A systematic review and meta-analysis found that adjunct corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality in cases of severe pneumonia and ARDS, but have little effect on hospital-acquired infections. The evidence suggests that there is no increased risk of infectious complications with corticosteroid use for non-COVID-19 pneumonia.
A deep learning model developed by researchers identified subgroups of ICU patients with sepsis who could benefit from corticosteroid therapy. Patients with severe metabolic acidosis and circulatory dysfunction benefited the most from treatment.
Full-term children exposed to antenatal corticosteroids are at higher risk of infections until age 21, a new study finds. Preterm children, however, show no association between ACS and infections.
A daily intranasal corticosteroid treatment with stapokibart resulted in reduced polyp size and improved nasal symptom severity after 24 weeks. Stapokibart, a novel monoclonal antibody, showed efficacy in treating severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
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Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC found that high doses of corticosteroids can limit the effectiveness of immunotherapies in treating non-small cell lung cancer. Corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for symptom management, were shown to stop T-cells from maturing, reducing their ability to attack cancer cells.
Elevated cortisol levels in preterm fetuses disrupt normal heart development, potentially leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Cortisol exposure accelerates heart development in ways that may not be beneficial, ultimately compromising heart health.
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A new protocol has been developed to establish a safer standard for medication use during breastfeeding. The study focuses on the concentration of prednisolone and metformin in breast milk and infant plasma, addressing a significant knowledge gap in human lactation studies.
Research reveals individuals taking oral steroids for over 3 months are 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency than those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Long-term users of inhaled steroids also face increased risk without hospitalisations.
A new NIH study found that children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods are more likely to experience repeated asthma flares requiring emergency care. Non-Hispanic Black children have the highest incidence rates of severe childhood asthma, also known as asthma with recurrent exacerbations (ARE).
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Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and fractures in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term ICS users are nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent cases of pneumonia and fractures.
The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.
A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.
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Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Michael Meaney discusses his pioneering work on the intricate relationship between genes and environment in shaping brain health, with implications for public health policy and early intervention programs.
Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.
A study found that HLA-DRB1*01:03 is associated with severe ulcerative colitis, requiring major operations and systemic corticosteroid use. The allele has previously been linked to ulcerative colitis incidence, supporting earlier genetic studies.
Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.
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A large population-based case-control study found a small increased risk of composite adverse outcomes with long-term oral corticosteroid use among individuals with atopic dermatitis. Health professionals must weigh benefits against potential risks, and monitor for adverse events.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that crinecerfont reduces adrenal androgen production by half in adults with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), allowing for lower doses of corticosteroids. This could lead to fewer long-term side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroid use.
Treatment with bisoprolol did not reduce self-reported COPD exacerbations, contradicting previous expectations. Researchers found bisoprolol effective for cardiovascular conditions but noted physician reluctance to prescribe it for COPD patients.
The Joint Guideline provides guidance on diagnosing and treating GC-AI, a condition affecting at least 1% of the global population. The guideline aims to improve patient care and outcomes worldwide.
Administration of antenatal corticosteroids to late preterm babies was not linked to increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems by age 6. Long-term follow-up study suggests the medication may be safe for these high-risk infants.
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A new study has found that corticosteroid injections given to pregnant women at risk of early birth do not lead to long-term cardiovascular health consequences. The analysis of 424 infants born in the 1960s and 1970s found no evidence of adverse consequences for pre-diabetes, diabetes, or cardiovascular health.
A study of over 5,000 adults found that acute hospital care at home (AHCaH) is associated with low mortality, escalation, and readmission rates among medically complex and socially vulnerable patients. AHCaH was also linked to improved experiences and physical activity levels.
Researchers found a clear dose-response relationship between long-term topical corticosteroid use and elevated risks of osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures. Women under 50 had higher risks compared to men and other age groups, emphasizing the importance of careful treatment.
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AG5, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, has been developed by a multidisciplinary team to inhibit the cytokine storm like corticosteroids but preserve innate immunity. It has shown promise in animal models of inflammation and is expected to be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine calls into question the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain. While some patients showed improvement, there was no significant advantage found in using stem cell therapies compared to corticosteroid injections over a one-year period.
A large study of 91,460 mother-offspring pairs found no link between prenatal corticosteroid and beta-2 adrenergic agonist exposure and offspring neurodevelopmental issues. The findings suggest these medications are safe for pregnant individuals with asthma.
A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...
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Two new studies examine the health risks of antenatal steroid treatment for premature infants, revealing increased risk of serious infection and long-term health issues. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to exercise caution when considering steroid treatment.
A clinical trial found that repeat intraocular corticosteroid injections improved vision in people with persistent or recurrent uveitis-related macular edema, reducing retinal swelling by 35% compared to ranibizumab and methotrexate.
A keto diet may help reduce body weight and slow tumor growth in cancer patients. However, research found that this diet can cause early-onset cachexia, a lethal wasting disease, in mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Pairing keto with corticosteroids prevented cachexia in mice, allowing them to live longer.
A combination of intravenous and periarticular corticosteroids improves rehabilitation measures after knee replacement, but not pain relief. The study found that patients who received both IV and PA corticosteroids had better knee movement and walking distances compared to those who received either medication alone.
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Researchers found that hydrocortisone was associated with a decrease in the need for vasopressor drugs and improvement in survival when used in combination with other corticosteroids. The study also suggests that combining fludrocortisone with hydrocortisone may provide a greater benefit in terms of survival.
Brazilian researchers found that corticosteroids increase endocannabinoid production and decrease platelet-activating factor levels in COVID-19 patients. This discovery points to potential new treatments for severe inflammatory and neurological diseases.
A sharp increase in colchicine's price led to a 17% drop in its use and worsened disease control in gout patients. Patients turned to alternative medications with potentially different side effects, resulting in increased emergency department visits and specialist consultations.
A nurse has shared her experience of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after a mild COVID-19 infection. She highlights the importance of clinicians including SSNHL as a potential side effect of COVID-19 and recommends high-dose corticosteroids as treatment.
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A new study published in The Lancet found that higher dose corticosteroids are associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy. The RECOVERY trial also identified an excess of pneumonia and hyperglycaemia in the higher-dose corticosteroid group.
The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.
A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.
A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.
A minimally invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome provides complete and long-term relief to patients. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection effectively treats nerve entrapments without surgery or corticosteroids.
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Two studies found corticosteroid injections associated with osteoarthritis progression, while hyaluronic acid injections may slow down progression. Corticosteroids increase risk of disease progression, highlighting need for cautious use.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.
Researchers found that severe asthma patients produce growth factors that block corticosteroids from working, leading to frequent breathing problems. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting these growth factors to improve outcomes for patients with severe asthma.
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A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.
A global study found a combination of two drugs dramatically reduces the chances of suffering an asthma attack. The combination of albuterol and budesonide lowers the number of sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in patients.
A new study reveals that allergic asthma is a significant risk factor for human cardiovascular diseases, with certain medications affecting heart health. Researchers found that inflammatory cells play a crucial role in both conditions and that targeting them may lead to better treatment options.
Researchers recommend daily steroid doses for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, finding improved motor and pulmonary functions in boys with the disease. The study suggests a standard of care is needed to establish benefits over potential side effects.
A new study found that individuals with sickle cell disease who were prescribed corticosteroids were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for severe pain events. The study also identified factors such as hydroxyurea use and male gender associated with lower risk of hospitalization.
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The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based guidelines for anaphylaxis treatment in remote areas. The guidelines recommend administering intramuscular epinephrine as the primary prehospital treatment, while also discussing prevention strategies such as extracting additional epinephrine from autoinjectors and using expir...
A study of 1,164 patients with COVID-19 found that continuing dexamethasone treatment at hospital discharge was associated with lower readmission rates and mortality within 14 days. The treatment also showed significant benefits in reducing the risk of severe disease progression.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to nicotine and its by-products produces long-term effects on sleep and stress-response in mice. This early-life exposure can lead to alterations in the hippocampus, a sensitive structure that develops after birth.
A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that the expensive multiple sclerosis drug Acthar provides very little clinical benefit compared to less-expensive alternatives. The study screened 41 studies and found weak or no benefit from Acthar against standard medications like corticosteroids.
A recent Cleveland Clinic study found that patients who use steroid nasal sprays are less likely to develop severe COVID-19-related disease, including lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The study showed a 20-25% reduction in these outcomes for patients using intranasal corticosteroids.
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Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.
The study found that patients with low risk of exacerbations do not benefit from low to moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids, while high doses are associated with severe side effects. Tailoring treatment according to patient characteristics, such as age and blood cell count, can minimize over- and underuse of inhaled corticosteroids.
A new analysis of 27 randomised trials involving nearly 11,000 patients found that interleukin-6 antagonists reduce the risk of death and mechanical ventilation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Administering one of these drugs with corticosteroids reduces the risk of death by 17% compared to using corticosteroids alone.
A study of 614 children found that corticosteroids reduced inflammation levels by half within a day, with similar recovery rates to immunoglobulin treatments. Corticosteroids may be a cheaper alternative to immunoglobulin, which is in short supply and expensive.