Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
Brown University researchers will develop a research-based register of controlled trials related to ophthalmology and optometry. They aim to provide evidence-based treatments to patients, helping physicians and consumers make informed healthcare choices.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that xenon can block the effects of a glutamate receptor implicated in nerve cell death, potentially preventing damage. The findings have led to clinical trials and the formation of a spin-out company to develop treatments for neurological injuries.
In a study, 50 patients with various voiding dysfunctions reported a 82% decrease or absence of incontinence after Botox injections. The treatment alleviated symptoms for approximately six months without long-term complications. Overactive bladder affects 17 million Americans, causing significant quality-of-life issues.
A new mouse model has shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy by increasing muscle mass and regeneration, reducing muscle cell death. The combination of better muscle regeneration and less muscle wasting could lead to improved muscle capacity over time.
Researchers found that participants who wrote emails about traumatic emotional experiences were healthier in the weeks following their writings than those who wrote about non-emotional topics. The study's results suggest that written emotional expression is beneficial to physical health, even when conducted through email.
A national clinical trial is comparing two treatments for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), aiming to improve survival rates and outcomes. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of laser photocoagulation and amnioreduction in reducing health complications and premature birth.
A study found that patients with depression experience lower disease improvement rates (4.7%) compared to mentally healthy patients (7.4%). Depressed individuals may be more likely to continue smoking and have impaired immune systems, leading to slower wound healing and poorer treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that loosening managed care restrictions can lead to better patient relationships with primary care physicians. Patients in managed care programs were more likely to have continuity with a specific clinician, but these relationships were less likely to last more than 12 months.
Research finds that rural areas could benefit from morbidity-based approaches to addressing health inequalities. The study challenges the assumption that higher hospital rates are always a good thing, suggesting instead a need for stronger public health initiatives and more robust monitoring of fair access.
A study of 1,185 seriously ill patients found that 60% expressed a preference for comfort care but 35% believed they received aggressive treatment. Patients who received inconsistent care had significantly higher medical costs and lower survival rates.
A study of 114 adolescent male offenders found that those committing only sexual offenses had better behavior, attitudes, and lower re-offending risk compared to those with concurrent crimes. The findings suggest different pathways to juvenile sexual offending, warranting tailored interventions.
A VA study found that opportunistic screening for diabetes is likely more cost-effective and can be easily integrated into typical office visits. The approach takes advantage of the doctor-patient relationship, promoting better follow-up care for patients at risk of diabetes.
A French study found that intravenous immunoglobulin improved platelet counts in adults with AITP. The study also showed that oral steroids and placebo had similar efficacy rates. The researchers suggest judicious observation for patients without severe bleeding and recommend specific immune-based therapies.
A phase II study found that DiaPep277 treatment maintained insulin production in patients with early type 1 diabetes. The treatment also reduced the need for insulin therapy and altered immune response patterns.
A recent study by the American Academy of Periodontology found that 48% of teeth receiving periodontal surgery improved prognosis, while only 12% in non-surgical treatment groups did. The study emphasized the importance of individual teeth assessment for optimal results.
The Johns Hopkins emergency department has implemented an acute care unit to reduce overcrowding, resulting in a 40% decrease in ambulance diversion hours. The unit has also seen a significant drop in patient walkouts during the midnight shift, from 20.6% to 8.9%.
New guidelines for assessing male fertility provide a more reliable means of estimating fertility, helping specialists tailor treatments to individual patient circumstances. The revised standards identify key parameters, including sperm count, motility, and morphology, to better determine a man's likelihood of fathering a child.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dental sealants can significantly reduce dental costs for children on Medicaid who are at high risk of dental problems. Researchers analyzed data from 15,438 North Carolina children and found that sealant treatments led to lower expenses for Medicaid in 1990 dollars,...
A study of 1,596 children in Rochester, NY, found that 8% had Tourette's and 27% had some tic disorder, with mild symptoms being more prevalent. Research suggests that tics can be an indicator of a subtle brain developmental disorder.
A quadruplet pregnancy resulted from IVF and spontaneous conception, highlighting the risks associated with unprotected intercourse during ovarian stimulation. The woman gave birth to a boy and two girls with separate placentas and another girl with fused placenta after undergoing multiple pregnancies were deemed medically undesirable.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that anxious children with troubled families have poorer treatment outcomes. Children who felt their families were dysfunctional or their parents were stressed had poorer treatment outcomes. The study suggests including parents in the treatment process is crucial for effective therapy.
Women who underwent vaginal instrumental delivery had a lower risk of serious bleeding and trauma compared to those who received caesarean section. The study supports the use of safe vaginal instrumental delivery for managing obstructed labour, especially in cases without clear evidence of disproportion.
A Virginia Tech student has made significant discoveries about air bubbles in drinking water, which can interfere with treatment processes and lead to pathogen contamination. The research is being used to identify problems at two California water treatment plants and has the potential to prevent water-borne diseases.
A study examining cervical manipulation and its potential risks found an estimated rate of 1 arterial dissection per 5.85 million manipulations, significantly lower than previous estimates. Practitioners should discuss the benefits and risks with patients to ensure informed decision-making.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that premenopausal women using inhaled corticosteroids for persistent asthma experience accelerated bone loss in the hip compared to those not using the medication. The study suggests a potential long-term risk of hip fractures for these women.
A randomised controlled trial found that patient-centred self-management training reduced relapse times and hospital visits, while maintaining health-related quality-of-life scores. This alternative approach to traditional outpatient care may improve health-service provision and reduce costs for chronic diseases.
A large study reveals nearly 30% of participants were diagnosed with peripheral artery disease, a condition that affects millions in the US and Western Europe. Untreated PAD can lead to serious health consequences, including heart attack and stroke.
Georgetown University's five-year program aims to enhance understanding of CAM practices, increase self-awareness, and improve communication with patients. The initiative will incorporate CAM principles into basic science courses and require all first-year students to take a Mind-Body Medicine course by year five.
Torture is pervasive in Nepal, with severe physical, social, and psychosocial consequences for survivors. The Centre for Victims of Torture, Nepal, implements treatment programmes for victims, but international interest is needed to encourage change.
Researchers from UCSF found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements can lower homocysteine levels by 25% and 7% respectively, resulting in a 8-13% decrease in heart disease rates and deaths. The study estimates that adding these supplements to daily grains could save $24 billion over 10 years.
A US study of 415 people found that patients taking donepezil maintained their level of functioning 72% longer than those receiving a placebo. Another study involving 286 people in Scandinavia and the Netherlands showed similar results, highlighting donepezil's effectiveness in preserving daily activities.
A UK population study found that an estimated 3.1% of adults aged 45 and older had definite or probable heart failure, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and targeted screening to alleviate symptoms and improve prognosis.
A study published in Neuropsychology found that pre-pubescent boys use more of their right brain to process faces and expressions, whereas girls use more of their left brain. This difference has significant implications for understanding the effects of brain injury on men and women.
The number of multiple births per embryo transfer decreased from 29.6% to 26.3% in Europe between 1997 and 1998. The proportion of twin deliveries fell from 25.8% to 23.9%, while triplet births declined from 3.6% to 2.3%.
Agenerase ™ demonstrates promising once-daily dosing results, allowing for simplified HIV therapy. The amprenavir prodrug, VX-175, offers significant simplification of protease inhibitor-based treatment by enabling daily dosing of just two or three pills.
A California-based study found significant ethnic differences in DUI arrest rates and healthcare service utilization among Hispanic populations, particularly Mexican Americans. Despite higher rates of heavy drinking, this group tends to underutilize health services, with lower utilization among those born in Mexico.
Children of heavy smokers are at risk of inadequate asthma treatment due to decreased parental awareness and reluctance to quit smoking. Research found that the more heavily parents smoked, the fewer visits were made to healthcare services for asthma symptoms.
Researchers at UCLA and NASA are creating a robotic stepper device that uses precise measurements to help therapists monitor patients' progress in rehabilitation. The device could enable some wheelchair-bound individuals to learn to walk again or improve their walking ability, according to the researchers.
Top scientists from Harvard, Cornell, University of Dublin, and University of Colorado will discuss the molecular biology of IL-1 and its role in RA pathogenesis. They will also focus on new targets for treatment, such as bone degradation, and explore patient perspectives on quality of life.
A new study found that nearly 80% of depressed teenagers do not receive necessary psychiatric medical treatment, which can lead to a repeat bout of major depression and involvement in substance abuse by early adulthood. Especially at risk are depressed teenage girls who clash with parents or have a family history of recurrent depression.
Two new Phase III studies published in Neurology show that Reminyl (galantamine) significantly improves cognition, global function, and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease over a period of 12 months. The treatment also maintains activities of daily functioning for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
The report reveals big variations between countries, with France, Germany, and the UK carrying out more than half of all IVF treatments. Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have the highest availability of IVF treatment, resulting in a significant number of children being born through IVF.
New research suggests that young women have a high chance of conceiving a second baby without fertility treatment. Over 98% of women who didn't conceive within three years succeeded in doing so within the next three years, according to the study, which analyzed records of over 2,300 Canadian women.
Canadian physicians consider whether adolescents should be allowed to make health care decisions, citing the concept of proportionality and competency. Most adolescents are deemed capable of making competent health care decisions, warranting respect for their autonomy.
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that 20% of women with lower urinary-tract symptoms, including incontinence, had undiagnosed bladder obstructions. The researchers used urodynamics testing to identify the subset of women who would benefit from more specialized treatment.
The NHLBI has released a clinical advisory emphasizing the importance of systolic blood pressure in diagnosing and treating hypertension in middle-aged and older adults. The guideline recommends reducing systolic blood pressure to less than 140 mm Hg to reduce heart attack, heart failure, and stroke risk.
A study of 840 men found 32.3% suffered from urinary incontinence, affecting social relationships and physical activity. Whole walnuts were shown to further reduce bad cholesterol in a dietary study. Medical ethicists recommend including spiritual care in treatment plans.
A University of Illinois study found that over 50% of severely mentally ill Asian Americans sought help at culturally competent clinics within six months. Early treatment can improve outcomes, but educating community members about available services is crucial.
Researchers found that individuals with severe mental illnesses can achieve long-term residential stability when given access to safe, affordable housing linked to outpatient services. Substance abuse was a major factor in disrupting residential stability, highlighting the need for new strategies to improve housing alternatives.
Individuals treated for depression use fewer routine medical services, but more outpatient services than the general population, according to a 10-year analysis. Treatment is associated with reduced non-routine medical utilization over time.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Psychoanalytic Association suggests that psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for psychiatric conditions when implemented over a longer period. The research found a positive incremental effect up to 32 months of treatment, with increased session frequency hav...
A new study found that brief ER counseling significantly reduces teen drinking and related problems. After six months, counseled teens had 32% fewer drinking and driving incidents and 50% fewer alcohol-related injuries compared to those who received standard treatment.
A new study by Canadian scientists found that highly stressed patients with ischemic heart disease do not respond as well to medications for their condition. Higher levels of stress resulted in lower effectiveness of treatment, with more highly stressed patients experiencing a greater reduction in episodes of angina.
A recent study found that the majority of Americans with alcoholism do not receive treatment, highlighting a significant gap in care. The research identified distinct characteristics among those who did receive treatment, suggesting that treatment options may need to be tailored to address specific needs.
Researchers found that treating small, asymptomatic, unruptured cerebral aneurysms may increase health risks and death. The study's complex analysis suggested that in some cases, aneurysm treatment is unnecessary, highlighting the need for personalized care.
A new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute finds that systolic blood pressure is more accurate than diastolic pressure in identifying patients with hypertension. The study suggests that future treatment guidelines may emphasize systolic pressure, which correctly classified nearly 96% of patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that tens of thousands of hospital patients are improperly treated for hyponatremic encephalopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by low salt concentrations. The correct treatment involves increasing patients' salt concentration intraven...
Physicists at the University of Amsterdam have developed a new method for treating port wine birthmarks using a red laser light. The improved wavelength allows deeper blood vessels to be accessed without damaging surrounding skin tissue, leading to more effective treatment outcomes.
A new review of psychological research reveals exercise as a viable treatment for mild to moderate depression. Regular exercise has been shown to be an effective but underused treatment option.
Terminally ill patients in Oregon are more likely to receive care that aligns with their advance directives, resulting in higher patient satisfaction and reduced hospital deaths. The state's low in-hospital death rate can be attributed to its extensive resources for in-home hospice care and adult foster care.