Articles tagged with Drug Therapy
A new study contradicts European clinical trials that excluded stroke patients with early ischemic changes from thrombolytic treatment. After analyzing CT scans, the study found no association between t-PA treatment and increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with early ischemic changes.
The US FDA has approved Tracleer (bosentan) tablets as the first oral treatment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The medication works by blocking the effects of endothelin on blood vessels, improving exercise capacity and reducing symptoms. Regulatory reviews are ongoing in several countries.
The study found that prehospital administration of the clot-dissolving drug reteplase decreased treatment time by more than 30 minutes at hospitals with average transport times and in-hospital treatment times. The savings exceeded 45 minutes at slower treatment time hospitals, highlighting the potential to improve patient outcomes.
A survey of 310 pregnant women in Zambia found that 74% prefer targeted therapy with resources available, while 60% support mass drug administration if only half the population is targeted. The results suggest that most women would prioritize access to nevirapine over testing.
Paul Roman will investigate how scientific orientations and attitudes impact treatment centers and therapeutic communities, with a focus on retention and resource attraction. His research aims to improve substance abuse treatment systems' quality and stability in dynamic environments.
The US FDA's priority review process for cancer drugs is significantly faster than its European counterpart, EMEA. In contrast to the EMEA's average approval time of over two years, the FDA approves cancer drugs on average within six months.
A study published in The Lancet found that prescription-drug advertisements rarely quantify a medication's expected benefit and instead rely on emotional appeals. This lack of clear information can lead to consumer misinformedness about treatment options and potential side effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins report sustained, treatment-free remissions in aplastic anemia patients treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide. After two years or more, 14 of 19 patients remained disease-free, while nearly 65% were in complete remission four years post-treatment.
Combination therapy of perindopril and indapamide significantly lowers blood pressure and reduces recurrent stroke risk. The study found that treatment should be considered routinely for patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, regardless of their blood pressure level.
Researchers at UCSD will team up with Celera Genomics to identify and genotypic genetic variations in patients with hypertension, aiming to develop individualized treatment plans based on genetic profiles. The goal is to predict therapeutic drug responses and minimize side effects.
A nationwide survey of over 800 adults found that patients who use both traditional and CAM therapies view their healthcare providers as part of a larger team. More than half of respondents believed CAM therapies were more helpful for certain conditions, but had equal trust in physicians as practitioners.
Robert S. Langer will deliver a presentation on biomaterials and their impact on medicine, revolutionizing drug delivery and tissue engineering. His research has led to groundbreaking treatments for brain cancer, including an FDA-approved treatment that extends patient lives with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that antioxidant treatment produced scattered blistering, lower inflammation, and extensive healing compared to no treatment or acid suppressants. Oxidative damage was a major cause of reflux oesophagitis, suggesting antioxidants should be considered primary treatment alongside acid suppressants.
The Annals series examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), classifying hundreds of therapies into a new taxonomy. CAM modalities like herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathy are studied, as well as the social context and effectiveness of these practices.
A study assessing guideline quality found 64.6% needed modification, while drug company sponsorship negatively impacted quality. Efforts to promote well-developed guidelines in Ontario are underway.
A new report reveals that bipolar disorder costs the UK over £2 billion annually, with up to 85% associated with lost productivity. The study suggests Risperdal as an effective treatment for acute bipolar mania, improving symptoms by at least 50% in patients.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute propose a new therapeutic target to prevent tissue damage caused by stroke, complementing current clot-dissolving treatments. Administering a Src kinase inhibitor within hours of stroke may reduce brain injury and potentially prevent long-term neurological damage.
A recent study found that nearly half of military women are uncomfortable going on sick call for genitourinary infections while deployed. Women's health issues, including urinary tract infections and vaginitis, can compromise duty performance and cause significant time loss.
Columbia University researchers found that synchronizing light therapy with a person's biological clock doubles its effectiveness as a treatment for winter depression. The most effective time was 8.5 hours after melatonin onset, which can be estimated by examining the patient's sleeping pattern.
Researchers found that half of patients admitted to hospital with life-threatening symptoms of heart failure had diastolic heart failure, a previously under-studied disorder. The study emphasizes the need for further research into treatment options for this common form of heart failure.
Researchers have successfully analyzed diffusion MRI images to distinguish between dead and living brain tumor cells in animals and humans. This technique allows for the assessment of therapy effects without relying on measurable changes in tumor size, enabling earlier detection of treatment response.
A new technique called constraint-induced movement (CIM) therapy has been shown to improve motor functions in stroke patients, even after 14 days. CIM therapy encourages use of the impaired arm and has been found to improve overall arm strength and coordination.
The new guidelines recommend making both Zyban and nicotine replacement therapy available on NHS prescription to help smokers quit. The guidelines also suggest that hospitals should become totally smoke-free zones and provide training and resources for healthcare professionals to support patients in quitting smoking.
A recent study found that newborn boys, especially those born very prematurely, have a higher mortality rate and are more susceptible to complications than girls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,500 babies up to two weeks old and found that death rates were one in four for boys compared to one in seven for girls.
A new study published in JAMA found that initiating therapy with MIRAPEX delayed the onset of motor complications and reduced their incidence compared to patients on initial treatment with levodopa. At two years, 72% of MIRAPEX-treated patients were free from motor complications.
Researchers found that pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, reduces debilitating complications in Parkinson's patients. However, it may not control disease symptoms as well as levodopa, which carries more side effects.
A study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research examines gender-specific reasons for treatment retention in private substance abuse treatment programs. Women's staying power is linked to being unemployed, married, and having higher incomes, while men's staying power is related to receiving employer pressure and having a goal to...
Two MS clinical trials halted due to adverse effects confirm the targeted peptide plays a role in the disease. The studies suggest that lower doses are better than higher doses, and immunological tests can determine how targeted therapies work in patients.
The ECCO organisation urges a streamlined process for new cancer drugs, citing long and cumbersome procedures that hinder patient access. Experts warn of the need for harmonisation between regulatory agencies to avoid duplication and shorten the approval process.
Researchers are developing BioMEMs, implant materials and devices that integrate micro- and nanoscale features to affect cellular function. These therapeutic systems use chip technology, material science, and bioengineering to grow heart cells in culture and protect implanted cells with precision.
A study of 27,743 patients found that long-acting calcium channel blockers increased the risk of heart attacks and congestive heart failure by 26% and 27%, respectively. The findings suggest that alternative antihypertensive drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors may be more effective in preventing cardiovascular events.
A six-month study found that isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuated bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in bone mineral density and content compared to the control group. This suggests that soy may be a useful adjunct therapy for preventing osteoporosis in wo...
A study of over 300 heart attack survivors found that only one in four called for help within an hour, while 12% delayed more than 24 hours. Prompt treatment can halve the risk of death from a heart attack, highlighting the importance of swift medical attention.
A new study published at the CINP meeting found that treating patients with schizophrenia with Risperdal resulted in a daily savings of $2.80 US per patient, corresponding to an annual saving of $1,022 US. This cost-effectiveness analysis may translate into significant figures given the high prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide.
Dr. Paul Janssen received the CINP-Pfizer Pioneers in Psychopharmacology Award for his work revolutionizing treatment of psychosis and introducing risperidone, a first-choice antipsychotic worldwide.
Researchers developed a computer-controlled flow delivery device that monitors tracheal pressure and varies the flow of air to prevent apnea. The new technology may lead to alternative treatments for severely affected patients, potentially reducing the need for tracheotomies.
A self-help program using patented software increases smokers' success rates when combined with nicotine replacement therapy, shows a 56% increase in quitting at 12 weeks compared to standard materials. The Committed Quitters program provides tailored behavioral materials to support individuals in their quit attempt.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine researcher analyzed 23 clinical studies involving prayer, non-contact therapeutic touch, and other unconventional spiritual interventions. The studies showed a positive impact on patients in 57% of cases, with benefits including less pain and faster recovery times.
The MIT robot significantly improved patients' recovery of arm movement in a clinical trial involving 56 stroke victims. The robot provided adjustable levels of guidance and assistance to facilitate patients' arm movements, resulting in twice as high scores on tests measuring increased movement.
ReQuip significantly reduces the risk of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The five-year study shows that ReQuip monotherapy can reduce dyskinesia incidence by seven times and effectively control early PD symptoms.
Researchers at ZymoGenetics developed a novel immunosuppressive agent that inhibits disease symptoms in mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment works by capturing a cytokine that stimulates B cells to make antibodies, reducing their destructive impact on the body.
The FDA has approved Visudyne therapy for the treatment of wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among people over 50. The therapy involves a two-step procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office, causing closure of abnormal blood vessels and potentially restoring central vision.
Researchers developed an intensive treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy to control locally advanced head and neck cancer, achieving complete local control for 92% of patients. The therapy increased long-term survival to 55%, with most side effects resolving after treatment.
A new study by Wake Forest researchers found that women under 50 with severe psoriasis are often prescribed less effective treatments due to the risk of birth defects, while men receive more powerful drugs. The study also noted that women over 50 tend to receive stronger treatments, highlighting a gender gap in treatment options.
The NIH will hold a Consensus Development Conference on Osteoporosis Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy, bringing together experts to discuss the latest research findings. The conference aims to clarify factors associated with prevention and better diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment strategies, such as re-administration of clot-busters and emergency revascularization procedures, can reduce mortality rates almost threefold. However, many patients continue to receive conservative therapy despite these newer therapies being available.
The NHLBI halted a study on high blood pressure treatments after an independent review found that an alpha-adrenergic blocker, doxazosin, was less effective than the diuretic chlorthalidone in reducing cardiovascular disease. The study compared newer drug treatments with conventional and less costly treatment options.
A large clinical trial, ALLHAT, has stopped part of its study due to Cardura being less effective at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart failure. The study compared Cardura with a diuretic, finding those taking Cardura had more serious hypertension complications
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study found that mass treatment campaigns for schistosomiasis in Egypt led to a significant transmission of hepatitis C. The campaign used reusable needles and syringes, which were later replaced with disposable ones.
A new UCSF study found that bone density loss during osteoporosis treatment is often a sign of regular medication adherence, not a failure of the medication. Women who lost bone density in the first year may actually gain it back with continued treatment.
Researchers found that delaying treatment by nine months results in significant permanent damage and reduced disease progression. Early therapy with a second-line agent like Hydroxychloroquine reduces the need for more expensive treatments, including surgery.
The conference aims to advance integrated approaches to prevention, treatment, and policy issues for people with drug problems and chronic infections. Over 1,000 experts will attend to share practical strategies for implementing coordinated services.
A recent study found that nicotine increases alcohol consumption and may require simultaneous treatment for addiction. Nicotine activates the brain's nicotinic receptors, leading to dopamine release, similar to alcohol consumption.
A study conducted by the University of Southern California found that reducing co-payments for substance abuse treatment following detoxification increases participation rates. Almost 79% of managed care patients received follow-up treatment, with lower co-payments associated with higher participation.
A new study published in Critical Care Medicine found that immune-enhancing therapy significantly reduces infection rates and shortens hospitalization length by nearly three days. The therapy was most beneficial for surgical patients, with no adverse effects observed.
Research finds that drug treatment programs are scarce and getting scarcer, with state-of-the-art programs working best, but access shrinking under managed care. The number of treatment options and opportunities is dwindling, leaving the mentally ill and those abusing multiple substances without new treatment options.
Abgenix is initiating a Phase III clinical trial comparing its antibody, ABX-CBL, to standard therapy for patients with steroid-resistant graft-versus-host disease (srGVHD). The trial aims to assess the survival rate of patients receiving higher doses of ABX-CBL.
A new molecular biology test detected a substance in lymph nodes that may indicate future recurrence of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine also cautions physicians about selling products from their offices, emphasizing the need for high ethical standards.
Two studies published in JAMA reveal that timely treatment with t-PA improves stroke recovery if administered within three hours. Meanwhile, a new catheter-based therapy called ProUrokinase offers promise for patients who cannot receive treatment quickly enough, resulting in impressive recovery rates.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that elderly patients aged 75 and older who received angioplasty or bypass surgery lived significantly longer than those treated conservatively with medicines only. The study suggests that aggressive therapies may be beneficial for the very elderly, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.