Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
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 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 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.
A study found that anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration can lead to increased intraocular pressure in patients without a family history of glaucoma. A new low-cost vision screening method, using an auto-refractor and pre-made eyeglasses, has shown promise in improving vision for millions in developing countries.
A study by Canadian cardiologists found that patients with herceptin-related heart complications can be taken off the medication and treated for the condition, allowing them to resume cancer treatment unaffected. The research suggests that heart damage from trastuzumab is largely reversible.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a key protein promoting pulmonary arterial hypertension and developed a drug therapy to block its effects. The treatment, using γ-secretase inhibitor, reversed the disease in mice, offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition.
New research confirms the effectiveness of alteplase in treating strokes up to 4.5 hours after symptoms appear, regardless of age, gender, or underlying health conditions. The study's findings suggest that extending the treatment window could improve outcomes for stroke patients.
The American College of Physicians recommends initiating therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor in men with ED unless there's a contraindication. Treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors results in statistically significant improvements in sexual intercourse and erectile function, regardless of cause or baseline severity.
A cohort study of 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found a significant increased risk of lymphoma associated with thiopurine use. The absolute cumulative risk remains low in young patients, but elderly patients and prolonged treatment periods warrant further investigation.
Packages of care aim to improve epilepsy recognition and management, closing the 'treatment gap' in LMICs. Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide, with limited access to effective treatment.
A new research center exploring deep brain stimulation for OCD has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health. The center will link over 50 researchers studying how DBS affects people with OCD.
A systematic review of 62 trials involving 7,101 women found minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations to be just as effective as traditional open surgery for stress urinary incontinence. The procedures had shorter operating times and were more effective than a second type of open surgery.
A new series explores how to treat six major MNS disorders in settings where specialists are scarce. The series recommends 'packages of care' combining medication and psychosocial treatments for best outcomes, with non-specialist health workers playing a key role.
A new report calls for reform of clinical psychology training programs and accreditation system to ensure mental health clinicians use evidence-based treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective for PTSD with fewer side effects, yet many psychologists do not use it.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery suggests that women over 50 with a wrist fracture are less likely to be evaluated and treated for osteoporosis compared to those with hip or spine fractures. The study highlights barriers to evaluation, including clinical inertia, cost concerns, and lack of clarity on responsib...
Scientists extend mice lifespan by up to a fifth and reduce age-related diseases through blocking key molecular pathway, mirroring health benefits of calorie restriction. The study suggests that drug treatments targeting the S6K1 pathway may be feasible, building on existing research on calorie restriction's potential for human longevity.
A new nomogram developed by Ronald DeMatteo and colleagues predicts a patient's risk of cancer recurrence after surgery to remove primary GIST. The tool uses tumour size, location, and mitotic index as established prognostic criteria.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine report a promising result from the ADAGIO trial, finding that rasagiline may slow Parkinson's disease progression. The study used a novel design to examine the effect of early treatment on disease progression, and found benefits for patients starting therapy with rasagiline.
A multicenter study found drug-eluting stents to be effective in treating patients with chronic total occlusions, with low rates of major adverse cardiac events. The study also showed that certain drug-eluting stents, such as SES and EES, had a lesser rate of angiographic restenosis compared to others.
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with substantial variation in symptomatology and life history. A paradigm shift in research focuses on identifying critical domains of pathology, such as positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairment, and impaired cognition. This shift aims to improve treatment efficacy by targeting spec...
A study found laser therapy equivalent to corticosteroid medications in treating vision loss from BRVO, with lower complication rates. Laser treatment showed no significant difference in visual improvement compared to corticosteroid injections.
A new treatment protocol using dexamethasone instead of prednisone and less intensive chemotherapy showed similar event-free survival in non-high risk patients but better results in high-risk patients, reducing the risk of side effects. Overall, the treatment strategy improved survival rates for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
People with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are heavy smokers, but their doctors fear asking them to quit due to concerns about worsening symptoms. However, tobacco addiction specialist Brian Hitsman says this is a myth, and treating tobacco use and dependence can improve patients' overall health.
A new therapy called cardiac resynchronization can significantly delay the onset of heart failure symptoms and hospitalization for up to 41% with pacing therapy. The treatment improves heart-pumping efficiency, enabling patients like Rosemary Jakubowski to engage in physical activities without fatigue.
The new guidelines identify six different clinical groups of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on treatment strategies and risk stratification. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (group 1) is the only group provided with specific drug therapy and an evidence-based treatment algorithm.
The UPLIFT study found that starting COPD treatment with inhaled tiotropium at an earlier stage reduces decline of lung function and risk of exacerbations. Treatment should begin in patients with moderate disease to improve health status.
Researchers have discovered genetic biomarkers relevant to CRC, allowing for personalized medication and improved survival rates. The integration of conventional agents with novel targeted therapies has led to median overall survival exceeding two years in metastatic CRC.
Dr. Nicholas J. White receives the sanofi-aventis ICAAC Award for his work on artemisinin-based combination treatments and reduction of malaria transmissibility, leading to a significant decrease in global malaria morbidity.
Researchers found that mutations in the INPP5E gene lead to impaired balance, mental retardation, and polycystic kidney disease. The study suggests that targeting the phosphatylinositol pathway with existing drugs may help treat ciliopathies.
A study of 13,817 individuals with diabetes aged 66 and older found that starting antipsychotic treatment increased the risk of hospitalization for hyperglycemia. The risk was highest among those just beginning treatment, highlighting the need for enhanced glucose monitoring.
Research published in Neurology suggests that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatments may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by targeting beta-amyloid plaques. The study analyzed data from over 847,000 patients and found a 42% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's among those who received IVIg.
Individuals with higher levels of education and significant impairment by Parkinson's disease require treatment earlier than others. Higher education is independently associated with an increased need for symptomatic treatment.
Researchers discovered that a compound found in Easter Island soil, called rapamycin, extended the lifespan of middle-aged mice by 28-38% when added to their diet. The findings have significant implications for understanding the aging process and developing new therapies.
Researchers found that treatment intensification can improve blood pressure control in patients with varying levels of adherence, challenging a widely held assumption. The study's lead author recommends further studies to determine the most effective management strategy for uncontrolled hypertension and suboptimal adherence.
A 12-week study found that N-acetylcysteine significantly reduced hair-pulling symptoms in patients with trichotillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive hair-pulling and significant psychosocial problems. The treatment was well-tolerated and compared favorably to existing treatment options.
New research warns of increasing rates of hypertension in Latin America, which poses a mounting threat to economies if not addressed. To combat this, policymakers and healthcare providers must work together to implement core policy changes, including detection, diagnosis, treatment, and control of high blood pressure.
A clinical trial of masitinib has shown it to be well-tolerated and effective in reducing the severity of active rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment was found to significantly reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, with mild to moderate side effects.
Patients with ischemic stroke and moderate to severe OSA who received CPAP treatment had a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who did not comply. The study found that nearly half of the original group had died within five years, while only 28 were fully compliant with CPAP treatment.
The UK's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved the use of lenalidomide in patients with multiple myeloma who have received two or more previous therapies. The approval is based on robust data showing that lenalidomide can increase survival by over three months compared to dexamethasone.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers suggests that a minimum of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This finding may help doctors diagnose CIDP more effectively and treat patients earlier, potentially preventing further disability.
Researchers have discovered a new drug, Debio 025, which is as effective as current treatment options but without the risk of infection and immunosuppression. The study found that Debio 025 protects mice from muscle-wasting diseases similar to human muscular dystrophy.
A landmark study found that prompt bypass surgery has the same five-year survival rate as drug therapy alone for patients with type 2 diabetes and stable heart disease. In contrast, bypass surgery lowered the risk of subsequent major cardiac events, particularly in those with severe heart disease.
Versartis announces preclinical abstracts on its two product candidates VRS-859 and VRS-808, which utilize Amunix's rPEG technology to extend biologics' half-life. The compounds aim to reduce dosing frequency and side effects in type 2 diabetes and prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.
Half of myocardial infarction patients report onerous fatigue four months after the event, with depression symptoms also common. Patients' perceptions of their illness play a crucial role in determining prognosis and treatment effectiveness.
A phase 2 trial of TMC207 for MDR-TB found a significant increase in sputum culture negativity and reduced time to conversion compared to the background regimen. The results validate ATP synthase as a potential treatment target.
ChemGenex's omacetaxine shows durable hematological and cytogenetic responses in patients with highly resistant CML. The Phase 2/3 study demonstrated a complete hematologic response rate of 85% in chronic phase patients, suggesting a promising treatment option for this difficult-to-treat population.
Researchers analyzed 22 trials of web- and computer-based smoking cessation programs, finding a significant improvement in success rates compared to quitting alone. The studies involved nearly 30,000 participants and showed that these programs can be an effective, cost-effective way to help smokers overcome tobacco dependence.
Reorganizational Healing (ROH) is a new concept for wellness, healing, and personal growth that focuses on self-assessment and harnessing the body's innate ability to reorganize. By understanding the relationship between lifestyle choices and disease symptoms, individuals can achieve healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that can predict which breast cancer patients will respond well to treatment with epirubicin, a widely used form of chemotherapy. This signature may help ensure fewer women are exposed to severe side effects by identifying those most likely to benefit from treatment.
Researchers have found a connection between Sanfilippo syndrome and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that new Alzheimer's drugs may provide therapy for the currently untreatable metabolic disorder. The study identified key proteins involved in the development of the disease, which could lead to effective treatment options.
Howard J. Federoff has received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award from the American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR) for his significant contributions to the field of neural therapy and repair. The award recognizes his research on gene therapy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A retrospective study of 2,854 Italian patients with MS found leukemia occurred in .74% of those treated with mitoxantrone, significantly higher than previously reported rates. The study highlights the need for careful hematological follow-up to check for acute leukemia.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications deter patients with chronic illnesses from initiating recommended treatments. The delay in treatment is particularly pronounced among those who have not previously used medication, highlighting a potential barrier to care.
Researchers developed a smart bomb-like drug delivery system that combines imaging with chemotherapy for prostate cancer treatment, showing promise in reducing tumor cells.
Patients in the active treatment group experienced significant improvements in nasal symptoms, sense of smell, and a reduction in nasal swelling. The study showed a highly significant improvement to a normal state in the nasal mucosa, with peak nasal inspiratory flow and rhinosinusitis outcome measures also significantly improved.
A randomised controlled trial found that a single annual infusion of zoledronic acid improved bone mineral density by 4.1% compared to daily risedronate's 2.7%. This increase in BMD is associated with reduced fracture risk and acceptable safety and tolerability profiles.
New Brown University research suggests nicotine interferes with multiple cellular interactions, potentially developing new treatments for various diseases. The study identified 55 proteins interacting with the alpha-7 nicotinic receptor, which may have broader roles in the body than previously thought.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that the clinically available drug flecainide prevents potentially lethal arrhythmias in patients with CPVT. In two patients, flecainide prevented exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias and allowed them to live normal lives.