Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A clinical trial found that acupuncture reduced migraine days equally to standard therapy, with no difference between real and sham acupuncture. The study's results are surprising, as the underlying mechanisms are unknown, but suggest that efficacy is more important than understanding treatment mechanisms.
A study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that angioplasty with drug-eluting stents resulted in outcomes equivalent to bypass surgery for patients with left main coronary artery disease. The treatment was shown to have similar short- and intermediate-term clinical outcomes, despite higher risk patient demographics.
A study found that older adults in North Carolina predominantly use food home remedies and other home remedies for health management, often as a form of self-care. The study also revealed significant differences in CAM therapy use among ethnic groups, with African-Americans and Native Americans showing higher rates of use.
A study of 79 patients found that renewed methotrexate treatment was effective in 53.2% of patients who had previously failed the drug. Lower initial doses were more likely to be successful than higher doses.
A study by Lopez et al. found that anti-malarial drugs significantly lower TNF-alpha levels in lupus patients with specific polymorphisms, improving treatment outcomes. Patients taking anti-malarials had better responses to therapy compared to those not on the medication.
A $5.4 million grant will fund research on the epidemiological and immunological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia. The study aims to develop effective treatments for children, who comprise a high percentage of cases and have a poor response to current therapies.
Patients receiving emergency angioplasty at highly specialized hospitals have lower risk of death and faster treatment compared to those at less specialized institutions. This study found that hospitals with higher rates of emergency angioplasties perform better, despite the number of procedures not being a key factor in patient survival.
A study of 1627 patients found that 53% stopped treatment early, with 36% citing ineffective treatment or worsening symptoms. Patients who experienced an early response to medication were 80% more likely to complete treatment, highlighting the importance of early symptom control and discussing treatment expectations.
A study published in The Lancet found that good adherence to medication is associated with lower all-cause mortality in chronic heart failure patients. Patients who took more than 80% of their prescribed medication had a lower risk of death compared to those who took less, even when not taking any treatment.
Researchers at USF Health found that cord blood cells administered two days post-stroke reduced brain inflammation and improved recovery in rats. The study challenges the notion of immediate cell death in the brain's core region, suggesting a delayed process of apoptosis may occur instead.
Researchers identified EGFRvIII and PTEN proteins as key factors in determining tumor response to EGFR inhibitors. These findings suggest that adjusting treatment based on genetic activity could significantly prolong life for glioblastoma patients and prevent unnecessary treatments.
A Lancet study found that Pfizer's Vfend is an effective alternative to a two-drug candidemia regimen, with comparable efficacy but fewer serious side effects. The treatment was found to be more tolerable, particularly in reducing renal toxicity and visual disturbances.
New treatments for Leber congenital amaurosis have been developed in mice, providing effective means of restoring retinal function. The treatments combine gene therapy and oral administration of vitamin A-like compounds, showing promise for treating this blindness-causing eye disease.
Researchers have successfully tested combining two treatments to restore retinal function in a mouse model of human inherited blindness. The combination of oral retinoids and gene therapy offers effective means for treating this devastating disease, with potential applications for wider age ranges of patients.
The study analyzed data from 2,567 clients and estimated cost of treatment for an individual, finding reductions in hospital inpatient, emergency room, and mental health services costs. The research team also discovered a significant reduction in the cost of victimization and other criminal activities, averaging $5,676.
A randomized controlled study showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 7.4 mmHg in the treatment group, compared to a rise of 3.1 mmHg in the control group. The device also demonstrated a dose-response relationship, with increased breathing exercise sessions resulting in greater SBP reduction.
A recent study reveals that human growth hormone (HGH) is illegal for off-label anti-aging use and can accelerate aging. The researchers warn that many people are unknowingly receiving the drug, which has high rates of serious adverse effects and may increase cancer risk.
Researchers found that middle-age adults are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for prevention rather than treatment, with biologically-based therapies used equally for both purposes. The study analyzed data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, covering 31,044 participants.
A study of 1901 women with early-stage breast cancer found that longer tamoxifen treatment periods resulted in improved overall survival, particularly in younger patients. Women aged 50-55 showed significant overall survival improvement after five years of treatment.
Researchers at UK and ChemPharma aim to develop an effective treatment for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile by creating orally administered dosage formulations. The project, funded by $1,204,374 over 21 months, seeks to improve distribution and administration of radioprotective drugs during mass exposure situations.
A study combining data from 13 randomized trials found that beta blockers increase the risk of stroke by 16% compared to other antihypertensive drugs. The researchers suggest switching to alternative low-cost treatments for patients without heart disease, while cautioning against abrupt changes under doctor supervision.
The Oct. 18 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine describes two new diabetes treatments: exenatide, an injected drug; and inhaled insulin. Exenatide improved overall sugar control, but patients experienced weight loss and more side effects compared to insulin glargine.
Research indicates that involvement in both AA and treatment leads to improved psychosocial outcomes, including higher rates of abstinence and remission. Long-term participation in AA is also associated with better social functioning and self-efficacy.
A recent study analyzed data from over 56,000 patients treated for acute coronary syndromes and found that adherence to treatment guidelines decreases with age. The researchers discovered that older patients were less likely to receive clot-reducing drugs and undergo diagnostic procedures.
A new study finds that co-therapy with erythropoietin is more cost-effective than standard treatment for patients with Hepatitis C and treatment-induced anemia. The research suggests that this treatment approach can improve rates of complete cure from the disease, making it a viable option for this patient population.
Researchers have developed a method to enhance the responsiveness of Stat1 protein, allowing for more efficient interferon signaling. This could lead to improved therapeutic benefits and reduced side effects for patients with hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.
The Cardiac Insufficiency BIsoprolol Study III suggests starting patients on bisoprolol may reduce the risk of death, especially in the first year of treatment. The study found no significant differences in efficacy or tolerability between bisoprolol and ACE inhibitor initiation strategies.
The updated guidelines focus on prolonging life, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. New neurohormonal antagonists, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are key components of therapy.
A new trial has found that artesunate is more effective and has fewer side effects than the standard treatment of quinine in treating severe malaria. The study involved over 1,400 patients from four countries and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates with artesunate treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that parenteral artesunate reduced mortality from severe malaria by 15% compared to quinine, while also being safer and simpler to administer. The study calls for quality-assured, affordable artesunate to be made widely available in malaria-endemic areas.
ERDITI, a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers, aims to repurpose 'abandoned' compounds for rare diseases. The initiative, launched by Alain Fischer, could lead to discoveries of effective treatments and profitable new drugs.
A study by Yale University researchers found that delayed treatment for heart attacks treated outside regular hours leads to increased mortality rates. PCI therapy, which opens narrowed coronary arteries, is more effective when administered promptly, but delays result in reduced survival benefits.
Researchers found improved rates of optimal treatment after implementing standardized stroke care guidelines, including administration of tPA within three hours and cholesterol-lowering medications at discharge. The study showed a significant increase in the percentage of patients receiving optimal treatment from 44% to 63%.
A new study involving 30,000 people worldwide will investigate travel-related DVT and its prevention. Professor Harry Büller's research has made significant advances in diagnosing and treating blood clots, with 90% of patients now able to be treated outside hospital
The study found that standardized forms increased optimal treatment rates from 44% to 63% among stroke patients. The improved rates were particularly notable for preventive treatment for blood clots in the leg veins and cholesterol-lowering drugs at discharge.
A study published by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has identified the EMP-1 protein as a biomarker for resistance to gefitinib, a targeted cancer drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. The research found that EMP-1 is present in tumors of patients who fail to respond to treatment with gefitinib.
A combined analysis of two trials found a 40% decrease in risk of events such as recurrences or new cancers when switching from tamoxifen to anastrozole after 2 years. However, more patients experienced bone fractures on anastrozole.
A study of over 700 patients undergoing coronary procedures found that distant prayer did not improve clinical outcomes, but patients receiving music therapy had less emotional distress and slightly lower mortality rates.
Researchers discovered elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with vascular anomalies, correlating with disease progression. Urine testing may help predict aggressive lesions and inform treatment decisions.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daclizumab can reduce organ rejection in heart transplant patients by 25%. The treatment also showed a lower rate of bacterial infections compared to placebo. Researchers believe this incremental step will help improve outcomes for heart transplant patients.
A Dartmouth study found that traditional TB screening methods can miss active tuberculosis cases in HIV-positive individuals in developing countries. The study recommends using more sensitive and accurate TB culture tests, such as the one used in Tanzania.
A cancer drug has been found to control levels of a hormone receptor protein in the womb, which is linked with giving birth. The study, funded by Action Medical Research, aims to assess whether the drug can be used to prevent premature birth.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that early treatment with antiepileptic drugs may not provide significant long-term benefits for patients with infrequent seizures. In fact, the trial found that delayed medication did not increase the risk of chronic epilepsy or improve quality of life.
A study of 1400 patients with single or infrequent seizures found that delaying antiepileptic drug treatment reduced short-term seizure recurrence. However, there was no significant difference in long-term outcomes, suggesting that immediate treatment may not offer long-term benefits.
The US needs more effective treatments for active TB and latent TB infection, with a focus on improving diagnostic tools and directly observed therapy. Effective treatment of active TB requires at least six months of multi-drug therapy, while improved diagnostics and treatments are needed for latent TB infection.
California continues to experience cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which requires prolonged treatment and poses significant public health risks. The majority of MDR-TB cases are foreign-born, highlighting the need for international TB control measures.
A study found that ramelteon demonstrated no abuse potential, unlike triazolam, with no dose-related effect on task performance. Ramelteon targets the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei, providing a new mechanism of action for insomnia treatment.
Patients with both conditions adhere to medication regimens at rates of 44.7%, 35.9% and 35.8% respectively over three months, six months and one year, according to the study. The strongest predictor of adherence was the number of other prescribed medications taken in the year before treatment initiation.
Researchers found that most imaging scans are unnecessary and can be avoided by confirming medication delivery within 24 hours of indium 111-labeled Zevalin injection. This simplifies treatment and improves patient compliance.
The study found that the newest drug therapy – adefovir – was not cost-effective when taken alone but became very cost-effective when reserved as a second-line agent in people who develop viral resistance for lamivudine. The hybrid treatment strategy of lamivudine and adefovir is also a viable option.
A study of adolescent patients in private, managed-care chemical-dependency treatment found that those receiving needed psychiatric services were more likely to be abstinent from alcohol and drugs. The results highlight the importance of providing psychiatric assessment and treatment in CD programs.
Researchers identify TRPC6 gene as novel mechanism for FSGS, a leading cause of kidney damage. The discovery raises hope for new treatments targeting ion channels, which are amenable to drug therapy.
The FDA approved clofarabine for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, built on years of effective use of pre-1980 drugs and adaptable for adult use later. Researchers say this approval is crucial for giving children access to new anti-cancer drugs.
A new study found that administering anti-malarial drugs to infants just three times can reduce the incidence of malaria by 59% in the first year of life. The treatment, known as intermittent preventative malarial treatment (IPT), was also shown to provide long-term protection against malaria episodes in children up to two years old.
A recent study identified specific genetic signatures associated with treatment failure and chemotherapeutic cross-resistance in pediatric leukemia. The researchers found that expression of certain genes was linked to inferior treatment outcomes, providing new targets for overcoming de novo multiple-drug resistance.
Researchers identified 45 genes linked to leukemic cells' ability to resist treatment by at least two of the most widely used antileukemic drugs. The study found a poor prognosis for patients with cross-resistant ALL cells.
A Mayo Clinic study showed that donepezil treatment may slow the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. Patients with a specific genotype had a longer response to the treatment, which could lead to new horizons in early treatment and prevention.
A new long-acting injectable naltrexone formulation has been shown to reduce heavy drinking by 25% and is well-tolerated, indicating a potential improvement in intervention strategies for alcohol dependence. The study featured one of the largest samples ever treated with a medication for alcohol dependence.
A study found that TNF-alpha blocking agents, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can trigger skin conditions in 25% of patients. The most common conditions were skin infections, eczema, and drug eruptions, with 26% of affected patients stopping treatment due to the condition.
A five-year study in Mexico found that the Directly Observed Therapy (DOTS) strategy significantly reduced drug-resistant TB transmission. The results showed a decline from 22% to 7.8% of new patients carrying drug-resistant strains, with no cases of multiple-drug resistance.