. The systematic review found positive effects on walking speed, stride length, and walking distance but no improvement in cadence.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that using words like 'abuser' to describe substance-use patients can lead to punitive attitudes and decreased likelihood of treatment. Changing the terminology may help reduce shame and guilt, making it easier for individuals to seek help.
Researchers found that decitabine increased activity of genes in cancer cells, leading to complete responses and improved survival times. The study suggests decitabine as a potential first-line treatment for older leukemia patients with limited options.
A study of 1,243 male US veterans with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease found that both high and low blood calcium levels increased the risk of dying prematurely. High calcium levels were linked to a 31% increased risk, while low levels resulted in a 21% higher mortality rate.
Educating communities on snake bite prevention is crucial, but antivenom treatment needs improvement. Improper training and use of antivenom can lead to fatal complications.
A study published in the Journal of Oncology found that acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy in reducing hot flashes and improving energy and clarity of thought in breast cancer patients. Acupuncture also showed benefits for sex drive and overall sense of well-being, with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a biodegradable substance with higher activity than existing adjuvants, paving the way for therapeutic vaccines to be used as cost-effective treatments for diseases like cancer and allergies.
A Johns Hopkins-led study finds that while the US has more accessible high-priced cancer drugs, many patients in both countries face financial obstacles due to high out-of-pocket costs. The UK system is considered fairer, but both nations struggle with rationing and end-of-life care decisions.
Current UK guidelines limit postmenopausal women's treatment options due to bone mass T-score criteria. Alternative therapies are available but often require stricter conditions.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-flow oxygen was more effective in treating cluster headache pain than a placebo, with 78% of patients reporting pain-free relief within 15 minutes. The treatment was also superior for other outcomes up to 60 minutes, with no serious adverse events reported.
A phase III trial showed that defibrotide was markedly more effective than standard treatment in post-stem cell transplant patients with hepatic veno-occlusive disease. The mortality rate 100 days after transplant was reduced to 62 percent for patients receiving defibrotide.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have found that second-line CML drugs, such as nilotinib and dasatinib, provide quicker and better responses compared to traditional front-line therapy, imatinib. The studies show improved complete cytogenetic response rates and major molecular response rates in patient...
The use of implantable devices for treating heart failure increased substantially in Europe between 2004-2008, but disparities in device adoption remain. Device therapy, including ICDs and CRT, has gained acceptance as an adjunct to traditional drug treatment, with significant benefits in reducing mortality and morbidity.
A new study explores how consumers choose among health remedies and the consequences for a healthy lifestyle. Consumers prefer Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) when uncertain about an illness's cause or seeking an underlying cure, as it tolerates uncertainty better than Western medicine.
A Université de Montréal investigation found that over six percent of expectant mothers in Quebec use prescription drugs known to be harmful to their fetuses. The study also revealed that the abortion rate among these women is 11 percent higher than in the rest of the population.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that catheter-directed therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for acute massive pulmonary embolism. The treatment was lifesaving in 86.5% of cases studied and had only a 2.4% chance of major complications.
A small group of patients with severe Graves' eye disease showed rapid improvement after treatment with rituximab, reducing inflammation and optic nerve damage. The study suggests that rituximab may offer sustained benefits as an alternative to high-dose steroids.