Articles tagged with Placebos
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A new study found that when combining a placebo with a distracting memory task, participants experienced increased pain reduction without cognitive interference. This challenges the theory that the placebo effect relies on high-level cognitive functions like working memory and attention.
A new drug, AX200, manufactured form of G-CSF, failed to show efficacy in improving disability among stroke patients. Despite initial promising results in animal studies and a limited clinical trial, the study found no significant improvement in disability scores.
The experimental drug clazosentan reduced the risk of blood vessel spasm in patients with a brain aneurysm. Patients on higher doses of the drug experienced a significant reduction in vasospasm-related complications, including neurological deficits and respiratory issues.
A commonly used medication for enlarged prostates may also slow the progression of early-stage prostate cancer, according to a new study. The treatment, dutasteride, was found to delay disease progression and reduce anxiety related to the disease in patients undergoing active surveillance.
Researchers found that a new drug called cangrelor helped patients maintain platelet inhibition at higher rates than placebo before undergoing cardiac surgery. This was significant because premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy prior to surgery can lead to increased ischemic complications.
A new fermented soy ingredient containing S-equol significantly reduced hot flash frequency in a placebo-controlled study of postmenopausal Japanese women. The supplement also relieved muscle discomfort, including neck and shoulder stiffness.
Researchers found a median progression-free interval of 7.4 months for patients treated with exemestane and everolimus, compared to 3.2 months for those receiving placebo. Clinical benefit rates were also higher in the combined treatment group, with 50.5% experiencing complete response or stable disease.
Researchers found that adding pertuzumab to trastuzumab and docetaxel chemotherapy extended progression-free survival by 6.1 months, with a 38% reduction in risk for progression. The three-drug combination was also remarkably safe and well-tolerated.
The NIH has halted a trial of a commonly used triple-drug therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) after it was found to worsen outcomes. The study showed that patients receiving the treatment had higher mortality, hospitalizations, and adverse events compared to those on placebo.
A study of over 35,000 men found that daily vitamin E supplementation was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The researchers observed a 17% higher rate of prostate cancer detection in the vitamin E group compared to the placebo group.
A new NIH-funded study confirms that saw palmetto extract does not reduce urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement. The study found no significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), regardless of dose.
A study of men with enlarged prostate found that increasing saw palmetto dosage did not improve urinary symptoms, contrary to previous studies. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that higher doses may not offer additional benefits over placebo.
A large study found that saw palmetto extract was not significantly better than a placebo in reducing prostate enlargement symptoms. Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital tested the supplement at three times the usual dose and found no significant improvement.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that saw palmetto extract did not relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, even at high doses. The research involved over 300 men with moderate symptoms and took a placebo or saw palmetto for nearly 17 months.
A small clinical trial suggests that cognitive bias modification (CBM) may be as effective as in-person therapy or drugs in treating social anxiety disorder. Participants showed significant improvements on a standardized measure of anxiety and public speaking task after completing two exercises twice a week for four weeks.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that alcohol impairs a person's ability to monitor their own behavior and make adjustments accordingly. The study showed that while alcohol reduces self-control, it does not necessarily decrease awareness of mistakes.
A phase II dose-finding study found that darexaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, increased bleeding risks by two to four-fold in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The trial explored the safety and optimal dosing regimen of darexaban in secondary prevention of ischaemic vascular events.
A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...
A randomized controlled trial found that colchicine significantly reduced the incidence of recurrences and symptom persistence in patients with recurrent pericarditis. Colchicine was also shown to improve remission rates and reduce hospital readmission.
A meta-analysis of biologic therapies for chronic plaque psoriasis found no significant increase in cardiovascular events among patients treated with these medications. However, the analysis highlights limitations of current clinical trial designs, which may not detect rare or long-term adverse events.
A recent study found that pegloticase significantly reduces plasma uric acid levels and improves physical function and quality of life in patients with severe, chronic gout. The medication was effective in achieving the primary outcome in approximately 42% of patients, with significant improvements also seen in patient-reported pain.
A randomized controlled trial found that soy isoflavone tablets did not prevent bone loss or reduce menopausal symptoms in women, contradicting previous hopes for an alternative to estrogen therapy. The study involved 248 women with low bone density and followed them for two years.
A study published in JAMA found that adding risperidone to ongoing antidepressant therapy did not reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant symptoms. The researchers concluded that the data do not support widespread prescription of risperidone for this patient population.
A Cochrane Systematic Review found that short-term amphetamine use can improve Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults. However, the high risk of adverse events and limited duration of treatment restrict its effectiveness.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial found that adrenaline increased the likelihood of restoring circulation following cardiac arrest, but no difference was seen in survival to hospital discharge. The study provides the best evidence to date supporting the use of adrenaline in treating cardiac arrest.
A study examining placebo treatments in asthma patients found that they were equally effective as albuterol inhalers in relieving patient-reported symptoms. However, there was no objective impact on lung function, highlighting the subjective nature of the placebo effect.
A new study found that varenicline, a commonly used smoking cessation drug, is associated with a 72% increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. The research suggests that clinicians should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication for tobacco dependence treatment.
New data from the Phase III study confirm linagliptin's efficacy in lowering blood glucose and reducing hypoglycemia risk when added to metformin. The medication also demonstrates cardiovascular safety, with a 54% relative risk reduction for cardiovascular events.
A study by Dr Jay S Skyler and colleagues found that abatacept slows the loss of insulin-producing beta-cells in type 1 diabetes patients, but only for the first six months. The treatment helps modulate T-cell activation, resulting in higher C-peptide levels.
A lower dose of zoledronic acid has been found to increase bone density and decrease bone resorption, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures. The study suggests that a one-fifth or one-half of the recommended dose may be sufficient for this effect.
A Phase III study presented at EULAR 2011 found that tofacitinib achieved significant improvements in symptoms and activity scores for patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including improved ACR20 responses in 58.3% of patients, and a higher proportion of patients achieving ACR50 and ACR70 responses compared to placebo
A large randomized trial in rural Bangladesh found that supplementation with vitamin A or beta carotene did not reduce all-cause maternal, fetal, or infant mortality. The study suggested that preventing vitamin A deficiency could improve maternal survival, but the benefits of supplementation were unclear.
A traditional Chinese herbal paste called Xiao Chuan has been shown to reduce the frequency of winter exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, conducted in Beijing, found that patients treated with XCP experienced statistically significant reductions in steroid use and episodes of shortness of breath.
Pirfenidone reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, showing a clinically meaningful benefit and favourable safety profile. The treatment has been approved for mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Europe and shows promise for the estimated 100,000 people affected across the continent.
A recent survey led by McGill Psychiatry Professor Amir Raz found that one in five respondents, mostly psychiatrists, have administered or prescribed placebos. The majority of responding psychiatrists (more than 60%) believe that placebos can have therapeutic effects.
A study found that erythropoietin use in heart attack patients after PCI did not reduce infarct size and was associated with higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events. The REVEAL trial evaluated the safety and effect on infarct size of a single intravenous dose of recombinant human erythropoietin.
A new study found that extended-release naltrexone is an effective treatment for opioid dependence, with patients experiencing high rates of abstinence and reduced craving. However, critics argue that the FDA's approval of this drug was premature and failed to adequately investigate risks, such as post-treatment overdose.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin E and metformin did not demonstrate significant efficacy in reducing liver disease severity or improving insulin resistance in children. The study suggests that lifestyle modification is crucial, while further research into non-invasive markers is warranted.
A new clinical trial shows that safinamide can help patients with severe Parkinson's disease by reducing dyskinesia, or movement problems. The study found that taking safinamide in addition to levodopa and other dopaminergic treatments reduced dyskinesia by 24% in some participants.
A Phase III clinical study found that laquinimod reduced annual relapse rates by 23% and disability progression by 36%. Laquinimod also slowed brain atrophy by 33%. The study involved 1,106 people with relapsing-remitting MS in 24 countries.
In a one-year clinical trial, an investigational combination of drugs achieved unprecedented weight loss of up to 10 percent in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and inflammatory markers, as well as improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides.
A University of Iowa study finds that patients treated with antidepressants after a stroke have significantly greater improvement in physical recovery than those on placebo. The study demonstrates that this effect continues to improve for at least nine months after the medication is stopped.
A longer-term follow-up of postmenopausal women who used estrogen therapy for 6 years found that the increased risk of stroke during treatment had dissipated, while the decreased risk of breast cancer persisted. The risk of hip fracture was not maintained during the postintervention phase.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that simulated acupuncture, also known as placebo, was just as effective as real acupuncture in reducing nausea in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The researchers suggested that the benefits may be due to patient expectations and extra care received during treatment.
A randomized trial found hydrocortisone therapy reduced hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by 35.6% compared to placebo, resulting in shorter mechanical ventilation-free days and ICU stays. Corticosteroid insufficiency was also associated with higher pneumonia rates.
A new study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that sirolimus therapy can improve lung function and quality of life in individuals with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). The treatment was shown to slow disease progression and improve clinical outcomes in patients with this rare and progressive lung disease.
A recent trial found the combination of rituximab, a TNF inhibitor, and methotrexate showed a consistent safety profile for rheumatoid arthritis patients. While no new safety concerns were identified, clear efficacy benefits were not observed in this study sample.
A study published in JAMA found that inhaling nitric oxide gas for up to 3 days did not shorten the time to resolution of painful crises in patients with sickle cell disease. The treatment, which had shown promise in small trials, failed to demonstrate significant benefits in reducing pain duration or hospitalization length.
A study found that nitroglycerin ointment increased bone mineral density and decreased bone resorption in postmenopausal women. The researchers also observed increases in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and decreases in urine N-telopeptide, markers of bone formation and resorption.
Researchers found that rescue therapy was effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and treatment failures, with linear growth not affected. The study suggests using rescue inhaled corticosteroid as a step-down alternative for mild persistent asthma.
The SCAST study found that candesartan did not reduce the risk of vascular death, stroke, or heart attack in patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. In fact, it increased the risk of poor outcomes and low blood pressure-related symptoms.
Researchers found no reduction in preterm delivery or neonatal morbidity in twin pregnancies treated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone. The study, presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting, involved over 240 mothers and 480 babies.
A study published in JAMA Network found that escitalopram significantly reduced the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes in healthy women. The medication was associated with a 47% decrease in hot flash frequency compared to placebo, making it a nonhormonal option for treating menopausal hot flashes.
Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that antibiotics are more effective than a placebo in relieving symptoms of middle-ear infections in young children. The study, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, involved 291 children between 6 and 23 months old with acute middle ear infections.
A pair of clinical trials found that two weeks of rifaximin treatment significantly reduced IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. The benefits persisted for 10 weeks after treatment was stopped, suggesting a potential underlying cause of IBS: alterations in gut bacteria.
Researchers have found that placebos work even when administered honestly, leading to improved symptoms for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The study suggests that the performance of medical ritual may hold significant benefits, independent of patient knowledge.
A new study found that placebos are effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms even when patients are informed they are taking a placebo. The study involved 80 patients who received either a real treatment or a placebo, with nearly twice as many experiencing symptom relief with the placebo.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that cranberry juice had no significant effect on reducing the recurrence of urinary tract infections. Among participants who suffered a second infection, those who drank cranberry juice showed a higher recurrence rate compared to those who received a placebo.
A new study suggests that fat-derived stem cells can safely improve heart function after a heart attack by reducing damaged tissue, increasing blood flow, and boosting the heart's pumping ability. The treatment was found to be effective in patients with severe heart attacks, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
A randomized phase 2 study found that combining sorafenib with doxorubicin improved median overall and progression-free survival in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in the risk of death and progression, with median overall survival increasing to 13.7 months