Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
New research on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) finds that motivational readiness is more about individual self-reflection than avoiding negative consequences. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that motivation and readiness to change are influenced by personal ...
A study published in Journal of Psychopharmacology found that MDMA, a pharmaceutical version of Ecstasy, can enhance the effectiveness of exposure therapy for PTSD. By increasing oxytocin levels and reducing fear responses, ecstasy may help patients overcome traumatic memories and reduce stress.
A study compared two common drugs used to treat early-stage Parkinson's disease and found that their long-term impact is similar. The research showed that patients on different treatment regimens experience roughly the same level of disability and quality of life over time.
A recent study on vitamin C treatment in cancer has been disputed by a nutrition expert due to the use of oxidized form of vitamin C and toxic doses. Contrasting findings suggest that high-dose vitamin C may have beneficial effects on cancer cells, tumor cell death, and postsurgical healing.
Research identifies elderly patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors as higher risk for stroke and heart attack after IVIg treatment, while those with fewer risk factors have lower likelihood. The study provides guidance for physicians counseling patients on IVIg treatment risks.
A systematic review of eight trials found that lowering blood pressure with medication reduced cardiovascular complications, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular deaths among dialysis patients. The protective effects were similar across different drug classes and were well-tolerated.
A clinical trial of laser therapy for stroke patients found that those with moderate to moderately severe strokes experienced significant improvement, with a 9.7% absolute gain in treated patients. However, the treatment did not significantly reduce overall stroke disability, missing its primary endpoint.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a model to calculate the appropriate dose of Waran before treatment starts. The study used data from 5,700 subjects across four regions to identify two genes, VKORC1 and CYP2C9, which can predict dosage needs for patients of European, African, and Asian origin.
A new experimental therapy combining ultrasound and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown to be more effective than tPA alone in treating ischemic stroke, according to a recent study. The treatment, which involves tiny gas-filled microspheres activated by ultrasound waves, helped restore blood flow and improve patient outcomes.
A small randomized study found that robotic therapy improved physical ability in stroke patients, with more significant gains in those with lower disability at the start of rehabilitation. The study suggests that robotic therapy may be useful in reducing physical disability years after a stroke.
A study found that 14% of young adults (16-50 years old) with stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed in ERs, leading to delayed treatment and potential paralysis and speech problems. Accurate diagnosis is critical to reduce disability and improve outcomes.
The ATHENA trial found that dronedarone reduced the incidence of cardiovascular-related hospitalisation or death by 24% compared to placebo. The study also showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular death, with no difference in overall mortality.
A study found that women with a history of breast cancer who use synthetic steroid tibolone are at a 40% increased risk of recurrence. The drug was linked to distant metastases, which are often fatal. Tibolone should not be prescribed to breast cancer patients.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discovered that estrogen receptors are present in medulloblastoma, the most common type of pediatric brain tumor. This finding suggests that anti-estrogen drug treatments may be beneficial in limiting tumor progression and improving patient outcomes.
A new method uses circulating tumour cells to monitor disease status and predict survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Changes in CTC number before and after treatment are strongly associated with risk, making it a more predictive biomarker than PSA.
A topical cyclosporine emulsion has been found to improve quality of life by 4.3 percent and reduce net cost by $598 per patient, making it a cost-effective treatment option for moderate to severe dry eye syndrome that does not respond to conventional therapy.
The article highlights the importance of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) in healthcare reform, advocating for universal coverage and evidence-based methods. CAM encourages a holistic view of health, promoting whole-systems approaches and multifactorial integrative therapies.
A new study published in Epilepsia found that vigabatrin treatment in infancy may be effective in reducing infantile spasms with a lower risk of permanent visual field defects compared to adults. The study used kinetic perimetry to detect peripheral field defects and found normal visual fields in 15 out of 16 children.
A new study found that patients starting rasagiline earlier experienced less progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms and signs, including rigidity and activities of daily living. The long-term study showed a 16% less progression in the early-start group compared to those who delayed treatment for six months.
Lifetime risk of alcohol-use disorders for men exceeds 20% and women less than half that, with 15% at risk for abuse and 10% for dependence. Effective recovery strategies exist and can begin with doctor visits.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre have developed a new four-month treatment for latent TB, which causes less liver damage and improves patient adherence. The study found that this shorter treatment is better tolerated than the traditional nine-month treatment with isoniazid.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new molecular mechanism that increases the risk of arrhythmias. They found that calcium-sensitizing drugs can cause arrhythmias by making heart muscle cells more prone to irregular rhythms.
A recent study found that female patients are less frequently treated with evidence-based treatments for heart failure, including ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. However, the gender of the physician plays a significant role in adherence to treatment recommendations, with male physicians prescribing more complete treatment for female ...
Two non-surgical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been found to be effective in reducing medication use and improving symptoms, according to a recent study. Radiofrequency therapy appears effective for reducing heartburn and cough, while full-thickness plication may be beneficial for patients with regurgitation.
Two experts disagree on whether all African children with fever should be treated presumptively with antimalarial drugs. Blaise Genton and colleagues argue that declining malarial transmission rates support changing the policy, while Mike English and colleagues claim there is not enough evidence to abandon presumptive treatment.
A study by The University of Manchester found that patients with severe asthma and allergic sensitivity to certain fungi experience significant improvements in quality of life and lung function after taking an antifungal drug. However, symptoms often return after treatment is stopped.
Researchers found that adjusting warfarin doses only when the international normalized ratio is between 1.7 and 3.3 improves patient outcomes. The study used a model to predict optimal dose changes based on clinic visits and anticoagulation control, revealing that patients deviating from predicted changes had worse control.
Researchers say that GPs could do more to help obese individuals avoid surgery by implementing early stage weight management programs and using anti-obesity drugs. Patients face a post-code lottery when seeking access to specialist care, highlighting the need for improved obesity management strategies.
Researchers found that hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program increased adherence to national recommendations, with a significant increase in guideline-based care. The study showed that all hospitals improved, regardless of size or geography, and there is still room for improvement.
A phase III study will evaluate Revlimid as a maintenance therapy for elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study aims to determine progression-free survival and overall survival associated with Revlimid compared to placebo.
Levels of drug-resistant TB in China are nearly twice the global average, with 10% resistant to first-line drugs. The prevalence varied greatly between provinces, with an average weighted mean of 9.3% among all cases.
The study found an ORR of 53% and CR/CRu of 20% in evaluable patients, while pooled data showed a 57% ORR and 21% CR. REVLIMID is being evaluated as a treatment option for heavily pretreated MCL patients.
New treatments for advanced kidney cancer have shown promising results but are unlikely to be adopted in the UK due to high costs. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has provisionally ruled out using four new drugs, citing cost-effectiveness concerns.
A Phase 2 clinical trial of pralatrexate found a complete or partial response in 27 percent of patients with recurrent or resistant peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The treatment, which mimics folic acid, showed durable responses in patients who had failed multiple prior treatments.
A study found that extended-release naltrexone improves mental health, social functioning, general health, and physical functioning in alcohol-dependent patients. The medication reduces drinking and increases quality of life, making it a cost-effective treatment option.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has approved erlotinib as an alternative to docetaxel for NSCLC patients, with the manufacturer Roche offering a discounted price. This approval is part of a collaboration between NICE and manufacturers to reduce drug costs within the NHS.
A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that more effective use of existing arthritis treatments is crucial for achieving better patient outcomes. The research, led by Isidoro González-Alvaro, suggests that disease activity and disability have improved independently of new therapies.
A decline in US XDR-TB cases has been observed over the past 15 years, coinciding with improved TB and HIV/AIDS control. However, new cases continue to emerge, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance regarding drug resistance.
Researchers have discovered 3-substituted indolones with neuroprotective properties, offering promising therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative conditions. The compounds are more efficacious than existing treatments and display no cytotoxicity at high doses.
A study by Yale University researchers found that elderly patients with multiple medical conditions can make more informed treatment decisions when involved in the process. By prioritizing global outcomes such as length of life and symptom relief, these patients can maximize their desired outcome and minimize potential harm from medica...
New research shows tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug, effectively treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving six of eight short form-36 domains and reducing pulmonary artery pressures. The study also reveals PAH diagnosis has increased by 10 months and affects women more in middle age.
A polymeric drug developed by University of Alberta researcher David Bundle binds to the E. coli toxin, preventing it from affecting the kidneys and causing life-threatening damage.
The AGA Institute published evidence-based guidelines for the management and treatment of suspected GERD, highlighting the need for high-quality clinical trials. The guidelines recommend various treatments, including proton pump inhibitors and antireflux surgery, to improve patient outcomes.
A subset analysis of a randomized trial found that older patients with renal cell carcinoma derive similar clinical benefits from sorafenib therapy as younger patients, including improved progression-free survival and quality of life. The treatment was well-tolerated regardless of age, with manageable side effects.
The article discusses a global summit of leading glaucoma specialists who gathered to discuss key needs and opportunities in advancing therapies for patients. The summit highlighted the need to advance beyond traditional IOP-lowering therapies and explore new approaches, including innovative drug delivery systems and novel biomarkers.
Researchers found that administering a traditional Chinese medicine Dachengqi Decoction combined with Glauber's salt improved treatment outcomes for patients with severe acute pancreatitis and abdominal compartment syndrome. The study suggested that this therapeutic protocol can lower IAP, relax symptoms of ACS, slow disease progressio...
Recent study findings suggest expanding thrombolysis window to up to 4.5 hours after acute ischemic stroke may lead to worsening outcomes due to irreversible tissue damage. The UCSD Stroke Center emphasizes the importance of timely treatment, highlighting the critical need for door-to-needle time during a stroke.
Researchers found that quadruple therapy is effective in treating H. pylori-related diseases, but side effects can compromise patient compliance. Modifying the regimen or educating patients about side effects can improve treatment outcomes.
A Phase II trial of OptiNose's novel nasal drug delivery device showed a significant reduction in nasal polyp size and associated symptoms, with almost 80% of patients experiencing overall improvement. The treatment achieved a 57.4% reduction in polyp size and improved sense of smell, nasal obstruction, and nasal comfort.
Research reveals pegylated liposomal doxorubicin delays disease progression while minimizing toxicity, with a low risk of serious side effects such as cardiotoxicity or mucositis. The treatment improves time-to-progression and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) issues a guideline for the drug treatment of osteoporosis in men and women, recommending bisphosphonates as a first-line therapy. The guideline emphasizes individualized treatment decisions based on risks and benefits.
A study from UNC School of Medicine suggests molindone, a first-generation antipsychotic, is as effective as newer drugs like olanzapine and risperidone in treating childhood schizophrenia. The medication may offer benefits due to fewer side effects, including weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that thrombolysis can be safely administered up to four and a half hours after an ischemic stroke, without significantly increasing the risk of hemorrhage complications or death. This extends the time window for treatment, potentially benefiting more patients.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment with at least five effective drugs can cure XDR TB, reversing the chronic features of the disease in many patients. This approach also prevents high mortality rates and further transmission of drug-resistant strains.
Despite being an important part of TB control efforts, children are underrepresented in TB drug development. Key findings include: Children make up 20% of new TB cases and are at high risk of severe TB forms. The lack of child involvement is due to barriers such as diagnostic challenges, side effect concerns, and regulatory requirements.
The Toward a Revolution in COPD Health (TORCH) study found that combined salmeterol and fluticasone propionate reduced the rate of decline in lung function by 39ml/year, compared to 55ml/year in the placebo group.
A study conducted in Peru found that more than 60% of XDR-TB patients were cured after receiving personalized outpatient therapy. The ambulatory model showed better outcomes than hospital settings and has the potential to be widely implemented in resource-poor settings.
A study of 174 tuberculosis patients found that extensively drug-resistant TB patients were almost eight times as likely to die as those with multi-drug resistant TB. The study emphasizes the critical importance of optimal management of multi-drug resistant cases to prevent progression to XDR-TB and associated poorer outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that telemedicine consultations resulted in more accurate decision-making compared to telephone consultations for patients with acute stroke. The study showed a 98% correct treatment decision rate for telemedicine versus 82% for telephone consultations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Hospitals found that 545 patients (0.6%) experienced allergic-like reactions after receiving nonionic iodinated contrast media, but 99% resolved completely within 24 hours with commonly used medications like diphenhydramine and corticosteroids.