Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
Researcher Tammy Chung highlights findings from four studies tracking adolescents with alcohol problems after treatment. These studies found that at least half of treated teens showed reductions in alcohol use and problems, while some continued to experience issues through young adulthood.
Researchers describe groundbreaking cognitive therapy approach that helps people with schizophrenia identify and challenge negative thoughts, leading to significant symptom reductions. The therapy, combined with medication, offers hope for those who have not responded to traditional treatments.
Researchers found that bystanders correctly administered the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) directions 96% of the time, detecting key symptoms like arm weakness and slurred speech. This ability can allow untrained adults to act as 'eyes and ears' for emergency dispatchers, potentially improving stroke diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that weekly injections of the hormone 17-alpha-hydroxprogesterone caproate reduced pre-term birth risk by 34% in high-risk women. The treatment was also shown to be effective in African American and non-African American women.
Dutch researchers found a possible link between IVF and eye cancer in children. The study suggests that IVF children are 5-7 times more likely to develop retinoblastoma, a rare form of childhood eye cancer. Researchers are now calling for closer follow-up and monitoring of IVF-conceived children.
Researchers have successfully treated a patient with TTP, a rare blood disorder affecting 3,000 Americans annually, by suppressing the immune system. The treatment involves using immunosuppressive drugs, which target the underlying problem of the immune system attacking its own tissues.
A 12-week study shows candesartan cilexetil significantly reduces headache days and sick leave in patients with migraines. The medication's benefits are associated with good tolerability, making it an exciting alternative to current therapies.
The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) revealed that diuretic chlorthalidone is more effective in controlling hypertension than other drugs. The study, involving over 33,000 participants, showed that patients require multiple medications to manage blood pressure effectively.
Researchers have developed a light-sensitive polymer switch that enables the reversible control of endoglucanase enzyme activity. The technique utilizes two light-sensitive polymers, DMAA and DMMAm, to block or unblock active sites on proteins.
A new definition of transient ischemic attack (TIA) is proposed to improve stroke treatment, focusing on brain injury rather than arbitrary time limits. The revised definition aims to increase the use of clot-busting medication and reduce delays in treatment.
A study found that Advair Diskus can reduce inhaled corticosteroid doses by 60% without compromising asthma control. The treatment, which combines an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator and corticosteroid, was shown to improve pulmonary function, symptom-free days, and albuterol use in patients requiring higher doses of corticosteroids.
A new research network aims to develop and test integrated approaches to treating incarcerated individuals with drug abuse disorders. The National Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Study (CJ-DATS) will forge partnerships among NIDA, researchers, and practitioners to provide evidence-based treatment services.
Researchers aim to make substance abuse treatment more accessible and effective in community settings by adapting existing therapies. The NIDA initiative tests innovative approaches, including brief family therapy, computer-based training, and community reinforcement methods.
A study found that patients with less severe drug problems at the start of treatment achieved better outcomes, regardless of treatment type or duration. Patients who remained in treatment had improved results compared to those who relapsed.
Researchers found that the average economic cost of residential treatment was $4,912, while the average benefit was $21,329. This suggests a net benefit of $16,418, supporting the economic value of residential addiction treatment.
Research suggests that low-grade glioma patients treated with early radiotherapy have impaired cognitive abilities, particularly memory. High doses of radiotherapy (over 2 Gy) exacerbate this effect. The study's findings imply that radiation therapy should be cautiously applied to asymptomatic patients and used in moderation.
A study involving 83 elderly women found that patients with depression, limited autonomy, and institutional living are at risk of toxicity and reduced treatment effectiveness. Dr. Gilles Freyer's research aims to evaluate risks and benefits for elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
Physicians must consider ethical obligations when treating patients using alternative medicine, including risks and benefits of therapies. A list of factors to aid risk-benefit analysis has been provided by authors, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and in-depth discussions with patients.
Otitis media is a common childhood infection with rising antibiotic resistance; the Lancet Infectious Diseases review calls for targeted larval mosquito strategies. A systematic review of over 5000 women also finds that cheap spermicide gels are ineffective in reducing HIV-1 and other STIs.
A U.S.-Russian team has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant tuberculosis, with a new compound showing marked decreases in lung presence and symptoms. The SciClone Pharmaceuticals-Verta project is a milestone for scientific collaboration between U.S. industry and former Soviet researchers.
A new agreement between NIDA and SAMHSA will facilitate the dissemination of research findings from NIDA's treatment research to practitioners across the US, enhancing treatment practices. The initiative aims to reduce the time between discovering an effective treatment and its adoption in community-based care.
A researcher has reviewed over 350 clinical studies to find evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention, highlighting the underutilization of anti-coagulation therapy in high-risk patients. The study aims to make this evidence accessible to clinicians to improve healthcare outcomes.
As patients access health information online, doctors may take on advisory roles, helping patients make informed decisions. Despite internet accessibility, patients trust doctors more than online sources, ensuring the profession's continued relevance in society.
A study found that emotional outbursts are linked to a higher risk of dropping out of treatment, while seeking alternative rewards can help. Participants who engaged in rewarding activities not involving chemical use had lower risk of relapse and longer stay in treatment.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the transmission rate of drug-resistant HIV had more than doubled among patients in North America. The study, which analyzed over 300 patients, revealed a significant increase in the prevalence of viral mutations associated with resistance.
A new genetic screening method has been developed to predict the behaviour of Wilms' tumour in children. Genes on chromosome 1q are overexpressed in tumours that relapse, suggesting that identifying subgroups at presentation could improve treatment outcomes.
Cornell researchers have found that a longer infusion time of boronophenylalanine is needed to effectively target cancer cells in brain tumors. The new finding has the potential to improve the success of boron neutron capture therapy, which has shown moderate success in treating tumors but struggles with aggressive cell clusters.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing an innovative drug delivery device using liposomes to target damaged areas of arteries in cardiovascular disease. The device aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that more frequent ivermectin treatment reduced the number of female worms responsible for the disease by one third. Higher doses or frequency did not provide additional benefits, but were associated with some visual disturbances in patients.
A study of 50 healthy postmenopausal women found that a specific exercise program reduced the risk of vertebral fractures and retained benefits for eight years after completion. The exercise group had lower bone density loss and better back strength than the control group.
A study by NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that integrated medical and substance abuse treatment significantly increased patient continuation rates. Over half of patients who received comprehensive care entered outpatient substance abuse programs, compared to just 2.4% of those receiving standard care.
Kytril was found to be significantly more effective than dolasetron in controlling acute chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study, led by Dr. Marianne Tan, showed that 69.2% of patients treated with Kytril experienced total control of nausea and vomiting, compared to 23.1% for dolasetron.
A new analysis shows that Actonel reduced the risk of nonvertebral osteoporotic fractures by 74 percent within one year in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The effect was observed as early as six months, and the study included 1172 patients who received either placebo or Actonel 5 mg daily.
A study found that Actonel significantly slows deterioration in trabecular bone microarchitecture after just one year, while a placebo had no such effect. This suggests that protection of bone microarchitecture may play an important role in bone health.
A new analysis reveals that early intervention with Actonel significantly reduces the risk of first vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. The study found a 75% decrease in fracture risk among women treated with Actonel, compared to those on placebo.
A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that cardiac resynchronisation therapy systems improved NYHA functional class, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. The treatment also reduced hospitalisations by 50% and hospital days by 77%.
Researchers found that most articles reporting new treatment results only used the most favorable statistic. Only 18 out of 359 articles reported 'absolute-risk reduction', and none reported 'number needed to treat'. Complete reporting is crucial for informed patient decisions.
Researchers developed a test to predict which patients with locally advanced breast cancer are likely to respond to chemotherapy, and found it was accurate 100% of the time. The test used radiotracer uptake and washout rates to identify patients who would benefit from specific drugs to boost their response.
A six-week study of 246 black men found that Viagra significantly improved erections and sexual intercourse ability compared to placebo. ED was a common problem among black men, affecting 24% of those aged 40 and above. Treatment with Viagra was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse effects observed.
The FDA has approved Actonel 35 mg once-a-week for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, showing a significant increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 12 months. The study found that once-a-week dosing is therapeutically equivalent to daily dosing.
Researchers have found that a new FOLFOX4 regimen significantly improves outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer, leading to longer survival times and reduced side effects. The regimen has been shown to extend median patient survival by four months and reduce tumor progression time.
A 12-week study found that Viagra improved erections for 71% of men, compared to 18% on placebo. The medication was well-tolerated with mild side effects, making it a good option for men who need to treat both high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.
Researchers explore the role of dopamine in the placebo effect, which shows promise for treating Parkinson's disease, depression, and pain. Meanwhile, preclinical studies on bone-marrow stromal cells suggest potential therapeutic benefits for neural injury treatments like stroke.
The LODO study investigates whether low-dose theophylline can improve asthma symptoms and reduce airway inflammation. The therapy may also be more affordable, costing as little as one-fifth of popular asthma medications.
A systematic review found pentoxifylline to be around 50% more effective than placebo in treating venous leg ulcers. The drug's addition to standard compression therapy showed a 30% increase in complete healing rates.
A recent study found that smoking cessation success rates are equally good with over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). OTC NRT had higher abstinence rates at six weeks and six months compared to prescription NRT. The study suggests that removing the prescription status of NRT products may promote saf...
The RDCC facilitates collaboration between researchers to develop new diagnostic tests and innovative therapies. Researchers aim to translate scientific discoveries into patient treatment within five years.
A new study shows that VNS Therapy is more effective in treating epilepsy patients when used earlier in their treatment course, resulting in a three-fold improvement in seizure control. The therapy also improves quality of life indicators such as alertness, mood, and verbal communications.
A study led by Kenneth Marek found that pramipexole slows dopaminergic neuronal degeneration compared to levodopa in early Parkinson's patients. Most patients will be treated with both medications, and further research is needed to assess the clinical impact of these findings.
Researchers identified three barriers to adequate dialysis: inadequate prescriptions, catheter use, and shortened treatment time. Interventions addressed these barriers, resulting in higher quality treatment and improved patient outcomes. The study aims to re-examine the federal reimbursement system to encourage high-quality care.
A genetic variant in the adducin gene has been found to be associated with a significant reduction in heart attack and stroke risk when patients take low-dose diuretics. The study found that individuals with this variant were twice as likely to avoid cardiovascular events when treated with diuretics.
A new intracoronary gene therapy has shown promising results in treating stable angina, a condition affecting nearly 7 million people nationwide. The study, led by the University of Vermont, involved 79 patients and demonstrated improved exercise ability compared to placebo groups.
A study by physicians at 10 hospitals in the US and Canada found that continuous doxorubicin infusion for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia does not prevent heart damage, contrary to previous assumptions. The treatment resulted in increased hospitalizations and higher medical costs.
Researchers found that atropine eye drops work as well as patching in treating amblyopia, a condition affecting two to three out of every 100 children. The treatment improved vision in the affected eye, strengthening it and improving overall quality of life.
Researchers found that atropine drops can work just as effectively as patching in treating amblyopia, a condition of poor vision in one eye. Compliance is key, and the drops offer a convenient and stigma-free option for children and older patients.
A study presented at Nutrition Week showed that patients taking weight loss medication Xenical who enrolled in a support programme lost twice as much weight as those who did not (8.5kg vs 4kg). The two-way support improved patient satisfaction, with over 90% of patients worldwide satisfied with their treatment and level of weight loss.
Researchers suggest scopolamine could prevent many deaths from nerve agent attacks by reversing physostigmine toxicity in the brain and central nervous system. Studies show improved survival rates with scopolamine compared to atropine, a standard treatment for nerve agent poisoning.
Certain patient groups continue to experience delays in seeking emergency care, despite public education efforts and improved treatment times. Researchers found elderly patients (over 64), women (35%), black patients (6%), and diabetic patients (25%) are disproportionately affected by late hospital arrivals.
Langer's groundbreaking research in controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering has paved the way for a multi-billion dollar industry. His work has led to the development of novel biodegradable polymers with medical applications, including a FDA-approved treatment for brain cancer that extends patient lives.