Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 grant from the Wallerstein Foundation to study hidden disabilities that complicate recovery after stroke. Researchers aim to find better treatments for these often-overlooked disabilities, which can prolong hospitalizations and increase the risk of injury.
The IPAL-EM initiative aims to integrate palliative care into emergency departments, reducing symptoms and anxiety while improving patient safety and satisfaction. By providing access to palliative care, the initiative seeks to improve quality of life for both patients and their families.
A new study explores the challenges of making sense of conflicting reports from parents, teachers, and children about a child's behavioral problems. The research reveals that clinicians can benefit from considering these discrepancies as valuable information to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a potential oral therapy for HSAN1, an inherited nerve dysfunction characterized by progressive muscle control loss. Oral administration of L-serine reversed deoxysphingolipid accumulation and reduced neuropathy severity in mice and humans with the disease.
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
A lack of understanding about the healthcare system leads to suboptimal treatment adherence and preventable outcomes. Education, including high school courses and community programs, is key to empowering patients and promoting optimal health.
A novel cocktail of neutralizing reagents has been developed to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a sight-threatening complication after retinal detachment surgery. The approach targets growth factors and cytokines that promote PVR, with promising results in animal models.
A new study found that binge eating disorder affects both men and women equally in terms of clinical impact, but men are underrepresented in research. The study's lead author emphasized the need for increased awareness among male sufferers to encourage seeking treatment.
Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic approach to treat malaria by targeting parasite proteins in exosomes. In a mouse model of malaria infection, immunizing with rex containing parasite proteins resulted in full protection upon lethal infections in 85% of the animals.
A new study found that playing video games, along with standard amblyopia treatment, can achieve significant vision gains in many older children. Nearly 30% of participants showed significant improvements after one year, while about 60% experienced at least some improvement.
Differences in two metabolic enzymes may explain susceptibility to liver damage. Low levels of GAPDH and NDPK are associated with increased oxidative stress and disease severity.
A new study found that heart-related treatments may improve wellbeing in some COPD patients, who often experience poor physical and mental quality of life. The research discovered a significant correlation between patients' quality of life scores and their heart rate variability.
Researchers found that nasal congestion is linked to sensory feedback from airflow, affecting temperature and humidity. Studies suggest using optimal conditions to restore nasal airflow may help alleviate congestion.
The Autism Speaks BGI collaboration aims to generate the world's largest library of sequenced genomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The initiative will perform whole genome sequencing on over 2,000 participating families and collect data from China.
A study funded by the Department of Defense aims to understand the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury on soldiers. The researchers hope to develop better treatments for post-traumatic epilepsy and headache, two conditions often occurring together after TBI.
A recent study found that children under 3 with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction are at increased risk for developing amblyopia, with an 8-fold increase compared to the general population. Early treatment is crucial, as poor vision becomes permanent if left untreated.
Three randomized trials found that structured behavioral programs were more effective than control interventions in improving glycemic control among adults with long-duration poorly controlled diabetes. Individual education also showed better glucose control results compared to group education.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with severe 2009 H1N1 influenza who developed respiratory failure and received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment had a lower rate of in-hospital death compared to those who did not receive ECMO. The study used matching techniques to analyze data from 1,756 patients.
The study will investigate the impact of risky family environments on asthma morbidity in children aged 10-15 using an innovative home-based naturalistic assessment tool. The research aims to determine if asthma morbidity increases due to avoidant coping behaviors and poor management of asthma treatment.
A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that administering a single dose of cortisone up to six hours after traumatic event reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD by 60%. This natural approach may circumvent the harm caused by other pharmaceuticals and prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories.
Patients with advance directives specifying limits in treatment had significantly lower end-of-life Medicare spending and greater odds of hospice use than those without, particularly in high-spending regions. The study suggests that advance directives may be most impactful in regions where treatment norms are more aggressive.
A new study found that Telestroke technology provides high-quality care for rural patients, administering stroke drug tPA at the same rate as urban centers. Effective use of Telestroke resulted in a 50% decrease in emergency room transfers and $1 million in health-care savings over four years.
A new study has identified subtle markers of heart damage hidden in hours of EKG recordings, allowing doctors to identify high-risk heart attack patients. The researchers found that these anomalies can predict patient mortality within 12 months, enabling targeted treatments to save lives.
A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time
The ACCORD MIND study found that intensive glucose-lowering strategies offer no additional benefit in preventing cognitive decline in people with type 2 diabetes. Despite lower brain volumes, the increased risk of dying and other complications outweighed any potential benefits.
A new study suggests that implementing stronger tobacco control policies in the Netherlands could save up to 145,000 lives over the next 30 years. The MPOWER report recommends increasing taxes, banning smoking in public places, and providing cessation treatment to achieve this goal.
A recent study developed a system to continuously monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs, revealing that none were receiving ideal treatment. The system provided valuable insights for improving treatment plans, including adjusting insulin doses and diets.
Researchers have discovered that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by a 'disinhibited' brain, with increased excitability in both the affected and unaffected hands. The study found altered sensory perception in CRPS patients, indicating a complex role of changes in the central nervous system.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) stimulates specific brain regions to produce new cells that enhance memory. In a mouse study, DBS led to a two-fold increase in new cells in the hippocampus, which improved spatial learning and memory.
Researchers found that EVLT and HLS are effective treatments for varicose veins, with similar rates of clinical recurrence. However, EVLT was associated with more adverse effects and improved hemodynamics, while HLS had a lower rate of saphenofemoral vein recurrences.
A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.
Routine depression screening for primary care patients has been deemed ineffective by researchers, with evidence suggesting it diverts resources away from those who need them most. Consistent treatment for recurrent depression is recommended as a more effective approach.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative selects seven new software applications to be built by volunteer developers, aiming to improve daily life for individuals with autism. The selected apps include social stories, calendar management, medical journals, and communication tools.
Researchers created an artificial blood protein inspired by woolly mammoths' ability to conserve heat. The new hemoglobin can unload oxygen to tissues in cold conditions, making it suitable for use in hypothermia treatments during heart and brain surgeries.
A survey of federally funded programs in 57 US states and territories found a need for specific, adapted diabetes treatment guidelines. Current national guidelines may not be optimal within each state's resources, and officials lack scientific evidence to adapt them.
A recent U-M study highlights the need for a shared emphasis on both obesity prevention and treatment strategies to achieve the White House's goal of eliminating childhood obesity. The study concludes that prevention programs alone cannot effectively address the epidemic affecting minority children, who are disproportionately affected.
A national clinical trial found that intensive medical therapy reduced the risk of stroke and related death, while stenting increased it. Patients who received medical therapy alone had a lower risk of stroke and death compared to those who underwent stenting.
Most US medical schools provide inadequate mental health coverage to their students, with co-pays and coinsurance rates as high as 20%, discouraging them from seeking necessary treatment. This can have serious consequences for the students' well-being and ultimately affect patient care.
A study of 17 cats with epilepsy revealed that early treatment can lead to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for affected animals. The researchers found changes in the hippocampus similar to those seen in human MTLE-HS, but without structural brain damage.
IQWiG identified various aspects that could be supplemented and specified, including recommendations on blood glucose levels and treatment of macula oedema. The report's findings suggest no compelling need for revision of the current DMP.
Researchers have found that short-term glucocorticoid treatment can reduce degenerative changes in cartilage and prevent osteoarthritis after joint injury. This innovative approach may provide hope for preventing irreversible joint damage.
The STOP-VT Study evaluated the effectiveness of catheter RF ablation with magnetic navigation in treating ischemic ventricular tachycardia. The study found that 90.9% of patients were able to remain non-inducible after treatment.
A new study in CMAJ found significant variability in death rates following withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy, with 32% of patients dying in hospital. The rate varied across centers, with about half of deaths occurring within three days.
The new ESC guidelines on peripheral artery disease emphasize the need to assess patients with coronary artery disease for symptoms or asymptomatic atherosclerosis in other vascular areas. The guidelines also highlight the importance of considering multisite artery disease and the overall clinical status of patients.
The new guideline recommends using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to diagnose high blood pressure, which may lead to a significant reduction in the number of people misdiagnosed with hypertension. The approach is expected to be cost-effective and save money by targeting treatment at those who need it.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered a new function for vitamin C, finding that it can dissolve toxic protein aggregates in the brain that build up in people with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment has potential to delay and alleviate the progression of the disease by addressing its symptoms.
Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism, a dangerous and often life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that patients with
Researchers found that while deep brain stimulation has increased acceptance among referring physicians for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, only half of recommended patients are appropriate candidates for immediate therapy. This suggests that physicians have become more aware and accepting of the treatment, but may re...
Researchers found that individuals who trust in a benevolent God tend to worry less, while those with negative beliefs report higher levels of worry. The study suggests integrating patients' spiritual beliefs into treatment regimens can improve mental health outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found that narrative exposure therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in former child soldiers in Uganda compared to other therapies. The treatment was conducted by community-based lay therapists without a mental health background, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness.
Lesser toe deformities, such as hammer toes and claw toes, can cause significant pain and limit activities. Improper footwear is a common cause, while genetic and neuromuscular conditions also play a role. Nonsurgical treatments like pads and gel sleeves can be effective, but surgery may be necessary for severe cases.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Washington highlight the potential benefits of primary care physicians in establishing treatment plans for patients at risk for suicide. A simple question from a family doctor can be enough to start a person toward help and treatment.
A combination of strategies, including eliminating stagnant water and removing vegetation, significantly reduced the number of tiger mosquito eggs in treated areas. The study, published in Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, demonstrates a substantial reduction in eggs compared to control areas.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a potential therapy to boost resistance against prenatal infections by manipulating an immune suppressive cell type. This approach allows pregnant women to more efficiently fight off infections without compromising pregnancy outcome.
A 20-year study on Quebec newborns suggests that an apparent increase in congenital hypothyroidism is entirely artifactual, attributed to changes in screening methods. The results show that the number of detected cases would have remained stable if the screening threshold had been unchanged.
A study found that married men seek medical care sooner for heart attacks than their single counterparts. Men in marriage experience faster arrival times at the emergency department, highlighting potential benefits of marriage on health outcomes.
A study involving over 5,000 people with ankylosing spondylitis has identified three regions of the genome strongly associated with the condition. The findings suggest that a particular process in cells and genetic variants of ERAP1 interact to affect disease susceptibility.
A study found that cutting IVF funding in Denmark leads to significant short-term cost savings, but long-term losses. By 2059, the government would have lost €74-123 million due to fewer tax contributions from children born through IVF.
A team of researchers at Sam Houston State University will study a new mental health court in Montgomery County, evaluating its effectiveness in reducing recidivism rates and improving life skills. The three-year project aims to assess the program's cost-effectiveness and jail diversion outcomes.