Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
A new study found that survival rates after hip or spine fractures are comparable to or worse than those seen in patients with certain types of cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 100,000 Canadians aged 65 and older, highlights the urgent need for secondary prevention interventions before hospital discharge.
A randomized controlled trial confirms the routine use of Impella CP improves survival in patients who have had a heart attack with STEMI cardiogenic shock. The device reduces 180-day mortality by 12.7% compared to the control arm.
A new study found that high-dose influenza vaccine significantly improved humoral response in patients with heart failure or prior myocardial infarction. Vaccination remains crucial in preventing influenza-related complications in high-risk populations.
A systematic review of 41 randomized clinical trials suggests that late-stage cancer incidence can be a suitable alternative end point to cancer-specific mortality in some cancer types, but not others. This finding has implications for multicancer screening tests and may change the way these trials are designed.
A randomized clinical trial found that PSA screening compared to no routine screening resulted in a small reduction in prostate cancer deaths after 15 years. The absolute reduction in deaths was modest, but the finding suggests potential benefits of PSA screening.
In a preliminary report from an ongoing clinical trial, prostate cancer screenings using PSA, Kallikrein Panel, and MRI detected higher rates of cancer compared to no screening. The study found one additional high-grade cancer per 196 men and one low-grade cancer per 909 men were detected in the screened group.
A new study found that younger people from high-income areas accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in New York City. This led to lower coverage rates in low-income areas with high proportions of older residents, resulting in higher mortality rates over the year.
Researchers found RSV was less common but similar in severity to COVID-19 and influenza among unvaccinated patients. Among vaccinated patients, RSV disease was more severe than both COVID-19 and influenza for serious outcomes.
A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.
A quasi-experimental study of 35 health care facilities found chlorhexidine bathing and nasal decolonization to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant organism prevalence. The interventions also led to decreased infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths among nursing home residents.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure significantly associated with cancer mortality and all-cause mortality. Further studies needed to replicate findings and understand underlying mechanisms.
A long-term study found that coronary heart patients who live in greener areas have a significantly lower risk of mortality after undergoing bypass surgery. The study, which followed over 3,000 patients for 14 years, found that living in a green environment was associated with better chances of survival.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that hospitals accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC) demonstrate significantly better outcomes for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. These institutions show lower rates of mortality, complications, and morbidity comp...
Researchers found a 32% vaccine uptake among patients asked about receiving the flu shot and a 41% uptake for those who received a pamphlet, watched a video, and were told about benefits. The study suggests a systematic approach to increase vaccine uptake among underserved populations.
A study published in Critical Care identified eight different trauma phenotypes associated with lower in-hospital mortality when treated with tranexamic acid. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze data from over 50,000 patients and found subgroups of patients who received no benefit from treatment.
A new study reveals concerning regional disparities in lower limb amputations caused by peripheral arterial disease, with the North of England experiencing the highest rates. The study highlights the urgent need to improve care and prevention strategies, particularly for people with diabetes.
A new study published in Thyroid found that individuals with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in the US experience lower mortality rates compared to the general population. The most common causes of death were malignancies and cardiovascular disease.
Long-term BMI variability was a significant risk marker for adverse cardiovascular events, independent of mean BMI, across major racial and ethnic groups. The study's findings have implications for the phenotype of high BMI variability and potential preventive measures.
Researchers used the Gompertz model to predict mortality rates in people with type 2 diabetes, achieving values of over 97% accuracy in their predictions. The study found that mortality rates increase exponentially with age and are higher in females due to lower life expectancy.
A new study by Mayo Clinic finds that socially isolated individuals show signs of biological aging and have a higher risk of death. The research suggests that social connection plays a crucial role in overall physical health and longevity.
A new study reveals that US working-age adults are dying at higher rates than their peers in high-income countries, driven by highly preventable causes of death. Midlife mortality among younger US females has worsened significantly over the past three decades, with the UK and other high-income countries experiencing similar trends.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine found that the US maternal mortality rate increased by nearly doubling between 2014 and 2021, with no correlation to increasing pregnancy-related deaths among older adults. The study highlights the need to investigate other causes of maternal mortality, particularly cardiovascular disease.
A large study of 2.2 million teenage girls found that teen pregnancy increases the risk of premature mortality later in life. The researchers suggest that support for pregnant teenagers may help prevent future premature deaths.
A new study by Rutgers Health and other universities found that the US maternal death rate is likely being overestimated due to flawed surveillance methods. The true rate is estimated to be around 10 deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly half of the CDC's reported figure.
A new study challenges the prevailing view on maternal mortality rates in the US, finding stable rates between 1999-2002 and 2018-2021. The researchers used a more accurate approach to identify and classify maternal deaths, refuting the idea of dramatic increases.
A study by Cancer Research UK reveals that mortality rates have dropped by 37% in men and 33% in women, with significant reductions in cervical cancer and lung cancer. However, cancer cases are on the rise overall, and researchers warn of an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress.
A study published in The BMJ found a modest rise in UK cancer cases among men and women aged 35-69 years over the last quarter century, but a substantial decline in deaths. The researchers attribute the decline to factors such as reduced smoking rates, improved screening programs, and better treatment options.
The study found that patient outcomes for six critical conditions worsened at urban hospitals, while rural hospitals experienced smaller declines, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to reduce excess deaths in future crises.
A large observational study of 148,000 individuals with ADHD found that initial dispensation of ADHD medication was associated with lower all-cause and unnatural-cause mortality. The association with natural-cause mortality was not significant in this study.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol use disorder and suicide mortality across genders. The study highlights the importance of addressing alcohol use disorder as part of comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.
A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.
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 study published in JAMA found that three months of social worker follow-up support improved HIV clinic attendance and antiretroviral therapy initiation, but did not reduce mortality after one year. The intervention, known as Daraja, was highly effective at addressing barriers to care such as stigma and lack of social support.
Research shows elderly patients in rural areas have higher mortality rates when discharged under pressure, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The study highlights the need for better municipal services and care facilities to address the aging crisis in Norway.
A randomized clinical trial found that linkage case management intervention did not improve 12-month mortality outcomes for hospitalized people with HIV. The study involved 500 participants and sheds light on the potential role of this intervention among hospitalized individuals with HIV.
The study analyzed cirrhosis mortality data from 2008 to 2020 in China, revealing a declining trend with exceptions for males aged 50-59 years, females aged 45-49 and 80-84 years. Greater mortality burdens were observed in males, older individuals, and rural areas
A study of 2,943 US counties found that medical debt is associated with poorer health status, increased premature deaths, and higher mortality rates. Expanding affordable healthcare coverage may improve population health in these areas.
Researchers found that individuals with poor self-reported oral health are at the same level of risk as those with diagnosed periodontal disease. Infrequent dental visits were also associated with an increase in all-cause mortality.
A Mass General Brigham study found that emergency department visits and deaths rose by 1.22% and 1.4%, respectively, one week after major climate-driven weather events, with elevated mortality rates persisting for six weeks.
A University of Otago-led study found that sensory cues alone can drive ageing effects in animals. Researchers tested male mice exposed to female odours and found reduced fertility and increased mortality later in life. The study highlights the importance of sensory perception of mates in influencing life-history trade-offs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has widened socioeconomic disparities in death at home and access to specialized palliative care for cancer patients. The study found that these disparities were amplified, highlighting the need for equitable and consistent care access.
A study of routine fecal occult blood testing found a significant decrease in colorectal cancer mortality in Sweden. The association between screening and reduced mortality is expected to be higher due to co-existing testing and delayed diagnoses.
A study of 2,180 participants found that early childhood neighborhood poverty is significantly associated with death from unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide in early adulthood. Economic policies are needed to address health equity and premature mortality.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that raised blood pressure has been the leading risk factor for death in Australia for three decades, contributing to at least 44% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing blood pressure control efforts in public health agendas.
Housing instability, as measured by eviction filings, was associated with a significantly increased risk of death over the first 20 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eviction prevention efforts may have reduced excess mortality for renters during this period.
A new study published in Radiology found that annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and continuing until 79 results in the highest mortality reduction. The study analyzed Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) estimates and showed that annual screening reduces breast cancer deaths by 41.7%.
A study co-led by Prof. Kelly Metcalfe finds risk-reducing mastectomies significantly reduce breast cancer risk and death probability in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic variant. The procedure reduces the risk of breast cancer by 80% and decreases mortality to less than 1%.
The EQFL measurement calculates earthquake-related fatalities as a ratio to the country's population size, revealing Ecuador, Lebanon, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Portugal have experienced the greatest impact. Smaller countries suffer more from earthquake fatalities due to their larger proportion of their population.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that Black women in the US are murdered at rates 6 times higher than white women, with gun deaths also disproportionately affecting them. The findings highlight the urgent need to address structural racism and inequities in homicide trends.
A recent analysis found that Black women in the USA have significantly higher homicide rates compared to their White peers, with disparities increasing from 1999 to 2020. Gun deaths among Black and White women also increased, with Black women being more likely to be killed by firearms.
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
Researchers created mathematical models to examine aspects of human behavior affecting pandemic trends. They found that risk perception and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in understanding why similar policies resulted in different outcomes.
White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have created a low-cost imaging device suitable for endoscopic screening programs, offering excellent contrast between healthy and malignant tissue. The new system uses ultraminiature spatial frequency domain imaging technology to detect cancerous lesions with high specificity and sensitivity.
Officer-involved killings of unarmed Black individuals worsened sleep duration among Black respondents, while no adverse effects were found for white respondents. The study highlights the role of structural racism in shaping racial disparities in sleep health.
The Butantan-DV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue development in 79.6% of vaccinated individuals, regardless of age group or prior exposure history. The vaccine also demonstrated safety for all participants, with mild to moderate side effects reported.