Articles tagged with Steroids
A year-long trial confirms tocilizumab reduces both symptoms and steroid doses in patients with giant cell arteritis. The therapy offers a potential alternative to traditional steroid treatment, which can have serious side effects.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that weekly glucocorticoid steroid doses, such as prednisone, promote muscle repair and recovery in muscle injuries. The study showed that daily doses cause muscle wasting, but weekly doses stimulate the production of annexins and KLF15 proteins, leading to improved muscle performance.
Researchers found that injecting an anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the tissue surrounding a leg artery reduced inflammatory biomarkers and prevented repeat blockages. The treatment showed promise for improving treatment outcomes for patients with peripheral artery disease.
Reducing glucocorticoid steroid frequency improves muscle recovery and function in mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Intermittent dosing regimens may prevent debilitating side effects while preserving therapeutic effects on muscle function.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that Medicare spending on topical steroids increased by 226.5% and out-of-pocket costs for patients rose by 145.9% between 2011 and 2015. Researchers suggest using physician decision support to pick more affordable generic options, potentially saving $944.8 million and $66.6 million.
A new study published in JOSPT found that dry needling is as effective as cortisone injection in reducing pain and improving movement problems caused by greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Researchers treated patients with chronic hip pain, finding that both treatments resulted in decreased pain and improved function.
Researchers randomized 345 patients with type 1 reactions to receive either prednisone or prednisone plus azathioprine for varying durations. While all groups showed some improvement in symptoms, azathioprine failed to reduce recurrence rates or improve outcomes for nerve damage compared to standard treatment.
A young bodybuilder's use of non-prescribed injections, including coconut oil and insulin, led to severe complications, including a ruptured triceps and multiple cysts. The case highlights the risks of self-administered natural oils and steroids used to achieve a desired body image.
A new study by Imperial College London suggests that steroid injections into the ear are as effective as gentamicin in treating severe Meniere's disease. Patients who received steroid injections had better speech discrimination and fewer side effects compared to those who received gentamicin.
A new study by the NIH found that even partial steroid treatment can have significant benefits for extremely premature infants. The research showed that infants exposed to partial treatment in the womb had better outcomes than those not exposed, with lower rates of brain and nervous system impairment.
A clinical trial found that patients treated with tacrolimus experienced equal relief of ocular symptoms as those treated with methylprednisolone, with fewer negative serious side effects. The study suggests that tacrolimus is an effective therapeutic option for ocular GVHD without the known hypertensive effects of steroids.
A study published in the Endocrine Society reveals that anabolic steroid abuse is associated with severe blood pressure increase and hypertension. The research found that daytime and nighttime blood pressures were higher among ongoing AAS abusers compared to former abusers and non-users.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that prenatal steroid treatment halves the risk of severe brain hemorrhage in preemies. Researchers analyzed nearly 26,000 premature infants and found a significant reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage risk for those receiving steroids.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) had better survival rates than men at one year. However, women also experienced a higher rate of vascular complications and major bleeding after the procedure.
Researchers compared therapies for Neuromyelitis optica, a rare autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Plasma exchange therapy proved more effective than steroids in treating the condition's relapsing symptoms.
A retrospective case series found specific epidural steroid injections to be effective in treating short-term pain from lumbar spinal stenosis. The study contradicts a previous NEJM study and suggests future trials using interlaminar injection with long-acting steroids.
Research reveals that low concentrations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone can induce complete or incomplete sex reversal in female Pelophylax nigromaculatus frogs. Environmental androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased regulation.
The discovery of microfossils in rocks dating back 1.5 billion years has confirmed the existence of eukaryotes, shedding light on their evolution and origins. The analysis of steroid molecules revealed no signs of contamination, contradicting previous findings.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that short-course oral steroids resulted in only modest improvement in function and no significant reduction in pain for patients with acute sciatica. The research suggests that oral steroid treatment may not be an effective option for this common condition.
A study published in JAMA found that oral steroids did not significantly improve pain in patients with acute radiculopathy due to a herniated lumbar disk. However, the treatment showed small improvements in function, suggesting potential benefits for some patients.
Research from the University of Adelaide analyzed sporting records from 1886 to 2012 and found that doping era times, distances, and results did not improve as expected. The study suggests that doping may be more widespread than thought and has a detrimental effect on performance in some areas.
A study of network news coverage found that Barry Bonds received more negative stories about his alleged steroid use than Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. The research also showed that Bonds' stories were more likely to focus on his using steroids for a competitive edge, rather than rehabilitation from injury.
Experts agree on a new term, Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), to describe the complex symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels. GSM encompasses genital dryness, sexual discomfort, and urinary issues, providing a more accurate and publicly acceptable definition.
Researchers discovered that Th2 immune cells produce a steroid called pregnenolone, which regulates their own proliferation and contributes to immune homeostasis. This finding confirms that immune cells are capable of producing steroids, a previously unknown mechanism.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that high doses of steroids are ineffective in improving medical outcomes for infants with end-stage pediatric liver disease. The research also suggests that steroid treatment may lead to earlier onset of serious adverse events.
Scientists found that smelling certain steroids affects people's perception of movement as masculine or feminine, depending on their biological sex and sexual orientation. The study reveals a sexually dimorphic response to pheromones in both heterosexual and homosexual individuals.
A worldwide study of 7,500 patients found that giving steroids during bypass surgery does not improve health outcomes and may increase the risk of heart attack. The study challenges a decades-long practice in cardiac surgery, suggesting that steroids should not be used prophylactically.
Teenage boys who perceive themselves as underweight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and engage in steroid use. The research highlights the importance of addressing body image concerns among adolescent boys, particularly those who feel bullied or underweight.
Researchers found that a subset of immune cells expresses the multidrug transporter MDR1 and are linked to inflammation in Crohn's patients. These cells may play a major role in the development of steroid resistance, suggesting that steroid treatment itself may be responsible for their accumulation.
A new study suggests that brief exposure to anabolic steroids can lead to long-lasting performance-enhancing effects in muscle tissue. After a period of inactivity, the muscles of steroid users recover faster and gain more mass than those of non-users, potentially altering the exclusion time for doping offenders.
Researchers discovered that neuroactive stress steroids trigger changes in the brains of methamphetamine-dependent rats during withdrawal. Flumazenil reversed these changes and prevented anxiety by reducing expression of a4βδ GABARs, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for stress-triggered anxiety.
A Johns Hopkins analysis found that epidural steroid injections are only twice as effective as injections of any fluid, including anesthetics and saline, for treating lower back pain. The study suggests that smaller doses of steroids may be just as beneficial, and larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a crucial link between elevated uterine NK cells and deficient steroid production. Elevated NK cells indicate reduced formation of essential fats and vitamins necessary for pregnancy nutrition.
A new study by the NIH-funded Immune Tolerance Network found that rituximab is as effective as standard therapy in inducing and maintaining disease remission in people with severe forms of vasculitis. The drug requires shorter treatment duration, reducing the risk of long-term side effects such as cancer, infertility, and infection.
A massive fungal meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated steroid injections has been reported in the US, with over 13,000 people affected. Researchers found that a dark-colored environmental mold, Exserohilum rostratum, infects humans mainly through cerebrospinal fluid migration.
A study of contaminated steroid injections found that even asymptomatic patients can have fungal infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect infection, especially in those who received highly contaminated injections.
A 'hybrid' surveillance strategy, combining public health and clinical efforts, helped Virginia respond effectively to the contaminated steroid crisis. The approach involved close coordination between public health officials and healthcare providers, allowing for efficient tracking of nearly 700 exposed residents.
A study of elite male strength athletes found a strong connection between anabolic steroid use and depression, concentration problems, and aggressive behavior later in life. The study suggests that anti-doping efforts remain crucial in sports due to the cyclical relationship between substance abuse and mental health issues.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that steroid use can reduce hospital stays by an average of 1.21 days for pneumonia patients who survived the illness. Vaccination remains the most powerful tool in infection prevention, and more study is needed on the routine use of steroids.
Patients with spinal stenosis who receive steroid injections show less improvement in pain and physical functioning, regardless of whether they undergo surgery. The study suggests that ESI may cause worsening of spinal narrowing or nerve impingement, leading to more complicated surgeries.
Researchers found that cured Cushing's disease patients who had depression when symptoms started were at elevated risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease. Men were more susceptible than women due to a lack of follow-up care, while patients with diabetes were also at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
A Mexican study suggests that Botox injections can provide faster relief from plantar fasciitis than steroid treatments, with patients showing significant improvement after six months. The study found that combining botulinum toxin A (Botox) with stretching exercises yielded better results for treating the painful foot condition.
Researchers achieved a feat in synthetic chemistry by inventing a method to synthesize polyhydroxylated steroids, used in heart-failure medications and other drugs. The new strategy enables rapid modifications of hydroxylated steroids, which could help pharmaceutical chemists tweak natural toxins like ouabain.
A new study found that six months of steroid treatment didn't reduce relapse rates or side effects in children with nephrotic syndrome, challenging previous assumptions about optimal treatment strategies. The research highlights the need for new treatment strategies to prevent frequent relapses in this disease.
A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that steroid injections used to treat back pain can lead to significant bone density loss in postmenopausal women. The research highlights the need for caution when prescribing epidural steroids for patients at risk of bone fragility.
Researchers at Henry Ford Health found a significant link between steroid injections and increased risk of bone fractures in the spine. The study revealed a 29% higher fracture rate with each injection, highlighting patient safety concerns.
Research highlights the dangers of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) on adolescent brain function and behavior. Studies show that exposure to AAS at critical periods during adolescence can impose permanent changes in brain organization and function, leading to physiological and psychiatric effects that may persist into middle age.
A large-scale study found that low DHEA-S levels are independently associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular-disease events. The results indicate that low DHEA-S may be protective or serve as a marker for poor general health, highlighting the need for further research to understand underlying mechanisms and potential benefits.
Scientists at Aarhus University have developed a new technology that conjugates glucocorticoid steroids to antibodies binding to macrophage receptors, reducing side effects and increasing potency. This intelligent medicine shows promise for treating various inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
A recent study found that male patients with pulmonary disease have a very high risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis, which can be reduced by routine screening and early intervention. The study included 46 patients, most of whom were male, and showed that those with more severe lung disease are more likely to also have bone disease.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that a widely available fungicide can inhibit steroid production in plants, resulting in smaller, more efficient varieties. These 'dwarfed' plants could significantly reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and costs for seed producers.
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that young college men view using prescription stimulants as more necessary for academic success than using steroids. The research compared perceptions of off-label prescription drug use with those of steroid performance enhancers and discovered that students considered Addera...
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a tip sheet on screening and treatment of chronic kidney disease, concluding that regular screening offers no clear benefits. In contrast, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV infection among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). The ACP also notes that...
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that etanercept, a genetically engineered small-protein drug, does not provide better relief for sciatica back pain compared to steroid injections. In the study, patients who received epidural steroid injections reported more significant pain relief and improved overall symptoms after one month.
Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.
Changes in asthma treatment have reduced wait times and improved patient care at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. Oral steroid administration by nurses has dropped admission rates by one third and reduced hospital stay duration.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have discovered a potential new treatment for smoking-related lung diseases like COPD. The protein SAA plays a key role in chronic inflammation and lung damage in COPD, hindering natural healing in the lungs.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a protein that defends against cancer also plays a key role in steroids' anti-inflammatory action. Targeting this protein could lead to new drugs without steroid side effects. The study suggests some cancer patients may not need steroid treatment due to genetic mutations.
A nationwide study found that people taking oral steroids are twice as likely as the general population to have severe vitamin D deficiency. This increased risk is particularly pronounced for steroid users under 18, who were 14 times more likely to have a severe vitamin D deficiency.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that rats fed homobrassinolide produced an anabolic effect, increasing lean body mass, muscle mass, and physical performance. The research also suggests potential applications for brassinosteroids in treating muscle wasting conditions.