Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A study of 57,611 UK Biobank participants found that fluctuations in blood pressure were associated with a higher risk of death and strokes. The study suggests that blood pressure variability could help identify high-risk patients, but more research is needed to prove its benefits.
A study in pediatric critical care found adopting permissive blood pressure targets resulted in no significant difference in mortality and duration of invasive ventilation at 30 days compared to usual care. The study suggests that a more permissive approach to blood pressure management may be safe for pediatric patients in critical care.
Researchers found a 44% lower risk of death from any cause after one year and 35% lower risk after two years among type 2 diabetes patients starting continuous glucose monitoring. CGM use also showed a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
A study of 1.6 million patients found that the risk of developing chronic kidney disease or heart failure increases substantially over time after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Early, proactive management is crucial to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Research found that emergency department overcrowding increases patient mortality by one percent for every ten percent increase in occupancy. The study also linked corridor care to increased risk of deaths, highlighting the need for policy makers and hospital managers to prioritize emergency care.
US mortality rates have exceeded peer countries, with increasing deaths from external causes and rising mortality from hypertensive and other diseases. The study highlights the need for political will to improve health outcomes.
A national study found that alcohol consumption in the US declined modestly in 2024, with declines seen among younger adults and men. However, drinking rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that targeted efforts may be needed to address these disparities.
A 5-year study in BC found that decriminalization reduced police encounters for drug possession by 39% without changes in overdose deaths or hospitalizations. The partial recriminalization period also saw declines in drug-related hospitalizations and overdose deaths, but similar trends were seen in other parts of Canada.
A new study estimates that 45%–55% of governments misreported COVID mortality, with underreporting common than overreporting. Countries with stronger institutional checks and balances show less underreporting, emphasizing the importance of verification in protecting the reliability of official information.
New research reveals a significant increase in stroke risk within 3 months of cancer diagnosis, with pancreatic and lung cancers showing the highest rates. The study, published in CANCER, found that younger patients and those with advanced cancer are particularly at risk.
A prospective cohort study found that adults with hemoglobin levels 1 to 3 g/dL above the World Health Organization's anemia thresholds had lower mortality compared to those with levels below and above this range. The study suggests that further investigation of borderline anemia is warranted.
A new study found that alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the US doubled between 1990 and 2023, with colorectal and breast cancers standing out among adults ages 20 to 54. The study also revealed that alcohol-linked cancer deaths are not limited to older adults or liver cancer.
A Linköping University study of 58,000 people found that level of education is the strongest socio-economic factor linked to survival rates after acute hip surgery. Higher education was associated with lower mortality rates, while lower education was linked to higher mortality rates.
A cohort study found that only 30.7% of brain donors with clinician-adjudicated dementia had neurodegenerative death certification. The study suggests factors like worsening cognitive symptoms and functional impairment may be associated with increased likelihood of neurodegenerative death certification.
A global study led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation found that road injuries in Singapore resulted in 9,680 years of healthy life lost in 2023. The study also highlights the need for safer roads, vehicles, and enforcement to prevent deaths and serious injuries.
A study of 6,905 US adults aged 65 or older found that higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower mortality risk, while higher waist circumference was linked to higher mortality risk. Considering both BMI and waist circumference together may improve mortality risk assessment and support informed clinical decision-making.
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury in resource-limited settings are at higher risk of mortality. The study highlights the need for improved acute and postdischarge care to reduce mortality rates.
A randomized phase 3 study found that first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy significantly improved median progression-free survival compared to osimertinib alone in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and concurrent EGFR and TP53 mutations. This study provides evidence for incorporating TP53-based molecular ris...
Objective physical fitness assessments reveal a graded association between balance, agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness with reduced all-cause mortality. This study suggests integrating fitness assessments into routine practice may improve risk stratification and guide function-oriented interventions.
A U-shaped association exists between LVEDD and mortality in HF, suggesting high risk for both abnormally small and large ventricles. The findings support integrating LV size assessment into routine risk stratification to guide personalized management.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that most deaths in the LA County Jail occur after a person has been in jail for several weeks. Chronic conditions such as heart disease are also a significant cause of mortality, with effective interventions available to prevent death.
A Northwestern University study found that areas with shrinking tree canopy cover experience higher mortality rates, particularly in hot neighborhoods. Protecting mature trees alongside planting new ones is crucial for reducing health risks and strengthening climate resilience.
A cohort study identified risk factors for bacterial infection after firearm injury and found an association between bacterial infection and increased mortality among US adults. The study assesses the impact of firearm injuries on health outcomes in this population.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that adding high-dose vitamin D to standard treatment did not improve progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Median progression-free survival was 11.8 months with high-dose vitamin D compared to 10.3 months with standard dose.
A decision analytical model and microsimulation study found that expanding alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary care could reduce premature mortality from major alcohol-related causes of death in US adults. By 2030, this expanded approach is projected to decrease annual alcohol-related potential years of life lost by −5...
High LDL-C led to 3.6 million deaths and 90.7 million disability-adjusted life years in 2023, despite declining mortality rates. The absolute burden increased due to population growth and aging, with regional disparities emerging.
A cross-sectional study of 172 venture capital-backed maternal health startups identified significant gaps in pregnancy care delivery, particularly for low-income populations. The study found that while startups have the potential to facilitate innovation, few address health equity concerns.
A recent cohort study found similar rates of secondary treatment receipt among men with localized prostate cancer by race, but observed mortality disparities persisted. These findings raise concerns about healthcare inequities and the need for targeted interventions to address racial disparities in cancer care.
A cohort study of Korean patients with lung cancer found that international screening guidelines excluded 64.6% of patients, many without smoking history. Ineligible patients had lower mortality risk than eligible patients, suggesting tailored approaches are necessary to enhance early detection.
A large-scale prospective cohort study found that patients with blood type A had lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, blood type O's reputation of being at lower risk is partially due to lower plasma von Willebrand factor levels, but this did not explain the increased risk in blood type A patients.
Global road injury rates declined by 38.3% for new cases and 32.3% for deaths between 1990 and 2023, but progress was uneven across income groups. Low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, with nearly six times higher mortality rates than high-income countries.
The study found significant progress in reducing cancer mortality disparities for breast and uterine corpus cancers, but persistence in prostate cancer remains. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to accelerate progress in equitable cancer prevention and control.
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (P-tau217) can estimate an individual's risk of developing cognitive impairment over 2, 5, and 10 years. Higher P-tau217 levels are associated with increased risk of progression to cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
Research highlights the significant impact of modifiable risk factors on ischemic heart disease mortality in the US. High body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose levels have increased attributable risk over the study period, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to reduce mortality.
Between 2003 and 2024, annual US deaths caused by law enforcement increased significantly, with non-Hispanic Black males experiencing the highest mortality rates. Firearms were responsible for more than 87% of these deaths, highlighting persistent racial disparities in the US.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a clear link between the composition of gut bacteria and frailty in older women. The research found that lower gut bacterial diversity and impaired function are associated with increased vulnerability to disease, falls, functional impairment, and death.
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that men were more likely to be diagnosed with regional and distant stages of 20 nonreproductive solid cancer types in the United States. Men were significantly more likely than women to be diagnosed with regional tongue cancer, salivary gland cancer, oropha...
Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk for heart, lung, and metabolic diseases later in life due to the overexpression of axon guidance proteins. These proteins play a key role in developing neurons and organs, and their increased levels are associated with poorer lung function in adulthood.
A cohort study found that mid-urbanicity neighborhoods had the highest dementia mortality rates, while dense urban cores and rural areas showed lower risks. The study suggests targeted improvements in neighborhood conditions could reduce dementia mortality and promote equity.
The study found that sepsis continues to be a significant cause of mortality in China, with infections accounting for the majority of deaths. The analysis also revealed age-related differences in sepsis burden, with older adults and males consistently carrying the highest risk.
An analysis of family court proceedings found that first-time mothers who faced care proceedings were 21 times more likely to die within 10 years. Most of these deaths (73%) were preventable and related to suicide, homicide, drugs/alcohol, or unintentional injury.
A new study reanalyzes the Gaza Mortality Survey, identifying interviewer-level anomalies and inconsistencies with external demographic data. This raises concerns about the survey's representativeness and validity of its estimates of conflict-related deaths in Gaza.
The study found that antigenically drifted viruses caused substantial morbidity and mortality, but vaccines reduced risk of influenza among vaccinated individuals. Recommended antivirals remained effective in treating the virus.
A new study suggests that moderate sitting may be beneficial for highly active adults, contradicting previous guidelines. The research found a J-shaped association between daily sitting time and health outcomes, with the lowest risk at approximately 4 hours of sitting per day.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that women with HIV are more likely to die from preventable trauma-related conditions like substance use and mental illness. The researchers say these causes are largely missing from official death records, highlighting the need for broader goals in HIV care beyond just controlling the virus.
An integrated telehealth-based rehabilitation strategy improved 90-day health-related quality of life in mechanically ventilated adults, potentially reducing mortality. The study suggests that this approach can be delivered across intensive care unit, hospital, and postdischarge phases.
A recent study published in JAMA found that high-dose intravenous vitamin C did not reduce mortality and persistent organ dysfunction in patients with severe burn injury. Instead, the treatment may be harmful, suggesting alternative approaches for managing burn-related complications.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
Adults with lower measured glomerular filtration rates had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, kidney failure, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Lower GFR values were also associated with increased hospitalization for heart failure and acute kidney injury.
A US-based longitudinal study found that Black fathers have lower all-cause mortality rates by middle age compared to nonfathers. The association was not observed in White fathers, highlighting racial differences in health outcomes of fathers.
Despite overall declines in child mortality, progress has stalled, particularly among newborns and children under 5, who face major causes like preterm birth complications and pneumonia. Renewed commitment and investment are crucial to prevent an unfolding tragedy and meet international child survival targets.
Prediagnostic statin use showed no association with higher survival rates, but postdiagnostic use was linked to lower all-cause and breast cancer-specific mortality among hormone receptor-positive subtypes. Statin therapy may improve survival of these patient groups.
A 30-year study found that 90-120 weekly minutes of strength training significantly lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular and neurological diseases, with added benefits from aerobic exercise. The researchers suggest different amounts of resistance training may be needed to optimize benefits across outcomes.
Severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with higher lung cancer incidence and mortality, driven by mechanisms such as HIF activation, immune remodeling, and enhanced cancer stem cell properties. Long-term adherent CPAP therapy shows promise in mitigating these risks.
A new study found that DNA methylation aging biomarkers, such as GrimAge2 and DunedinPoAm, significantly mediate the relationship between social disadvantage and mortality risk. The findings suggest that epigenetic aging measures capture the cumulative effects of multiple social and environmental stressors.
A nationally representative study found a nearly 4-fold increase in type 2 diabetes prevalence among US children and adolescents between 10 to 17 years old. The substantial rise is concerning due to the disease's lifetime risk of severe complications and premature deaths.
Dropping the cancer label from grade group (GG)1 prostate disease redefines it as a precancerous lesion, leading to a net reduction in estimated prostate cancer deaths. This relabeling strategy may have minimal impact on screening rates.
Children and adolescents in Gaza who suffered penetrating traumatic brain injury during armed conflict experienced substantial morbidity and mortality. Survivors often endured neurological impairments and long-term psychosocial challenges.
Screening with a PSA blood test reduces prostate cancer deaths by approximately 2 for every 1,000 men screened. The review found that 500 men would need to be invited to screening to prevent one prostate cancer death.