Category:Health

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/when-appendicitis-recurs-two-case-studies/ Stump appendicitis is a rare complication that occurs when the residual appendix becomes inflamed after an appendectomy. It is estimated to occur in between 0.002% and 0.15% of cases, although it may be underreported due to diagnostic challenges. The condition involves inflammation of the remaining appendix tissue, often resulting from incomplete […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/as-populations-age-occams-razor-loses-its-diagnostic-edge/ The principle of parsimony, often referred to as “Occam’s razor,” favors a unifying explanation over multiple ones, as long as both explain the data equally well. This heuristic, widely used in medical practice, advocates for simpler explanations rather than complex theories. However, its application in modern medicine has sparked debate. “Hickam’s […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/examining-t4-t3-combination-therapy-in-hypothyroidism/ CHICAGO — Levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy remains the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, although a subset of patients continue to have hypothyroidism despite normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum-free thyroxine levels. LT4 and liothyronine (LT3) combination therapy to improve hypothyroidism remains a topic of interest. A clinical session at the recent American Thyroid […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/diet-and-activity-deficits-persist-in-people-with-hiv/ Less than 10% of adults living with HIV in the United States meet recommendations for physical activity and a healthy diet, based on data from approximately 700 individuals in the PROSPER-HIV study. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, physical activity and a healthy diet, can reduce the risk for comorbidities and extend the period […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/et-tu-sweden-more-needed-to-support-lgbtq-mental-health/ LISBON, PORTUGAL — Almost half of surveyed LGBTQ+ people born in Sweden have experienced perceived discrimination and more than a third have mental health symptoms, according to data presented here at the 17th European Public Health Conference (EPH) 2024. Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet explored the unmet mental health needs of […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/checkpoint-inhibitors-seem-safe-in-autoimmune-disease/ WASHINGTON — Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy does not increase mortality in people with preexisting autoimmune diseases, new research has found.  Results from a large database analysis of patients with and without autoimmune diseases suggest it is safe to treat them with ICI if they develop a cancer for which it […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/depression-affects-remission-in-patients-with-ra-or-psa/ TOPLINE: Depression is associated with lower odds of achieving remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) over 2 years of follow-up.  METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from two cohorts in the Netherlands to assess the impact of depression and anxiety on remission in 400 patients with RA and […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/most-us-adults-plan-to-skip-annual-covid-vaccines/ Most US adults continue to plan on skipping an annual COVID vaccine. About 6 in 10 people say they probably won’t get an updated shot this year, despite the CDC’s recommendation that everyone do so, according to results of a new survey from the Pew Research Center. When asked why people […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/elevated-stroke-risk-following-naion/ Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is significantly associated with persistently elevated risk for stroke, independent of typical cardiovascular risk factors, a large multinational cohort study showed.  Stroke risk was three to five times higher in the first 3 months following NAION diagnosis, and the risk remained high over 10 years […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/ultraprocessed-foods-linked-to-faster-biological-aging/ TOPLINE: Consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), such as carbonated drinks, processed meats, and sweet or savory packaged snacks, is associated with accelerated biological aging, as measured by 36 blood-based biomarkers, and factors other than poor nutritional content may be to blame. METHODOLOGY: Previous studies have reported an association between high consumption […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/anesthesiologist-gets-190-years-for-tampering-with-iv-bags-used-in-surgeries/ A Dallas anesthesiologist was sentenced Wednesday to 190 years in prison for injecting a nerve-blocking agent and other drugs into bags of intravenous fluid at a surgical center where he worked, leading to the death of a coworker and causing cardiac emergencies for several patients. The emergencies began 2 days after […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/health-prices-are-getting-more-transparent-but-its-still-not-enough-experts-say/ WASHINGTON — Health transparency rules have helped researchers gain more insight into hospital pricing practices, Ge Bai, PhD, CPA, said here Wednesday at an event sponsored by Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms. The price transparency regulations that were part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) “gave us unprecedented insight […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/now-a-win-for-nerve-stimulation-in-rheumatoid-arthritis/ WASHINGTON — A small implant delivering electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve outperformed a sham treatment in relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms among patients who failed at least one biologic or targeted synthetic drug, a researcher reported here. After 24 weeks, 51.5% of patients randomized to active stimulation achieved ACR20 responses […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/a-watershed-moment-glp-1-drug-succeeds-in-late-stage-mash-trial/ Semaglutide (Wegovy) improved liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and led to greater rates of MASH resolution, an interim analysis of a phase III trial showed. In part 1 of the so-called ESSENCE trial, treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist resulted in higher week-72 rates of steatohepatitis resolution […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/laryngeal-dystonia-symptoms-improve-with-novel-treatment/ Sodium oxybate provided temporary relief for laryngeal dystonia patients who were alcohol-responsive. The neurologic disorder causes laryngeal muscle spasms, leading to a chronically strained voice. Several public figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Diane Rehm, have the condition. Sodium oxybate (Xyrem), a drug approved to treat people with narcolepsy, provided […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/for-af-laa-rivals-anticoagulants-after-ablation/ A left atrial appendage (LAA) closure device provides long-term thromboembolic protection that is equivalent to direct oral anticoagulants after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), along with a lower risk of bleeding, according to the multicenter, randomized OPTION trial. Based on this trial, which is the first to compare LAA closure with […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/genetic-carrier-screening-changed-couples-reproductive-decision-making/ Couples who were found to be genetic carriers for autosomal recessive or X-linked genetic conditions often opted to change their reproductive strategy, a large Australian population-based study found. Overall, 1.9% of the 9,107 couples tested had an increased chance of having a child with certain genetic conditions, and 76.6% of these […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/experts-release-recs-on-off-label-use-of-oral-minoxidil-for-hair-loss/ An international expert consensus statement provided best-practice recommendations for the off-label use of low-dose oral minoxidil among patients with hair loss. Using a modified Delphi process, 43 hair-loss specialist dermatologists from 12 countries reached consensus on 76 items, including diagnoses for which oral minoxidil may provide benefit, indications for oral versus […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/texas-has-sued-three-doctors-over-youth-gender-affirming-care/ In less than a month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued three doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors in an attempt to enforce a state law that bans such care. The first lawsuit, filed October 17, alleged that May Lau, MD, MPH, of UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/psych-hospitals-investigated-internet-trumps-mental-institutions/ The Department of Justice launched an investigation into whether adults with serious mental illness were unnecessarily institutionalized in Michigan state-run psychiatric hospitals. (CBS News) In a phase II trial of major depressive disorder, five of seven participants experienced remission after two doses of an investigational psilocybin therapy (CYB003), said developer Cybin. […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/eliminate-clozapine-rems-fda-panels-say/ Two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panels are urging the agency to eliminate the risk management program for the antipsychotic drug clozapine, saying that restrictions are limiting access to a life-changing and life-saving medication for people with schizophrenia. Members of the Drug Safety and Risk Management and Psychopharmacologic Drugs […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/postpartum-depression-rose-significantly-over-past-decade/ Diagnoses of postpartum depression (PPD) increased significantly across all racial and ethnic groups and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories over the past decade, according to a California-based cross-sectional study. An analysis of more than 400,000 pregnancies found that prevalence of PPD doubled from 2010 to 2021 (9.4% vs 19%), according […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/advocates-fear-trump-will-reimpose-abortion-gag-rule-governing-u-s-aid-to-africa/ EPWORTH, Zimbabwe — Carrying her infant daughter, 19-year-old Sithulisiwe Moyo waited 2 hours to get birth control pills from a tent pitched in a poor settlement on the outskirts of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. The outreach clinic in Epworth provides Moyo with her best shot at achieving her dream of returning to […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/glp-1-use-prior-to-surgery-analyzing-the-updated-guidance/ Glatter is an assistant professor of emergency medicine. Papadakos is a director of critical care medicine and a professor of anesthesiology, surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, and internal medicine. Since the modern practice of anesthesia has evolved, providers have been concerned about pulmonary aspiration — when gastric contents enter the lung, resulting in […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/tapered-steroid-dosing-safe-effective-in-severe-alcohol-associated-hepatitis/ Tapering doses of corticosteroids was safer than, and just as effective as, a fixed dose in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis, a randomized trial showed. Patients who received a tapered dose of prednisolone starting at 40 mg and reduced by 10 mg weekly over the course of 4 weeks compared with […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/what-to-know-about-jay-bhattacharya-trumps-potential-nih-pick/ Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, of Stanford University in California, has emerged as President-elect Donald Trump’s top pick to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to reporting from the Washington Post. Amid Trump’s stated plans to “restructure federal agencies,” Bhattacharya would indeed be an outsider coming in to lead the […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/sustained-viral-suppression-in-multidrug-resistant-hiv-with-lenacapavir-at-3-years/ In 3-year data from the CAPELLA study, the subcutaneous, long-acting capsid inhibitor lenacapavir (Sunlenca) demonstrated sustained suppression with no emergence of resistance in highly treatment-experienced individuals with multidrug-resistant HIV. The findings were presented at the recent IDWeek annual meeting in Los Angeles. In this MedPage Today video, Joseph Eron, MD, of […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/science-weighs-in-on-suicide-prevention/ Suicide and self-harm continue to be serious concerns in Europe, despite decreasing rates over the past two decades. In 2021 alone, 47,346 people died by suicide in the European Union, close to 1% of all deaths reported that year. Measures have been taken at population, subpopulation, and individual levels to prevent […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/fda-approves-bimekizumab-for-hidradenitis-suppurativa/ The US Food and Drug Administration has approved bimekizumab, a humanized interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F antagonist, for the treatment of adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Approval was based on results from two phase 3 studies, BE HEARD I and BE HEARD II, which found that bimekizumab improved the […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/immunopet-tracer-can-detect-common-kidney-cancers/ Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises 80% of all primary kidney malignancies and causes 90% of kidney cancer deaths. But it is notoriously tough to diagnose.  RCC is not easily distinguished from other types of renal masses using standard radiologic tools such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Blood tests, including […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/sacubitril-valsartan-curbs-cardiotoxicity-from-chemotherapy/ CHICAGO — Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) was effective at keeping cardiotoxicity at bay in high-risk people receiving anthracycline chemotherapy in the SARAH trial. Cancer patients were less likely to have a greater than 15% reduction in global longitudinal strain (GLS) of the left ventricle if they had been randomly assigned the angiotensin receptor-neprilysin […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/what-its-like-to-win-an-ig-nobel-oxygen-company-too-big-to-ban-ai-cuts-care/ Welcome to the latest edition of Investigative Roundup, highlighting some of the best investigative reporting on healthcare each week. What It’s Like to Win an Ig Nobel While Ig Nobel honorees aren’t always sure they want the recognition, the prizes do bring attention to their research, according to reporting in Nature. […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/potassium-binder-cuts-hyperkalemia-risk-in-hf-patients-on-spironolactone/ CHICAGO — Treatment with the potassium binder sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC; Lokelma) stabilized potassium levels among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) during spironolactone optimization, a prospective, randomized-withdrawal trial showed. Among 203 patients, 71% of those taking SZC achieved the primary endpoint of optimal response — normokalemia while […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/human-cell-atlas-project-transforms-understanding-of-human-body/ Getty Images An ambitious plan to map all 37 trillion cells in the human body is transforming understanding of how our bodies work, scientists report. The received wisdom said we were built from around 200 types of cell – such as heart muscle or nerve cells. Instead the Human Cell Atlas […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/daytime-sleepiness-may-flag-predementia-risk/ TOPLINE: Sleep-related daytime dysfunction is associated with an almost threefold higher risk for motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome, a predementia condition characterized by slow gait and cognitive issues, a new study shows. METHODOLOGY: Researchers included 445 older adults without dementia (mean age, 76 years; 57% women). Sleep components were assessed, and […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/doc-killed-after-presentation-bird-flu-mutations-worrying-americans-snub-covid-vax/ Note that some links may require registration or subscription. Endocrinologist Olga Duchon, MD, was fatally shot over the weekend in suburban Chicago less than 2 hours after giving a talk on weight-loss medications. Police say a suspect, the father of Duchon’s daughter, has been arrested. (CBS News Chicago, ABC7 Chicago) Although […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/scrap-clozapines-rems-program-fda-advisors-say/ A joint FDA advisory committee on Tuesday overwhelming voted to eliminate the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) program designed around the risk for severe neutropenia associated with clozapine, a drug used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. All but one of the 15 voting panel members said the current requirements […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/late-life-weight-patterns-may-predict-longevity/ SEATTLE — How weight changes as individuals get older might be a clue to how long they’ll live, according to new research that suggests that weight trajectories could serve as informative biomarkers of aging and longevity. The study was presented on November 14 at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) 2024 […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/alcohol-mimicking-drug-found-to-ease-voice-spasm-that-rfk-jr-has/ Getty Images People with laryngeal dystonia (LD), a condition that makes the voice sound strained and hoarse, might benefit from a drug already used to treat a sleep disorder, researchers say. Some volunteers who tried the narcolepsy treatment, sodium oxybate, found it eased their speech in a similar way to drinking […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/nccn-expands-cancer-genetic-risk-assessment-guidelines/ The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has expanded two cancer genetic risk assessment guidelines to meet the growing understanding of hereditary cancer risk and use of genetic tests in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment.  Additional cancer types were included in the title and content for both guidelines. Prostate cancer was added […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/persistence-and-shifts-in-occupational-lung-diseases/ Black lung disease and silicosis have roots in the industrial revolution, and beryllium disease dates to before World War II, but these conditions have not been consigned to the dustbin of history. In fact, changing work conditions, new industries, and even nearby environmental exposure have kept them relevant to respiratory practice, […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/meld-3-0-reduces-sex-based-liver-transplant-disparities/ SAN DIEGO — Since the adoption of the most recent Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD 3.0) scoring system by the federal Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) in July 2023, the gender gap in liver transplants has narrowed, according to new research. In particular, women are now more likely to […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/h-pylori-and-fit-co-testing-may-aid-gastric-cancer-screening/ TOPLINE: Adding Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HPSA) testing to a fecal immunochemical test (FIT)–based colon cancer screening program did not reduce gastric cancer incidence or mortality compared with FIT alone. However, after adjusting for confounders, the incidence of gastric cancer was lower in the HPSA testing plus FIT group. METHODOLOGY: Gastric […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/slim-silver-lining-appears-for-sti-rates/ The persistent epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States is showing signs of a slowdown in cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 2.4 million cases of these three nationally notifiable STIs […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/ultrasonography-guided-nerve-blocks-safe-in-emergency-care/ TOPLINE:  Ultrasonography-guided nerve blocks (UGNBs) performed in emergency departments are associated with a remarkably low complication rate of 0.4% across nearly 2800 procedures, with a high proportion of patients experiencing substantial pain relief, new research shows. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from the National Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Registry to define both safety […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/telehealth-succeeds-for-rapid-art-in-new-hiv-patients/ Telehealth provides a viable alternative to early identification of HIV continuing care, based on data from 28 newly diagnosed adults with HIV.  The shortage of HIV-trained healthcare providers is well-known and is expected to worsen in the United States, said Rosemary Donnelly, MSN, ANP-BC, ACRN, AAHIVS, of Q Care Plus, a […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/from-quiet-to-connected-with-cochlear-implants/ The use of cochlear implants to treat children and adults with severe sensorineural hearing loss has made “incredible progress” over recent years, according to Christopher Bohr, MD, PhD, director of the Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Clinic at the University Hospital of Regensburg (UKR) in Regensburg, Germany. He told delegates at the Regensburg Hearing […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/long-term-risk-for-some-skin-disorders-increased-after-covid/ A population-based study has shown a slightly elevated risk for patients’ developing skin disorders, including alopecia areata (AA), alopecia totalis (AT), vitiligo, and bullous pemphigoid (BP), more than 6 months after COVID-19 infection. In addition, the authors reported that the COVID-19 vaccination appears to reduce these risks. The study was published […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/study-compares-skin-toxicities-of-mek-inhibitors-in-children/ TOPLINE: MEK inhibitors are frequently associated with cutaneous adverse events in pediatric patients, and binimetinib was associated with more severe reactions than selumetinib in a retrospective study, which also found a significant association with age and the type of skin reactions experienced. METHODOLOGY: To learn more about the cutaneous adverse events […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/sitting-for-more-than-10-hours-daily-ups-heart-disease-risk/ TOPLINE: Sedentary time exceeding 10.6 h/d is linked to an increased risk for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, researchers found. The risk persists even in individuals who meet recommended physical activity levels. METHODOLOGY: Researchers used a validated machine learning approach to investigate the relationships between sedentary […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/med-students-can-find-work-life-balance-here-are-key-tips/ Work-life balance is the number one source of stress for US medical students, according to a recent Medscape survey. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “There is this myth in medicine that you have to sacrifice your health, your relationships, and your overall well-being for the cause or your […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/screening-for-iron-deficiency-may-prevent-progression/ VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Screening for iron deficiency in patients with risk factors may be a prudent way to prevent progression to other conditions, according to a presentation at the Family Medicine Forum 2024. Discussing iron deficiency and anemia, Anmol Lamba, MD, the co-director of the family practice residency’s enhanced skills […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/who-launches-toolkit-to-improve-long-term-care-in-europe/ The World Health Organization (WHO)’s Regional Office for Europe has introduced a new toolkit to help policymakers identify gaps in their long-term care systems and design policies to address them.  “This toolkit is a game changer,” Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, director of country health policies and systems at WHO/Europe, said at the launch […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/home-spirometry-has-potential-for-detecting-ssc-ild-decline/ TOPLINE: Home spirometry shows potential for early detection of pulmonary function decline in patients with systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). It shows good cross-sectional correlation with hospital tests, along with 60% sensitivity and 87% specificity for detecting progressive ILD. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a prospective, observational study to examine the validity […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/surgeries-on-precipice-ahead-of-tax-hike-says-gp/ BBC Dr Andrew Purbrick, who represents thousands of GPs in the south of England, says surgeries are facing a “funding crisis” GP practices could be pushed “over the edge” by a planned rise in the National Insurance (NI) rate for employers, a doctor has said. The government has said the NHS […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/women-plan-uk-legal-action-over-talc-cancer-claims/ BBC Cassandra Wardle is one of hundreds of women part of the group action against Johnson & Johnson Hundreds of women in the UK are planning to take on one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies over alleged links between talc and cancer. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, Cassandra Wardle […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/the-reality-of-my-life-with-a-brain-tumour/ Warning: This video contains scenes which some viewers may find distressing As I waited for brain surgery, I instinctively pressed record on my phone camera, thinking I might be documenting the final months of my life. I have made a career telling other people’s stories but this seemed like a time […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/can-early-biologics-prevent-difficult-to-treat-ra/ TOPLINE: Early escalation to biologic therapies after failure of treat-to-target with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not significantly reduce the risk for the development of difficult-to-treat RA. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis including 722 patients with new-onset RA (mean age, 60 years; 72% women) who were identified […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/food-retention-with-glp-1s-may-vary-by-endoscopic-procedure/ TOPLINE: The use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is associated with a higher risk for retained gastric contents in upper endoscopy but not when the procedure is combined with colonoscopy, and also with inadequate bowel preparation in colonoscopy alone or with upper endoscopy. METHODOLOGY: GLP-1 RAs may lead […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/iv-fluid-shortage-may-change-hospital-hydration-practices/ Hospitals around the country are conserving critical intravenous fluid supplies to cope with a shortage that may last months. Some hospital administrators say they are changing how they think about IV fluid hydration altogether. Hurricane Helene, which hit North Carolina in September, wrecked a Baxter International facility that produces 60% of […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/woof-woof-robotic-pets-boost-senior-well-being/ They might not be the cuddliest creatures, but robotic pets may be one answer to the loneliness epidemic in older adults. Companion robotic pets reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness in women aged over 65 years living in communities, according to a study presented at the Gerontological Society of America 2024 Annual […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/physicians-flock-to-bluesky-hoping-to-leave-x-behind/ In the wake of the presidential election, physicians have been flocking to the social media platform Bluesky, asserting there’s now a critical mass of medical professionals engaging on the site. Many told MedPage Today that Bluesky resembles X (formerly Twitter) in its early days, when they considered it a place for […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/fitness-level-may-offset-genetic-dementia-risk/ High fitness was associated with lower dementia risk, even in people with genetic predisposition. Across all age groups between 39 and 70, higher fitness was tied to better cognitive function. Cardiorespiratory fitness may a predictor of cognitive health, the researchers suggested. Genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia appeared to be […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/small-benefit-persistent-toxic-risk-with-adjuvant-anthracycline-in-breast-cancer/ Adding an anthracycline to adjuvant chemotherapy for TOP2A-normal early breast cancer significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) but not overall survival (OS) at 10 years, and doubled the risk of heart failure, a randomized trial showed. Patients who received epirubicin and cyclophosphamide prior to docetaxel (EC-D) had a 21% reduction in the […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/trump-taps-dr-mehmet-oz-to-run-medicare-and-medicaid/ Nov. 19, 2024 — President-elect Donald J. Trump has said that he would nominate Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/metformin-use-linked-to-fewer-asthma-attacks/ Treatment with metformin was associated with a reduction in asthma attacks among patients with asthma and type 2 diabetes, with additional reductions observed with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, according to a self-controlled case series and population-based cohort study. Among over 12,000 patients, use of metformin was associated with fewer […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/trump-taps-dr-oz-to-run-cms/ President-elect Donald Trump says he is nominating Mehmet Oz, MD, a heart surgeon who hosted a long-running television talk show, to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). “Dr. Oz will be a leader in incentivizing Disease Prevention, so we get the best results in the World for every […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/opioids-tied-to-higher-dementia-risk-but-only-after-a-point/ Cumulative high opioid use was tied to increased dementia risk in adults 60 and older. At or below a threshold of 90 total standardized doses, there was no significant link between opioids and dementia. The findings were based on observational data in Denmark. After a certain threshold, cumulative opioid use was […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/what-happens-to-abortion-access-in-the-next-trump-administration/ From enforcing the Comstock Act to reversing guidance on emergency care, there are multiple avenues for the Trump administration to dramatically limit access to abortion, even without a federal ban, legal experts told MedPage Today. However, whether the president-elect and his appointees plan to pursue a strong anti-abortion agenda remains to […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/more-lpa-reducing-tx-cardiac-denervation-for-afib-laa-occluders-at-5-years/ Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), was successfully reduced in phase II trials of muvalaplin and zerlasiran. (JAMA) The possibility of a drug interaction between SGLT2 inhibitors and statins was not supported by rates of rhabdomyolysis in a case-control study. (JAMA Network Open) Among patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, partial cardiac denervation […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/one-in-20-adults-with-rsv-hospitalized-study-shows/ Among adults with outpatient respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections across six RSV seasons, roughly one in 20 were hospitalized within 28 days, according to a large cohort study that used data from three health record databases. In the cohort of over 67,000 patients with outpatient medically attended RSV infections, hospitalization rates […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/new-meld-model-improves-access-to-liver-transplant-for-women/ Adoption of a new version of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, known as MELD 3.0, closed the gap in access to liver transplant between men and women, an analysis showed. Since MELD 3.0 was implemented in July 2023, a higher proportion of women are now on the liver transplant waitlist, […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/is-the-internet-impairing-your-medical-memory/ Bhaskar is a third-year medical student. Feller is a clinical professor of medical science. You don’t need to know the role of the artery of Adamkiewicz or mechanisms of liver failure. You can Google it. And, you don’t need to remember it once you’ve looked it up — Google will remember […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/cardio-drugs-and-dementia-fampridine-and-working-memory-alzheimers-and-cancer/ Long-term use of many common cardiovascular drugs was tied to fewer dementia diagnoses but anti-platelet use of any duration was associated with higher dementia risk, Swedish data showed. (Alzheimer’s & Dementia) Repeated intake of fampridine (Fampyra), a potassium channel blocker used to improve walking in multiple sclerosis (MS), led to higher […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/myasthenia-gravis-balancing-traditional-immunotherapies-vs-newer-medications/ At the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) annual meeting, Michael Hehir, MD, of the University of Vermont in Burlington, participated in a debate on integrating novel and traditional therapies in the management of myasthenia gravis. In this video, Hehir discusses various considerations — including efficacy, side effects, and […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/dha-levels-in-the-brain-tied-to-cognitive-function-in-apoe4-carriers/ High-dose supplements of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, showed no effect on hippocampal volume or cognition, according to findings from the placebo-controlled PreventE4 trial presented at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease conference in Madrid. However, increases in brain DHA in both the treatment and placebo arms were associated […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/spironolactone-shows-mixed-results-in-acute-mi/ The routine administration of spironolactone to patients after a myocardial infarction (MI) did not reduce either of the coprimary outcomes in the CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9) trial.  However, there was a suggestion that the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist may reduce new or worsening heart failure. And although the trial had a high […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/what-are-the-priorities-of-people-with-type-1-diabetes/ TOPLINE: A multi-step survey revealed that priorities of people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) include the ongoing need for research and treatments in the areas of hypoglycaemia prevention, holistic care, and psychological health, along with the need for advancements in technology including artificial intelligence. METHODOLOGY:  A three-survey process was initiated […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/nasal-spray-diuretic-shows-potential-for-heart-failure-in-trial-of-healthy-adults/ CHICAGO — A bumetanide nasal spray in development for heart failure was well-tolerated and showed reliable rates of absorption compared with oral and intravenous delivery in a phase I trial of healthy volunteers. The 68-person crossover study demonstrated bioequivalence of the intranasal loop diuretic in maximum concentration and under the concentration-time […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/immunotherapy-shows-promise-in-downstaging-liver-tumors-prior-to-transplant/ Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) achieved promising outcomes when treated with immunotherapy prior to liver transplant, a prospective study showed. Among 64 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, 78% had downstaging of their liver tumor to within Milan criteria for liver transplantation, and 37% went on to liver transplant, reported Parissa […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/judge-strikes-down-wyoming-abortion-laws-including-a-ban-on-pills-to-end-pregnancy/ A state judge on Monday struck down Wyoming’s overall ban on abortion and its first-in-the-nation explicit prohibition on the use of medication to end pregnancy in line with voters in yet more states voicing support for abortion rights. Since 2022, Teton County District Judge Melissa Owens has ruled consistently three times […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/novel-anti-igg-drug-hits-mark-in-sjogrens-patients/ WASHINGTON — A drug in advanced development for myasthenia gravis also showed promise as a treatment for primary Sjögren’s syndrome, a researcher reported here. Patients receiving the infusion drug, called nipocalimab, at 15 mg/kg every 2 weeks showed significantly greater improvement in a modified version of the EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/75-of-adults-overweight-or-obese-global-diabetes-tx-lacking-hidden-bone-data/ Three-fourths of U.S. adults are now overweight or have obesity, with nearly 260 million predicted to have overweight or obesity by 2050. (The Lancet) According to another study in The Lancet, almost 60% of the over 800 million adults living with diabetes across the globe didn’t receive treatment. A Swedish cohort […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/coroner-says-action-needed-over-contaminated-baby-feed-deaths/ A senior coroner has warned that more babies could die unless “action is taken”, following the deaths of three infants who had received contaminated feed while being cared for in hospital. Three-month-old Aviva Otte died in January 2014 after bacteria got into her food supply at St Thomas’ Hospital, south London. […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/stop-rfk-war-room-trump-overhauling-medicaid-why-assaults-at-hospitals-rose/ Note that some links may require registration or subscription. Some healthcare advocacy groups launched a “Stop RFK War Room” to fight Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for HHS Secretary. (Politico) Meanwhile, Robert Redfield, MD, the former CDC director in President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration, gave a vote of confidence to Kennedy. […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/intermittent-calorie-restriction-reduces-liver-fat-in-masld/ TOPLINE: Intermittent calorie restriction (CR) diet is more effective in reducing liver fat content than a standard-of-care diet in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), especially in those with obesity. METHODOLOGY: Intermittent CR, which involves alternating periods of energy restriction and regular energy intake, has been proposed as a […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/merck-says-keytruda-injection-on-par-with-approved-iv-version-in-trial/ (Reuters) -Merck said on Tuesday a study showed its injectable version of cancer drug Keytruda was not inferior to the currently approved intravenous formulation of its treatment, likely making it even more accessible and easier to administer. Shares of Merck were up 1.8% in premarket trading following the news. The pharmaceutical […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/is-pancreatic-cancer-really-rising-in-young-people/ TOPLINE: The increase in incidence of pancreatic cancer among young Americans is largely due to improved detection of early-stage endocrine cancer, not an increase in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Given the stable mortality rates in this population, the increase in incidence likely reflects previously undetected cases instead of a true rise in new […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/diabetes-drug-class-may-reduce-need-for-gout-medications/ WASHINGTON, DC — Use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduced the need for urate-lowering therapy (ULT) and gout flare therapies in people who had both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gout, new research has found. Data from a large US claims database showed that SGLT2i use was associated with a 31% […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/dupilumab-beneficial-when-antihistamines-fall-short-for-csu/ The addition of dupilumab significantly reduced itching and hives compared with placebo in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) that was uncontrolled with H1-antihistamines, based on data from 151 individuals. “Approximately 50% of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria do not respond to antihistamines,” said Thomas B. Casale, MD, professor of internal […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/does-light-intensity-walking-benefit-blood-glucose/ TOPLINE: Light-intensity walking reduces postprandial glucose and diastolic blood pressure in young adults with obesity and can improve insulin levels, depending on the walking pattern. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a randomized crossover trial with 16 young adults aged 18-34 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 in Bangkok, Thailand, to examine […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/wearable-device-can-warn-of-worsening-heart-failure/ A simple, lightweight device worn on the sternum can calculate intracardiac filling pressures, warning that heart failure is worsening, according to a study conducted to determine whether the device can produce the data needed. The developers are designing the CardioTag device to offer advantages over current implantable hemodynamic monitoring systems in […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/sglt2i-use-for-hf-rises-in-the-us-but-not-in-all-hospitals/ TOPLINE: The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in US patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) and a left ventricular ejection fraction > 40% increased substantially within 2 years after evidence from a clinical trial demonstrated benefits of the treatment, according to a new study, but researchers found significant variation […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/no-increased-risk-of-mace-in-ibd/ PHILADELPHIA — Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) don’t appear to face an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or venous thromboembolism (VTE) when taking Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi), compared with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, according to a study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/can-plant-based-diet-deliver-ample-protein-for-older-adults/ TOPLINE: Replacing animal-based protein sources with plant-based alternatives in older adults reduced both the quality and quantity of protein intake only when all animal-based foods were eliminated for a vegan scenario, finds a simulation study that suggests a switch to 60% plant-based protein seems to be safe. METHODOLOGY: For environmental and […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/aggressive-infliximab-dosing-shows-no-added-benefit-in-uc/ TOPLINE: Aggressive infliximab dosing regimens – intensified induction or accelerated induction – show similar clinical responses and remission rates as the standard infliximab dosing approach in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) that is steroid refractory. METHODOLOGY: Infliximab is a commonly used rescue therapy in patients with ASUC; however, its […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/telehealth-vs-in-person-diabetes-care-is-one-better/ Adults with diabetes who participated in telehealth visits reported similar levels of care, trust in the healthcare system, and patient-centered communication compared to those who had in-person visits, a cross-sectional study suggested.  The authors urged continued integration of telehealth into diabetes care beyond December 31, 2024, when the pandemic public health […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/no-benefit-seen-in-holding-ra-spa-meds-for-covid-19-vaccine/ WASHINGTON — There is no benefit to interrupting treatment with many of the available targeted synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) at the time of a repeat COVID-19 vaccine dose, new research found. In the multicenter, randomized controlled COVID Vaccine Response (COVER) trial of […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/first-brain-injected-gene-therapy-approved-by-fda/ The FDA has granted fast-track approval for a groundbreaking gene therapy indicated for a rare genetic disorder called aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The gene therapy, marketed under the brand name Kebilidi, is the first in the United States to be injected directly into the brain. It is approved for […]

Source link : https://www.newshealth.biz/health-news/the-emotional-cost-of-nursing-school-depression/ Nursing is a competitive field. In 2022, nursing schools rejected more than 78,000 qualified applications, and the students whose applications were accepted faced demanding schedules and rigorous academics and clinical rotations. Is this a recipe for depression? In 2024, 38% of nursing students experienced depression — a 9.3% increase over 2019, […]