Articles tagged with Mortality Rates
A new study from Tulane University found that eight social determinants of health significantly contribute to the racial mortality gap in the US. The research indicates that addressing these factors can eliminate the disparity in premature deaths among Black and White adults.
A study of nearly 4,000 patients with cirrhosis found that mortality rates were more than twice as high in lower-income countries compared to high-income countries. The research highlights the need for improved access to medical care and preventive measures to address liver disease.
A study of 5,813 youths found that socially vulnerable communities experienced a disproportionate number of assault-related firearm deaths. Stricter gun laws were associated with lower death rates, but disadvantaged communities remained disproportionately impacted.
A comprehensive multicontinental analysis found that COVID-19 vaccination reduced mortality by 22% among hospitalized and oxygen-dependent individuals. Vaccination was particularly beneficial for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Researchers found that COPD patients prescribed non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists (NBZRAs) like zolpidem did not have increased risk of hospitalizations or death compared to those prescribed other types of hypnotics. However, they had a greater risk of death and exacerbations when not prescribed hypnotic drugs
A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.
The number of deaths worldwide from ischemic stroke increased from 2 million in 1990 to more than 3 million in 2019, with an expected increase to nearly 5 million by 2030. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure are identified as major contributors to the rising stroke rate.
A new study found an initial decline in diabetes mellitus plus cardiovascular disease-related mortality, but it reversed from 2014 to 2019. The researchers emphasized the need for primary prevention of diabetes and early diagnosis to prevent cardiovascular complications and mortality.
The Black population in the US has experienced over 1.63 million excess deaths and 80 million excess years of life lost from 1999 to 2020. After initial progress, disparities between Black and White populations worsened in 2020, highlighting ongoing health inequities.
Mortality rates from diabetes and cardiovascular disease increased significantly from 2014 to 2019, with patients with diabetes mellitus disproportionately affected. Researchers emphasize the need for better population-level control of diabetes to positively impact life expectancy.
A study of 307,000 neonates with very low birth weight found that increased use of probiotics in hospitals was associated with reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, but not sepsis or mortality rates. The adoption of routine probiotic use increased slowly from 2012 to 2019.
Research finds military veterans exposed to low doses of chemical warfare agents have higher rates of mortality from genitourinary diseases and deaths attributable to alcohol. However, overall cancer incidence is not significantly associated with Porton Down attendance.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
An analysis of 172 countries and territories found that health worker shortages are strongly associated with higher death rates, particularly for neglected tropical diseases and maternal complications. The study highlights the need for targeted action to boost health workforces in priority areas.
Deaths from falls among adults aged 65 or older in the US rose between 1999 and 2020, affecting all population subgroups. The relative ranking of groups remained unchanged over time despite varying magnitudes of increase.
A 24-year study of freshwater fish exposed to warm water pollution found changes in growth rates, death rates, and size. Despite expectations, the study revealed that warmer waters led to larger fish, contradicting general predictions of global warming's effects on natural ecosystems.
Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.
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...
Fentanyl-related pediatric deaths increased substantially from 2013 to 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating this public health crisis. Annual deaths peaked in 2020 and 2021, indicating a more than 6-fold increase among children under 5 years.
Quitting smoking early after a lung cancer diagnosis was associated with lower mortality rates. Detailed smoking history collection can improve lung cancer prognosis and treatment selection. The study's findings suggest that smoking cessation timing may impact overall survival, particularly at different clinical stages.
A new study found that quitting smoking before a lung cancer diagnosis is associated with higher survival rates. Former smokers who stopped smoking years before their diagnosis had significantly longer survival than current and former smokers diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has introduced new guidelines recommending earlier and more intensive breast cancer screening for high-risk women, including Black women. According to the ACR, risk assessment by age 25 is necessary to determine if screening should start before age 40.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to death. Machine learning analysis found that this complication offsets the mortality rate from the viral infection itself.
A study of 1,340 women with high-risk breast cancer found that strongest collective adherence to lifestyle recommendations was associated with significant reductions in disease recurrence and mortality. Education strategies to help patients adhere to cancer prevention recommendations are warranted.
A study of 371,159 individuals aged 50 to 71 years found that a healthy low-fat diet was associated with fewer deaths from all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. In contrast, unhealthy low-carbohydrate diets were linked to significantly higher mortality rates.
A recent study analyzing 46 million births across nearly three decades reveals a concerning pattern of maltreatment of non-white pregnant women, including disregarding their birthing wishes. The research suggests that medical induction of labor nearly tripled between 1990 and 2017 in the U.S., with no clear association with increased r...
A new study from the University of Chicago shows a direct link between social determinants of health and suicide risk, with counties experiencing high levels of social vulnerability having nearly double the suicide rate as those with lower levels. The study proposes several public health policies to address these disparities.
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.
Two recent studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that renal hyperfiltration (RHF) is associated with an increased risk of mortality, independent of diabetes mellitus. A lower kidney filtration rate threshold may serve as a more precise measure for defining RHF.
A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 40,000 patients admitted to ICUs and found lower mortality rates during the Omicron outbreak compared to previous strains of Covid-19. Vaccination coverage contributed to the lower mortality observed in the Omicron period, but vulnerable patients remain at risk.
A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.
A 25-year longitudinal cohort study revealed that youths involved with the juvenile justice system have a significantly increased risk of firearm mortality, with rates varying by sex, race, and ethnicity. Sixteen years after detention, nearly one-quarter of Black and Hispanic males had been injured or killed by firearms.
A new study by Northwestern University found that up to a quarter of juvenile justice youth are later injured or killed by firearms within 16 years. The study highlights the need for policy and intervention strategies to address the epidemic of firearm injury and death among high-risk youth, particularly those in the juvenile justice s...
A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day
Replacing sugary drinks with healthier options like coffee, tea, and plain water is associated with lower rates of early death among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing consumption of these beverages was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
A study of 415,000 US female breast cancer deaths from 2011 to 2020 found that Black women should start screening earlier than previously recommended. Health policy makers and clinicians may consider an alternative approach with race- and ethnicity-adapted age recommendations for breast cancer screening.
A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
A national cohort study found that early dexamethasone administration reduced odds of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The treatment was not associated with improved outcomes for those without such needs.
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased mortality rates among people with intellectual disabilities, with a disparity of five times higher than in the general population. This increase was not limited to COVID-19-related deaths but also affected other conditions such as cancer and mental health disorders.
A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
Researchers found that 89% of Dominica's trees sustained damage from Hurricane Maria, but only 10% were immediately killed. The study suggests that forests in hurricane-prone regions can resist extreme weather events due to their adapted structure and composition.
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 randomized clinical trial found that anakinra did not prevent mechanical ventilation or reduce mortality risk in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Future research is needed to assess anakinra in less severe cases.
Adults hospitalized with Omicron had a higher death rate than those with seasonal influenza, even though Omicron is considered less virulent. The study found patients hospitalized with Omicron were older and had more underlying illnesses, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.
A new machine learning model estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis, taking into account vital signs and lab test results to predict patient survival. The model was trained on a dataset of over 14,000 individuals with sepsis and showed improved outcomes when actual treatment matched the recommended timeline.
A population-based study found that pregnancy-associated cancers have a higher overall 5-year mortality rate compared to non-pregnancy associated cancers. The study highlights the need for improved cancer screening and treatment options during pregnancy.
Researchers found decreased lung injury, coughing up blood, and mortality rates after balloon pulmonary angioplasty between 2013 and 2022. The minimally invasive procedure is now considered a safer option for inoperable CTEPH patients.
A new study models current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the MENA region, predicting a significant increase in deaths under high-emissions scenarios. Limiting warming to 2°C may prevent over 80% of these predicted deaths, highlighting the urgent need for better adaptation policies and renewable technologies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 4.8 million participants found no significant association between daily low or moderate alcohol intake and all-cause mortality risk. However, increased risk was evident at higher consumption levels, starting at lower levels for women than men.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A study found that as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide also rose until a certain blood alcohol concentration was reached. Interventions focusing on heavy alcohol use may help reduce suicide mortality rates, particularly those involving firearms.
Overdose mortality among people aged 65 and older has quadrupled, driven by illicit drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic opioids. Researchers call for updated Medicare coverage and harm reduction supplies to curb the trend.
A study of 3,101 adults found that taking 8,000 steps or more per day, even just a couple days a week, can have meaningful health benefits and lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on overall health.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found a substantial increase in crash fatalities in four states with legalized recreational cannabis, with an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. The study suggests that investing in policies and public health initiatives may mitigate this harm.
A recent study by IIASA researchers found that maternal education, especially secondary education, significantly reduces under-five mortality rates in both rural and urban areas of India. The study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey and discovered a protective effect of maternal education on child mortality.