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Cutting the standard dose of medication for acute mountain sickness in half does not reduce its effectiveness

A new study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that a lower dose of acetazolamide (62.5 mg twice daily) was as effective in preventing acute mountain sickness symptoms as the standard prophylactic dose (125 mg twice daily). However, this reduced dose showed similar side effects with both doses.

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·DateMar 11, 2019

Statins overprescribed for primary prevention

A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Houston Methodist scientists create device to deliver immunotherapy without side effects

Researchers developed a nanofluidic seed that can deliver sustained-release doses of immunotherapy directly to tumors, reducing the need for multiple IV treatments and eliminating side effects. The device has shown promising results in mice models, with equal effectiveness compared to systemic immunotherapy while minimizing toxicities.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateOct 23, 2018

Investigational steroid mirrors prednisone's benefits while taming its side effects

A new investigational steroid called vamorolone has been found to replicate the benefits of prednisone while reducing its side effects, offering hope for patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. The study identifies nine potential biomarkers for inflammatory diseases that could serve as a fingerprint for chronic inflammation.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPhysiological Genomics·DateSep 20, 2018

Otago researcher claims new study a step forward in fight to eliminate tuberculosis

A new international collaborative research study has found that a four-month daily regimen of antibiotic rifampicin is as effective as a nine-month daily regimen of another antibiotic, isoniazid, in preventing people with latent tuberculosis infection from developing the full-blown disease. The study, published in the New England Journ...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

New hope for rare disorder

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating hereditary angioedema with the new drug BCX7353. The medication has been shown to significantly reduce attack frequency and improve quality of life by up to 75% compared to placebo, offering a convenient oral administration without severe side effects.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 26, 2018

Predicting bad side effects

Researchers developed a DNA sequencing kit that identifies variations in the NUDT15 gene, allowing for accurate predictions of adverse reactions. The test has been approved for clinical use in Japan and holds promise for reducing severe side effects in East Asian patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 1, 2018

For patients with prostate cancer, dysfunction due to treatment side effects results in increased emotional distress -- and vice versa

A new study found that men with prostate cancer who experience urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction after treatment are more likely to experience emotional distress, which can lead to worsening function. The researchers emphasize the need for greater investment in psychosocial care to mitigate treatment side effects and improve qualit...

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 31, 2018

How can medical marijuana benefit older adults?

Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 19, 2018

Radiation therapy algorithm could reduce side effects, maintain effect against tumors

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysics in Medicine and Biology·DateJan 5, 2018

Side effects of antidepressants used for chronic pain relief

A recent study found that almost all antidepressants present significant side effects, but some individuals may better tolerate certain side effects. Personalized medicine is recommended to match chronic pain patients with suitable antidepressant medication, taking into account their individual health profiles and existing health issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateSep 5, 2017

Solutal Marangoni flows of miscible liquid drive transport without surface contamination

A research team led by Professor Hyoungsoo Kim quantified the Marangoni effect in miscible liquids, revealing a new mechanism for driving transport without surface contamination. The findings have potential applications in removing impurities from surfaces and developing alternative materials to surfactants.

Side effect to blood pressure drugs is genetically determined for some patients

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that genetic abnormalities contribute to thiazide-induced hyponatremia, a condition causing low sodium levels. Researchers identified patients with this side effect who exhibited persistent subtle differences in blood and urine tests even after medication was stopped.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 7, 2017