Articles tagged with Placebos
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that valbenazine significantly reduces chorea symptoms in patients with Huntington’s disease. The Phase III trial showed improvement as early as the second week of treatment, with consistently greater benefits compared to a placebo.
Researchers found that individuals with high expectations of AI and brain-computer interfaces take greater risks despite no actual improvement. Expectations-based decision-making can lead to negative consequences, emphasizing the need for accurate evaluation and validation of new technologies.
A recent clinical trial showed that cemiplimab plus platinum chemotherapy can prolong survival in patients with advanced lung cancer, improving their quality of life. The treatment also reduced symptoms such as pain and cough, and delayed clinically meaningful deterioration.
A study found that psychological factors, such as beliefs and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, significantly contribute to the onset and severity of adverse effects. The researchers investigated how fear, trust, and expectations affect side effects and explained 30% of the intensity of symptoms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases the risk of Bell palsy, whereas vaccination poses a lower risk. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine did not differ significantly from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in terms of BP incidence.
A treatment combining two antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 strongly protected high-risk people with early COVID-19 symptoms from hospitalization and death. The treatment was effective against the delta variant and appeared safe, with significantly lower reports of side effects compared to a placebo.
Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.
Researchers found that high-dose VE303 prevented recurrent C. difficile infection compared to placebo, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. A larger phase 3 study is needed to confirm these findings.
A novel clinical trial demonstrated that open-label placebo increased patient retention rates by 78% compared to methadone-only treatment. Participants also reported better sleep quality, with no significant differences found in other outcome measures. The study suggests that deception-free placebo treatment can provide valuable benefits.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who knowingly took placebos were more likely to stay on methadone and had improved sleep quality. After three months of follow-up, 78% of the placebo-treated group remained on methadone compared to 61% of the control group.
The NRG-GY018 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival outcomes in women with stage III-IV or recurrent endometrial cancer, particularly those with mismatch repair deficient tumors. The treatment also demonstrated improved overall survival and quality of life outcomes.
A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.
A vibrating capsule designed to stimulate the colon has been shown to double the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements in adults with debilitating chronic constipation. The device, which is not a drug and works directly in the colon, showed significant improvement in symptoms such as straining and stool consistency.
Researchers found that a combination of symptom and high-level viral rebound after untreated COVID-19 infection is rare, occurring in only 3 percent of study participants. This suggests that accounting for underlying rates of symptom relapse is crucial when evaluating antiviral treatment effects.
Researchers found that patients treated with butylphthalide experienced milder neurological symptoms and better functioning at three months after a stroke compared to those who received a placebo. The study suggests potential benefits of this celery seed-derived medication in treating ischemic strokes.
Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies found mRNA COVID-19 vaccination to be associated with lower risks of SARS-CoV-2 infections, severe illnesses, and hospitalizations. While vaccination was linked to higher adverse event rates, the frequency of severe adverse events remained low.
Researchers at the University of Basel found that placebos can significantly reduce feelings of guilt in healthy subjects. Participants who received open-label placebos showed a significant decrease in guilt, even when they knew they were receiving a placebo.
A randomized clinical trial of 1,288 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 found that fluvoxamine treatment did not reduce time to sustained recovery compared to placebo. The study suggests that fluvoxamine at a dose and duration tested may not be beneficial in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis showed significant improvement in signs and symptoms while taking rocatinlimab, a novel monoclonal antibody therapy. The treatment has the potential to change the genetic makeup of the disease, leading to lasting results without continued use.
The Cochrane review analyzed data from 41 randomized controlled trials of 12 different COVID-19 vaccines, involving 433,838 people worldwide. The review found that most vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease, with few reported side effects.
A recent study found that cannabis studies are often reported in positive terms in the media regardless of their results. The analysis of 20 studies involving 1,500 individuals showed a moderate to large placebo response, where pain was rated as being significantly less intense after treatment with placebo.
A trial found that extending anti-clotting treatment after a blood clot in the lower leg reduced further clot risk up to two years. Rivaroxaban administered for three months effectively and safely reduced venous thromboembolism compared to six weeks of treatment.
Recent research suggests that racial prejudice within communities predicts the militarization of local police departments. In contrast, communicating scientific consensus appears to be an effective way to change factual beliefs about contested science topics. Additionally, studies have found that happy people tend to overestimate their...
A large clinical trial found that administering steroids during infant heart surgery did not improve post-operative outcomes compared to placebo. However, secondary analysis revealed a small net benefit for some infants, with lower odds of bleeding requiring another operation.
A study published in the American Heart Association found that six common dietary supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels when compared to a low-dose statin medication or placebo. The research suggests that these supplements are unlikely to offer meaningful impact on cholesterol levels, and a heart-healthy lifestyle is still t...
A clinical trial of over 1,500 outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 found that treatment with ivermectin did not significantly improve time to sustained recovery compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes showed no reduction in hospitalization, death, or acute care visits.
Researchers at UCalgary have shown that the antibiotic D-Cycloserine (DCS) increases the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with major depressive disorder. The combination treatment showed significant benefits, including improved depressive symptoms and anxiety levels.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
A randomized clinical trial found that rituximab significantly improved disease control in patients with new-onset myasthenia gravis, reducing the need for cortisone treatments and hospitalizations. The study's results offer hope for a more effective treatment strategy, but larger studies are needed to assess long-term effects.
A prespecified subgroup analysis of East Asian adults with lupus nephritis found that belimumab added to standard therapy improved kidney outcomes significantly. The study also showed no new safety concerns were raised in the subgroup.
A small clinical trial found that OP-101 substantially reduced the risk of death and need for a ventilator in severely ill adults hospitalized with COVID-19. The treatment also showed significant benefits in decreasing biomarkers of inflammation and brain injury, suggesting potential for treating long COVID-related symptoms.
Researchers have found that infusing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone can improve impaired islet cell function in the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and treatment burden. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found a promising treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Patients treated with HBOT showed significant improvement in cognitive function, attention, and executive functions.
A multicenter study found that traditional Chinese medicine Yupingfeng was as effective as allopathic drugs in treating recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. The study showed a substantially greater reduction in RRTI events and similar safety profiles across all three groups.
A new study found that probiotics did not improve vaginal health in women with an imbalance in their microbiota. However, 34% of women showed spontaneous improvement over a period of one to three months. The study suggests that postponing fertility treatment until a normal balance is achieved may be beneficial.
Administering oxytocin to central social network members spreads cooperation via increased punishment of uncooperative behavior, Li et al. found in a new study published in JNeurosci. Cooperation can conflict with individual goals, but oxytocin may have evolved humans' need for group living.
A Phase II study published in Frontiers in Oncology found that daily use of AHCC supplementation may help most patients eliminate their HPV infection and decrease the risk of HPV-related cancers. The study showed that 14 of 22 patients (63.6%) became HPV-negative, suggesting a potential treatment option for persistent HPV infections.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
MD Anderson research highlights new treatments for skin cancers, including novel therapies. The institution also showcased improved goals of care programs, which demonstrated significant reductions in ICU mortality and improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A large Japanese trial found that daily vitamin D supplements had no clinically meaningful effect on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of the condition. However, results suggested a potential benefit for those with insufficient insulin secretion, warranting further research.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that men with obesity who lost weight saw a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count over an 8-week period. This improvement was sustained for up to 52 weeks and even doubled for those who maintained weight loss after a year
A randomized controlled trial found that furosemide increases the risk of electrolyte adverse events but no difference in hearing loss or nephrocalcinosis was observed. The study suggests caution when using furosemide in preterm infants at high risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
A UCLA-led team found that an abnormally suppressed immune system, not a persistently hyperactive one, may be to blame for some cases of long COVID-19. The study suggests boosting immunity in those individuals could be a treatment option.
Researchers found no evidence that early selective treatment with ibuprofen reduces death or moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extreme preterm infants. However, treatment reduced the risk of an open patent ductus arteriosus and surgical treatment for a symptomatic PDA.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.
The study found that patiromer significantly lowers blood potassium levels in patients taking RAASi medications for heart failure. The results suggest that patiromer can be used to control excess potassium buildup in the blood, which is a common side effect of RAASi therapy.
Researchers found that patients treated with tranexamic acid had significantly less serious bleeding and needed fewer blood transfusions compared to those who received a placebo. No significant difference in adverse events such as heart attacks or blood clots was observed.
A study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that astegolimab reduced exacerbation rates by 22% and improved quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Benefits were seen in those with specific inflammatory signals and genetic markers.
Researchers found that vitamin D and/or omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly lowered the rate of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and psoriasis. The largest benefit was seen after two years of supplementation with daily doses of vitamin D (2000 IU) and marine omega-3 fatty acids (1000 mg).
A new meta-analysis of COVID-19 vaccine trials found that the placebo effect accounts for more than two-thirds of adverse events, with headache and fatigue being the most common. The study suggests that informing patients about potential side effects could help reduce vaccination hesitancy.
A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.
A new NRG Oncology clinical trial found that bupropion did not improve sexual desire in female cancer survivors. The trial evaluated the effects of extended-release bupropion on postmenopausal women with low baseline sexual desire scores.
The study found that the Moderna vaccine offered a lower risk of documented infection (21% reduced), symptomatic COVID-19 (44% reduced), hospitalization (55% reduced), ICU admission (10% reduced), and death (2% reduced) compared to the Pfizer vaccine. The results suggest that either vaccine is effective, but Moderna may be slightly mor...
A new study has shown that a commonly prescribed antidepressant for agitation in people with dementia is no more effective than a placebo and may even increase mortality. The research found no improvement in agitation symptoms among those taking mirtazapine, a drug previously thought to be beneficial.
A new trial has found that vaginal laser therapy treatments claim to reduce negative vaginal symptoms of menopause – experienced by about half of all women – by up to 100 per cent. However, the study shows they might not work at all, with no difference found between the laser treatment and a placebo.
A large trial found that antibiotic amoxicillin has little effect on relieving symptoms in children with uncomplicated chest infections. The study also highlights the need for 'safety-netting' advice to parents, explaining illness course and when re-attendance may be necessary.
The FDA has approved Octagam 10% for treating adult dermatomyositis, a rare immune-mediated inflammatory disease. The approval is based on positive results of the ProDERM study, which showed significant improvement in patient response to treatment.
The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced kidney function decline, cardiovascular events, and mortality rates in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease. The study also showed similar safety profiles for dapagliflozin and placebo in this patient population.
A UCSF study found that azithromycin was not effective in preventing symptoms of COVID-19 among non-hospitalized patients, and may actually increase their chance of hospitalization. The study's results challenge the widespread use of azithromycin as a treatment for outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infection.