Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
Researchers found that laser resurfacing can improve the look of sun-damaged skin and reduce acne scars with nonablative laser treatment. Increasing volume of botulinum exotoxin A at lower concentrations affects a larger area, making it suitable for treating larger areas like the forehead.
A study published in 2004 found that obese individuals experience lower sexual quality of life, with women reporting more difficulties than men. The research suggests that losing weight and increasing physical activity can help restore sexual function for those with obesity-related problems.
Researchers found that treating mothers with IgG during pregnancy significantly reduced the severity of recurrent NH in newborns. The study showed that all 16 pregnancies progressed uneventfully and resulted in live babies with normal physical examination findings.
A new study reveals women with heart attacks wait significantly longer than men to receive emergency angioplasty, resulting in higher death rates. Patients who received treatment within 90 minutes of arrival had a 50% lower risk of dying in the hospital.
A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.
A study by Johannes Schwarz and colleagues tracked molecular changes in brains of Parkinson's patients over 7.5 years using SPECT to measure dopamine transporter binding, revealing a single exponential decline rather than linear loss. This advancement enables the development of individualized treatment for advanced Parkinson's patients.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life medical decisions, particularly in cases where parents and doctors disagree. The article advocates for arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings, citing its potential to resolve conflicts in a more constructive manner.
A recent study reports four cases of angiographically-confirmed stent thrombosis after elective implantation of drug-eluting stents, resulting in myocardial infarction. The authors emphasize the need for careful long-term follow-up to assess late thrombosis risk
A study of 216 acute stroke patients found that lack of improvement within 24 hours of alteplase treatment was associated with a higher risk of poor outcome and death at 3 months. Patients with elevated glucose levels, cerebral cortex involvement, and delayed treatment also had longer hospital stays.
A new study by Mayo Clinic suggests that the ketogenic diet can be safely initiated as an outpatient treatment for children with epilepsy, offering improved acceptability and comfort. The study found no significant differences in long-term seizure control or mental improvement between inpatient and outpatient groups.
Early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis through newborn screening can lead to improved height and weight measurements, better pulmonary status, and cognitive benefits. Implementing CF newborn screening in all states aims to give people with this disease the best odds at living longer, healthier lives.
Physicians and individuals with stable schizophrenia report similar top treatment goals: improving mental health and overall happiness. People with schizophrenia prioritize life goals, such as returning to favorite hobbies and reducing feelings of isolation.
A recent study found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment significantly lowers the incidence of MS symptom relapses and reduces disease activity. Patients treated with IVIg had a lower probability of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis and fewer brain lesions compared to those receiving placebo.
The MRC CRASH* trial found that giving patients corticosteroids after a head injury increased the risk of death within two weeks, with 21% of those treated dying compared to 18% on placebo. The trial involved over 10,000 patients from nearly 50 countries and challenges previous studies' findings.
Researchers found that certain species of airborne fungus trigger abnormal immune responses, leading to congestion and inflammation in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The study suggests that reducing fungal exposure through treatments like nasal irrigations or antifungal medicines could provide relief.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that female soccer players who suffered an ACL injury at a young age are at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Over half of the women studied had OA of the knee, accompanied by persistent pain and functional limitations.
A study of over 110,000 heart attack patients found that Hispanic and African American patients experience longer treatment times due to hospital quality. The findings emphasize the need to improve care at lower-performing hospitals to reduce racial disparities in healthcare.
A prospective cohort study found that patients with less than 12 years of education have a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease, similar to other traditional risk factors. This suggests incorporating educational level into CHD treatment guidelines may facilitate individualized treatment and reduce socioeconomic disparities.
A landmark longitudinal study reveals that individuals with personality disorder symptoms can experience a decline in their symptoms over time, regardless of treatment or co-occurring conditions. The study's findings challenge the long-held assumption that personality disorders are stable and inflexible.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics show significant deficits in executive functioning during abstinence's first weeks, impacting treatment compliance and daily life. This impairment can last for weeks after quitting drinking, requiring clinicians to adjust expectations.
Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...
A Mount Sinai study found that nearly three-quarters of WTC responders experienced upper respiratory issues, with half still experiencing symptoms eight months later. Over half had persistent psychological symptoms, with risks for PTSD four times that of the general male population.
Researchers have developed a new procedure using sedative midazolam and gases that has been successfully used to treat children with extreme dental problems, avoiding the risks associated with traditional general anaesthesia. The technique offers a viable alternative for specialist practices to reduce hospital waiting lists and free beds.
Studies found strong evidence supporting treatment of systolic hypertension in older persons with SBP of at least 160 mm Hg. Treatment guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics and long-acting calcium channel blockers as first-line therapy for SH. Despite effectiveness, poor control of SH among patients is increasing.
A recent study found that massage therapists have a high prevalence of hand dermatitis, with those using aromatherapy products being over three times as likely to experience the condition. The researchers suggest conducting an educational campaign to reduce this risk.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI revealed more extensive fractures in patients with greater trochanteric fractures than X-ray imaging alone. This allowed for better treatment planning and informed decisions on surgical versus nonsurgical treatment.
A study found that 65% of physicians made treatment decisions inconsistent with their patients' advance directives. Despite the presence of these documents, physicians prioritized other factors in difficult clinical situations. The authors emphasize the need for improved conflict resolution in end-of-life decision making.
A new product developed for soft tissue augmentation showed high efficacy and patient satisfaction rates of 74%, 80%, and 88% respectively. Moderate pain occurred in 59% of patients, but resolved within two weeks. Long-term safety profile remains unknown.
A study reveals that 97% of infertile couples and 80% of the general population believe PGD should be permitted for detecting genetic diseases. The majority also oppose reproductive cloning, with only 7% in favour. Germans demand change in German Embryo Protection Law to allow PGD.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that 35% of women with anorexia nervosa relapsed into the disorder within two years of leaving the hospital. The mean time before relapse was 18 months, highlighting the need for improved relapse prevention treatments.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated pulsed dye laser therapy for facial acne in 40 patients. The study found no significant improvement in acne symptoms after one or two treatments, with lesion counts and serial photographs showing no differences from baseline to week 12.
A UK study has shown a substantial reduction in stroke incidence over the past 20 years, with age-adjusted occurrence of first stroke decreased by around 30%. The decrease is associated with increased use of blood-pressure lowering and cholesterol-lowering drugs, leading to significant reductions in related risk factors.
A study of 2,115 male patients found that symptoms like urgency and weak urine stream are strongly associated with sexual dysfunction, but not sex drive. The findings may help researchers develop new treatments for both lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that adding superficial venous surgery to compression treatment significantly reduces the risk of venous leg ulcer recurrence. The study involved 500 patients and showed a more-than-halved one-year recurrence rate among those receiving both treatments compared to those given compression alone.
The study found that 4.3% to 26.4% of adults in 14 countries had any mental disorder, with serious cases associated with substantial role disability. Despite high prevalence, 35-50% of serious cases and 76-85% of less-developed country cases received no treatment.
Researchers developed a new fluid mechanical model system that simulates the active nature of the arterial system, providing insights into why stenting in forked regions has low success rates. The study suggests stenting only the main branch for optimal healing and maintenance of open vasculature.
A new government survey reveals that 36 percent of US adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with prayer being the most commonly used therapy. The survey found that CAM use was more prevalent among women, those with higher education, and people who had been hospitalized in the past year.
Three outbreaks of injuries from damaged metal halide lamps in Middle Tennessee were reported, resulting in photokeratitis and UVR burns. The study found that even a single damaged bulb can cause severe symptoms, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention measures.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a central enzyme that can sense subtle changes in protein folding, enabling the removal of misfolded proteins from cells. This discovery may lead to innovative prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A study found that treating cirrhotic patients with synbiotics or fermentable fiber can alter the gut flora, lowering ammonia levels and improving clinical signs of brain and liver dysfunction. The treatments were effective in reversing minimal hepatic encephalopathy in 50% of patients, compared to 13% in the placebo group.
Harvard Medical School establishes three endowed chairs in sleep medicine, marking an historic moment for the school and the field. The chairs will enable advanced scientific research and development of new treatments for sleep disorders.
A six-year study by University of Pittsburgh researcher found botox injections to be a safe and effective treatment for bladder dysfunction, reducing incontinence in 67.2% of patients. The therapy works by blocking muscle contractions, restoring normal bladder function and improving quality of life.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women with overactive bladder experience reduced sexual function and thoughts. Overactive bladder affects half of the 17 million Americans suffering from it, significantly impacting their quality of life.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that elastic nails allow children to regain mobility and resume normal daily activities more quickly, reducing treatment time by half. Children treated with elastic nails missed about half the amount of school compared to those in casts.
Wavefront-guided LASIK yields sharper and higher quality vision, as well as improved night driving abilities compared to conventional LASIK. With wavefront-guided LASIK, patients achieve 97% of 20/20 vision and 85% with 20/16 vision, significantly outperforming conventional LASIK.
A recent study found that obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of auto collisions by 28%. Treating the condition with CPAP could prevent 980 fatalities each year, saving $11.1 billion in collision costs.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that botulinum toxin injections significantly improved musicians' playing ability and performance, with 69% reporting a positive response. The treatment was particularly effective for highly accomplished performing artists, who often face devastating career-ending symptoms.
A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.
A new study published in the American Journal of Hypertension demonstrates that 15 minutes of daily RESPeRATE treatment significantly reduces home blood pressure in both medicated and non-medicated patients. The study also shows high patient compliance, with many patients continuing treatment after the trial ended.
A new study found that non-habitual acute resistance and aerobic exercise negatively affected sleep quality and length. Volunteers reported waking up significantly more times at night after exercise compared to before, while objective measures of sleep using an actigraph revealed no significant differences between exercise conditions.
A recent study investigated the effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) treatments on physiological functions predicting athletic performance. The results showed no significant enhancement in endurance-related parameters, contradicting anecdotal reports of improved endurance during exercise.
A new study found that sacral nerve stimulation significantly reduces the number of weekly episodes of incontinence, from 16 to 3-2 per week after one-two years. The technique also shows an improvement in quality-of-life scores and is a safe option for patients with intact or repaired anal sphincters.
Researchers found that ultrasound treatment didn't hasten healing for muscle contusions in rats. In fact, the treated muscles healed at the same rate as non-treated muscles, suggesting no physiological benefit from ultrasound.
AstraZeneca has submitted a regulatory application to the European Union for the use of Atacand in treating heart failure. The CHARM study programme showed that Atacand reduces both cardiovascular deaths and hospital admissions across a broad spectrum of patients with chronic heart failure.
The Osteoarthritis Initiative aims to identify people at risk for OA and monitor disease progression using biological markers. The study will enroll 5,000 adults over five years, collecting data on joint pain, limited movement, and cartilage loss.
A primary care-based intervention reduced suicidal ideation in older adults with depression by over two-thirds, with improved depressive symptoms and risk of suicide. The program, called PROSPECT, used a clinical algorithm and treatment management by trained clinicians to improve treatment quality.
The study found that 88% of patients treated with wavefront-guided LASIK showed improved contrast sensitivity, compared to 40% for standard LASIK. This technology reduces higher-order distortions, leading to sharper vision with greater contrast sensitivity.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that earlier diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia significantly improves patient outcomes. Patients treated early tended to be younger, less symptomatic, and more responsive to treatment than those not receiving early detection programs.
Researchers found that patients with multiple sclerosis who experience high levels of fatigue have widespread axonal damage in their brains. The study suggests that the nerve damage may be the underlying cause of fatigue, rather than other factors like conduction block or inflammatory mediators.
Recent studies suggest that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be effective in treating social anxiety in alcohol-dependent individuals, particularly those with severe depression. Additionally, anticonvulsants like sodium valproate and atypical antipsychotics like clozapine show promise in reducing alcohol use among bi...