Articles tagged with Morbidity
A cross-sectional study found that as hospital COVID-19 burdens increased, older racial and ethnic minority adults were more likely to die or experience major morbidity. The adverse outcomes were greater in magnitude among minority populations compared to white individuals.
A cross-sectional study in California finds that legacies of redlining contribute to increased severe maternal morbidity, highlighting the need for place-based interventions. The study suggests that addressing structural drivers of adverse pregnancy outcomes and racial inequities is crucial.
A new clinical algorithm developed at the University of Gothenburg can accurately identify highly aggressive forms of basal cell carcinoma. The algorithm uses a combination of clinical and dermoscopic images to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk tumors, allowing for more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.
A new virtual driving assessment model integrated into primary care has shown promising results, with 77% of teens agreeing to recommend it to friends and wanting to retake the test. The assessment provides personalized feedback to identify risks and areas for improvement, addressing a leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality.
A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.
Children and adolescents with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C and severe neurological manifestations are at high risk for long-term impairment. Early intervention and screening may be beneficial to assist recovery.
A laboratory study found that passive heat exposure stresses the heart, increasing myocardial blood flow in all participants, regardless of age or health status. Adults with a history of CAD are at particular risk and may benefit from minimizing cardiac strain during extreme heat by staying cool.
Using three definitions of iron deficiency, researchers found significant variations in prevalence rates among women in the US and Canada. Higher serum ferritin thresholds led to a greater diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency, resulting in reduced morbidity.
Researchers tracked mpox cases in a surveillance network of 13 emergency departments, finding three new cases among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent further transmission.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends exercise interventions for older adults at increased risk of falls, considering prior falls, medical conditions, and patient values. The overall net benefit is small, making a personalized approach necessary to balance benefits and harms.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that hospitals with a higher proportion of female surgeons and anesthesiologists had better post-operative outcomes for patients. The study suggests that a team diversity threshold of 35% female members is crucial for optimal performance.
Scientists have found an effective treatment for spitting cobra snakebites by blocking one of the major dermonecrosis-causing toxins with varespladib. The study suggests that this repurposed drug can prevent tissue damage and may become a valuable treatment against black-necked and red spitting cobra venoms.
A Swedish study published in JAMA Network Open found that over one million newborns were given unnecessary antibiotics for suspected sepsis despite a reduction in sepsis cases. The researchers argue that the treatment burden is too high, suggesting potential to reduce antibiotic use.
Researchers identified 35-63 proteins affecting severe COVID-19, hospitalization, SARS-COV2 infection, and 4-32 proteins for healthspan and lifespan. Novel proteins involved in inflammation, immunity, apoptosis and metabolism were also found.
A large-scale study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength have a slightly lower risk for common noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality. This is attributed to their intrinsic ability to resist pathological changes during aging, rather than recovery from acute adversity.
A study led by Michigan Medicine found that around 10% of deaths following percutaneous coronary intervention are potentially preventable. Complications during procedures contributed to 20% of the nearly 1,200 deaths reported during the study period.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model to assess prostate cancer biopsy samples, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The new model, nnU-Net, provides accurate 3D segmentation of glandular tissue structures, leading to better prognostic analyses and potential improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study by the University of Illinois Chicago found that the average age for cardiac arrest outside the hospital fell from 64.7 to 62.7 among Chicagoans, with Black men experiencing the largest decline, leading to a 75% increase in lost years of life.
A survey study found a lower rate of overall fractures among living kidney donors, yet an increased incidence of vertebral fractures after 25 years following donation. Treatment with dietary supplements may help alleviate these issues and patient morbidity.
A new study reveals that RNA binding motif protein X-linked (RBMX) plays a crucial role in predicting cancer prognosis and response to immunotherapy. Abnormal expression of RBMX is associated with immune regulation, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
A systematic review has identified 29 primary risk factors associated with long-term arm morbidities following breast cancer treatments. The main risk factors include removal of lymph nodes, high body mass index, mastectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, infection, and trauma to the affected arm.
A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
A new study from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury, comparable to the effect produced by commonly used first-line medication for high blood pressure. The study involved middle-a...
Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.
A study of 83 children in 11 child care centers found low SARS-CoV-2 incidence and transmission within the centers, as well as from infected children to households
A study of 142,000 live births found that maternal mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of severe neonatal morbidity, neonatal death, and intensive care unit admission. No increase in hospital admissions or readmissions up to age six months was observed.
A new study from Tulane University found that walking more than five flights of stairs daily can cut the risk of heart disease by 20%. The study, published in Atherosclerosis, used UK Biobank data from 450,000 adults and found that stair climbing reduced cardiovascular disease risk in those with multiple risk factors.
The study found that premorbid income and education levels correlated with disability and symptom severity in multiple sclerosis, regardless of treatment. Socioeconomic status may reflect both structural and individual determinants of health in MS.
Patients with vitiligo show a 25% decreased risk of mortality compared to controls, suggesting an autoimmune protective effect. The study found lower mortality rates for patients with vitiligo due to cancer and other causes, offering new avenues for research into mechanisms underlying this protective effect.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. The rate of hypertensive disorders has been increasing, from approximately 500 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 1993 to 1,021 cases per 10,000 deliveries in 2016-2017.
The economic burden of youth violence in the US has reached $122 billion, driven primarily by medical care, lost productivity, and avoidable mortality from male firearm homicides. Prevention strategies can help mitigate this substantial economic burden.
A large US study found that long- and short-term heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with increased risk of severe maternal morbidity. The study's results may inform strategies to prevent severe maternal morbidity in a changing climate.
A new study published in Cancer Management and Research found that 1 in 8 older adults with a history of cancer experienced depression for the first time during the early stages of the pandemic. Those with functional limitations, family conflict, and women were particularly vulnerable to depression.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
A statistically significant increase in heat-related illnesses was found among patients at US Department of Veteran Affairs facilities between 2002 and 2019. Specific groups, such as those with existing health conditions and certain ethnic groups, were more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
A multicenter study found that long COVID symptoms can emerge months after infection and persist for at least a year in about 16% of cases. The study highlights significant impacts the epidemic has had on the US healthcare system and emphasizes the need for further research into post-COVID conditions.
A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.
A large US veterans' study found that men and women who adopt eight healthy habits, such as regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and positive social relationships, can expect to live up to 21 additional years. The study's findings support the role of lifestyle factors in preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.
Researchers found that CD4+ T cells initiate fat wasting, while CD8+ T cells induce muscle wasting, which surprisingly helps the mice fight infection and survive. The study sheds light on the complex relationship between immune cells and wasting responses.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
A large US study of over half a million adults found that BMI was not significantly linked to increased all-cause mortality in most cases. The study suggests that further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between BMI and mortality risk, particularly among younger adults.
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
Two studies investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19, identifying potential drug targets for treating chronic disease. Researchers found novel pathways in the lungs and immune system that may lead to effective treatment options, including therapies targeting immune dysfunction and mucous cell differentiation.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that a low-carb breakfast can significantly reduce blood sugar swings and improve glucose control. Participants who followed a low-carb breakfast plan showed lower glycemic variability and some were able to reduce their glucose-lowering medication.
A new concept and assessment framework called 'human functioning' can revolutionize how we measure and achieve well-being, providing a more complete understanding of human health. By recognizing functioning as the third major health indicator, policymakers can inform and guide public policy to enhance societal welfare.
A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.
Research suggests that women living in low-income areas who move to higher-income areas experience lower morbidity and mortality rates in their second pregnancy, as well as improved outcomes for their newborns. Financial incentives or enhanced neighborhood factors may help reduce adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Survivors of firearm injury experience chronic PTSD symptoms and poor health-related quality of life, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care. Screening for chronic kidney disease could be cost-effective for US adults starting at age 35.
Researchers found that GPR141 enhances cell migration and proliferation in breast cancer by activating the p-mTOR/p53 signaling pathway. Silencing GPR141 restores p53 expression and attenuates tumor growth, suggesting its role in regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis.
A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increase in hospital procedures for heart failure patients, including stress tests and prothrombin time tests. This suggests that high PM2.5 exposure may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and promp...
The USPSTF finds the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with melanomas causing the most skin cancer deaths.
A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.
A simulation modeling study finds that involuntary displacement worsens overdose and hospitalizations, decreases treatment initiation, and contributes to deaths. The study projects substantial increases in morbidity and mortality over a 10-year period in cities with such displacements.
A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.
Researchers found that alcohol screening rates significantly declined during the initial COVID-19 surge due to competing pandemic priorities and telemedicine shifts. Screening rates later recovered as in-person care resumed and telemedicine workflows improved.
A national-level analysis found substantial adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection during the early pandemic period. The study highlights increased odds of severe respiratory complications among these patients at delivery.