Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A study of over 1.5 million patients found a passing increase in adjusted mortality rates following Massachusetts health insurance reform, suggesting that simply providing insurance incentives and subsidies may not improve survival for trauma patients. The study's findings resolve within a few years, but highlight the need for more com...
A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates. Light drinkers reported surprisingly high percentages of problems, with 48% experiencing some issue with alcohol in t...
Researchers found a significant association between Google search volume of the 'n-word' and higher mortality rates among Blacks. The study suggests that area-level racism can be monitored using internet query-based measures, pointing to its impact on mortality risk.
A new study found that around a third of all deaths in former male prisoners are due to alcohol and substance use, while half of female ex-prisoners also die from similar causes. The study suggests that preventive and therapeutic programmes can significantly reduce the number of deaths from these preventable causes.
Sepsis, a life-threatening condition causing widespread inflammation and organ failure, is poorly understood despite being one of the best-known medical disorders. The Lancet Infectious Diseases Commission recommends prioritizing biomarkers, education, and public awareness to improve diagnosis and treatment.
UK death rates for children's heart surgery have almost halved from 4.3% to 2.6% between 2000 and 2010, despite a rise in the number and complexity of cases. This shift suggests that more complex patients were taken on in later years.
The number of global cardiovascular deaths has risen by 41% between 1990 and 2013, but death rates within specific age groups have dropped by 39%. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of premature death globally, with population aging contributing to an estimated 55% increase in cardiovascular disease deaths.
A new study by Santa Fe Institute researchers reveals that public companies have a standard mortality rate, lasting about ten years before being acquired, merged, or liquidated. The findings contradict existing theories and evidence on company mortality, which suggested varying rates based on age and economic sector.
At popular spring break hotspots, traffic fatalities are significantly higher during the spring break weeks compared to other times of the year. The study found a 9.1% increase in weekly death tolls from car crashes and 16 more traffic deaths per year.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that longer dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation was associated with increased mortality. Shorter DAPT, on the other hand, was linked to lower rates of all-cause and non-cardiac mortality, as well as reduced risk of major bleeding.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that liver-sparing operations, which remove less than a lobe of the liver, are linked to lower mortality and complication rates. This approach is associated with quicker recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional major hepatectomies.
Researchers found that implantable defibrillators and modern treatments have reduced mortality rates among adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, improving life expectancy. The study also showed a lower rate of deaths directly associated with the disease, especially sudden cardiac death.
The Every Woman Every Child movement has made significant progress in improving health care for millions of poor women and children, resulting in a 25% reduction in maternal and child death rates. The initiative has attracted $60 billion in resources from over 400 commitments by more than 300 partners.
A study of 12,000 TAVR patients found a one-year mortality rate of nearly 24% and rehospitalization rates at 47%. The results provide insight into the outcomes of this less invasive procedure for severe aortic stenosis patients.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found a correlation between high levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of cardiovascular deaths, including strokes and coronary deaths. The study suggests that levels above 100 nanomol per liter may be detrimental to health.
A £10 billion pay-for-performance incentive scheme for GPs had no effect on reducing premature deaths in England, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. The researchers analyzed data from 2007 to 2012 and found that GP performance indicators did not correlate with lower mortality rates.
Patients with HIV prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) have low postoperative mortality rates, comparable to those without the infection. Factors associated with increased mortality include poor nutritional status and age.
A new study by Yale University found that younger women with heart disease symptoms often delay seeking medical care, citing fears of false alarms. The research highlights the need for education and improved response strategies to empower these women to recognize early symptoms and seek prompt care.
A recent study using a new statistical methodology found that the patient mortality rates of new and experienced surgeons are similar. However, researchers emphasize that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and account for other factors, such as changes in surgical training practices and patient demographics.
A new study by Duke University found that millions of African Americans who migrated from the rural South to urban areas during the 20th century experienced a significant increase in mortality rates. The study attributed this increase to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking, which were more prevalent in cities.
A new analysis of cases conducted in Northwell Health found that a surgical procedure may be more successful in preventing death than current drug therapies. The study revealed a mortality rate of 4.2% for patients who underwent surgery, compared to higher rates for those who did not.
A heat wave in 2011 Houston resulted in significantly more emergency department visits than expected, with elderly individuals experiencing an 8.9% increase in admissions. The study suggests that heat warning systems could help prevent future emergencies.
A large meta-analysis involving over 200,000 people with type 1 diabetes found that women face a 40% increased excess risk of death from all causes and have more than twice the risk of dying from heart disease compared to men. Women with type 1 diabetes also face a greater excess risk of strokes and kidney disease.
According to the study, death rates from lung cancer are predicted to exceed those for breast cancer among European women in 2015. The rate of cancer deaths is expected to decline overall, with notable exceptions such as lung and pancreatic cancer.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that carotid artery stenting had a 32% mortality rate among Medicare beneficiaries over a two-year follow-up. The study's findings suggest that the benefits of stenting may be limited for high-risk patients, highlighting the need for further research on real-world outcomes.
The American Cancer Society's annual cancer statistics report found a 22% drop in cancer mortality rates over two decades, resulting in the avoidance of more than 1.5 million cancer deaths. The report also shows substantial variation in decline rates by state, with the Northeast experiencing the largest decline and the South the smallest.
Despite global improvements in life expectancy, death rates for certain causes such as drug use disorders, liver cancer, and chronic kidney disease have increased since 1990. Global life expectancy has risen by 5.8 years in men and 6.6 years in women between 1990 and 2013, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013.
The global life expectancy has increased due to lower rates of cardiovascular disease deaths in high-income countries and child deaths in low-income countries. However, disparities remain across age groups and countries, with some regions experiencing gains while others face unique health challenges.
A research letter found that older people who felt three or more years younger than their chronological age had a lower mortality rate compared to those who felt their age or older. The study included 6,489 individuals with an average self-perceived age of 56.8 years.
A study published in JAMA found that the 2011 duty hour reforms had no significant effect on 30-day mortality or readmissions for hospitalized patients with various medical conditions. Despite concerns about decreased continuity of care, the reforms did not appear to worsen patient outcomes.
A world-first breakthrough drug therapy for treating battle casualties is being developed by James Cook University scientists in Australia, with potential to save thousands of soldiers' lives and has widespread civilian applications.
A recent Danish study establishes a causal relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased mortality, with a 30% higher risk of cancer-related deaths. Vitamin D deficiency is often associated with poor bone health, but this study highlights its role in other diseases and mortality rates.
The overall heart disease death rate decreased by 3.8% and coronary artery disease death rate by 5.1% between 2000-2010, but some subtypes showed increases in mortality rates, including hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and arrhythmia.
A recent study by Duke University researchers found that over half of STEMI heart attack patients had one or both of their other arteries obstructed, leading to worse outcomes. The study suggests that opening all blocked arteries may become a standard procedure.
A new study of over 12,000 Danish patients with hip fractures found that those treated in smaller hospital departments had a lower mortality rate and shorter length of stay. The quality of care was also higher in these departments compared to larger ones.
Intra-abdominal infections caused by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus result in high mortality rates due to synergistic inflammatory responses. Researchers hope to identify targeted treatments to decrease severity and improve survival through their study.
A new study found that child-mortality rates declined the fastest among the poorest families in developing countries, resulting in a narrowing gap between wealth groups. The study also identified four factors contributing to this convergence: government effectiveness, rule of law, corruption control, and regulatory quality.
The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop training programs for first responders in mass casualty events. The training will focus on medical readiness and immediate victim care, utilizing the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) framework.
A new analysis suggests the Ebola fatality rate is over 70%, far higher than the initial 50% estimate, with the total number of affected individuals potentially exceeding 1 million by early next year. The exponential growth of cases raises concerns about exporting the disease to other countries and sparking a global humanitarian crisis.
A high milk intake in both men and women has been associated with an increased risk of death and fractures, despite previous research suggesting the opposite. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine potential causality.
A large-scale study published in CHEST shows a striking decrease in mortality rates for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from 46.8% in 1996 to 32.2% in 2011, with an 8.9% absolute reduction between 2000-2005. Advances in critical care medicine are seen as the primary cause of this decline.
A study of 237 converting hospitals found that for-profit status improved financial margins, but no association was found with changes in care quality or patient outcomes. The findings suggest that regulators and policymakers should consider the potential benefits of for-profit conversions primarily on financial health.
A study of 234 comatose cardiac arrest survivors found that patients with sinus bradycardia during therapeutic hypothermia had a 17% 180 day mortality rate, compared to 38% in those with no sinus bradycardia. This suggests that heart rate may be an early marker for patients who have a better chance of recovery.
A study analyzing over 8,000 episodes of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections found no significant difference in mortality risk between patients with less and more susceptible strains to the antibiotic vancomycin. The study suggests that current standards for vancomycin MIC may not need to be lowered.
A six-year study in Australia and New Zealand found mortality rates for sepsis were nearly 15% despite aggressive treatment. The results suggest the high standard of care, rather than Early Goal Directed Therapy (EGDT), is responsible for the low survival rates.
New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.
A recent study found a 24% decline in first-time strokes and a 20% drop in deaths after strokes over the last 24 years. However, the risk of stroke was concentrated mainly in older adults, with little progress made in reducing the risk among younger people.
A Penn State researcher found that as U.S. casualties rose in Afghanistan, war coverage became increasingly negative towards the military and the war effort. Reporters who were embedded with troops reported more negative tones than those outside the country.
The CoreValve US Pivotal trial showed improved survival benefit in patients with aortic stenosis, with low rates of all-cause mortality and major stroke after two years. The study demonstrated durable improvement in hemodynamic valve performance and low rates of moderate or severe aortic insufficiency.
A new series on child deaths in high-income countries reveals that many deaths are preventable, with socioeconomic factors playing a significant role. The series calls for improved healthcare services and social policies to tackle child poverty and reduce inequality.
A study found that states with medical marijuana laws had significantly lower average annual opioid overdose death rates compared to those without such laws. The years following implementation of these laws were also associated with decreasing overdose death rates, with strongest declines in early years.
A recent study published in BJU International found a significant increase in preventable deaths following common urologic procedures in the US. The study analyzed discharge records of patients undergoing urologic surgery between 1998 and 2010, revealing that mortality rates remained stable while failure to rescue rates increased.
A study published by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that deaths from complications following urologic surgeries increased as procedures shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. High-risk patients, including older and sicker individuals with public insurance, were more likely to die after potentially preventable complications.
A study examining cancer screening rates in older patients found that those with limited life expectancy still received routine screenings, often without benefit. Screening was more common among married individuals, those with higher education or insurance, and those with a usual place for care.
Researchers found that adequate sanitation and access to education lead to lower child mortality rates. Countries with higher levels of social militarization and female education have significantly lower child mortality rates.
A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that a commonly used anxiety drug can reduce mortality rates in fish. The results suggest that existing aquatic risk assessment tests may not be effective in detecting the potential benefits of pharmaceutical contaminants.
New study finds orthopedic surgeries for patients aged 80+ generally safe, with significant decreases in mortality and complication rates. Spinal fusion, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement procedures show improved outcomes in patients without comorbidities.
Researchers found that adding potassium supplementation to loop diuretics increases survival rates by 16 percent in patients receiving at least 40 mg/day of furosemide. The benefit is more pronounced with higher diuretic doses. While the study's findings are promising, further independent studies are needed to confirm these results.
Researchers assess emergency radiology response after Boston Marathon bombings, highlighting critical role of medical imaging in emergency situations and ways to improve preparedness for mass casualty events. Imaging played a vital role in evaluating extensive shrapnel injuries with X-ray and CT scans.
A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.