Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A study of nearly 4,000 extremely old Italians found that mortality rates plateau after 105 years old, with people between 105-109 having a 50/50 chance of dying within the year and an expected further life span of 1.5 years. The findings challenge previous research on a final cut-off point for human lifespan.
A Swedish cohort study of over 130,000 men found that abdominal aortic aneurysm screening did not substantially reduce deaths from the condition. The study suggests that the lower mortality rate may be due to declining smoking rates, and that the harms of screening may outweigh its benefits.
A study published by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care found that taking aspirin before and after CABG surgery significantly reduced mortality risk. Patients who took aspirin had a 4-year mortality rate of 10.7%, compared to 16.2% in non-aspirin patients.
A study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that the mortality rate in Puerto Rico rose by 62% after Hurricane Maria, with an estimated death rate of 14.3 deaths per thousand people between September and December 2017.
Researchers found 119,095 fewer births than expected due to pregnancy postponement and increased safe abortions. Zika awareness likely contributed to the decrease in birth rates.
A recent study by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons found that poor older adults with Medicaid insurance who receive treatment for a critical illness in the ICU are more likely to die after hospital discharge compared to those with commercial insurance. The disparity is greatest among survivors of critical illness wi...
The Annual Report to the Nation on Cancer finds a decline in US cancer death rates among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Prostate cancer incidence has increased, while mortality has stabilized, with trends linked to changes in PSA screening.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that fatal drug overdoses among young non-Hispanic white adults accounted for 62% of mortality rate growth between 1999 and 2015. The study highlights the rapid rise in lost life years and mortality rates for this population, particularly those aged 22-39 years.
A study of 138 VA medical centers found wide variations in mortality rates for patients with ischemic heart disease and chronic heart failure. Mortality rates ranged from 5.5% to 9.4% for ischemic heart disease and 11.1% to 18.9% for chronic heart failure.
The study estimated high mortality rates among civilians in Mosul, Iraq, with a rate of 2.09 deaths per 1,000 person-months during the 9 months of military liberation, compared to 0.71 and 0.50 deaths per 1,000 person-months during ISIS control periods for males and females, respectively.
A study found that asthma mortality rates are falling among younger people in the poorest areas compared to the wealthiest, but remain higher in older adults. Regional variations persist, with significant differences in outcomes across England.
States with stricter firearm laws have lower rates of firearm-related deaths in children, according to a new study. The research found that states requiring universal background checks for firearm purchase had significantly lower median mortality rates compared to those without such laws.
A new University of Guelph study found that intense exercise is a major cause of death in racehorses, with thoroughbreds facing the highest risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,700 cases and found that musculoskeletal injuries were the leading cause of mortality.
A study comparing child mortality in England and Sweden reveals that the UK's higher rates are driven by factors such as lower birth weights, preterm births, and congenital anomalies. The authors propose population-wide programs to improve maternal health and socioeconomic circumstances to reduce these disparities.
A study published by The BMJ found no evidence of 'gaming' after death rates for bowel surgeons were publicly reported. However, improvements were seen in mortality rates for patients undergoing non-emergency surgery, suggesting that the introduction of public reporting may have triggered better outcomes through teamwork.
A study published in Critical Care found that blood type O patients had a death rate of 28% after severe trauma, compared to 11% for patients with other blood types. The researchers suggest that lower levels of von Willebrand factor may be linked to higher hemorrhage rates and increased mortality.
Mandatory public reporting in Massachusetts leads to better patient outcomes due to salutary effects and stricter quality control. However, the role of risk aversion remains inconclusive.
Researchers found a significant increase in hospitalizations for aortic dissection and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarctions (STEMI) during winter months. The studies, presented at the SCAI 2018 Scientific Sessions, used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to analyze seasonal variations in cardiac-related hospitalizations.
Patients treated by older surgeons (aged 60 or over) have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after their operation than those treated by younger surgeons. The study found that for every 333 patients, one fewer death would occur if quality of care was the same between ages.
Research from UCLA and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that surgeries performed by older surgeons (age 50 and up) have lower patient mortality rates than those performed by younger surgeons. The study also showed that female surgeons in their 50s had the lowest patient mortality rate, regardless of age group or gender.
A whole-hospital simulation model was used to investigate hospital responsiveness to mass casualty incidents, revealing superlative effects of expanding capacities. Diversion of patients to alternative facilities and modified triage were also found to be crucial in such events.
Research found that US-born ethnic minorities experience increased mortality risk in communities with high anti-immigrant prejudice, while foreign-born immigrants seem to have a mortality advantage. This counterintuitive finding suggests that community-level prejudice may be a key factor in health outcomes for immigrant groups.
A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.
A new study reveals that diarrheal diseases are becoming a major public health concern in the US, with rates increasing substantially between 1980 and 2014. Diarrheal disease deaths were ranked as the second-leading cause of all infectious disease mortality, behind lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
A study published in JAMA Network found that deaths due to most infectious diseases decreased in the US over a 34-year period. However, significant variations in mortality rates were observed across different counties, with lower respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS being major contributors to these disparities.
A new study reveals that US drug-related mortality rates are not randomly distributed across the country, but rather are influenced by economic and social factors. The research found significant geographic differences in overdose rates, with some regions bearing heavier burdens than others.
European researchers predict that colorectal cancer death rates will continue to fall by around seven percent compared to 2012, resulting in nearly 392,300 avoided deaths. The decline is attributed to improved diagnosis and management of the disease, as well as reduced risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and obesity.
Weekly mortality figures show a 12.4% rise in extra deaths in England and Wales during the first seven weeks of 2018 compared to previous years. Experts argue that health chiefs are failing to investigate the cause of this trend, which cannot be explained by normal ageing or weather conditions.
A study found significant variations in mortality rates due to alcohol and drug use disorders, self-harm, and interpersonal violence among US counties. Between 1980 and 2014, approximately 2.8 million deaths were attributed to these causes across the country.
Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels drive tree mortality in the tropics, with nearly all factors contributing to the decline. Trees face two main phenomena: carbon starvation from lack of food and hydraulic failure due to water scarcity.
A new study found that US animal-related fatalities remained stable from 2008-2015, with most deaths caused by nonvenomous animals like farm animals and dogs. The majority of fatalities were preventable, highlighting the need for education and targeted public policy to reduce animal-related deaths.
The use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) among pediatric patients increased between 2005 and 2015, with a corresponding decrease in mortality rates. The median adjusted cost per admission was $158,740, but increasing off-label use of iNO is associated with decreased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher costs.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing consistent hand hygiene measures in nursing homes can lead to lower mortality rates and reduced antibiotic prescriptions. The study assessed 26 French nursing homes and found a 30% lower mortality rate in the intervention group compared to the co...
A new study by Université Laval researchers found that Canadians who suffer a stroke have a higher risk of dying if treated in a rural hospital compared to an urban one. The mortality rate is approximately 25% higher for patients treated in rural areas.
Research published in The Lancet finds conflict and political instability are key drivers of differences in maternal and child mortality between Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. Higher literacy and empowerment of women also positively impact on maternal and child health.
A study published in JAMA found that bariatric surgery prolongs lifespan in obese individuals, with a 50% lower death rate compared to traditional medical treatment. The study tracked 33,540 obese individuals for up to 10 years and revealed that women have the majority of bariatric surgery.
A recent study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that rising obesity in the US has slowed the improvement in mortality rates over the last three decades. By calculating lifetime maximum BMI, the team discovered that this measure better predicts mortality than traditional BMI measures.
Rising US obesity has been linked to exceptionally slow mortality rate improvements and increased life expectancy gaps with other wealthy countries. The study found that a 0.54% reduction in annual death rate gains was associated with the rise in maximum lifetime body mass index.
Childhood mortality in the US has been higher than other peer nations since the 1980s, with leading causes including prematurity and injuries. The study calls for continued funding of programs that save children's lives.
The US has poorer child health outcomes compared to other industrialized nations. Childhood mortality rates declined in all OECD countries between 1961-2010, but US infants had a 76% increased risk of death.
A new analysis reveals a significant increase in maternal mortality rates in Texas, with a 87% rise from 2006-2010 to 2011-2015. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting of maternal deaths to inform prevention efforts and save lives.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and ozone is linked to a higher risk of premature death among the elderly in the US, particularly those who are low-income, female, or Black.
A recent study found that sepsis kills an alarming 55.7% of ICU patients, with Brazilian ICUs facing low bed availability and inadequate care contributing to the high mortality rate. Vaccination and simple hospital infection-control measures can prevent community- and healthcare-acquired sepsis.
A new study suggests that societal scale, rather than overall violence levels, is the primary driver of conflict-related casualties. The researchers analyzed data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to find a deep scaling law guiding social organization, which explains trends in war group size and conflict casualties.
The study found that societies with larger populations have smaller war groups, leading to fewer casualties. The researchers gathered data from 295 societies and 430 historical conflicts to demonstrate the scaling law guiding social organization.
A new study by Drexel University researcher Usama Bilal found a significant association between rising white, middle-class death rates and Republican voting in the 2016 US presidential election. The research suggests that counties with higher mortality rates among middle-aged whites were more likely to vote for Republican candidates.
A recent study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that baby-boomers and millennials are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 1999 to 2014 and found that these age groups experienced a significantly increased risk of death from prescription opioid overdose and heroi...
A national cooperative group trial is making a handful of experts in rare leukemia available around the clock to reduce high mortality rates. The goal is to decrease induction mortality from 30% to 6.7% by providing timely management and care for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.
A global study suggests that rising temperatures will outweigh decreases in cold-related deaths, leading to sharp net increases in mortality rates in many regions. Implementing mitigation strategies can largely avoid these deaths under scenarios with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A new analysis of heart failure data found that federal policies aimed at reducing readmissions have led to an increase in deaths among these patients. The study suggests that the focus on keeping patients out of hospitals may be harming them, rather than improving quality of care.
A program aimed at reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients was found to decrease readmission rates but increase mortality rates among Medicare patients. The study suggests that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program may be associated with compromised survival rates, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with reduced levels of the common heart hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) had significantly lower readmission rates and mortality, with a 30% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days and a 54% lower mortality rate.
A new study found that more physical activity and higher intensities can decrease the risk of death in older women by 60-70%. Brisk walking was associated with a 60-70% lower risk of death, compared to light physical activity.
A study found VA patients had significantly lower rates of kidney transplantation compared to those with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The researchers suggest that distance from transplant centers and other factors may contribute to these disparities.
Climate change and human activities are putting North Atlantic right whales under immense pressure, with food scarcity and high mortality rates exacerbating their decline. The study predicts population growth will be hindered by climate-mediated food availability and policy-driven mortalities.
UK hospitals face unprecedented challenges in receiving major trauma patients, requiring extended surgery hours, rehabilitation, and support. Healthcare staff experience severe physical and psychological effects, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A study of US military combat casualties in Afghanistan found that prehospital blood transfusions within minutes of injury or prior to hospitalization resulted in greater 24-hour and 30-day survival rates compared to delayed or no transfusion. Early transfusion also showed a reduced risk of death over 24 hours when administered up to 1...
Receiving a blood transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor is associated with increased mortality among male recipients, but not among female recipients. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is also linked to transfusions from female donors, particularly those with pregnancy history.
A study published in JAMA found that receiving a red blood cell transfusion from an ever-pregnant female donor was associated with an increased risk of death among male recipients compared to male donors. In contrast, mortality rates were similar for female recipients of transfusions from pregnant or non-pregnant female donors.
A study suggests that exclusion devices in fishing nets may be linked to elevated post-release mortality and reproductive failure among New Zealand sea lions. The research found a negative correlation between pup production and annual growth rates and the estimated interaction rate with the Auckland Islands squid fishery.