Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A study by Mark Hall found that care coordination does not increase liability and may even lower risks for primary care physicians. Care coordination involves comprehensive treatment plans and resolving conflicts among specialists to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
A comprehensive treatment approach for all schizophrenia symptoms is possible, enabling patients to recover and lead fuller lives. Atypical antipsychotics have shown promise in improving cognition and addressing depressive symptoms, but individual side effects and preferences must be considered.
A study of six European countries found significant variations in end-of-life nontreatment decisions, with medication being the most frequently forgone treatment. Low-technology interventions were also common, particularly among older patients outside hospital settings.
The study found no benefit for women's health-related quality of life from post-menopausal hormone therapy, but increased risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular events, and stroke. This has led to a dilemma among stakeholders, including physicians and pharmaceutical companies.
Hermes A. Kontos and John R. Marler receive prestigious awards, while Hong Li and Shelagh Coutts win research accolades for their work on stroke mechanisms and treatment.
The IBDchip is an open tool that includes polymorphisms associated with the disease, predisposition, and evolution. Progenika has developed similar products, including the Lipochip for hypercholesterolemia diagnosis and the Bloodchip for genotyping blood donors.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed etanercept was ineffective in preventing disease flares for patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. The study found that most patients experienced disease remissions at a high cost due to treatment-associated adverse effects.
Research reveals that cancer cells can become resistant to treatment by acquiring P-glycoprotein from neighboring cells, rendering chemotherapy ineffective. This phenomenon has significant implications for tumor behavior and genomic analysis, highlighting the potential benefits of studying protein transfer between cells in tumors.
A study at University College London found that macrophage inflammatory protein-1a plays a crucial role in allergic responses. Drugs blocking MIP-1a's binding to its receptors could help treat ocular allergy and other diseases.
The study demonstrates a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit of pegaptanib in treating wet AMD. Treatment with pegaptanib reduces the risk of visual-acuity loss, promotes stability of vision, and may lead to more visual improvement in some patients.
A study found that patients with moderate or severe hand dermatitis responded significantly to oral alitretinoin treatment, with up to 53% of patients achieving clear skin. The highest dose of alitretinoin showed the most substantial response rates, making it a potential treatment option for these patients.
A study found that home-based treatment for moderate to severe chronic hand dermatitis was as effective as hospital-based treatment in improving symptoms. Patients treating themselves at home had a similar decrease in hand eczema scores and maintained the effect during an eight-week follow-up period.
Researchers found that brief treatment with rolipram improved memory and cognitive function in both young and older mice, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits. The study also showed that the effects of treatment lasted for at least two months after treatment ended.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new treatment that improves memory in mice with Alzheimer's disease. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram was found to modify gene expression and make brain synapses more resistant to beta-amyloid accumulation.
A study by UCLA found that Proposition 36 clients were more likely to receive outpatient care rather than intensive residential care, leading to higher re-arrest rates. The research suggests that undetreatment is a key factor in recidivism among drug abusers with severe problems.
Researchers found that extended-release carbamazepine capsules improved symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, including those experiencing mania and mixed episodes. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
Researchers at UCSD have discovered an effective treatment for FCAS, a rare disorder that causes fever, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms after exposure to cold conditions. The treatment, anakinra, inhibits an abnormal immune response that leads to symptoms in FCAS-affected patients.
Researchers found that Hispanic Americans were 36% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to have properly controlled cholesterol, while Chinese Americans showed no difference. Treatment was often insufficient to meet recommended goals, with only 22% of patients who qualified for medication having their LDL cholesterol under control.
A study found that people with multiple sclerosis who took an Alzheimer's medication showed significant improvements in memory and cognitive function compared to those taking a placebo. The treatment had no serious side effects, but its long-term effectiveness remains unknown.
A St. Jude clinical trial has shown promising results in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a new chemotherapy regimen that eliminates irradiation, achieving high event-free survival rates of over 80% and overall survival rates of around 86%. The trial's stringent risk classification and early intensification of chemotherapy le...
Cryptosporidium hominis is a highly contagious parasite that causes watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and stomach cramps. The decoded genome sequence holds promise for developing preventive vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments.
A growing epidemic of wet AMD is expected to double diagnoses by 2020, with new treatments in late-phase clinical trials or pending FDA approval showing promise for stabilizing the disease and preserving vision. Innovations in biotechnology offer new options for patients, including anti-VEGF, anti-angiogenic, and angiostatic treatments.
A randomized trial found that physicians who received periodic letters recommending evidence-based drug therapy were more likely to prescribe those drugs. The study, which involved 499 physicians in British Columbia, showed a 30% increase in prescribing of recommended drugs over the preceding 3 months.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that most US malaria deaths are preventable, with human error and inadequate medical care contributing to nearly two-thirds of cases. The CDC has expanded resources available to provide critical information on prevention and treatment of malaria.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than sleeping pills in treating insomnia. CBT yielded better short and long-term results, including improved sleep efficiency and number of normal sleepers, compared to pharmacological therapies.
A recent study found that over half of patients with COPD are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma, leading to delayed treatment. The study suggests that simple symptom-based diagnostic questions can improve diagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that women using nicotine therapy (NRT) may struggle to quit smoking due to various factors. NRT proved effective in the short term for both men and women, but long-term follow-up revealed that only men benefited from the treatment.
Yale researchers found strong clinical evidence to support treating systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg in older adults. Treatment decisions should prioritize patient preferences and tolerance of therapy due to limited evidence on benefits.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that patients with minimal or no disability after 10 years of multiple sclerosis (MS) are unlikely to progress and may not need medication. However, those with higher disability scores may still experience worsening symptoms over time.
Researchers identified a key mechanism of trastuzumab resistance, highlighting the importance of PTEN activation and PI3K pathway activity. PTEN-deficient breast cancers show poorer responses to trastuzumab, while inactivation of PI3K rescues cells from resistance.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released a new technology assessment recommending against the use of chemotherapy sensitivity and resistance assays. The assessment found limitations in the literature, including small sample sizes and low yield of assays, cast doubt on their effectiveness in determining treatment.
A study of 2,220 patients with acute coronary artery disease found that early invasive treatment showed a benefit in preventing heart attack or death, especially for older patients. A survey also revealed significant salary disparities between female and male medical faculty members in the US.
A study of 154 hospitalized stroke patients found that antihypertensive therapy was used more frequently than recommended by clinical guidelines. The majority of patients experienced relative hypotension, and one in 20 developed frank hypotension.
A Stanford study estimates that fewer than half of people with osteoporosis have been diagnosed, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. The study found that new prescription medications have improved diagnosis and treatment rates, but more work is needed to catch cases early.
Research reveals that women are 25% more likely to experience migraines before menstruation and that severe attacks often occur during pre- and post-menstruation intervals. Medication frovatriptan shows promise in preventing menstrually-related migraines, with over half of patients experiencing no migraine attacks.
Osteoporosis patients in US saw a four-fold rise in doctor visits from 1994 to 2003, driven by new medication availability. This trend shows improved treatment options for osteoporosis, but highlights the need for prevention strategies such as calcium use and physical activity.
A study published in Cancer Cell reveals that mouse cells lacking LKB1 and PJS mouse polyps show activation of molecules downstream of the mTOR protein. Researchers suggest that using mTOR inhibitors like rapamycin may be useful for treating PJS patients' polyps and potentially other tumors resulting from LKB1 loss.
The study found that pramipexole and levodopa both significantly reduced motor complications and improved functional outcomes. However, pramipexole had a lower risk of dyskinesias and wearing off compared to levodopa. Both treatments provided similar quality of life, but long-term follow-up is needed to determine superiority.
A study found that intensive management of rheumatoid arthritis patients, involving monthly disease activity score assessment and tailored treatment, led to better outcomes compared to standard routine care. This approach resulted in higher response rates (82% vs 44%) and remission rates (65% vs 16%), without increased costs.
A multi-site trial found that naltrexone injections significantly reduced drinking days and increased abstinence rates compared to placebo. The depot/injection form of naltrexone offered greater medication compliance, efficacy, and fewer adverse effects.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem causing spinning or whirling sensations when moving the head. A study found that performing modified Epley's and Semont maneuvers at home can lead to significant symptom relief for 95% of participants.
Warren Pharmaceuticals has synthesized molecules exhibiting only tissue-protective effects of EPO, with no impact on the classical EPO receptor. These compounds show promise in treating various diseases including stroke, spinal cord compression, diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and congestive heart failure.
Patients with major depressive disorder showed significant improvement in symptoms and medical outcomes when treated according to the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) guidelines. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, found a two-to-three times greater improvement rate compared to standard treatment.
Researchers found that daily doses of ginseng significantly reduced the anti-clotting effect of warfarin, a common blood-thinner medication. The study suggests that substances within ginseng may enhance the function of enzymes that break down warfarin.
Researchers found that seizure-alerting dogs exhibited distinctive behaviors to anticipate seizures, with licking and protective actions being common. The study also highlights the importance of education and research in improving patient care through organizations like the American Academy of Neurology.
The VALUE trial found no difference in cardiac disease between valsartan and amlodipine, but patients on valsartan had lower rates of hospitalization for heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Early blood pressure control was associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes.
Researchers discovered that stable expression of small interfering RNA sensitizes TEL-PDGFbetaR to inhibition with imatinib or rapamycin. This finding suggests a new approach for treating cancer by targeting specific genes.
Researchers have discovered a new clinical treatment, SU11248, that overcomes resistance to Gleevec in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The drug has shown striking clinical benefits, stabilizing the disease in 65% of patients and inducing partial responses in 13%.
Researchers at UCSD find that altering neural activity can change the type of neurotransmitter produced by nerve cells, raising hope for treating disorders caused by problems with neurotransmitters. This discovery could provide flexibility for the growth and operation of the nervous system.
The American Academy of Neurology has released a guideline evaluating the treatment of infantile spasms, a severe form of epilepsy. The guideline recommends adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) as a short-term treatment option, but notes that there is insufficient evidence to recommend optimum dosage and length of treatment.
The prevalence of blood pressure control among hypertensive individuals declines with advancing age, particularly in women. According to the study, only 32% of men and 24% of women aged 80 and older had their blood pressure under control.
New guidelines suggest FUZEON is an important treatment for HIV drug resistance, offering clear advice on timing of initiation and patient support. The guidelines aim to enable more pre-treated patients to benefit from FUZEON therapy.
A study found that rectal artesunate significantly reduced parasite concentrations by over one-third in both children and adults. Early administration of this treatment may help reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality, particularly in rural communities with limited healthcare access.
Researchers found that smokers are interested in getting help to quit, with over two-thirds accepting cessation treatment offers. The study also showed that participants were more likely to follow through with treatment and stay abstinent, especially when offered face-to-face counseling.
A study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that brachytherapy effectively treats prostate cancer while preserving quality of life. The research team followed 255 patients with prostate cancer treated with I-125 and reported minimal urinary symptoms, preserved potency, and reduced bleeding.
A phase III study presented at the American Psychiatric Association Meeting found that ADDERALL XR improves ADHD symptoms for up to 24 months. The medication reduced symptoms by an average of 45% in patients who received it consistently, with a significant reduction in inattention and impulsivity subscales.
Cognitive impairments are a significant contributor to the disability associated with schizophrenia. Recent research indicates that medications currently available do little to remedy this aspect of the illness. New trials, part of the TURNS initiative, aim to develop new treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
A study published in American Journal of Psychiatry found that healthcare providers should be aware of the associative nature of drug abuse and mental illness. The research compared patients with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders, finding no significant diagnostic differences between groups.
A study of 304 young adult users found that friends were the most important source of information about MDMA, followed by websites like DanceSafe.org. Younger and more educated users relied on the internet for information, while parents, mainstream media, and radio were considered less accurate sources.