Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A retrospective study examined deaths, injuries, and hospital costs after a 30-foot border wall was built in San Diego and Imperial counties. The study found that raising the US-Mexico wall resulted in increased migrant deaths, trauma center admissions, and severity of injuries.
A study in rural Malawi found high mortality rates for children admitted to hospital with low blood sugar or oxygen levels. The findings suggest that earlier identification and prompt care-seeking could help reduce the risk of death, emphasizing the need for better clinical management of severely ill children.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that regional differences in COVID-19 mortality rates persisted throughout the pandemic. The South had higher mortality rates than the rest of the US, with 48% of COVID-19 deaths occurring in this region since October 2020.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm-related incidents and nonfatal injuries increased significantly in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The analysis found a notable association between the pandemic and firearm violence, highlighting the need for further research and interventions to address this issue.
The USPSTF recommends against initiating low-dose aspirin use for primary prevention of CVD in adults 60+, but suggests its use for those with a 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk. The net benefit is small, and those willing to take daily aspirin are more likely to benefit.
A nationwide study of all adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in Denmark found that foreign-born adults were at a markedly lower risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to Danish-born adults. The study also suggests that stronger COVID-19 information and prevention initiatives are needed for immigrants.
A large nationwide study of 853,219 COVID-19 patients found that all-cause mortality rates remained unchanged at 16%, while survival improved for most levels of disease severity. However, ICU use and mortality rate increased for critically ill patients on invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO.
A study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that female patients and those from lower-income neighborhoods have higher mortality rates following cardiovascular and thoracic procedures. Patients in these groups also experienced higher comorbidity burdens, urgent admissions, and poorer health outcomes.
Researchers found that larger numbers in fatality messages increase additional crashes, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or complex highways. However, low-toll messaging had a reduction in crashes when displayed on less complex highways.
Firearm-related deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children under 19, with a widening racial gap. Secure gun storage counseling and hospital-based violence intervention programs show promise for prevention and reduction of all three categories of gun violence.
A new study found that opioid-related mortality rates in Ontario, Canada, have shifted downward to peak in the mid-30s among males and females. The study analyzed high-frequency data from 2003 to 2020 and hypothesizes that opioid-related mortality among younger adults will continue to grow.
A study of 447 former college football players found an association between playing football and increased rates of cognitive and neurological disorders, as well as higher mortality rates. The findings suggest that football players may face unique health challenges beyond their playing careers.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.
Researchers found that wealth was associated with a 19 percentage point increase in survival rates from age 65 to 85, but smoking dominated other factors in shortening lifespan. The study suggests that avoiding smoking is crucial for living longer, regardless of wealth levels.
A Brazilian study reveals that counties supporting President Jair Bolsonaro's 2018 election win have higher COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates. Vaccination efforts led to declining case and death rates nationwide, but these effects were less pronounced in Bolsonaro's strongest supporters.
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
US life expectancy dropped by 1.87 years from 2019 to 2020, while peer countries saw a 0.58-year decrease on average. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black populations experienced larger declines, with decreases of 3.70 and 3.22 years respectively.
Adolescent drug overdose deaths nearly doubled in 2020 and rose another 20% in early 2021 compared to the 10 years prior, despite stable drug use rates. The increase is largely attributed to illicit fentanyls found in counterfeit pills, which can be deadly if ingested.
This study examines shifts in adolescent overdose deaths, highlighting the growing threat of illicit fentanyl. Researchers analyzed CDC data to understand the impact of increased fentanyl use on this age group.
Researchers evaluated monoclonal antibody administration methods and their impact on COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates. The study found no significant difference in effectiveness between injection and intravenous administration, suggesting that injection could expand outpatient treatment capacity.
A postmortem examination of 23 COVID-19 patients revealed significant changes in the sensory system responsible for processing smells. Loss of smell is an early symptom of COVID-19, and this study provides new insights into its underlying causes.
Researchers identified rural Georgia counties with high mortality rates from breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer. These hotspots were concentrated in the eastern Piedmont to southern Coastal Plain regions, as well as southwestern and northern rural areas.
A study of 415,000 US adults found that lower educational attainment and unhealthy lifestyles increased the risk of death from all causes. Lifestyle risk factors associated with higher mortality rates included smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity.
A Swedish study found that death of a parent is associated with poorer school outcomes among children, independent of family factors. Children aged 5-9 are particularly vulnerable to this effect.
Wealth disparities were larger than education, occupation, and income differences in mortality rates, according to a new study involving 6,300 U.S. adults. Childhood socioeconomic status also showed significant disparities in mortality, with never and current smokers having the largest disparity.
A randomized trial by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in a remote monitoring program. The study enrolled over 2,000 patients and found no statistical difference in the average number of days patients spent alive and out of the hospital.
A new early warning detection system implemented at a hospital reduced medical emergencies and mortality rates by detecting subtle changes in patients' vital signs and cardiac rhythm. The system, which includes real-time alerts and collaboration between nurses, aims to improve the quality of care delivered to critically ill patients.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
Researchers project COVID-19 deaths in US states after lifting nonpharmacologic interventions. The study found significant differences in mortality rates among states, highlighting the need for targeted health policies.
A study of 3.5 million Medicare decedents found the percentage of dementia diagnoses at end-of-life increased from 35% in 2004 to 47% in 2017. This rise may be attributed to heightened awareness and changes in billing practices.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Black patients with cancer faced significantly poorer COVID-19 outcomes, including higher hospitalization rates and death tolls. Structural racism in healthcare systems is believed to be a key factor contributing to these disparities.
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
Researchers assessed risk factors associated with mortality and neurologic disability three months after intracerebral hemorrhage, finding a link between certain comorbidities and poor outcomes. The study used a racially and ethnically diverse cohort to identify key risk factors for death and disability.
A global study by Monash University found that large daily temperature variations increase the risk of heat-related deaths, with fluctuations in Central Europe posing a significant threat. The research highlights the importance of considering temperature variability in heat-related mortality studies.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused 18.2 million excess deaths globally, more than three times the official reported figure of 5.9 million. The highest number of estimated excess deaths occurred in South Asia, with India accounting for 22% of global total deaths.
A new study published in Ethnicity & Disease found that residential segregation and systemic racism are associated with negative outcomes for Black and white Americans, disproportionately impacting Black residents. The study analyzed data from every state, finding higher death rates among Black individuals in segregated areas.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitalization rates for non-SARS-CoV-2 conditions increased significantly among Medicare beneficiaries. The study found that these rates rose by over 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
A recent study analyzed data from 1998-2018 and found a significant association between tropical cyclone exposure and death rates from various causes at the county level. The researchers used this information to better understand the impact of these storms on mortality rates in different areas.
A study of 1,164 patients with COVID-19 found that continuing dexamethasone treatment at hospital discharge was associated with lower readmission rates and mortality within 14 days. The treatment also showed significant benefits in reducing the risk of severe disease progression.
A landmark study published in JAMA reveals that hurricanes and tropical cyclones in the US are associated with increased deaths from various causes, including injuries, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular conditions. The study analyzed 33.6 million death records and found a significant increase in mortality rates after tropical cyc...
Research finds that global warming of 2°C will significantly increase temperature-related mortality rates in England and Wales by 42%, from around 117 deaths per day to 166. The risk further increases beyond 2.5°C, with a potential 75% increase in mortality risk at 3°C.
Researchers examined spatial and racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates during the pandemic. County-level data revealed notable differences in mortality rates among different racial groups.
Researchers analyzed mortality rates and complications among 5,500 COVID-19 patients treated at dedicated vs non-dedicated hospitals in Minnesota. The study found no significant difference in outcomes between the two types of hospitals.
The US overdose death rate exceeded the white rate for the first time in 20 years, driven by synthetic opioids and highly toxic drugs. Black Americans and Native Americans had the highest overdose death rates, highlighting deep-seated inequalities in access to treatment and services.
Researchers found significant increases in drug overdose mortality rates among racial and ethnic minority groups before the pandemic, which worsened during COVID-19. These disparities highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address opioid abuse and promote equitable access to healthcare services.
A new study will measure the effectiveness of oral hygiene in preventing non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) among hospitalized patients. NVHAP is the most deadly and costly type of hospital-acquired infection, affecting approximately one in 100 hospitalized patients.
A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.
A study of 53.6 million Medicare enrollees found COVID-19 associated increased mortality in older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, especially in nursing homes and minority populations. The results suggest a potential association between the pandemic and accelerated mortality rates for these vulnerable groups.
A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.
A regionwide, structured colorectal cancer screening program eliminated disparities in colorectal cancer death rates between Black and white Kaiser Permanente members. Organized screening outreach markedly increased screening rates and led to significant decreases in incidence and death rates.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that babies born with Congenital Zika Syndrome are at an 11x greater risk of dying during their first three years of life compared to those born without. The study highlights the importance of protecting women, especially those pregnant or of child-bearing age, against ...
A recent observational study of 1,011 patients with stage III colon cancer found no significant association between eating unprocessed red meat or processed meat after diagnosis and increased risk of recurrence or mortality. The study's results provide new insights into the relationship between dietary choices and colon cancer outcomes.
A study of 2,800 adults aged 75+ found that severe financial strain increased the risk of death in the six months following a heart attack. The research highlights the importance of addressing financial stress for older adults with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 mortality in adult cancer patients, finding that systemic treatments and comorbidities played a role in increased risk. The study analyzed 2,500 patients and identified specific tumor subtypes associated with higher mortality rates.
Researchers at MIT have performed a systematic study on how different-sized polymer nanoparticles circulate in the body and interact with platelets to stop bleeding. They found that intermediate-sized particles (150 nanometers) were the most effective, with less likelihood of accumulating in off-target sites.
A UTSA-led study found that post-9/11 military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at higher risk of chronic disease, mortality, and mental health issues compared to the general population. The study estimates excess deaths among a large cohort of veterans and highlights the need for better methods of intervening.
A new model estimates India's actual COVID-19 death toll could be as high as 3.2-3.7 million, surpassing other reported figures. This revised estimate aims to address the issue of underreporting and provides a more accurate representation of the pandemic's impact on India.
Researchers found a significant increase in overdose deaths involving gabapentinoids and z-drugs between 2000 and 2018. The proportion of deaths increased by more than three-fold, coinciding with exponential prescription increases. Co-usage with opioids was common, with over 67% of overdose victims having both substances in their system.
During the first 18 months of the pandemic, Great Britain's subjective wellbeing mirrored death rates, indicating a strong correlation. Lockdowns only had a short-term impact on depressed mood, with effects lasting only three weeks.