Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
A $2.25 million NIMH-funded study is being conducted at Kent State University to examine the psychological impact of ongoing terrorism on PTSD and depression. The study aims to identify factors that exacerbate mental health issues, such as prior trauma exposure and social support.
A study found that TB patients underweight at diagnosis who gain less than 5% weight during the first two months of treatment have a significantly increased risk of disease relapse. This association holds even among those with abnormal chest x-rays and positive sputum cultures after 2 months of anti-tuberculosis treatment.
The latest NETT results confirm that selected severe emphysema patients with upper-lobe emphysema and poor exercise capacity before surgery can benefit from surgery with improved survival rates. Long-term follow-up also shows symptom relief in some patients, but no improvement in overall survival.
Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduces chronic lung disease and brain injury risk in very low birthweight premature infants. The therapy, given within the first few weeks of life or within 48 hours after birth, appears to protect against long-term breathing problems and brain damage.
A new study found that neurosurgical treatment of severe anxiety disorders can be effective in relieving symptoms, but also carries a significant risk of side-effects such as apathy and epilepsy. The study monitored 51 patients for up to 23 years after undergoing capsulotomy, a procedure that involves severing nerve fibers in the brain.
A computer card game called FreeCell has been adapted to detect early signs of dementia by assessing players' planning and efficiency. Researchers found that the game can distinguish between cognitively healthy elders and those with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting potential for early treatment strategies.
A new study published in The Lancet found that a fertility technique commonly used to help couples conceive is not effective for those with a 30% chance of natural pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was no more successful than expectant management for couples with this high pregnancy rate.
A new study by Marsha Linehan and colleagues found that women given specialized dialectical behavior therapy treatment were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. The treatment also resulted in reduced hospitalization for psychiatric reasons and improved treatment retention rates.
Researcher Joseph Newman challenges the loaded label of 'psychopath,' arguing it's applied too liberally without understanding key elements. His work suggests psychopathy is a learning disability that makes individuals oblivious to consequences, with significant implications for treatment and behavioral interventions.
The study found that water fluoridation continues to be a cost-effective preventive measure, with annual per person savings ranging from AUS$56 in the 1970s to AUS$18 in the 1990s. However, the cost-saving benefits may decline with age due to plateaued new tooth decay and higher periodontal treatment needs.
A mathematical model predicts that IVF treatment is more efficient and likely to result in pregnancy after the first trial. Offering IVF first is more cost-effective than offering IUI alone or followed by IVF if IUI fails, saving £174,200 for an additional 54 couples.
A recent fraudulent attempt at IVF treatment highlighted the need for improved patient identification methods. The study found that 37% of clinics experienced or suspected cases of patient identity fraud, with many lacking adequate safeguards.
A study of 75 healthy college students found that those who were led to expect considerable nausea fared better than those who weren't. Preparation can have a profound impact on how patients respond to nausea, with the results suggesting that informed expectations may help reduce symptoms and stomach activity.
A study in Wales found that four out of five head lice are resistant to common treatments, raising concerns about the effectiveness of existing methods. The authors suggest a newer silicone-based lotion as an alternative where resistance develops.
A recent clinical trial has shown that heart attack patients with cardiogenic shock who undergo emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery within six hours experience improved long-term survival rates compared to those receiving intensive medical therapy. The study enrolled 302 patients and found significant benefits from early revascular...
A re-examination of beta-blocker efficacy for hypertension treatment found that the risk of stroke is more significant for patients over 60 years old. In contrast, younger patients under 60 show no increased stroke risk. The meta-analysis suggests a potential shift in beta-blocker usage guidelines.
The article advocates for a more nuanced approach to treatment decisions for the frail elderly, emphasizing physician accountability and respect for patient autonomy. Dr. Rockwood suggests ways to empower patients and facilitate care that prioritizes their best interests.
Dr Elise Feng-I Morgan, a researcher at Boston University, has been awarded the 2005 IOF-Servier Young Investigator Award for her innovative research on osteoporosis. This prestigious award aims to promote awareness and understanding of osteoporosis among young scientists.
Seven young researchers from six countries have been awarded the IOF-Novartis Young Scholars' Award for outstanding contributions to osteoporosis research. The award aims to support and encourage careers in osteoporosis research, a field that has seen significant progress in understanding and treating this debilitating disease.
A new model predicts osteoporosis risk by integrating age, height, weight, and other factors, identifying susceptible individuals for targeted treatment. Researchers also found that obesity accelerates bone loss, contradicting prior assumptions, and that certain medications like SSRIs may increase fracture risk.
The article discusses potential legislative reforms to the US medical liability system, finding that economic damage caps can lead to lower premiums. It also examines the decline of vaginal births after cesarean deliveries in California, contradicting initial expectations, and highlights the importance of preserving women's options for...
A study of 75 IBS patients showed significant improvements in physical and emotional symptoms, with a 30% increase in emotional quality of life and a 25% improvement in energy levels. Hypnotherapy also led to reductions in abdominal pain and bloating.
A recent study published in the journal Stroke found that clipping and coiling treatments for aneurysms produce similar long-term outcomes. The study followed 1,010 patients treated between 1996 and 1998 and revealed that rerupture of the aneurysm occurred at a lower rate in clipped patients compared to those who received coiling treat...
A Canadian Blood Services scientist has developed a potential alternative to costly IVIg treatment, which could lead to more effective and safer therapies for patients with life-threatening illnesses. The synthetic product could also reduce production costs and increase availability.
A new study found that a nighttime breathing mask can significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The researchers also discovered that correcting oxygen levels alone may not be enough to lower blood pressure.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings editorial highlights need for further research on PFOs and stroke risk. Additional studies will help determine best course of treatment for patients with PFOs.
A retrospective study found that closing PFOs and atrial septal defects with transcatheter devices is a safe treatment option for children and young adults who have had a stroke. Most patients remained symptom-free months after the procedure.
A study found that biopsy procedures doubled a woman's chances of becoming pregnant during the next round of IVF. The researchers suggest that mild distress from the procedure may provoke a response making conditions in the uterus favorable for implantation.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has invested $900,000 over five years to fund the first Canadian Chair in Hypertension Prevention and Control. Dr. Norm Campbell will lead a multi-faceted approach to primary prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Researchers aim to identify patients at high risk of aneurysm rupture using computer simulations of blood flow. The study uses geometric models and fluid dynamics programs to analyze blood flow characteristics and predict patient-specific risks.
A new treatment using ultrasound-guided injections of hyperosmolar dextrose has shown promising results in treating chronic tendon pain. The study found that 43 out of 53 tendons were successfully treated, allowing patients to return to their normal pre-injury activities.
A recent study found that COX-2 and LXA4 play a crucial role in the resolution of acid-induced lung injury. The cellular inflammatory regulators were shown to induce proliferation of basal airway epithelial cells and reduce inflammation, promoting restoration of the damaged layer of cells.
A new MRI-guided technique has been shown to treat fibroids in women 60% faster than traditional methods, enabling more patients to receive treatment. The study found that the procedure allowed up to 127 sonications during a three-hour treatment, resulting in marked symptom improvements for most patients.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that delays cognitive decline using a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and two other compounds. The cocktail treatment has been shown to increase the formation of brain cell synapses, which are damaged in Alzheimer's patients.
The editorial concludes that inhaled insulin is not suitable for everyone with diabetes, citing high costs and limited long-term safety data. Despite this, individual physicians should discuss its use with patients on a case-by-case basis.
A Canadian study found that ICD device replacements due to advisories resulted in significant complications, including death, in 8.1% of cases. The study highlights the need for guidelines to determine appropriate treatment for patients with advisory devices.
A study by Eric D. Peterson and colleagues found that hospitals following American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines had significantly lower in-hospital death rates. Hospitals with higher guideline adherence scores showed a 10% decrease in patient mortality for every 10% increase in composite adherence.
A new MS Research Centre will be established at the University of Edinburgh to develop therapies for Multiple Sclerosis using latest techniques and investigate repairing damaged nervous system parts. The centre aims to unlock MS mysteries and potentially lead to a cure, with £2.5m funding from JK Rowling and MS Society Scotland.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals over 663,000 people treated in US emergency rooms for lawn mower injuries between 1996 and 2004. Safety tips, such as wearing protective gear and keeping children away, are crucial to preventing these injuries.
A study of over 534 children found no significant differences in neuropsychological function between those with amalgam and resin composite materials. Higher urinary mercury levels were detected in the amalgam group, but no adverse effects were observed. The study concludes that mercury-containing amalgam should remain a viable clinica...
Researchers found that both self-monitoring of blood glucose and precise physician testing of hemoglobin A1c can help diabetics manage their disease. Consistent communication between patients and healthcare professionals is also crucial.
Diabetic patients undergoing periodontal therapy show improved metabolic control, with a 20% reduction in HbA1c levels. The study suggests that periodontal treatment may help diabetic patients move from the 'at-risk' category to a healthy range.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to increase the potency of botulinum neurotoxin treatments, allowing for lower doses and enhanced cosmetic benefits. The new approach may reduce the risk of complications associated with frequent injections, making Botox safer and more accessible.
A long-term follow-up study found no evidence of poorer outcomes in children who received CNEP, a treatment for respiratory distress syndrome. In fact, the CNEP group had higher language and visual/spatial skills compared to those receiving standard ventilation support.
Researchers found that horse antibodies to H5N1 protected dog kidney cells and mice infected with the deadly virus from death. Low doses of antibody (50µg) protected 70% of mice, while higher doses (100µg) offered full protection.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that mental disorders are common in Lebanon, with a prevalence equivalent to that in Western Europe. Only one out of every 10 individuals with mental disorders received treatment, highlighting the need for improved mental health care in Lebanon.
A study at Oregon Health & Science University found that stroke patients who received electrical stimulation therapy showed significant improvement in hand mobility and strength compared to those receiving rehabilitation alone. The therapy, which induces neural plasticity, helps patients regain lost functions.
A randomized trial in Nepal found that community-DOTS and family member DOTS were effective in meeting international TB control targets. The study suggests that these strategies can be used in other challenging regions where direct observation by health workers is not feasible.
Coronary heart disease deaths in Ireland decreased by 47% between 1985 and 2000, with improved treatment accounting for 44% of the drop-off. Sharp falls in smoking and cholesterol also contributed to the decline, while rising obesity rates offset some gains.
The study demonstrates that carotid artery stenting with formalized training has outcomes comparable to the pivotal SAPPHIRE trial. Preliminary data indicates a low stroke rate of 3.6% at 30 days for patients treated by trained physicians.
A five-year study found that recovery coaches improved reunification outcomes for a small but significant number of families, with 15.5% of those with coaches being reunited compared to 11.6% in the control group. The intervention also saved $5.6 million over five years by reducing foster care time and costs.
The Autism Phenome Project is a large-scale, longitudinal study enrolling 1,800 children with autism, developmental delay, and typically developing children. The project aims to identify specific types of autism and develop a database of biomedical information to refine understanding and develop targeted treatments.
A two-year study found that early periodontal treatment results in lower medical costs for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and CAD patients. The study involved 144,225 patients with both medical and dental insurance.
A new communication system is being tested at Cleveland-area hospitals to address family decision-making with critically ill patients. The system aims to provide families comfort and support while reducing costs and length of stay in ICUs.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that 22.4% of people with chronic pain did not inform their physician about it, likely due to poor experiences or barriers to healthcare. The study highlights the need for better pain management and increased awareness among healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a novel proteomic analysis method to diagnose and monitor preeclampsia. The study identified specific fragments of albumin and serpina-1 as characteristic biomarkers for the condition.
Pooled data from 14 randomized trials reveals a 55% relative reduction in thromboembolic events, 39% reduction in all-cause mortality, and 35% reduction in major hemorrhage with self-monitoring. Patients who can self-manage also show improved outcomes.
A text messaging service reduced the average number of days to diagnosis from 11 to under 8, saving staff time and costs. The study found that a text messaging service minimizes the risks of missed results and is often more acceptable for patients with limited access to landlines.
A randomized study found that fluoride varnish significantly reduced tooth decay risk in young children, with no adverse events reported. The study's results support the use of fluoride varnish to prevent tooth decay in very young children and highlight the importance of early dental visits.
The Lancet comments on the need for better public education about medical research to alleviate bureaucratic regulation's impact. Patients' trust in data use can increase when they understand rigorous practices and controlled conditions.