A researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Hollings Cancer Center is working on improving treatment options for kidney cancer patients by boosting the immune system to detect and kill kidney tumors. With funding from a Department of Defense Early Career Scholar Award, Aguirre de Cubas is focusing on reactivating the immune system to…
Charity Scott, a trauma therapist in Los Angeles, entered menopause but has been dealing with hot flashes for a decade. Initially wary of hormone therapy due to family history of breast cancer, she tried it for 6 months but developed a venous thromboembolism. With limited options for managing hot flashes, Scott relies on environmental strategies,…
As the New Year approaches, many people are making resolutions to eat healthier, but obsessing over healthy eating can lead to mental health issues and eating disorders. Orthorexia nervosa is an obsession with eating only “pure” foods, which can negatively impact social life and mental well-being. Extreme dieting can lead to nutrient deficiencies and serious…
Before the pandemic, 71 million people were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. After the Covid-19 PHE expiration, many lost coverage during the Medicaid redetermination process. Enrollment peaked at 94.5 million before the end of continuous enrollment. As of June 2024, 79.9 million are enrolled, with children making up 47%. Several states saw a decrease in…
The Caru programme, a free learning program in Ireland, focuses on improving palliative, end of life, and bereavement care in nursing homes. Launched in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it aims to provide compassionate and person-centered care to residents and their families. The program, a collaboration between the Irish Hospice Foundation, AIIHPC, and the HSE,…
A study published in CHEST found that patients with cystic fibrosis receiving elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy experienced improved cognitive processing, depression, and health-related quality of life over 6 months. Despite experiencing neuropsychological side effects such as insomnia, headache, brain fog, memory and concentration problems, patients still benefited from the treatment. The study involved 92 Italian adults and…
The leadership and agenda of the Food and Drug Administration are expected to change in 2025, with potential implications for regulations on raw milk, vaccines, and processed foods and additives. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to assume a key health role, but his proposals require Senate confirmation. Additionally, FDA commissioner nominee Marty Makary also…
Chloe A G Uffendell, an anaesthetist in Leeds, UK, stresses the importance of providing clearer and more accessible information about medications to patients. She highlights the challenges in communicating the risks and benefits of perioperative drugs, especially when unforeseen medications may be needed during surgery. An example she mentions is sugammadex, a neuromuscular blocking agent…
Larimer County in Colorado has experienced a consistent decrease in suicide rates over the past five years, a significant achievement in a state with high suicide rates. This progress was a result of a decade-long effort involving local officials, nonprofits, private businesses, and law enforcement working together on suicide prevention initiatives. Financial support from state…
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that people aged 60 or older with weakened immunity, such as organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive medications, have a reduced response to vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compared to those with normal immune function. The research, published in JAMA, aimed to understand vaccine responses in immunocompromised individuals,…
Novartis announced positive results from a trial of its gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare muscle disorder. The therapy, branded as Zolgensma, improved motor function in children aged 2 to less than 18 with SMA. It aims to address the lack of protein necessary for neuromuscular development in patients. The therapy showed…
Bristol Myers Squibb has received FDA approval for an injectable version of its cancer immunotherapy Opdivo, called Opdivo Qvantig. This new dosing option provides patients with a more convenient administration method for the drug, which works by blocking a checkpoint protein on immune cells to help them recognize and fight cancer cells. Opdivo has been…
Under doctor’s orders to lower your blood pressure? Consider following the DASH diet, which is a healthy eating plan proven effective in reducing blood pressure and promoting overall health. The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy, while limiting saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Research has shown that the DASH…
The KFF Health News “Bill of the Month” series in 2024 focused on analyzing medical bills, totaling $800,000, owed by 12 patients and their families. Patients shared stories of challenging their bills, such as a woman who fought erroneous charges for two surgeries instead of one. Medical billing experts praised the patients for standing their…
The top glaucoma articles on Healio in 2024 include a focus on a holistic approach to managing the disease and the safety and efficacy of a sustained-release bimatoprost drug delivery platform. These articles highlight the importance of looking at all available data and imaging to detect progression, the promising results of the bimatoprost implant in…
In 2024, new medical advances in the field of medicine have been unveiled, changing the way healthcare is practiced and improving the quality of life for many. Drugmakers are creating oral versions of GLP-1 analogues to treat obesity and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. New HIV medications like lenacapavir have been found…
The article discusses the importance of considering patient characteristics when making treatment decisions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Triple therapy, which includes an inhaled corticosteroid, long acting β2-agonist (LABA), and long acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), has been found to be more effective in reducing exacerbations in COPD patients with a history of exacerbations and…
Faricimab has been approved in Europe for treating macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion. The manufacturer did not provide suitable data to show an added benefit of faricimab over other therapies in a recent assessment. Studies comparing faricimab and aflibercept did not adhere to treatment guidelines, making them unsuitable for the assessment. Treatment regimens…
Estrogen hormone in females increases binge drinking behavior, leading to excessive alcohol consumption in a short period. Studies show that estrogen levels correlate with heightened alcohol consumption in females. This behavior is driven by the hormone binding to cell-surface receptors in the brain, resulting in rapid neural activity that triggers binge drinking. Understanding this mechanism…
Stem cell transplantation has shown promise in treating refractory systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related lung disease (sJIA-LD) that does not respond to other treatments. A retrospective cohort study of 13 children who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) found that all nine surviving patients achieved a complete response, with improved lung health and no need…
Dilan Patel, a 25-year-old fitness trainer in the UK, was diagnosed with stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma after experiencing night sweats, itchy skin, fatigue, and lumps on his neck. He had ignored the symptoms for nearly two years before seeking medical attention. Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system,…
In 2024, Healio Rheumatology has closely followed the business trends impacting the specialty, from the rise of biosimilars to the growth of in-house specialty pharmacies. The American College of Rheumatology is working to support private practices in navigating challenging economic environments, and there is a shortage of pediatric rheumatologists that is causing families to travel…
The U.S. response to the opioid crisis is expected to shift under the new presidential administration in 2025. Drug deaths increased during the Covid-19 pandemic and early years of the Biden administration, reaching a peak in 2023. The new administration, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., shows a rightward swing in attitudes towards drug use,…
A review published in Frontiers in Immunology found a bidirectional association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The analysis included 19 studies with 1,549,181 participants, showing a significant association between RA and increased COPD risk. Likewise, individuals with COPD had an increased risk for RA, particularly among women and in cohort…
Fragmented sleep, characterized by increased wakefulness and reduced sleep efficiency, is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Researchers used actigraphy to assess sleep-wake rhythms in 35 MASLD patients and 16 healthy controls. Patients with MASLD showed more wakefulness at night, longer time spent awake after falling asleep, and decreased sleep efficiency compared to…
A recent study has shown that tea bags made from materials such as nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose can release more than 8 million nanoplastic particles into a drink during steeping. Tea bags made from polypropylene released the highest number of particles. Researchers warn that a combination of plastics and high heat can cause microplastics to…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that the influenza vaccine is effective in preventing severe influenza illness in children. The study included 15,728 children aged 6 months to 17 years and showed that receiving at least one dose of the influenza vaccine resulted in a vaccine effectiveness of 55.7% for preventing emergency department…
A study found that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is not associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer in US adults under 65 with private insurance. Researchers analyzed data from 5562 patients with esophageal cancer and found that only a small number had a prior diagnosis of EoE. Patients with esophageal cancer were more likely to…
A recent study published in JAMA Network highlights the benefits of aerobic exercise in reducing weight and body fat. The study, which involved nearly 7,000 adults with overweight or obesity, found that aerobic training for at least 150 minutes per week can lead to significant weight loss. The study also noted that those who exercised…
Cases of norovirus are surging in parts of the United States this winter, with 91 outbreaks reported during the week of Dec. 5, up from 69 outbreaks the previous week. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Outbreaks typically occur when infected individuals…
During the summer, indoor aquatic facilities are popular for children to cool off and burn energy. However, recent reports in the US show that these places can be unsanitary and lead to waterborne infections. Common culprits include cryptosporidium and shigella, causing diarrhea and other illnesses, especially in children. In the UK, similar concerns exist, with…
A study conducted in an urban academic medical center found that the implementation of pharmacy-driven doxycycline discharge kits significantly improved guideline-directed treatment and reduced time to definitive treatment for patients with chlamydia discharged from the emergency department. The study included 98 patients who received the kits and 72 patients who did not. Treatment rates increased…
Telehealth prescribing has revolutionized behavioral healthcare by increasing access to essential medications. This has led to a significant rise in the proportion of Medicaid beneficiaries receiving buprenorphine treatment through telehealth. While the Drug Enforcement Administration has extended virtual prescribing flexibilities until 2025, the lack of permanent regulations creates uncertainty. The continuity of care for patients…
Nutrient profiling systems use research-backed scores to rank the healthiness of food products. Systems like Nutri-Score in France and Health Star Rating in Australia provide clear front-of-package labels based on the nutrient content of foods. These systems assign scores based on positive points for healthy nutrients and negative points for unhealthy nutrients, helping consumers make…
Dr. Eric Topol, a leading cardiologist and researcher, recently shared his thoughts on generative AI in healthcare at a conference. While AI has shown promise in outperforming physicians in certain clinical tasks, such as diagnosis, there are concerns about how these results would hold up in real-world medical settings. Most studies on generative AI in…
Catherine Lai, MD, MPH, discusses a study presented at the ASH Annual Meeting on the use of a new class of menin inhibitors for mutated acute myeloid leukemia. Lai, from the University of Pennsylvania, suggests that combination therapy with these inhibitors could be a key factor in leukemia treatment going forward. She also mentions the…
Former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100, had a passion for global health, particularly neglected tropical diseases like river blindness, Guinea worm, and lymphatic filariasis. He founded the Carter Center to combat these diseases, working to eradicate Guinea worm and raise awareness about these often overlooked ailments. Carter’s influence as a former US…
The article discusses how to transform the daily grind to make life more interesting by shifting mindset to create psychological richness. Psychological richness involves cognitive engagement, distinct from happiness and meaning but important for a good life. Mindfulness 2.0 involves noticing without judging, curiosity involves exploring through questions, and creativity means trying something new. These…
Remodel Health, an ICHRA provider, has secured over $100 million in funding. Based in Indianapolis, the company offers employers and employees assistance with ICHRA plans, allowing employers to give tax-free money to employees for healthcare services. Remodel Health provides plan creation, administration, customer support, and more. The funding from Oak HC/FT and Hercules Capital will…
Catherine Lai, MD, MPH discusses a study presented at ASH Annual Meeting on time to treatment initiation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The study focused on patients receiving azacitidine and venetoclax, tracking whether time to treatment initiation affected overall survival. Lai recommended waiting for all molecular testing in clinically stable patients to be treated…
Extreme heat is becoming more common globally, posing health risks, especially for children. Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to their physiology and behavior, such as a higher surface area to body mass ratio, leading to faster dehydration. A study in New South Wales showed an increase in hospital visits among children on…
Consumers freely share health information online but are wary of AI diagnosis using their data, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Risks and benefits of AI-powered analysis in healthcare are evolving, affecting consumer trust. Physicians are increasingly using large language models for clinical decision-making, raising concerns about patient data quality and privacy. Healthcare leaders…
John Saharek, CEO and president of ImprimisRx, discusses two new ophthalmic surgery products at the AAO meeting in this Healio Video Perspective. Repackaged Vigamox is an injectable for use during surgery, and Povicaine is an antiseptic and anesthetic to be used before the procedure. Both products offer innovative solutions for ophthalmic procedures. Source link
Tescha Hawley discovered that hospital bills from her son’s birth were sent to debt collectors, affecting her credit score. As a Native American living on a reservation, she utilized the Purchased/Referred Care program, which covers services not available at Indian Health Service facilities. However, patients are still billed despite federal law stating they shouldn’t be…
In this episode of MedCity FemFwd, Kathryn Schubert, president and CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research, discusses the trends in women’s health that shaped 2024 and what to expect in 2025. The past year was significant for advances in women’s health, but there are still challenges ahead. For more information on this topic,…
In a video by Catherine Lai, MD, MPH at the ASH Annual Meeting, a study on FLT-3 inhibitors in leukemia patients with FLT-3 mutations was discussed. The study compared the effectiveness of midostaurin, quizartinib, and gilteritinib in treating these patients. Lai highlighted that while midostaurin and quizartinib are approved in the newly diagnosed setting, gilteritinib…
Advancements in pancreatic cancer screening have led to research-based guidelines for screening high-risk individuals, including those with a family history or genetic mutations. Screening involves MRI and endoscopic ultrasound tests conducted annually to detect the disease at an early stage. Genetic testing and AI are being used to improve risk assessment and screening accuracy. Collaborative…
The sandwich generation in the U.S. is facing serious challenges as caregivers for both their children and aging parents. This dual role has resulted in emotional distress, financial strain, and neglected self-care for many individuals. Policies advocating for more resources and support for caregivers have been proposed from both political parties. Health education and literacy…
Healio highlights various surgical techniques in orthopedics published in Orthopedics Today in 2024. These techniques include the complete removal of dorsal wrist ganglion cysts through open excision, the use of remplissage to augment arthroscopic labral repairs for anterior shoulder instability, ankle distraction arthroplasty as a regenerative solution for osteoarthritis, all-epiphyseal over-the-top ACL reconstruction in pediatric…
A review published in The Lancet Psychiatry reveals that globally, there are an estimated 61.8 million individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence is 788.3 per 100,000 people, with males having a higher prevalence than females. Autism spectrum disorder accounts for 11.5 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), with rates varying by region and age. The condition…