Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
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 new meta-analysis found that intravenous fluid therapy using balanced solutions can reduce the risk of in-hospital death in critically ill patients by four percent. Balanced solutions are more closely matched to human blood chemistry than commonly used saline, and may be associated with lower mortality rates.
A study published at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that attending regular mammograms can lower breast cancer mortality rates by up to 72%. Women who missed a scheduled mammogram had a significantly reduced survival rate, emphasizing the importance of adherence to screening schedules.
A Tufts University study found strong links between residential segregation and disparities in early death rates from common causes. The research suggests that reducing segregation can lead to reduced health disparities and lower mortality rates.
A literature review found that prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma patients with major blood loss leads to improved outcomes, including lower mortality rates. This approach, known as CAB, has gained acceptance over the ABC model and is now being recommended by the American College of Surgeons.
A study of 438,000 U.S. adults found that smoking cessation can significantly reduce cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality rates. Within a decade of quitting, former smokers' risk of cardiovascular death was approximately one-third that of continuing smokers.
A new study found that exposure to coal particulate air pollutants is associated with a mortality risk more than double that of exposure to PM2.5 from other sources. The researchers estimated that 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5 in the US between 1999 and 2020.
A study found that cancer patients with COVID-19 had significantly higher mortality and hospitalization rates compared to non-cancer patients, highlighting the increased risk of severe illness. COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients reduced this risk, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable populations.
A recent study analyzed asthma mortality rates in China and the US from 1990 to 2019, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates and risk factors. The study found that smoking was a leading risk factor for asthma mortality in China, while high body mass index (BMI) was a larger public health challenge in the US.
A study of 103,000 early-stage breast cancer patients reveals a significant racial disparity in chemosensitivity and survival rates. Black patients are more likely to experience residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, leading to a higher mortality risk.
A new study found that most people with colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa receive inadequate treatment, leading to significantly improved life expectancy through simple measures. The mortality rate is up to 3.5 times higher in regions studied compared to countries with medium HDI scores.
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 study has revealed a steady increase in decomposed bodies found in England and Wales between 1979 and 2020, with male deaths exceeding female deaths, particularly during the 1990s and 2000s.
A study of 25,000 veterans revealed that unstable housing before starting dialysis was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. The risks were found to increase with age, highlighting the need for further research on this vulnerable population.
A study in Brazil found that social pensions and conditional cash transfers significantly reduced child mortality rates between 13-16%. The impact was greater in poorer communities. Expanding these programs could avert nearly 150,000 child deaths by 2030.
A study by Chung Ang University researchers found that heart and multi-organ failures were the most common causes of death among critically ill patients receiving ECMO. The study identified key risk factors, including ECMO weaning failure, new-onset renal failure, and low average mean arterial pressure, to minimize mortality rates.
A Swedish study tracked millions of adults for thirteen years, revealing new trends on how income affects healthcare use. People with the lowest incomes utilized primary and outpatient care similarly to those with the highest incomes, yet had significantly higher mortality rates.
A new study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that smoking tobacco causes 20.8 million years of life loss each year, with four preventable risk factors contributing to over 30 million years of life lost annually. The study suggests that action on a global scale could save millions of lives from preventable cancers.
Research suggests delaying cord clamping by two minutes can significantly reduce mortality rates among premature babies. This allows blood to flow from the placenta, easing breathing transitions and potentially saving lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
A study of 458,146 adults found that never being visited by friends or family is associated with a 39% increased risk of death. Participants who received regular social interactions, such as monthly visits from friends and family, had a lower mortality risk compared to those who were isolated.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregiving is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Caregiving was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The association did not vary by age, race-ethnicity, or other factors.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe found that ambient temperature is strongly associated with inpatient mortality from respiratory diseases, particularly during the warm season. The research suggests that high temperatures contribute to an increase in fatal hospital admissions, especially in Barcelona.
A new Northwestern University study estimates that approximately 171,000 premature deaths per year are linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure, with a disproportionate number occurring in marginalized communities. The study found that NO2 pollution affects predominantly Black census tracts 47% higher than the national average.
Researchers developed a prediction model to identify people at high risk of postpartum complications, focusing on social and structural determinants of health. The study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to experience postpartum hospitalizations due to racial inequities in maternal mortality.
Thyroid cancer incidence is significantly higher in more affluent areas of São Paulo State, Brazil, compared to less developed regions like Barretos. The study suggests overdiagnosis may be responsible for this trend, with mortality rates remaining similar across socioeconomic groups.
The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.
A new classification system for heart attacks based on heart muscle damage is released, offering a more differentiated definition and improving understanding of acute atherothrombotic MI. This system has the potential to stratify risk more accurately and lay the groundwork for development of injury-stage-specific therapies.
A study of over 50 years found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is associated with greater postpartum weight retention and increased risks of pregnancy complications and death. The researchers estimated associations between gestational weight gain and loss and mortality, including all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease.
A secondary analysis of the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort study found that black and non-black women with obstructive coronary artery disease had similar long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The study suggests that guideline-based treatment, including statins and ACE inhibitors, may reduce racial disparities in cardi...
A Rutgers study found that 70.5% of law enforcement officers in the US own firearms, with handguns being the most common type. The study also revealed that those with lifetime thoughts of suicide are more likely to own firearms and engage in insecure storage methods.
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 study led by UC San Francisco found that homeless individuals have a 7 times higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. Non-cardiac causes, such as overdoses and unrecognized infections, are more common among homeless people.
Trauma centers with high pediatric readiness scores (93 or higher) have much lower death rates than those with lower scores. The study highlights the importance of addressing gaps in pediatric emergency care, particularly the lack of a pediatric-specific quality improvement plan.
A new analysis of 50 years of data found that pregnant people who gained more than the recommended amount of weight had a higher risk of death from heart disease or diabetes in the decades following. Higher risk was found for all weight groups studied, but no increase in risk was uncovered among those who were obese.
A study of 42,586 low-risk patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement reveals a 5-year survival rate of 93%. The study used the STS National Database and found that eight-year survival was close to 90%. The results provide a benchmark for outcomes in managing aortic valve stenosis.
A recent study published in CHEST Science Journal reveals that high-performance ICUs exhibited lower mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a range of 3.6% to 63.2%. The research also found that these ICUs had better patient outcomes before and after the pandemic, regardless of disease severity or comorbidities.
A randomized clinical trial found that cefepime increased neurological dysfunction in adults hospitalized with acute infection, while piperacillin-tazobactam did not. The study involved 2,511 participants and suggested that cefepime may be associated with adverse outcomes.
Eastern North Pacific gray whales experience extreme population swings due to changing Arctic Ocean conditions. Long-term monitoring data reveals a bumpy ride in response to variable ocean conditions.
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.
A recent study has found that non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is causing a greater number of global deaths than melanoma. NMSC accounted for 78% of all skin cancer cases in 2020, resulting in over 63,700 deaths. The study highlights the need to implement effective strategies to reduce fatalities associated with all kinds of skin cancers.
A study of 23,000 adults found a significant link between depressive symptoms and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Public health efforts can support nationwide strategies to reduce depression's burden.
A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...
A study of hospitalized adults with new-onset atrial fibrillation found that 1 in 3 patients experienced a recurrent episode of AF within a year. This rate is approximately 7 times higher than in matched control participants, suggesting that oral anticoagulation therapy may be warranted for these patients.
A study of nearly 10,000 subarachnoid hemorrhage cases in Finland found significant variations in mortality rates among university hospital districts. Patients treated at Helsinki University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital had the lowest mortality rates, with a difference of 52% compared to Turku University Hospital.
A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals a genetic explanation for increased second-cancer risk and mortality among childhood cancer survivors. The research identified specific genes associated with this increased risk, enabling personalized cancer screening and prevention strategies.
The study found that Paxlovid treatment was associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 hospitalization or death in clinically extremely vulnerable individuals. Severely immunocompromised patients showed the greatest benefit from this treatment.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that a community-wide naloxone distribution program did not significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths. The study, which ran from 2017 to 2019, saw no significant change in median monthly opioid overdose rates despite widespread availability of the medication.
People with fewer financial resources have lower life expectancies due to factors like healthcare costs and economic inequality. Longer-term financial planning is associated with a lower risk of death, even after accounting for other factors.
A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.
A study of 68,000 patients with COVID-19 found that using Paxlovid or Lagevrio significantly reduced mortality and hospitalization rates in those at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, regardless of age, race, or virus strain. These medications can be used to treat non-hospitalized patients at high risk of severe disease.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
A new study uses AI to predict mortality rates in patients with hip fractures, identifying key biomarkers for poor outcomes. The model achieved accurate predictions using basic blood and lab test data as well as demographic information.
A large UK-based study found that waist-to-hip ratio was the strongest predictor of mortality, regardless of body mass index. The study's findings suggest that focusing on adiposity distribution rather than overall weight may be a more effective approach to reducing mortality risk.
A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that obesity significantly worsens life expectancy and mortality risks in individuals with bipolar disorders. The findings show a rapid increase in BMI among those with bipolar disorders, leading to a higher risk of premature death and comorbidity.
A new study found that only one out of four recommended screening tools for sepsis is reliable, with NEWS-2 accurately predicting 72.2% of all sepsis cases. The study also highlights the need for better awareness and more frequent use of effective screening tools to improve early sepsis recognition and survival rates.
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.