Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
A hospital in Roanoke, VA established a treatment protocol for dozens of patients with suspected fungal meningitis, using IV voriconazole and amphotericin-B. The clinical course and long-term neurological consequences are still being studied.
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that quality of life is highest among couples who adopted, followed by those with children through IVF. The study suggests considering adoption as a fertility option for couples seeking medical help.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery has revealed that corticosteroids are more effective than the expensive treatment hylan G-F 20 in providing pain relief to patients with thumb arthritis. Clinically meaningful pain relief was achieved with all three treatments, including a placebo injection.
A new study at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting found that only 15% of patients with anaphylaxis received epinephrine from paramedics. The authors recommend improving paramedic education on epinephrine use for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) suggests using evidence-based performance measures to assess the use of low-value interventions, such as routine X-ray or advanced imaging methods for uncomplicated low back pain. This approach aims to improve health care quality by changing clinician behavior through feedback and public reporting.
Renu Virmani received the 2012 TCT Career Achievement Award for her groundbreaking contributions to interventional cardiovascular medicine. The award honors a pioneer in the field of transcatheter cardiovascular therapies.
A large-scale clinical trial found that PFO closure using the Amplatzer PFO Occluder reduces recurrent ischemic strokes compared to standard medical therapy. The study enrolled 980 patients with documented cryptogenic embolic strokes and followed them for nearly nine years.
The American Urological Association has released four new clinical practice guidelines aimed at improving the quality of patient care. The guidelines cover diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder, adult urodynamics, asymptomatic microhematuria, and vasectomy.
Patients with prior open heart surgery who experience a severe heart attack and receive a coronary stent have similar outcomes to those without previous CABG. The study found that reperfusion rates were higher in the prior-CABG group compared to previous studies.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of timely medical care in cardiac emergencies. Early recognition and call for help can lead to better diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The organization aims to improve patient survival rates through education and collaboration among professionals.
The quality of care for patients hospitalized with VTE significantly improved between 2005 and 2009, likely due to the implementation of VTE treatment guidelines. The study found a decrease in in-hospital mortality and length of stay, while total cost per case remained stable.
A new report by IOF calls for the implementation of coordinator-based post-fracture care to prevent secondary fractures. The report highlights a significant care gap in diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing falls risk among fracture patients.
Researchers applied 'lean' manufacturing principles to streamline stroke care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, reducing treatment time from 60 minutes to 39 minutes. The streamlined process resulted in a 78% increase in patients receiving clot-busting agent tPA within one hour of arrival.
Over three-quarters of people with depression report experiencing discrimination, which acts as a barrier to social life and employment. Despite this, nearly half of participants who anticipated discrimination found that their experiences did not confirm this.
A recent study found that annualized death rates were 4.6-fold higher for female alcohol-dependent individuals and 1.9-fold higher for males compared to the general population. The study also revealed that females with AD had significantly lower life expectancy, with a mean age at death of 60 years.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how abnormal red blood cells disrupt circulation in sickle cell disease. The study found that hemoglobin abnormalities play a crucial role in occluding vessels, highlighting potential targets for new treatment strategies.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Changes in brain function can be detected years before symptoms appear, using PET scans, and a new antibody probe could lead to an early detection test.
A new study found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly lowers blood pressure in men with hypertension. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, suggests that OSA treatment can be beneficial even for patients with other chronic medical conditions.
A new report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation highlights the alarming rate of unaddressed osteoporosis and related falls in clinics and hospitals worldwide. The 'Capture the Fracture' campaign urges concerted global efforts to implement proven models of care, aiming to break the cycle of secondary fractures.
A new NIH-funded study found that group-based weight loss treatment, led by health professionals or peer counselors, is effective in helping overweight and obese adults lose significant weight. The study, conducted at Baruch College, shows that Weight Watchers participants lost more weight than those in the combined treatment approach.
A new test, Esophageal String Test (EST), uses a string that stretches through the esophagus to monitor eosinophilic esophagitis treatment. This non-invasive test can accurately diagnose EoE as effectively as endoscopy with biopsy, potentially reducing complications and improving patient care.
A recent editorial highlights the importance of correct inhaler technique for asthma and respiratory conditions, as only a third of medication reaches the lungs when used incorrectly. Healthcare professionals also need training to effectively coach patients.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that fear of treatment is a significant contributor to psychological stress in women undergoing fertility therapy. Women often experience anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem due to infertility, which can negatively impact relationships with their partners.
Leading doctors challenge the assumption that more is better in US healthcare, citing $800bn annual cost due to unnecessary care. They identify factors such as malpractice fears, biased research, and financial conflicts of guideline writers contributing to overtreatment.
Two Calgary-based support programs are helping stroke patients by providing valuable resources and peer-to-peer connections. The In-Patient Support Program in Recovery from Stroke (I.N.S.P.I.R.E.S) connects hospital patients with peers who have experienced a similar recovery process. Meanwhile, the Patient and Family Passport for Strok...
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that beta-blocker use was not associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events among patients with coronary artery disease or at high risk for but without established CAD. However, the study did reveal that among patients with recent MI (one year or less), beta-blocker use was linked ...
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) presented annual Young Investigator Awards to top five ranking abstracts at its regional meeting. The award recipients received USD 1,000 and were invited to present their work during a special plenary session.
The province's stroke strategy has led to better treatment and reduced long-term care facility admissions for stroke patients in rural Nova Scotia. Data from 2004-2011 shows improvements in stroke unit treatment, swallowing tests, and discharge rates.
A study finds that more than 60% of people in low- and lower-middle income regions are not accessing any appropriate epilepsy treatment. The burden of epilepsy in these regions is estimated to be at least double that found in high-income countries, with inadequate facilities for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
The burden of epilepsy in low- and lower-middle-income countries is substantial, with twice as many people affected than in higher income nations. Despite being a cost-effective disorder to treat, only 40% of those affected receive appropriate care due to factors such as stigma, cultural beliefs, and lack of skilled manpower.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that certain cannabis withdrawal symptoms are more strongly associated with relapse than others. Participants experiencing physical tension, sleep problems, and anxiety were more likely to relapse during the abstinence period and consumed more cannabis afterwards.
A study of 48 German families found that treatment for alcoholism significantly reduced family costs directly related to a family member's alcoholism. After twelve months of treatment, average costs attributable to alcoholism decreased from 20.2% to 4.3% of the total pre-tax family income.
A medical record review study found that a correct diagnosis of sporadic Jakob-Creutzfeldt disease was often delayed due to misdiagnoses, with an average of 3.8 misdiagnoses per patient. The study suggests that improving early and accurate diagnosis is valuable for public health reasons.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a novel technology to produce an enzyme used to treat lysosomal storage disease, reducing costs by up to $300,000 per year. The breakthrough uses greenhouse-grown maize seeds to manipulate messenger RNAs and control sugar processing, paving the way for more affordable treatments.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to better understand the causes of debilitating diseases like glaucoma, which could lead to more efficient treatments. The model helps doctors measure blood flow and oxygen levels in fine detail, improving their ability to treat root causes.
A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has found a novel solution to reducing inflammation by harnessing the power of hypertonic solutions. They discovered that bathing in or applying these solutions can shrink cells and deactivate the inflammatory response.
Researchers investigated three strategies for adjusting asthma therapy in adults with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study found no significant differences in treatment failure rates among the groups, including those based on physician assessment, biomarkers, or symptom occurrence.
Researchers analyzed 70 press releases and 41 associated news stories, finding that 33 contained 'spin' in press releases and 28 in study abstracts, potentially leading readers to overestimate treatment benefits.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that women with moyamoya disease are at higher risk of adverse outcomes, including stroke, after surgical treatment. Despite this, both men and women experience significant improvements in health and functioning after surgery.
The fungi treatment process modifies the acoustic properties of the instrument, making it sound indistinguishably similar to a Stradivarius. The research could soon make high-quality wood available for violin making.
A new study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. However, adequate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduces this risk, especially from stroke and heart failure.
The ACCESS-EU study found significant clinical improvements in patients treated with MitraClip therapy, including reduced death rates, mitral regurgitation, and need for surgery. The study's results confirmed the effectiveness of the device in a real-world setting.
The Wilderness Medical Society has released new guidelines to prevent and treat lightning injuries, with recommendations for effective medical treatments post-strike. These guidelines aim to lower the likelihood of being killed or injured from lightning strikes.
Increased copeptin levels are associated with increased frequencies of comorbidities, severity of heart failure, and risk of all-cause death. Copeptin measurements link to the strength of cardiac contractility and predict poorer kidney function. The risk of mortality from all causes increases with rising copeptin levels.
A study found that commercial drivers with sleep apnoea reported lower levels of daytime sleepiness despite similar night-time disturbances. The drivers also received less treatment and made more unscheduled visits to the clinic, suggesting they were struggling with their symptoms.
A new study links nasal irrigation with contaminated tap water to rare disease Naegleria fowleri infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports two fatal cases in Louisiana where the organism was found in home water systems, highlighting the importance of using safely treated water for sinus irrigation.
A new study published in the Pediatrics Journal found that montelukast significantly improved respiratory disturbance and adenoid size in children with obstructive sleep apnea. The study showed a 50% decrease in obstructive apnea index in 65% of treated children.
A study published in JAMA found that couple's therapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT), can significantly decrease PTSD symptom severity and improve intimate relationship satisfaction in couples. The treatment was more effective than a wait-list condition, with improvements maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
A study found that deeply held religious beliefs are leading to futile care for sick children, causing needless suffering. Doctors argue that parental hopes of a 'miraculous intervention' should not override the child's best interests.
A cluster randomized trial found that pay for performance improved demonstration of competency in treatment delivery and increased the number of patients receiving targeted treatment procedures. However, no statistically significant difference was found in patient remission status between the two groups.
A Johns Hopkins review of over 38,000 patient records reveals that weekend hospital stays are associated with a higher mortality rate for older adults with head trauma. Even among patients with less severe injuries, weekend admissions resulted in 14% higher death rates compared to weekday admissions.
Research on Alzheimer's disease is gaining momentum, with over 150 companies working on innovative approaches to tackle the debilitating disease. New therapies, such as Antisenilin and Gammagard, are in Phase III trials and show promise in addressing the underlying biology of the disease.
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.
A novel intervention called Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP) has shown significant reductions in anxiety and depression severity after treatment. The program adapts age-appropriate techniques from adult and adolescent protocols to educate children about emotions, problem-solving skills, and behavior activation.
A new telephone-based motivational interviewing technique effectively increased treatment engagement among Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans with mental health diagnoses, reducing marijuana use and stigma. The study found that 62% of participants started treatment after receiving the intervention.
The newly established Therapeutic Innovation Australia Queensland Node will provide a testing model to speed up the movement of inventions from laboratory to therapeutic products. The Node will focus on four initial projects, including migraine prevention and diabetes management, aiming to deliver tangible commercial returns within fiv...
Dr. Nihal Altan-Bonnet, a Rutgers cell biologist, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Her research identifies a common lipid blueprint for viral replication, paving the way for potential panviral therapeutics.
A team of scientists has developed low-lactose functional milk enriched with American ginseng, which maintained beneficial levels after processing. The product was well accepted by a niche group of consumers, particularly those interested in the health benefits of ginseng.
A study found that YouTube videos showing the Epley maneuver, a simple treatment for BPPV, are highly accurate and widely used by healthcare providers and people with vertigo. The videos have also helped to educate patients about how to treat this disorder.
Researchers study Bolivian and Paraguayan families' medical travel experiences seeking pediatric oncology care in Argentina. Medical travel can be a strategy for economically challenged patients to save their lives, but it also carries challenges like relocation uncertainty.