Research on how disease is diagnosed. Covers fetal-distress detection, faster diagnostics, redefining conditions, and bias in medical AI.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that age at diagnosis for children with autism depends on specific behavioral symptoms. Children exhibiting impairments in nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors were more likely to be diagnosed earlier.
Despite a decline in spontaneous stillbirths, stillbirth rates in British Columbia, Canada, have increased by 31% over the past decade, according to a study published in CMAJ. The increase was mainly due to prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy terminations of fetuses with congenital anomalies.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that alcohol consumption before and after diagnosis has no impact on breast cancer survival. However, moderate drinkers may have a reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with moderate wine consumption associated with a lower risk.
A large observational follow-up study found that women with lung cancer who consumed more soy food prior to diagnosis lived longer. Soy contains isoflavones that may affect molecular pathways involved in tumor development and growth.
The new Guidance emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, citing high fracture rates and low treatment adherence. The report provides updated guidelines for assessing fracture risk, management algorithms, and nutritional recommendations to prevent fractures.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have created a new anatomically-based classification for diagnosing cervical spinal stenosis, which helps identify patients requiring urgent surgical intervention. The study found that patients with higher grades of stenosis were more likely to receive spinal decompression recommendations.
A new UCSF study shows that using discharge diagnoses to determine ER visit validity could dissuade patients from seeking emergency care for serious conditions. The research highlights the complexity of the issue, suggesting strategies to narrow ER use may not improve health or lower costs.
A study found that only 6.3% of emergency department visits with primary care-treatable diagnoses also had nonemergency complaints, highlighting the flaws in using discharge diagnosis to predict ED use. Patients with nonemergency-complaint ED visits often required immediate emergency care or hospital admission.
A new study analyzed 6.2 million patients and found that 74.6% of men with erectile dysfunction remained untreated, highlighting the need for improved treatment access and awareness. The study also showed that treatment frequency varied by co-morbidities, with hypogonadism being a key factor in treatment usage.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that consuming high-fat dairy products following breast cancer diagnosis increases the risk of dying from the disease. The study tracked over 1,800 women and found an association between high-fat dairy intake and poorer breast cancer survival.
A study of over 1,100 women found that nearly a quarter developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms within two to three months after breast cancer diagnosis. Younger women and those from Asian and black backgrounds were at higher risk.
A recent review of 400 patients with Wolfram syndrome reveals that 15% do not meet current diagnostic criteria, highlighting the need for revision. The study proposes expanding the diagnostic criteria to identify two of four clinical features, which would diagnose up to 98% of patients.
A large study of nearly 60,000 patients found that stage at diagnosis only partly explains the wide variation in lung cancer survival rates among different developed countries. Treatment differences also played a key role, with some countries experiencing lower survival rates due to delays in diagnosis or suboptimal staging.
Research suggests that sedentary behavior is not an independent risk factor for death among breast cancer survivors, contrary to previous suggestions. Regular moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity may reduce the risk of death in this population.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that median out-of-pocket costs for Canadian breast cancer patients were $1,002, with higher costs among more educated women and those living far from hospitals. Wage losses had a greater impact on family finances than out-of-pocket costs.
The study found that the new diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is unlikely to be much higher in prevalence than the combined diagnoses of Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. Additionally, the genetic etiology of AUD is largely consistent with that of AA and AD, suggesting that heritable influences are shared across all three conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that ADHD diagnoses rose dramatically between 2001 and 2010, with non-Hispanic white children having the highest rates. Black girls showed a 90% increase in diagnosis rates during this period. The study also revealed disparities in ADHD diagnosis rates among ethnic groups.
The study found that ADHD diagnosis rates increased significantly over time, with notable increases among white children and black girls. Children from high-income households were also at a higher risk of diagnosis.
Researchers at University of Toronto Scarborough identified overactive negative emotion processing and underactive emotional regulation in people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). This study provides valuable evidence for improving BPD diagnosis and treatment through brain imaging.
A new study published in Neurology shows that people with early Parkinson's disease often experience non-motor symptoms like anxiety, constipation, and drooling. These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life and are treatable if addressed.
A new UC Davis study reveals that workers earning the lowest wages are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, particularly among women and younger workers. The research found that doubling wages can decrease the risk of hypertension by up to 30%.
Researchers found that telestroke networks can increase patient recovery, improve function, and reduce disability. With a network, hospitals can make nearly $360,000 annually, with each spoke hospital generating over $100,000 in revenue.
A recent study found that older patients hospitalized with critical illness are at increased risk of developing dementia. The study, published in Critical Care, identified infection, neurological dysfunction, and acute renal failure as independent risk factors for dementia diagnosis.
Over the past two decades, heightened awareness of emerging infectious diseases has improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through advances such as rapid genome sequencing. The complex interactions between microbes and human hosts are being better understood, leading to new insights into disease development and countermeasures.
A recent study led by academics from the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences found that caudal compression of the infraorbital nerve can be a viable option for headshaking in horses. The procedure showed a nearly 50% long-term success rate, offering a promising alternative to euthanasia.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends using musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) to diagnose and manage rheumatic diseases. MSUS can provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis, better measurement of treatment success, reduced procedural pain, and improved patient satisfaction.
A simple 5-question patient-administered survey (COPD-PS) may lead to increased COPD diagnoses. The study found that screening tools in primary care could facilitate diagnosis of COPD in this population.
Home hemodialysis could enable patients to increase their dialysis frequency, potentially providing a survival benefit. Increased physician and patient education can eliminate barriers to its adoption.
A recent study found that a newly proposed mental disorder diagnosis, attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS), may not be necessary due to overlap with existing conditions. Researchers evaluated 1,200 patients and found that APS did not identify a single patient who didn't meet the criteria for another existing diagnosis.
A Swedish study of over 45,000 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, a blood clot that forms within a vein. The risk remained elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A new University of Nottingham study will examine the incidence and impact of gluten intolerance in the UK, focusing on coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. The research aims to improve diagnosis rates and healthcare for affected individuals, with a goal of creating a more accurate estimate of the condition's prevalence.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has initiated an effort to address the use of endoscopy simulators for training and skills assessment. The PIVI committee reviewed current literature on simulator use in endoscopy and assessed data requirements for wider adoption.
A Chinese research team found strong genetic evidence linking mevalonate kinase gene (MVK) mutations to disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP), a rare skin disorder. MVK mutations were not detected in other clinical subtypes of Porokeratosis, suggesting they may be specific to DSAP patients.
Recent studies suggest that mesalamine and probiotics may help prevent recurrence of diverticulitis. Inflammation after an acute episode is a risk factor for recurrence, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches to managing the disease.
A lung cancer risk prediction model developed at the University of Liverpool has been shown to be a viable tool for selecting high-risk individuals. The model was tested in international datasets and found to be more effective than smoking duration or family history alone in predicting individuals at risk.
A University of Utah study found that judges consider a psychopath's biology when sentencing. If given biological explanations for the disorder, they reduce the sentence by about a year on average. However, this doesn't necessarily mean judges let defendants off easy, but rather show major changes in their reasoning.
Wolters Kluwer Health has renewed its partnership with the American Academy of Neurology to publish Neurology, Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, Neurology Today, Neurology Now, and Neurology Clinical Practice. The AAN journals have won multiple publishing awards and are widely recognized for their value in the field.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that mini-courses on humanities topics can sharpen critical thinking skills and improve job satisfaction among physicians. The courses provided an opportunity for intellectual and social 'play,' fostering workplace satisfaction and creative, innovative thinking.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that women with vulvodynia are at a higher risk for other chronic pain conditions. The study showed that millions of women suffer from unexplained vulvar pain that can severely impact daily life.
Despite medical predictions of a gloomy prognosis, parents of children with trisomy 13 and 18 report a high quality of life. In fact, over 97% of parents considered their child happy and present in their family's life, regardless of longevity.
Researchers have developed materials and nanofabrication techniques to build miniaturized components for medical diagnostics, sensors, and other applications. These miniaturized components can perform rapid analysis with small sample volumes.
Researchers found that a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy with a transdiagnostic approach significantly improved anxiety disorders such as fear of flying and public speaking. This approach treats patients with one set of principles across all types of anxiety disorders, leading to considerable improvement in comorbid diagnoses.
Researchers developed a new scoring system that identifies adolescents with the metabolic syndrome, increasing the chances of early intervention and preventive therapy. The system shows promise in diagnosing the condition in racial-ethnic groups, particularly male African Americans.
A study by Steffen Torp and colleagues found that long-term cancer survivors take significantly more sick leave than their non-cancer counterparts. Socio-demographic factors, such as education level and family status, were key predictors of sick leave, rather than the type or severity of cancer.
A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy improves depressive symptoms in all patients with sleep apnea, regardless of adherence to treatment. Patients who used their PAP devices more than four hours per night showed greater improvements in PHQ-9 scores.
The DSM-5 combines abuse and dependence diagnoses into a single disorder, requiring two or more symptoms. Critics argue that this change may lead to over-diagnosis and deviation from international diagnostic standards. Proponents claim it simplifies diagnosis for clinicians and laypeople alike.
Researchers have developed a new sensing device using nanomotors to detect chemicals at extremely low concentrations and high contamination. This technology has the potential to facilitate early disease diagnosis and treatment, such as cancer detection.
A recent OHSU study sheds light on the process of passing mitochondrial genes from mother to child, revealing a narrow window of early embryonic development where these genes are transferred. The research challenges existing genetic testing methods, which may not accurately diagnose certain genetic disorders.
Experts propose a new model of care collaboration for diagnosing, treating, and following patients with emergent cardiovascular conditions. Regionalized systems of care can improve clinical outcomes by providing rapid diagnosis, effective care coordination, and appropriate follow-up care.
Immunosignaturing uses random sequence arrays of peptides to trawl for antibodies to disease, producing a machine-readable image of immune activity that can be used to diagnose a broad range of ailments. The technique has been tested as a diagnostic for over 20 diseases and shows good correlation between serum and plasma samples.
A study by the Institute of Physics suggests that requiring applicants to hold A-level physics qualifications could improve patient outcomes and diagnostic techniques. Medical schools are encouraged to revisit this requirement to provide students with a strong foundation in physics-based medicine.
A study by Yale researchers found that about 25% of classic autism diagnoses and 75% of Asperger's Syndrome diagnoses may not meet the new DSM-5 criteria. The study suggests that higher-functioning individuals with intellectual disabilities may be more likely to qualify for a diagnosis.
Recent studies suggest a decline in pneumonia hospitalizations and inpatient deaths in the US. However, analysis of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample reveals that trends in diagnostic coding, such as increased use of sepsis and respiratory failure codes, may be driving these declines.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum and University of Basel reveals that ADHD is often misdiagnosed based on heuristics rather than adhering to recognized diagnostic criteria. The researchers found that boys are substantially more likely to be misdiagnosed compared to girls, with male therapists also tending to give more frequent diagnoses.
A new CDC report reveals a staggering 78% increase in autism diagnoses over the past six years, with estimated costs of $126 billion annually. Autism Speaks calls for a national strategy to address early diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with autism.
A new study reveals that only four percent of young women with cancer preserve their fertility during treatments. Women from specific socio-demographic groups are more likely to receive counseling and take action.
A study found that many women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) felt confused and conflicted about their diagnosis, receiving conflicting messages from medical staff. The research highlights the need for clear communication and tailored support to help women understand this complex breast condition.
The number of ADHD diagnoses among American children has increased by 66% over the past decade, according to a new study published in Academic Pediatrics. Specialists are now treating an increasing proportion of these young patients, shifting away from primary care physicians.
A recent study discovered an association between the ATRX gene mutation and age at diagnosis in children with advanced-stage neuroblastoma. The research found that ATRX mutations were more common in adolescents and young adults, suggesting a potential molecular marker and therapeutic target for this age group.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people's beliefs about genes, God, and personal control can influence their communication strategies when diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The team identified four groups based on these beliefs, suggesting personalized approaches to simplify health communication strategies.