Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A study found that middle-aged adults with low education levels are twice as likely to die as those with higher education, despite progress in reducing health disparities. New causes of death are fueled by high rates of mortality among people with lower education.
A study found that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common among military personnel with burns and wounds sustained during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates among patients with AKI, with death rates ranging from 0.2% to 65.1%. By preventing or modifying kidney injury, research...
Mortality rates for patients with oral cavity and pharynx cancer have decreased significantly between 1993 and 2007. The largest declines were observed among black men and women with at least 12 years of education, suggesting that improvements in detection, treatment, and risk factors contribute to these decreases.
A study published in The Lancet found that using Lady Health Workers to treat severe pneumonia in Pakistan significantly reduced treatment delays and failures compared to standard care. The intervention resulted in lower treatment failure rates by day 6, with only two deaths reported in the control clusters.
The PARTNER trial demonstrates continued superiority of TAVR over standard therapy at 2-year follow-up, with reduced rates of all cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and repeat hospitalization. Neurologic events were higher in TAVR patients, primarily due to increased hemorrhagic strokes.
Research shows that organized stroke care can significantly reduce one-year mortality rates among patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The study, led by Dr. Vladimir Hachinski, found a 26% reduction in mortality rates among those referred to a stroke prevention clinic following a TIA or non-disabling stroke.
A study published in BMJ Open found that if the UK population adopted the average English diet, around 4,000 deaths could be prevented every year. The research suggests that a poor diet high in saturated fats and salt contributes to higher death rates in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland compared to England.
The city of Detroit has been found to have one of the highest mortality rates in the US for non-small cell lung cancer, with significantly lower survival rates compared to other cities. The study, presented at CHEST 2011, suggests that differences in healthcare access and tumor stage may be contributing factors.
A small group of COPD patients who started with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) had significantly higher mortality rates when transitioned to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). NIPPV use increased nationwide, but this trend was associated with a higher risk of death in patients requiring subsequent IMV treatment.
A new study by Oregon State University found that men experiencing persistently moderate to high levels of stressful life events have a 50% higher mortality rate. The study, which documented patterns of stress over 18 years, identified protective factors such as good health and moderate drinking habits.
Researchers found that violent deaths from homicide and suicide exceed traditional maternal mortality causes like hemorrhage and preeclampsia. Mental health awareness and treatment are crucial for preventing these deaths, particularly among younger, unmarried women.
The study found a significant decline in hospitalization rates for heart failure among Medicare patients, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline. The researchers estimated that over 229,000 hospitalizations for heart failure were avoided in 2008 due to this decline.
A Yale University study found a 29.5% decline in heart failure hospitalization rates from 1998 to 2008, resulting in an estimated 229,000 fewer hospitalizations. One-year mortality rates also declined slightly, with black men experiencing the lowest rate of decline.
The study identified key success factors for achieving good health at low cost, including leadership, capacity, continuity, and taking context into account. Key findings include improved maternal mortality rates, increased life expectancy, and universal healthcare coverage in several study countries.
A recent study of over 7,800 ICU patients in 33 countries found that those receiving at least two-thirds of their prescribed calorie intake had reduced mortality rates. The optimal caloric intake was approximately 80-85% of total prescribed calorie intake.
The American Cancer Society reports a decline in breast cancer death rates among women in affluent areas, shifting the burden to poor women who have lower screening rates. The study highlights disparities in access to prevention and treatment services.
A recent study confirms shark populations are in trouble worldwide, with significant declines observed on the Great Barrier Reef. The research used innovative methods to estimate population growth rates, finding that sharks are declining rapidly due to fishing.
More than half of countries are lowering maternal and child mortality rates faster than the global average, with progress particularly strong in sub-Saharan Africa. However, few countries are on track to meet international targets for reducing these deaths, highlighting the need for immediate action.
Research found that hospitals with higher proportions of minority trauma patients have increased odds of death, despite efforts to control for socioeconomic factors. The study analyzed 311,568 patients and found a significant link between hospital diversity and mortality rates.
Based on current trends, only 31 developing countries are expected to achieve the under-5 mortality rate reduction goal by 2015, while 13 will reach the maternal mortality ratio goal. The study used crucial data sources not included in previous analyses.
A recent analysis of over 1.5 million births found that hospital delivery significantly reduces neonatal mortality, with babies born in hospitals two to three times less likely to die than those born at home. However, improvements are needed in rural areas where high-quality care is often lacking.
A study at Washington University in St. Louis found that highlighting war casualties can sway people's pro-war attitudes rather than discouraging them. The 'sunk-cost effect' makes individuals more likely to stay committed to a cause due to the emotional investment, even if it no longer serves their best interest.
A study published in The Lancet found that a decrease in smoking rapidly reduces mortality rates in individuals and populations within six months. Dietary improvements also show positive results within one to three years.
A study found that rescue workers and civilians exposed to World Trade Center dust had lower mortality rates compared to the NYC general population. Higher exposure levels were associated with increased mortality, particularly among those with high levels of WTC-related exposure.
The ESC pilot registry in heart failure reflects improvement in chronic disease management, with high rates of guideline-recommended treatments. However, outcomes for acute heart failure remain poor, with high mortality and morbidity rates.
New data reveals that neonatal mortality rates have declined globally but increased in eight countries, including five in Africa, from 1990 to 2009. Over 4% of all babies born in India die during the first month of life.
Results from a study presented at ESC Congress 2011 show that TAVI implantation in low-risk patients achieved 100% procedural success and zero deaths within one month, matching conventional surgery outcomes. The study analyzed data from 177 patients with low logistic Euroscore (<20%) who underwent Edwards prosthesis implantation.
A recent study found that the rate of TAVI success is similar between male and female patients, despite increased iliac complications among females. However, female patients had a higher one-year survival estimate (76%) compared to males (65%). Male gender was also identified as a strong predictor of one-year mortality after TAVI.
The study found that social militarization significantly increases child mortality rates, regardless of major armed conflicts. Increasing praetorian militaries also consistently increased child mortality rates. In contrast, economic militarization had little impact on child mortality.
A new study from Temple University found that medical examiners and appointed coroners are less likely to underreport suicides compared to elected coroners. This suggests that insulation from public pressure can lead to more accurate suicide reporting.
A study evaluating a command-directed casualty response system found improved survival rates among U.S. Army Rangers, with 92% of casualties surviving despite severe injuries from explosions and gunfire. The system's success is attributed to its integration of Tactical Combat Casualty Care guidelines and prehospital trauma registry.
A new study from Northwestern University finds that Chicago's south and southwest sides suffer the most in terms of residents' health and access to basic health resources. The study highlights significant disparities in healthcare access, including limited mammogram screening and HIV testing sites.
The number of laparoscopic bariatric procedures rose from 20% in 2003 to over 90% in 2008, while inhospital mortality rates decreased from 0.21% to 0.10%. The study also found a significant increase in the number of bariatric surgeons during this period.
Diabetes rates are higher in Aboriginal adults in Alberta, but the increase is less pronounced compared to the general population. Mortality rates for status Aboriginals with and without diabetes have remained relatively unchanged over 12 years, despite overall improvements in mortality rates among people with diabetes.
A new study found large state disparities in progress against colorectal cancer, with the Northeast making significant gains while Southern states lagged behind. The study suggests that improving screening rates through targeted initiatives could help reduce the burden of CRC in these states.
The article reports that suicide rates in most European countries increased between 2007 and 2009, while road traffic fatalities decreased due to lower car use. Only Austria showed a decline in suicides, while Finland experienced an unexpected increase despite having strong social protection systems.
A meta-analysis of previous studies found that patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death, especially those with anorexia nervosa. The study also highlighted the seriousness of bulimia nervosa and disordered eating not otherwise specified, which are often overlooked due to limited published data.
A study found that veterans who have attempted suicide not only face an elevated risk of further attempts but also experience higher mortality rates from all causes. The research highlights the need for more intensive support and prevention efforts among at-risk veterans.
Hospitals in US territories demonstrate worse performance on core processes for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia compared to hospitals in the US. The territories have higher mortality rates and lower performance measures for patients discharged after these conditions.
The American Cancer Society's latest report finds a steady decline in overall cancer death rates since the early 1990s, with about 898,000 deaths avoided between 1990 and 2007. However, progress has not benefited all segments of the population equally, with cancer death rates among less-educated individuals being more than twice those ...
A new study links heart attack death rates to ambulance diversion, revealing that overtaxed emergency rooms lead to worse patient outcomes. For every 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction, there are three potentially avoidable deaths when ambulances are diverted for long periods.
A study found that ambulance diversion, a practice to reduce overcrowding, may increase mortality for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients exposed to 12 or more hours of diversion had higher mortality rates at 30-day, 90-day, 9-month, and 1-year follow-ups.
The US construction industry has the highest number of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), with a fatality rate of 0.8 per 100,000 workers per year. Falls are the leading cause of fatal TBI, accounting for 29% of all fatalities.
Research reveals that individuals with significant mental ill health experience higher than expected mortality rates following acute coronary events such as heart attacks. The study found that these patients receive inferior care, including fewer life-saving interventions and lower rates of essential coronary care procedures.
A new treatment combines minimally invasive surgery and t-PA to dissolve blood clots in brain tissue. The treatment showed significant improvement in clot size reduction and patient recovery compared to supportive care.
A telemedicine intervention in ICUs was associated with lower hospital and ICU mortality, lower rates of preventable complications, and shorter hospital and ICU lengths of stay. The study found that the tele-ICU team improved best clinical practice adherence for critical care procedures, leading to better patient outcomes.
A study published in PLoS ONE found a significant inverse association between public spending on health and pandemic influenza mortality. The greater the state financial generosity to the health sector, the lower the mortality rate. Increased public expenditures on health led to a 2.8% reduction in mortality rates.
Chronic diseases are a major concern in Brazil, driven by increasing prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The country has made significant progress in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with age-standardised mortality rates declining by 1.8% per year since 1996.
A study found that CTPA screening led to a 81% increase in PE diagnoses, but only a 3% decrease in mortality rates. The authors suggest overdiagnosis due to the detection of clinically insignificant small emboli.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that higher metabolic rates are associated with early natural mortality, indicating potential acceleration of aging. Higher energy expenditure was linked to increased risk of organ damage and accumulation of toxic substances.
A study found that North America's first supervised injecting facility in Vancouver, Canada, helped reduce the number of fatal overdoses in the community by 35%. The area within 500m of the facility experienced a significant decrease in fatal overdose rates compared to the rest of the city.
A study published in the Journal of Child Neurology found that brain donors with autism and epilepsy had a significantly higher mortality rate than those with autism alone, increasing by over 800%. The research highlights the importance of early identification of epilepsy in children with autism.
A study reveals growing disparities in stroke death rates between European countries, with some nations experiencing a significant increase in mortality rates. The research suggests that controlling high blood pressure is crucial to addressing this public health issue.
Researchers found that death rates within 30 days of initial hospitalization dropped by half, and one-year mortality fell by 20.6%, among U.S. veterans age 80 or older hospitalized for heart failure from 1999 to 2008. Improved outcomes were seen in the 90+ age group, where 30-day and one-year death rates decreased by 11% and 26%, respe...
Cardiac device infections lead to significant increases in hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and mortality rates, including up to double the mortality after one year. The study found that more than one-third of excess mortality occurred after hospital discharge.
The annual report to the nation on cancer trends finds a slight decline in brain tumor incidence rates, with a notable increase in non-malignant tumors among adults. Non-malignant tumors were found to be twice as common as malignant tumors in this age group.
A new study suggests that fatality figures from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have been greatly underestimated, with a true death toll potentially 50 times higher. Marine conditions and far-off deaths mean recovered carcasses only account for a small proportion of fatalities.
The Lancet study finds that death rates in young people are now higher than in children across most high- and low-income countries, with injury being a major cause of death in young men. The authors highlight the lack of interventions and resources to tackle contemporary health problems faced by young people.
A new Yale University study has identified five key factors that influence mortality rates among patients treated for heart attacks in hospitals across the country. The research found that high-performing hospitals had strong organizational values, effective communication and coordination, and a culture of problem-solving and learning.
A new study of primate aging patterns reveals that humans are not unique in their aging process. By analyzing data from seven species of wild primates, researchers found that human mortality rates increase with age at a similar rate to other primates. The study also confirms the long-held pattern that males die sooner than females as t...