Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
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.
Researchers found that ghrelin hormone is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference and intake of high-fat food in mice. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for curbing stress-related food behavior.
A recent study published in Phytopathology reveals that fungicide applications on corn are unlikely to produce yield increases unless fungal diseases are present. Farmers should weigh the cost of treatments against potential benefits and consider the price of corn when making decisions.
The World Health Organization's latest Dengue Bulletin documents the substantial growth of dengue cases in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The report reveals alarming increases in dengue deaths, with Brazil experiencing a 6.2% rise per year from 1999-2009.
A recent study by the Medical College of Georgia found that depressed pregnant women often receive inconsistent treatment, leading to longer hospital stays. The lack of uniformity in addressing perinatal depression is attributed to providers feeling burdened and isolated in making decisions about complex issues.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $200 million over five years to five health research centers to speed scientific discoveries into treatments for patients. The grants support the innovation and partnerships necessary to bridge basic research and medical practice.
Studies by CHOP researcher Jeffrey H. Silber found that surgical patients in hospitals with more aggressive treatment styles had lower mortality rates within 30 days of admission compared to less aggressive hospitals.
The Distinguished Investigator Award recognizes Dr. Vince Mor for his significant contributions to health services research, while the Alice S. Hersh New Investigator Award is given to Dr. Scott Halpern for exceptional promise in early career. The Article-of-the-Year Award honors researchers Jeffrey Silber and Robert Kaestner for their...
A study found that screening high-risk employees for OSA could result in a $136 million gain over 10 years, with significant benefits to productivity and employee health. Untreated OSA can lead to job performance deficiencies such as excessive sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced vitality.
A computer modeling study suggests that ranibizumab can reduce the magnitude of legal blindness and visual impairment caused by age-related macular degeneration in non-Hispanic white individuals. The model estimated that monthly ranibizumab usage could prevent 16,268 cases of legal blindness and 34,702 cases of visual impairment.
A study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who visited a VA integrated care clinic were more likely to undergo initial mental health and social work evaluations than those visiting standard clinics. The integrated care model increased the rate of initial mental health evaluations, especially for women veterans, younger veterans, ...
Research suggests that UK government plans to divert mentally ill prisoners into mental health services are unlikely to succeed due to a lack of suitable facilities. The study found that only a small percentage of psychotic prisoners receive treatment, and those who do often face significant barriers to follow-up care after release.
The Endocrine Society released a clinical practice guideline recommending vitamin D screening and dietary intakes for children and adults at risk of deficiency. Key findings include recommended daily intake ranges, from 400 IU/day for infants and 600 IU/day for adults, to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
Researchers found that Latino smokers who have a significant other are more successful in quitting smoking, with approximately 46% of participants reporting success. The study also suggests that having a partner can buffer the negative effect of depression on smoking cessation.
Project ECHO demonstrates that primary care providers can be trained to manage complex chronic conditions via videoconferencing technology, expanding their ability to treat very sick patients. The model has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in minority communities.
A case report reveals NDM-1 enzyme was acquired by a Canadian resident without travel history, highlighting local transmission risk. Enhanced precautions, including isolation and screening procedures, are necessary to contain the outbreak.