Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
A study by researchers at the University of Zurich and UCL found that irreversible tissue loss occurs in spinal cord injury patients as early as 40 days after injury. The study used novel MRI protocols to track changes in the spinal cord and brain, revealing a rapid decline in spinal cord diameter and nerve cell volume.
A young man experienced severe compartment syndrome in his shoulder due to excessive weightlifting, requiring surgery and hospitalization. The case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual musculoskeletal injuries and highlights the role of bedside ultrasound in diagnosis.
Patients with strokes often encounter barriers in receiving adequate care due to fragmented services and poor communication. Systematic review findings highlight the need for health systems to prioritize patient needs over healthcare systems.
More than half of WHO FCTC signatory countries lack tobacco quit plans, with only 44% having treatment guidelines. Tobacco dependence treatment is a cost-effective way to save lives, according to expert comments.
The EHRA White Book reports on arrhythmia treatments in 55 ESC member countries, with a focus on lead extractions. Lead extraction data reveals significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Dr. Graeme Bell has been awarded the 2013 Banting Medal for his pioneering work in understanding the role of genetics in diagnosing and treating diabetes. His research focuses on the biology of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells and the use of genetics to personalize treatment.
A study of nearly 60,000 patients with acute ischemic stroke found that faster thrombolytic treatment was associated with lower mortality and improved walking ability at discharge. The study suggests accelerating patient presentation and streamlining healthcare systems to reduce treatment times can improve outcomes.
A new study has designed and tested a vestibular prosthesis to help restore balance in individuals with Meniere's disease. The prosthesis uses electrical stimulation to activate the vestibular nerve, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as vertigo and tinnitus. However, further research is needed to fine-tune the device for individual cal...
A study demonstrates that brodalumab effectively reduces PsA symptoms and improves quality of life. The treatment also shows promise for those with prior biologic exposure, indicating a potential new therapeutic approach for this progressive disease.
A Johns Hopkins trial found that group psychotherapy significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety among women survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The treatment achieved more dramatic results compared to individual support services.
A landmark study suggests that altered neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. Functional MRI scans revealed diminished responses to sweet tastes in recovered individuals with anorexia, while elevated responses were seen in those with bulimia.
Researchers discovered that severe trauma injuries or burns lead to defective neutrophils, which contribute to septic complications. Measuring neutrophil motility could become a biomarker for predicting risk of septic complications and personalizing treatments.
Leading diabetes expert argues that 'Type 2 diabetes' is a category error, implying an entity that doesn't exist. This mislabeling has led to sub-optimal treatment for patients. Professor Edwin Gale proposes replacing the term with 'idiopathic hyperglycaemia', emphasizing individualized treatments based on varied causes.
Hernia surgery appears cost-effective, with an average cost per QALY of £1,881, and patients report greater health benefit after keyhole surgery than open surgery. The study challenges the idea that hernia surgery has low clinical value.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that a 5-day glucocorticoid treatment course was non-inferior to a 14-day course in reducing re-exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during 6 months of follow-up. The shorter-course regimen also resulted in significantly reduced glucocorticoid exposure.
A study found that optimal treatment of sleep apnea with CPAP improves glucose levels and reduces cardiometabolic risk in patients with prediabetes. Insulin sensitivity is also enhanced without affecting insulin secretion.
A new study from Umea University finds that men with more severe psoriasis receive more frequent and expensive treatment, contributing to higher healthcare costs. The research analyzed data from over 2,200 Swedish patients and found a significant difference in disease severity between men and women.
A study of 1,089 nurses from diverse countries found that global views on end-of-life care preferences diverge between patients and themselves. Lack of knowledge about the patient's wishes and duty as a caregiver were key factors influencing these differences.
New guidelines from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommend against routine screening for depression in adults without apparent symptoms. The recommendations are based on a lack of high-quality evidence on the benefits and harms of screening. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of depression in patients wi...
A large-scale sequencing analysis of congenital heart disease has identified a specific biological pathway that is critical to its development. The study found that spontaneous mutations affect genes involved in this pathway, which is essential for human development and can lead to structural heart problems in infants.
Researchers found that whole walnuts and their extracted oil improve cardiovascular disease risk by favorably affecting vascular health and enhancing the functionality of good cholesterol, HDL. The study suggests that simple dietary changes incorporating walnuts or their oil in a heart-healthy diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A new study suggests that regular bedtime prior to initiation of CPAP therapy is a significant predictor of CPAP adherence. The odds of non-adherence were 3.7 times greater for every one unit increase in bedtime variability. Stabilizing bedtime schedules may help improve treatment compliance.
A minimally invasive procedure called VATS-LCSD has been shown to be effective in treating refractory cardiac arrhythmias in children. Almost three-quarters of symptomatic patients responded well to the treatment, with 55% becoming arrhythmia-free after sympathectomy.
A new clinical trial found that patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa improved significantly with a modified treatment approach that focused on quality of life and social adjustment. The study's results showed high retention rates and meaningful positive change, offering hope for those suffering from the disorder.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that ER visits for urinary tract infections result in nearly $4 billion in unnecessary costs each year. The research analyzed data from 10.8 million patients with a primary diagnosis of UTI who visited emergency rooms from 2006 to 2009.
A recent analysis found that the rise in treated disease prevalence and spending per treated case accounted for most of the increase in US healthcare spending between 1987 and 2009. The study, published in Health Affairs, also revealed that obesity contributed to 10.4% of the overall rise in spending.
Researchers developed a new compound called PC-KUS that reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the hair follicle, reversing gray hair. The treatment also works on vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigment, with successful repigmentation outcomes observed.
Beta-blockers reduce portal hypertension, gastrointestinal permeability, and bacterial translocation in patients with cirrhosis. Non-invasive techniques like spleen stiffness predict clinical complications.
A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients with moderate to high levels of belief in God experienced improved psychological wellbeing and decreased depression and self-harm. The study involved 159 patients who received short-term treatment, highlighting the clinical implications of spiritual life.
A research team led by Dr. Robert Hess used Tetris to train both eyes to work together, alleviating suppression of the weaker eye and increasing brain plasticity. The treatment showed dramatic improvements in vision and 3-D depth perception in adults with amblyopia.
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that early access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the risk of developing a full-blown psychotic illness. CBT was shown to reduce the risk by more than half at six, 12, and 18-24 months after treatment started.
Kristina Fasteson Simacek, an Indiana University doctoral candidate, has won the Regenstrief Institute's People's Choice for Healthcare Delivery contest with her proposed computer application that translates doctor visits into actionable items. The app aims to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs by providing a customized s...
A new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that group mindfulness activities significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation, acceptance, and awareness to help individuals manage traumatic thoughts and emotions.
A recent study found that simple educational strategies targeting doctors and patients after a fracture significantly improved osteoporosis testing rates, reducing fractures by two fewer per 1,000 patients. Mail-based notice interventions were effective and cost-efficient, with projected savings of $18,000 for every 1,000 patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that a unique modification to microtubules in neurons makes their cytoskeleton singularly robust. This discovery may help guide the search for treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Despite identifying effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most mental health professionals fail to use them, leaving patients without access to crucial care. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have been proven highly effective in addressing PTSD symptoms, yet they are not widely adopted.
Researchers developed two innovative techniques to minimize lead migration and anchor site pain in spinal cord stimulators. Advanced anchoring and multiple lead placement through a single port reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that cannula gauge, tip length, set temperature, and lesion time significantly impact heat lesion width and length in radiofrequency treatments. The study provides new insights for pain management and treatment precision.
A study presented at the Sleep and Breathing Conference found that CPAP treatment significantly improved productivity at work among sleep apnea patients. The researchers observed a notable reduction in daytime sleepiness among those who adhered to the treatment programme, with 35 out of 45 participants showing significant improvements.
Researchers have created a new genetically engineered rat model that closely represents the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including tau pathology and extensive neuronal cell death. The rats developed memory and learning problems with age, supporting the idea that increases in beta-amyloid causes the disease.
A Danish study found that patients who tailor their own treatment in cooperation with their doctor can reduce their risk of complications, including heart attacks, with up to 20%. The study also shows that taking individual needs into consideration is crucial when treating patients with multiple diseases.
The study found significant differences across US counties, genders, and ethnic groups in hypertension treatment and control. Despite high prevalence of hypertension in the southeast, the region also had the highest levels of treatment.
A new Hong Kong-based study suggests that targeting feelings of mental defeat can prevent severe depression, anxiety, and daily activity interference among chronic pain patients. Mental defeat occurs when pain is viewed as an 'enemy' taking over life and autonomy.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
A systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to traumatic events found only two psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Care. These treatments showed possible benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed due to the limited evidence base.
The UC Davis MIND Institute has received a prestigious Autism Centers of Excellence Award to establish an Autism Center of Excellence and Treatment Network, led by Sally J. Rogers. The award supports two treatment studies on the most effective methods of treating very young children with autism.
Rice University researchers have discovered a biochemical link between blood clotting and the immune system, which could lead to new treatments for patients with inflammatory diseases. The study found that a protein involved in blood clotting also triggers the body's immune response.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that a guided self-help treatment program can be an effective solution to help children lose weight. The program, which combines structure and self-help elements, showed significant decreases in BMI immediately after completion and maintained losses six months later.
Researchers recommend radiosurgery for treating unruptured AVMs due to its reasonable benefit-to-risk profile. The procedure resulted in AVM obliteration in 62% of patients, with a reduced annual hemorrhage rate compared to left untreated AVMs.
Researchers have identified two molecules that can predict which stroke patients are at risk of severe long-term disability. The study found elevated levels of endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) and big endothelin-1 (BigET-1) in SAH patients who suffered significant disability.
A small study found that impaired fertility, rather than fertility treatment, may be key to child's neurological development. Longer time to pregnancy was associated with a 30% increased risk of mild neurodevelopmental problems in children. Further research is needed before couples can be counselled accordingly.
Researchers from RIKEN Advanced Science Institute have identified Siglec-14 as a protein involved in the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients without this protein are less susceptible to exacerbation, suggesting potential new targets for treatment. The study's findings imply that personalized care base...
A new UK-based study published in The BMJ found that telehealth for patients with long-term conditions does not seem to be a cost-effective addition to standard support and treatment. Despite promises of reduced healthcare costs, the study revealed that total costs for those using telehealth were higher than usual care.
A recent study found little support for legal controls on cross-border fertility treatment in the UK. However, health professionals emphasize the importance of checking overseas clinics to ensure they meet UK standards. The research team also notes that many patients have reported receiving better quality care abroad.
A new study found that MRI is highly sensitive and specific for identifying tissue damage in metal-on-metal hip replacement patients. Early detection allows for timely revision surgery, decreasing the risk of further tissue damage and pain.
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that spine patients who quit smoking experience diminished pain. Non-smokers showed significant improvements in reported pain, while those who continued to smoke saw no clinically significant improvement.
A Phase II clinical trial found that combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy with normobaric hyperoxia improves neurological recovery in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. The treatment reduced mortality rates, improved cerebral oxidative metabolism, and lowered intracranial hypertension.
A controlled clinical trial found that interventional endovascular therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not improve patient outcomes. The treatment was safe but made symptoms worse in some cases. The study's findings lead to caution against the general acceptance of this invasive procedure for MS patients.
A study found that younger gamblers experience fewer health problems and lower debt compared to middle-aged and older adults. Early intervention during the onset of pathological gambling is crucial for effective treatment planning.
A new study found that nocturia, a bladder condition, can exacerbate insomnia symptoms in older adults. Treatment of nocturia may alleviate poor sleep and improve overall sleep quality.