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Autism in a test tube?

A recent study from Tel Aviv University found a strong link between IVF treatments and mild to moderate cases of autism. The research suggests that IVF may be solving one problem by creating another. Dr. Ditza Zachor's ongoing research aims to separate out risk factors and investigate the rate of autism in IVF populations.

Study confirms favorable long-term prognosis of epilepsy

A 15-year follow-up study found that children with idiopathic new-onset epilepsy have a higher rate of remission compared to those with remote symptomatic epilepsy. The study concluded that the long-term prognosis of epilepsy is favorable in most children, especially for those with an idiopathic etiology.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJun 14, 2010

Race for new hips

A recent study found that patient treatment preferences play a significant role in racial disparities in total joint replacement utilization. African-American patients were less likely to receive a recommendation for the procedure and undergo surgery compared to white patients, despite similar disease severity.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 1, 2010

Self-injurious behavior in adolescents and the PLoS Medicine editorial

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a common practice amongst adolescents, with medical providers uniquely positioned to detect its presence. Janis Whitlock's article discusses the epidemiology and care of adolescents undertaking NSSI, highlighting the need for standard assessment practices and effective treatment regimes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 25, 2010

Higher oxygen levels improve preterm survival, increase risk for eye condition

Researchers found that higher oxygen levels in preterm infants improve survival rates, but also increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity. A new treatment using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is as effective as traditional ventilator therapy and may result in fewer complications.

Older people in assisted-living facilities sleep poorly

A study of 121 older adults in Los Angeles ALFs found that 65% had clinically significant sleeping problems, associated with lower quality of life and increased depression. Poor sleep was also linked to a worsening of health-related quality of life and more symptoms of depression over time.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 7, 2010

Shape up the quick way

A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that losing weight quickly, rather than gradually, is associated with larger long-term weight losses and reduced risk of weight regain. Women who lost weight at a faster rate were more likely to achieve clinically significant weight loss and maintain their ...

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

Parents keep diabetic teens on track

A new study found that teenagers with type 1 diabetes are more likely to adhere to their treatment plan if their parents monitor their care and maintain a positive parent-adolescent relationship. The study revealed a decline in parental involvement as the adolescent grows older, which relates to decreased adherence to treatment.

The pill for ovarian cysts

A study found that women taking oral contraceptive pills had significantly fewer recurring ovarian cysts after surgery. Long-term treatment appears to be key to preventing endometrioma recurrence, suggesting a change in clinical practice.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateMar 30, 2010

Acupuncture calms highly anxious dental patients

A small study found that acupuncture reduces anxiety in highly anxious dental patients, enabling them to receive necessary treatments. Researchers assessed 20 patients using the Back Anxiety Inventory before and after five minutes of acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant decrease in BAI scores.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAcupuncture in Medicine·DateMar 29, 2010

Causes found for stiff skin conditions

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that a rare inherited disorder called stiff skin syndrome shares genetic similarities with the debilitating condition scleroderma, affecting about one in 5,000 people. The findings suggest a potential treatment strategy involving the protein fibrillin-1 and its role in regulating TGFbeta activity.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 19, 2010

Successful treatment of periodontal disease lowered preterm birth incidences

A study published in Journal of Dental Research found that successful periodontal treatment significantly lowers the risk of preterm birth. Pregnant women with periodontal disease who received scaling and root planing had a lower rate of prematurity compared to those without periodontal disease.

Thiopurine therapy improves quality of life

A study published in BMC Gastroenterology found that thiopurine therapy significantly improved the health-related quality of life of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. The clinical trial, conducted by Guillermo Bastida and his team, reported a substantial improvement in quality of life after one year of treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Gastroenterology·DateMar 1, 2010

The most frequent error in medicine

A new study found that nearly a third of patients age 65 and older referred to a specialist do not receive treatment due to failed referrals. The study revealed that only 50% of those referred had the opportunity to receive treatment, highlighting the need for improved health information technology to address this issue.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateFeb 26, 2010

Risk of stillbirth is four times higher after IVF/ICSI compared to spontaneous pregnancies

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that women who conceive through IVF or ICSI have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth compared to those who conceive spontaneously. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 singleton pregnancies and found a four-fold increased risk of stillbirths among women who had IVF/ICSI.