A study found that Medicaid expansion in 2014 NY increased maternal health, particularly for low-income and minority women. The policy intervention led to a statistically significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity.
A meta-analysis of three randomized studies found that induction at 41 weeks reduces perinatal death and morbidity compared to expectant management until 42 weeks. For first-time mothers, this approach results in a lower risk of severe illness or death in babies.
A recent supplement to Annals of Internal Medicine highlights the need to address maternal mortality and morbidity in the US. Research suggests that focusing on prenatal care, addressing inequities and disparities, and improving healthcare access are crucial steps forward.
Researchers found chronic inflammation in patrilineal communities was double that of men, while hypertension rates were reversed between matrilineal and patrilineal societies. Limiting women's autonomy and resources increased the risk of chronic diseases, according to the study.
Researchers are investigating factors contributing to preterm births among Black women, including social stressors and paternal roles. Chronic stress has been linked to increased risk of preterm birth, while perceived neighborhood environments may play a more significant role in stress levels than actual area conditions.
A Canadian study found that 68% of firearm-related deaths in Ontario were from self-harm, with most occurring among older men living in rural areas. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts and suicide-prevention strategies in these regions.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Medicaid expansion reduces the percentage of low-income women going uninsured or changing insurance plans during pregnancy and postpartum. The findings suggest that expanding Medicaid can improve access to care and reduce adverse events for pregnant women.
A new scoring system developed by NIH-funded researchers standardizes patient data to compare rates of severe maternal morbidity between different hospitals and groups of patients. The study aims to aid maternal health research and efforts to improve maternal health across the country.
Researchers discovered evidence of ear infections in 15,000-year-old human remains from the Levant, peaking around 6,000 years ago due to environmental factors. The study suggests that changes in living conditions, such as increased population density and poor hygiene, contributed to the prevalence of ear infections.
A new study has found that high blood glucose levels before pregnancy can increase the risk of severe maternal morbidity and death, even in women without diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 31,000 women and found that elevated hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes
A study analyzing NYC birth data found stark differences in severe maternal morbidity risk across neighborhoods with extreme racial and economic polarization. Black and Latina women faced the largest magnitude of associations with severe maternal morbidity.
Researchers found that life expectancy in Switzerland has increased, but the country's population who only attended compulsory schooling are living longer in poor health. The gap between men and women is also widening, with women experiencing a smaller increase in healthy years due to their higher life expectancy
Research from NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing finds that one in 270 births experience both premature birth and severe maternal complications. The study, which examined data from California births between 2007-2012, also reveals racial disparities in health outcomes, with Black women twice as likely to have a dual burden birth.
Over the past decade, US air pollution has led to a decline in mortality impacts from fine particle (PM2.5) pollution, but ground-level ozone (O3) pollution has remained relatively unchanged. This report estimates health impacts of air pollution for every US city and highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce these pollutants.
Research found that living alone is positively associated with common mental disorders across all ages and sexes. The prevalence of people living alone was linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, with loneliness explaining 84% of the association.
New research published in CMAJ found a higher risk of severe maternal complications after cesarean delivery, particularly among women aged 35 and older. Women under 35 had 1.5 times the odds of complications, while those over 35 had almost twice as high odds.
A recent NIH-funded analysis of California hospital records found a significant increase in severe maternal morbidity among US women from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The study revealed substantial disparities in life-threatening birth complications, with non-Hispanic black women facing the highest rates.
A new study finds that 9m elderly men and 14m elderly women in India suffer from disabilities, with diabetes having the highest correlation to disability. The researchers suggest that acting in a timely way to address chronic morbidity can help minimize the burden of disability.
A new study analyzing nearly 40,000 hospital stays found that women of color and those with pre-existing health conditions had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention efforts to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in care for women around the time of delivery.
A recent USDA survey of 2,545 preweaned heifer calves across 104 dairy operations has provided valuable insights into calf health and management practices in the US. The study's findings will help improve the well-being of dairy heifer calves and inform more efficient calf-rearing practices.
The USPSTF recommends intensive behavioral interventions focusing on dietary changes and increased physical activity for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various types of cancer, disability, and death, particularly among adults younger than 65 years.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers suggests that HIV RNA expression inhibitors can diminish atypical inflammation and restore immune function in HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Chronic viral infection leads to immune activation, causing non-AIDS complications such as cardi...
High-performing neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) share eight critical factors in common, including strong performance-improvement leadership and effective communication strategies. These factors contribute to a culture of quality and safety, leading to improved patient outcomes.
A recent study found that late preterm infants (LPTs) are at a higher risk of morbidities and hospital stays due to their physiological immaturity. The research investigated the role of indications of delivery in determining common neonatal morbidities, with results showing that LPTs experience different outcomes despite experiencing s...
A new study presents the world's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that expands treatment options for patients with tracheobronchomalacia. The results show significant improvement in pulmonary function tests and patient satisfaction, with low morbidity and mortality rates.
A recent study by George Mason University researchers found that women who have given birth have shorter telomeres compared to childless women. The study suggests a link between having children and increased telomere shortening, which may be associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates.
The American Thoracic Society and Marron Institute report estimates that meeting the ATS's standards for ozone and fine particulate matter would save approximately 6,270 lives annually and avoid 15,300 instances of serious illness. Implementing these standards could reduce missed school and work days by 12.7 million.
A study of NYC hospitals found that black and Hispanic preterm infants are more likely to be born at hospitals with higher morbidity-mortality rates, contributing to racial disparities in neonatal deaths and severe complications. These differences explained 39.9% of the black-white disparity and 29.5% of the Hispanic-white disparity in...
A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures between 9 pm and 7 am are at a higher risk of developing complications. The odds of complication more than doubled when accounting for the length of the surgery, highlighting the importance of performing surgeries during daylight hours.
A new study published in Acta Paediatrica indicates that survival rates for babies born weighing 500g are alarmingly low. Short-term morbidity is prevalent among surviving infants, with retinopathy of prematurity and chronic lung disease being common issues.
The MIRO trial found that hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIO) significantly reduces postoperative morbidity compared to open oesophagectomy. Long-term results show improved three-year overall survival in the HMIO group, indicating an oncologically sound procedure.
A new study analyzed 23,880 older adult emergency department visits to identify falls based on diagnosis codes and chief complaint. The findings demonstrate the value of extracting text-based elements from medical records for research, particularly in improving fall screening.
A large-scale study found that older mothers are at a higher risk of severe morbidity and mortality during childbirth. Maternal age was associated with increased rates of obstetric shock, amniotic fluid embolism, renal failure, and intensive care unit admissions.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released a new consensus statement on surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness in reducing early death and late stroke risk. The guidelines also recommend hybrid procedures, optimal ablation tools, and standardized training.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that city living can worsen asthma in poor children, with urbanization and black race being strong independent risk factors for increased asthma morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 16 million children enrolled in Medicaid between 2009-2010.
A California study found that using maternal safety toolkits and collaborating across multiple healthcare organizations can effectively reduce obstetric hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. The study showed a 21% reduction in severe hemorrhage after one year and a 28% reduction in smaller hospitals.
Researchers with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative present a study showing that a state-wide perinatal collaborative can significantly reduce severe maternal morbidity from hemorrhage. The project involved 99 hospitals and resulted in a 21% reduction in severe hemorrhage after one year, with smaller hospitals showing t...
A systematic review from UAB found that elective repeat cesarean deliveries are associated with excess morbidity and cost. The study suggests that women with certain characteristics, such as obesity or a short inter-pregnancy interval, should be carefully screened for trial of labor after cesarean delivery eligibility.
Reducing ozone and fine particulate matter to protective levels could save 9,320 lives annually, reduce serious illnesses by 21,400, and decrease impacted days by 19.3 million. The study highlights the benefits of stricter standards in metropolitan areas with high air pollution concentrations.
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend visual skin examination by clinicians for skin cancer screening in asymptomatic adults. The balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined due to limited direct evidence on effectiveness and potential harms, including unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis.
A new Penn study proposes a broader definition of severe maternal morbidity to better identify high-risk patients, leading to improved care and lives saved. The expanded definition includes conditions such as postpartum readmission and significant blood loss, which accounted for most of the difference between restricted and expanded de...
A study found that excessive airway collapse in smokers is linked to poorer respiratory health and increased exacerbations. Smokers with this condition experienced worsened scores on measures of shortness of breath and quality of life, highlighting the importance of further research into long-term effects.
Researchers found that antenatal betamethasone reduced respiratory complications, prolonged ICU stays, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in late-preterm babies. The study enrolled 2,831 women at high risk for preterm delivery and showed a significant decrease in neonatal respiratory morbidities.
The study examined adult neurosurgical cases and found no significant differences in postoperative complications or deaths between July and non-July months. However, junior residents showed a modest increase in surgical complications during the transition period.
Survival rates for extremely preterm infants have increased significantly over the past 20 years, with improvements in maternal/neonatal care leading to reduced complications and mortality. The study found that survival without major complications increased approximately 2 percent per year for infants at 25 to 28 weeks' gestation.
A large outcomes study found that community-acquired pneumonia increases long-term morbidity and mortality rates compared to the general population. CAP patients have high rates of all-cause hospitalization, emergency department visits, and pneumonia-related hospital visits.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that pregnant women who undergo general surgical procedures do not have a higher risk of postoperative complications. The research analyzed data from over 2,700 pregnant women and 516,000 non-pregnant women, revealing no significant differences in mortality rates, overall morbidity, or pos...
Researchers found that delaying treatment until after a patient's FIB4 level exceeds 3.25 has a clear detrimental effect on treatment effectiveness, increasing morbidity and mortality risks. Early treatment initiation is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes.
Women's human rights addressing maternal mortality and morbidity is crucial globally. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in tackling gender inequalities and domestic violence by embedding human rights principles into care delivery.
The study found that an estimated 388,501 childhood cancer survivors exist in the US, with 70% having a mild or moderate chronic condition and 32% having severe or disabling chronic conditions. Neurocognitive dysfunction affects about 35% of young adult survivors.
A new study suggests that exercise training can reduce the risk of premature death in elderly individuals. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that high-intensity training and moderate intensity training both showed promising results in improving fitness levels and reducing mortality rates.
A new Northwestern University study found that implementing duty hour restrictions in 2011 did not improve surgery patients' outcomes, but may have hurt patient safety and resident education. The study suggests that these restrictions disrupted the continuity of caring for surgical patients.
Despite effective oral anticoagulant use, atrial fibrillation patients experience high one-year mortality and morbidity. Statins were found to reduce mortality by one-third, while diuretics increased it by 70%. Hospital readmissions are common, often due to AF or heart failure.
Research reveals that obesity in pregnancy is a significant risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity. Women with pre-pregnancy body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more had higher rates of simple cardiovascular events and non-invasive cardiac procedures ten years later.
A three-and-a-half year trial found a significant reduction in cesarean deliveries and neonatal morbidity in hospitals implementing best practices and professional training. The study's results confirm that continuing education and internal audits can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic review article highlights the risks associated with elective early-term deliveries, including morbidity in newborns and maternal health concerns. The study calls for increased patient awareness and public education to promote safe term pregnancies.
Severely obese teenagers who underwent weight-loss surgery experienced minimal complications, with no major complications or deaths reported during the initial hospitalization period. The study included 242 teens and found that only 8% experienced reoperation and 15% had minor complications like readmission for dehydration.
Researchers analyzed data from 33,488 live births to find that early-term births (37-38 weeks gestation) are associated with higher risks of birth complications, including hypoglycemia, respiratory support, and NICU admissions. Cesarean deliveries among early-term births also pose a significant risk for NICU admissions and morbidity.
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has failed to show significant improvements in short-term morbidity and mortality compared to traditional on-pump CABG surgery, according to a recent study published in Circulation. The technique may be abandoned unless surgeons can demonstrate comparable outcomes.
A study of over 146,000 Dutch women found planned home births were associated with lower rates of severe maternal complications among parous women. However, first-time mothers showed no significant difference in risk.