Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
A study found that nearly half of heart disease patients have poor knowledge about heart attack symptoms, which can lead to delayed treatment and reduced survival rates. The researchers suggest that targeted education efforts during medical office visits can help improve knowledge and outcomes for these high-risk patients.
A recent case report indicates that laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation is a safe and viable option for patients with choledocholithiasis who have failed or are contraindicated for endoscopic sphincterotomy. The procedure appears to be feasible when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
The NIH's Undiagnosed Diseases Program aims to provide answers for patients with mysterious conditions that have long eluded diagnosis. The program will utilize the expertise of senior attending physicians from various specialties to evaluate patients and identify new diseases or treatments.
A comprehensive review of facial plastic surgery outcome measures identified 68 instruments, including patient-reported and clinical efficacy measures. The study found that most patient-reported measures were developed in the past decade and had varying levels of validation rigor.
Researchers found that CPAP treatment resulted in an average 2mmHg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the year. The study suggests that CPAP can be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in apneic patients, beyond just treating daytime sleepiness.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
Young children with OCD can benefit from a tailored form of psychotherapy, known as family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that addresses their unique developmental needs and family context. The study found that 74% of patients who completed the CBT program achieved remission, compared to 20% in the relaxation treatment group.
A low-vision therapy program significantly improved vision in veterans with diseases of the macula, with notable gains in reading ability, mobility, and visual motor skills. The study suggests that at least 10 hours of low-vision therapy is justified for patients with moderate and severe vision loss from macular diseases.
A study led by a nursing professor is evaluating the effectiveness of telephone-based interpersonal psychotherapy for treating postpartum depression. The trial involves trained nurses providing therapy to clinically depressed women in remote areas with limited access to mental health services.
Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of intermittent upper GI bleeding, often associated with chronic pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with interventional radiology and surgical options available.
A moral philosopher is investigating the ethics of medicated memory manipulation, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The use of beta-blockers to dampen emotional responses to traumatic events may undermine an individual's understanding of their moral responsibility.
Patients with mild Alzheimer's disease showed less decline in functional ability after taking 800mg of tarenflurbil twice daily compared to placebo. The treatment also reduced the pace of decline in global function and activities of daily living scale.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that a majority of participants did not realize their treatment preferences had changed over time, leading to false memories. The study highlights the need for ongoing dialogue among individuals, families, and physicians about end-of-life treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a link between specific antibodies and oral health, finding that healthy individuals have higher antibody levels to a key protein in periodontal disease. This discovery could lead to improved treatment responses and prevention strategies.
Palliative care is now considered an integral part of serious respiratory disorders treatment, with individualized and integrated care promoting patient-focused symptom management. The ATS clinical policy statement emphasizes comprehensive care, including professional competence development and education.
Key findings include significant variability in coverage gaps across countries, with poorest quintiles facing substantial gaps, and only a few countries showing declines greater than 2% per year. The authors emphasize the need for accelerated progress to achieve coverage levels needed for MDG4 and MDG5.
New research suggests that irradiation can effectively kill internalized pathogens beyond the reach of conventional chemical sanitizers, including E. coli and Salmonella. Studies show that washing alone may not be enough to reduce foodborne illnesses, highlighting the potential benefits of irradiation in reducing the risk.
The SAPPHIRE trial found that carotid stenting was comparably effective to surgery in preventing stroke, heart attack, and death in high-risk patients. Patients undergoing stenting had similar rates of revascularization procedures as those who underwent surgery.
A randomized pilot trial found that lowering blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg reduced haematoma growth in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. The treatment also showed no significant adverse effects on clinical outcomes.
A novel teledentistry approach using teleconferencing increases access to limited orthodontic treatment for Medicaid-eligible children. Early intervention shows significant improvement in malocclusion severity.
A new article in the journal Nursing for Women's Health suggests that healthcare providers who initiate discussions about genital and nipple piercings can provide optimal care to patients. The authors aim to educate nurses about intimate piercings, enabling them to earn their patients' trust.
Research reveals that patients are more likely to ask factual questions of all healthcare professionals than challenging clinical abilities. Women and patients who feel encouraged by their doctors are more willing to ask difficult questions, suggesting improved patient safety outcomes.
A nationwide study of 3,000 Lebanese adults found that one in four had a lifetime mental health disorder, with major depression being the most common. Exposure to war-related events significantly increased the risk of developing an anxiety or mood disorder.
A new study found that caregivers with moderate to severe depressive symptoms exhibited lower levels of warmth and higher levels of hostility towards their low-income children with asthma. Researchers used data from a longitudinal study examining treatment adherence among these families.
A double-blind study found Pycnogenol improved both numerical and spatial working memory in senior citizens. The antioxidant extract reduced oxidative stress markers, indicating a potential role in preserving or enhancing mental functions.
Research by Yang Xia and colleagues found that high levels of adenosine contribute to priapism in males with sickle cell disease. Adenosine signaling through the A2B receptor may be a key factor in the development of priapism, suggesting new potential treatments.
Researchers from the US and China have confirmed the effectiveness of a simple treatment for amblyopia in laboratory and clinical trials. The treatment, which involves training on a visual task, has shown promising results in improving vision and challenging traditional theories about critical periods.
A multicenter trial found that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a viable alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. After two years, patients who underwent UAE reported health-related quality of life equal to those who had undergone hysterectomy.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that alteplase treatment can improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients even when administered outside the conventional 3-hour window. The researchers identified patients with an ischaemic penumbra and showed significant benefits in tissue reperfusion and reduced infarct growth.
Studies found that stroke patients who arrive in the emergency department during off-hours, especially on weekends, are more likely to die in the hospital. Hemorrhagic strokes showed a significant increased risk of mortality compared to ischemic strokes.
A simple surface treatment technique induces self-assembly of molecular crystals, improving performance and providing electrical isolation. This method enables the mass production of large arrays of organic electronic transistors on polymer sheets, opening up possibilities for flexible displays, intelligent paper, and biosensor arrays.
Researchers have developed a new classification system, The Range of Possible Changes Model, to help eliminate inconsistencies in evidence-based treatments. This model sorts pertinent information from multiple studies, allowing researchers to draw reliable conclusions amidst inconsistent results.
The US is likely to miss its goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2010 due to high latent TB infection rates among certain groups, including those living below the poverty line and foreign-born individuals.
The Lancet Editorial advocates for universal health care coverage combined with high-quality evidence-based practice as a singular and lasting achievement for the next US president. The proposed plan includes establishing a national clinical effectiveness effort to produce unbiased information about effective healthcare practices.
A new study by American Society of Nephrology confirms that intensive insulin therapy (IIT) protects kidneys in critically ill patients, reducing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and death. IIT was found to be more effective in preventing AKI after surgery compared to medical ICU patients.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine developed an AMD animal model using oxidative chemicals, which closely represents the disease in people. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments and potentially a cure for age-related macular degeneration, affecting millions of Americans.
A new study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the hypothalamus can evoke detailed autobiographical memories in a patient with morbid obesity. After three weeks of continuous stimulation, the patient showed significant improvements in learning tests and was more likely to remember unrelated objects.
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a non-lethal but potentially severe disease that can be prevented with rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment. New techniques, such as the QT-NASBA technique and real-time Reverse Transcriptase PCR, have been developed to detect and quantify Leishmania parasites, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A study found that individuals with fewer years of education are more likely to have a delayed realization of cognitive problems that could be Alzheimer's disease. Patients with lower education levels were also more severely impaired on their first visit, suggesting they may only seek medical attention after symptoms become unbearable.
A new classification system of 15 lip zones can help cosmetic surgeons better control lip shape and size, leading to high patient satisfaction and no adverse effects. The study involved 137 treatments on 66 patients and found an average score of 4.5 for patient satisfaction.
A recent study found that 60% of psychotherapy clients felt their therapy either lasted too long or ended too soon. Clients who experienced a positive termination were more satisfied and reported feeling an expression of independence, reflection of positive therapeutic gains, and a sense of positive gains.
A new study found that levo-thyroxine treatment did not lower weight or BMI in children with acquired hypothyroidism. Most subjects gained weight, while about a third experienced short-term weight loss due to extremely severe cases of the disease.
A review published in Dermatologic Therapy reveals that men need higher doses of Botox due to greater muscle mass, leading to inadequate results from under-dosing. The study suggests that larger, stronger men require more units per treatment area than slender, small-boned men.
A nationwide collaborative study found that emergency department patients who underwent alcohol screening and brief intervention reported lower rates of risky drinking than those who received only written information. The study enrolled over 7,751 patients and showed that more than one-fourth exceeded low-risk drinking limits.
A NIH panel emphasizes the importance of removing stigma associated with fecal and urinary incontinence, recommending increased public awareness and provider education. The panel also highlights the need for research studies to fill knowledge gaps and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study published in BMC Medicine suggests that patients with chronic patellofemoral syndrome may not benefit from arthroscopic surgery, instead finding relief through therapeutic exercise. The randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of arthroscopy and exercise in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
A recent Editorial highlights the growing concern of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. The condition affects an estimated 60% of all combat-injured soldiers, with over half caused by explosive devices.
A systematic review of over 5,500 patients found that both single-drug antifungal prophylaxis (SAP) and selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) reduce yeast-related morbidity and mortality. SDD was more effective in reducing yeast colonization and infection, while SAP responded best to candidemia.
Researchers discovered Giardia's attachment mechanism relies on an osmotic suction cup, which can be disrupted by 'tonic shock'. The parasite's grip on intestinal tissue can be broken using a timed pattern of high and low tonicity, suggesting new treatment options.
A study suggests that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines in relieving children's coughs and improving sleep during colds. Honey was found to yield the greatest improvement compared to no treatment or dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication commonly used for children's coughs.
Citrus growers in eastern Australia can now export to Japan with greater market flexibility thanks to the development of cold storage regimes effective against fruit fly. The new method kills Queensland Fruit Fly in citrus stored for 14-16 days at temperatures of 2° or 3°C, reducing damage and improving fruit quality.
A study of 60 people with lymphatic filariasis in southern Sri Lanka found that the disease causes significant loss of income, social isolation, and emotional distress due to stigma. The authors call for expanded control programs beyond transmission reduction to provide support for affected households.
American soldiers with facial fractures can now undergo surgery to repair their injuries in the war zone, avoiding evacuation. The procedure has shown no complications or infections, leading to improved patient outcomes.
This special issue of JRRD examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel with TBI and describes healthcare models providing care and support to them and their families. Topics include posttraumatic stress disorder, telemedicine systems, and neuropsychiatric perspectives on TBI.
A systematic review found that the risk of major stroke within a week after a minor stroke is substantial at 5.2%. Studies with emergency treatment in specialist stroke units showed the lowest risks, while population-based studies without urgent treatment had the highest risks.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that adults insured through Mexico's Seguro Popular program are more likely to receive antihypertensive treatment and have their blood pressure controlled than those without health insurance. Insured individuals had a 50% higher odds of receiving antihypertensive treatment, ...
A statewide program in North Carolina significantly improved the rate of coronary reperfusion for heart attack patients, reducing median door-in to door-out times by up to 49 minutes. While clinical outcomes remained unchanged, the study demonstrates that coordination of care can improve quality of care.
Two new studies, led by the University of Michigan Stroke Program, reveal that 69% of stroke victims don't reach the hospital within three hours of symptom onset, resulting in delayed tPA treatment. A middle-school education program shows promising results in improving recognition and response to stroke symptoms.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released practice parameters for the evaluation and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders. The guidelines recommend various treatments, including melatonin administration, timed light exposure, and actigraphy, to improve alertness and performance in night shift workers.