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AGA recommends bidirectional endoscopy for most patients with iron deficiency anemia

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends bidirectional endoscopy for asymptomatic patients with iron deficiency anemia to detect underlying causes such as gastrointestinal malignancy, peptic ulcer disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Non-invasive testing, including Helicobacter pylori and celiac disease testing...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateSep 1, 2020

High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases

Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020

Clinicians should consider screening for TSH-R-Abs before pregnancy in patients with history of autoimmune thyroid disorders

Screening for thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Abs) before pregnancy is crucial for patients with a history of autoimmune thyroid disease. This is because TSH-R-Abs can lead to irreversible impairment in fetal neurodevelopment. A case report highlights the importance of screening, especially in women with Graves' ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 23, 2020

New understanding of childhood immune systems may improve vaccine efficacy

A new study by Swiss TPH and partners found that age, location, and anaemia status significantly impact childhood immune system development. The research suggests that considering these factors can improve the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where anaemia is prevalent.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

Daily medication more cost-effective than monthly injections for opioid use disorder

A daily dose of buprenorphine-naloxone is cost-effective compared to monthly injections of extended-release naltrexone, with similar effectiveness in quality of life and time abstaining from opioids. The researchers conclude that buprenorphine-naloxone should be preferred as the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 17, 2018

Targeting abnormal signals suggests novel method to treat a rare childhood blood disease

Researchers have devised a novel method to block abnormal biological signals driving the rare and fatal disease Fanconi anemia. Inhibiting a regulatory protein called Sh2b3/Lnk restored bone marrow cell function and improved genome integrity in animal studies, providing hope for better treatments for children with the disease.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2018

Sanitation access linked to children's growth and health

A new study found that sanitation access is crucial for children's growth and health, with households having access to toilets or latrines seeing improved stunting, anemia, and diarrhea rates. Increasing community-level sanitation access can also have a significant impact on child health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 8, 2017

Cells pumping iron to prevent anemia

Researchers at Kyoto University identified a key gene that regulates iron uptake, revealing a functional defect in the duodenum and potentially leading to new treatment methods for anemia. The study found that Regnase-1 degrades iron-controlling genes, such as TfR1, which can help prevent debilitating disorders like hemochromatosis.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 29, 2017

How blood can be rejuvenated

Researchers at Lund University successfully reprogrammed old blood stem cells to function like those of younger individuals, revealing a potential new approach to treating age-related diseases. This breakthrough suggests that epigenetic changes, rather than DNA mutations, underlie the decline in blood cell function with age.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

A case where smoking helped

Researchers found that a specific mutation in hemoglobin makes it selectively bind to carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, preventing oxidation and anemia. The father's smoking habit prevents him from developing the disease, while his daughter requires treatment with antioxidants to manage her condition.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 16, 2017

Iron-fortified nutrition bars combat anemia in India

Researchers at Duke University developed iron-fortified nutrition bars that effectively combat anemia in Indian women, offering a practical and well-tolerated solution. The study involved 179 participants who received the supplement bar for 90 days, resulting in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 18, 2017

Delayed clamping prevents anemia

A new study from Uppsala University found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by more than three minutes can prevent iron deficiency and anemia in infants up to six months of age. This method resulted in a nine percent reduction in anaemia incidence at eight months and an eight percent decrease at twelve months.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 17, 2017

Nutritional vitamin D supplements do not help treat anemia in dialysis patients

A randomized clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements did not reduce the need for anemia drugs in dialysis patients. The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, suggests that nutritional vitamin D may have no role in treating anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 17, 2015

When less is really more

A new study reveals that hepcidin, a protein regulating iron absorption, can inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron supplements in quantities necessary and desirable. The researchers suggest waiting longer between doses may improve iron absorption efficiency and reduce side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBlood·DateNov 6, 2015