Articles tagged with Morbidity
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new study finds significant variation in life-threatening maternal complications among Medicaid enrollees, with rates differing by state and race-ethnicity. The five states with the highest rates of severe maternal morbidity included D.C., California, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York.
A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.
A new study found that stroke patients experience a daily rhythm in cerebral blood flow regulation, with greater regulation during afternoon hours compared to morning and night times. This discovery may improve health outcomes by guiding daily activity and personal care during stroke recovery.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that patients undergoing liver surgery fare better in higher-volume hospitals. In-hospital mortality rates were lower in these facilities, with a rate of 2.8%, compared to 3% in lower-volume hospitals.
A new study reveals rural pregnant individuals are less likely to have adequate health insurance before, during, and after pregnancy compared to urban residents. This disparity affects access to quality care and increases the risk of adverse maternal health outcomes.
A new study found that women with pre-pregnancy migraine had greater risks of preterm delivery, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. Migraine with aura was associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia than without aura.
A team of researchers from MedUni Vienna has identified the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) as a key player in protecting against alcohol-induced liver damage. The study found that pIgR-mediated secretion of antibodies in the intestines helps to prevent bacterial translocation and inflammation in the liver.
A new study reveals that US pregnancies are shorter than those in England and the Netherlands, with average lengths declining by over half a week between 1990 and 2020. This finding suggests that reducing medical interventions during the birthing process could improve maternity care outcomes in the US.
Researchers developed a blood test using circulating microparticle proteins to predict placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases as early as the second trimester. The study found five unique proteins that can distinguish PAS patients from control patients, enabling safe predication before delivery.
A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
A study in Serrana, Brazil showed that mass vaccination reduced severe cases and death rates even while gamma and delta variants were circulating. Vaccination coverage reached 80% of the target population.
Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.
A study of nearly 4,000 patients found that the longer the time between COVID-19 diagnosis and surgery, the greater the risk of major cardiovascular events during or following surgery. This association could inform discussions on optimal surgical timing and perioperative outcomes for patients with a history of COVID-19 infection.
A national US study found that people with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs are 73% more likely to attempt suicide. The study, which looked at over 38,000 adults, also found that those with disabilities were more likely to have serious thoughts of suicide and make a plan or attempt to take their own life.
Administration of vaccine boosters to nursing home residents significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospitalizations. The study suggests that booster vaccination may play a crucial role in preventing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations.
A new protocol at Cedars-Sinai improves the timeliness of treatment for women with severe pregnancy-related hypertension, reducing maternal stroke risk. Despite racial disparities in hypertension rates, the initiative found no significant delays in treatment based on race or ethnicity.
A Rutgers study found that high rental costs are linked to life-threatening maternal outcomes, with 260 such cases per 10,000 deliveries for those without a high school education. Providing affordable housing could reduce this gap by 20%.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that over 37% of insured Massachusetts residents experienced an insurance transition during the perinatal period. Individuals with Medicaid and Medicaid managed care were more likely to have a transition than those covered by private insurance, suggesting disruptions in continuity of care.
A US study of 166,000 childbirths from 2018-2021 found persistent racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policy reforms to address residential segregation and structural racism are warranted to improve maternal health.