Benralizumab, marketed as Fasenra, has been approved by the US FDA for treating asthma in children aged 6 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma. Originally approved in 2017 for patients aged 12 and older, the drug has shown consistent safety and tolerability in younger patients. AstraZeneca announced the expanded indication on April 11, with…

Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for overall well-being due to the connection between oral health and general health conditions. Unhealthy diets, tobacco, and alcohol contribute to shared risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Ameo Life Natural Mint Mouthrinse, TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse, Listerine Ultraclean Tartar Control…

Brepocitinib, a potential treatment for uveitis, showed promising results in a Phase 2 clinical trial. The drug demonstrated positive outcomes in treating the inflammatory eye condition, offering hope for patients with uveitis. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. For more information on…

The American Hospital Association is calling for the U.S. Department of Labor to investigate the business practices of MultiPlan, a data analytics firm accused of negotiating reduced reimbursements for out-of-network medical providers. The New York Times investigation revealed that the company works with major insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Aetna to save billions of…

The South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen is hiring for a position with a salary range of £88,799 to £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 26 April 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full criteria, job description, and application form on jobs.hscni.net and apply online. A waiting list may…

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy is safer than not getting vaccinated, according to a study published in JAMA. Research done in Sweden and Norway showed that babies born to vaccinated mothers had fewer complications and were healthier overall. The study looked at nearly 200,000 newborns and found that those exposed to the vaccine in…

Osso VR has launched Osso Health, a surgical training app using Apple Vision Pro for orthopedic procedures. The app allows users to practice surgical techniques in a 3D interface. Osso VR secured funding and expanded its capabilities, including a multimodal assessment tool. In 2022, Osso received $66 million in Series C funding to hire new…

The Arizona Supreme Court upheld a ban on abortion, sparking debate on the issue. Former President Trump expressed support for states’ rights on abortion while criticizing the ruling. The panelists discussed Trump’s shifting views on abortion and the potential impact of the Arizona ruling. Another court in Indiana ruled against an abortion ban that violated…

The FDA has approved the use of Fasenra (benralizumab) for the treatment of severe asthma in children aged 6 to 11 years, following positive results from the TATE trial. A new 10 mg dose will be available for children who weigh less than 35 kg. Fasenra is administered by subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks for…

“The Readout LOUD” podcast from STAT covers various topics in biotech, including a multibillion-dollar deal from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the impact of gas prices on the industry. They also discuss the question of whether biotech is stale and make a surprise announcement. The podcast provides information on where to find related news and episodes, as…

Hilary Cass’s review of gender identity services in the NHS emphasizes the importance of providing high-quality care for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria. The evidence base for interventions in gender medicine is found to be lacking, with low methodological rigor in studies on puberty blockers and hormone treatment. Cass recommends confining prescription of…

A new personalized mathematical model called the Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Cascade (ADBC) has been developed using real-world data from over 800 people with varying cognitive abilities. The model incorporates individual biological markers to predict disease progression and response to treatment. It analyzes cerebrospinal fluid, brain scans, and memory tests to identify unique patterns in each…

A recent study examined the economic benefits of annual COVID-19 vaccination for adults in the United States. With decreasing government support and lower disease severity, researchers analyzed individual benefits from getting the vaccine annually. Using a computational simulation model, they found that vaccinated adults aged 18-49 could save $30-$603 without insurance and $4-$437 with insurance….

Penny Williams, a parenting coach and author, recalls the struggles of parenting her son with ADHD. She emphasizes the importance of resources, support, and understanding for parents with neurodiverse children. Strategies for managing ADHD include a mix of medication, lifestyle changes, parent mindset, and coping mechanisms. Practical tips include using Point of Performance reminders, motivation…

A study on people with type 1 diabetes found that breaking up long sitting periods with short, frequent walks can reduce postprandial vascular inflammatory biomarkers. The SIT-LESS trial involved 32 inactive individuals who either sat for 7 hours or took light walks every 30 minutes after meals. Those who walked had lower levels of inflammatory…

Meal replacement shakes are ideal for those on the go or on a wellness journey, replacing a meal with fewer calories but packed with nutrients and proteins. Choosing the right brand can be challenging, considering your nutritional needs and protein content. Some top picks include Almased, which aids in weight loss and overall well-being; Ka’Chava,…

A study published in JAMA found that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children. The study concluded that there is no significant link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and these developmental disorders. This information is important for pregnant women who may…

Consultants are facing challenges in various areas such as chronic conditions, behavioral health, and healthcare navigation. A survey is being conducted to gather information on the specific needs of clients in the healthcare industry. The findings will be compiled in a report to be released later in the year. Participants in the survey have the…

In the latest episode of Irish Medical Lives, Dr. Chris Luke interviews Professor Garry Courtney, a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Clinical Director at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny. Prof. Courtney holds various leadership roles in the medical field and discusses his background in medicine, including his time as a medical student at Trinity College in Dublin….

Corsano Health has received FDA clearance for their CardioWatch System, a multi-sensor bracelet for real-time continuous remote health monitoring. The system, already certified in Europe, collects vital signs data such as pulse rate and blood pressure, transmitting it to a secure health cloud for analysis. The FDA clearance marks a milestone for Corsano in providing…

American Advanced Management, a Modesto-based company, made a bid to take over the bankrupt Madera Community Hospital after other suitors backed out. Despite concerns about AAM’s commitment and allegations of dishonesty, the state approved their plan and provided a $57 million loan to help reopen the hospital. AAM plans to pay creditors and reopen the…

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that living in low socioeconomic status neighborhoods increased the likelihood of 30-day mortality and readmission for hospitalized patients with pulmonary conditions. The study, based on U.S. Medicare data, adjusted for various factors and found that access to healthcare resources did not fully explain…

The European Parliament has voted on legislation that aims to change the way medicines are brought to market and accessed in Europe. The pharmaceutical industry and consumer groups have mixed reactions towards the legislation, particularly regarding data protection. The debate revolves around the length of time generic companies are prohibited from using study data from…

The EPA has issued strict rules limiting six PFASs in drinking water in the US due to their link to health problems. Public water systems must now monitor and reduce PFAS levels, notifying the public if limits are exceeded. This move is part of President Biden’s plan to address environmental concerns and protect public health….

Researchers have developed an AI program that can identify signs of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) by analyzing short narratives from patients who have given birth. The program successfully identified a large number of participants likely to have CB-PTSD, indicating the potential for rapid and cost-effective screening for the disorder. Untreated CB-PTSD can have negative…

Metrion Biosciences Limited and Enamine Ltd have partnered to enhance Metrion’s High Throughput Screening (HTS) services with access to Enamine’s compound libraries. Enamine’s collection is the largest globally, offering both CNS and ion channel-focused target libraries. These libraries can be split into screening sets for increased flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in hit expansion and SAR…

Ryan Wong, a human resources manager, struggled with sleep until he prioritized improving his nighttime routine, leading to better rest. Penn State University research identified four “sleep types,” linking poor sleep to chronic conditions like diabetes and depression. Other studies found sleep issues in middle age can contribute to cognitive decline and brain health problems…

A study found that high-dose valproate is associated with weight gain in psychiatric patients, with the greatest gain reported in those taking ≥ 1300 mg/d. The study included 215 patients with various psychiatric diagnoses. Each 500-mg increase in valproate dose was associated with a weight increase of 0.52% per month over a year. Weight gain…

Regular exercise is crucial for good health, and recent research suggests that for individuals struggling with obesity, evening workouts may offer the most benefits in reducing the risk of heart disease and premature death. A study by the University of Sydney found that those who did the majority of their aerobic moderate to vigorous physical…

Bombay High Court has ordered the government to provide medical assistance to a pregnant minor at JJ Hospital. The court’s directive aims to ensure the well-being and care of the pregnant minor during her time at the hospital. This decision underscores the importance of providing necessary medical support and services to pregnant minors, highlighting the…

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is acquiring Alpine Immune Sciences for $4.9 billion, with a focus on a Phase 3-ready drug for chronic kidney disease. Alpine’s lead program is a fusion protein called povetacicept, which has shown promising results in reducing proteinuria and hematuria in patients with IgA nephropathy. The drug targets B cell activating factor (BAFF) and…

The Department of Health aims to improve health and wellbeing in Ireland by providing the right care at the right time and place. The Chief Medical Officer offers expert advice on health and wellbeing, bioethics, and health policy development. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer supports these functions and must have registration on the Specialist Register…

A digital media campaign in New York aimed to engage young individuals with early psychosis online, but did not result in significant improvements in treatment initiation or duration of untreated psychosis. The campaign targeted FEP programs and individuals with suspected CHR or psychotic disorders, with 371 individuals proceeding to remote clinical assessment. Despite efforts, there…

Google Cloud and Bayer are collaborating to develop AI applications to reduce radiologist burnout and improve diagnoses. Bayer will use Google Cloud’s technology, including generative AI tools, Vertex AI, BigQuery, Healthcare API, and Chronicle to expand its innovation platform. The aim is to help organizations create scalable and compliant AI-enabled software for medical imaging while…

En Denver, la pediatra Patricia Braun y su equipo están integrando la salud dental en las visitas médicas de niños y otros pacientes que no tienen acceso a dentistas. Con financiamiento federal y privado, están formando a proveedores de atención primaria en salud bucodental en varios estados. A pesar de las barreras socioeconómicas y la…

ChatGPT, a free AI system, has shown potential in healthcare, including providing accurate information on vaccines and STIs. Two studies presented at the ESCMID Global Congress found that ChatGPT could help reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase STI awareness. The system accurately responded to questions about vaccines and sexual health, performing at the level of professional…

The U.S. is currently facing 323 ongoing drug shortages, the highest number since tracking began in 2001. These shortages are concerning due to the potential harm to patients. Basic and life-saving medicines like oxytocin, Rho(D) immune globulin, chemotherapy, pain/sedation medications, and ADHD pills are in short supply. The reasons for these shortages are varied and…

This study was a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial conducted in five hospitals in China to assess the effects of low dose esketamine on postpartum depression. Pregnant individuals with Edinburgh postnatal depression scale scores of ≥10 were enrolled and administered either esketamine or a placebo. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of major depressive…

A study presented at the Words Matter conference, hosted by UCL, WHO, and Words Matter, revealed that childhood verbal abuse by adults costs society an estimated $300 billion globally each year. This abuse consists of behaviors like belittling and shouting, and leads to mental distress, self-harm, and substance abuse in children. The economic burden of…

Infection with the influenza virus can lead to life-threatening lung injury due to inflammation. Scientists have developed a new drug, UH15-38, that can prevent flu-induced lung damage by balancing inflammation and the immune response. In mouse models, the drug increased survival and reduced symptoms of influenza. It protected against lethal influenza doses, even when administered…

Parents understand that regular house cleaning helps prevent illnesses in children. Older children can start helping with chores, but parents should be honest and use logic rather than commands. Turning chores into a game can motivate younger children, but parents should avoid pitting siblings against each other. Rewards for helping with chores should be promised…

Plozasiran, an investigational drug, significantly reduced triglyceride levels in patients at risk for pancreatitis. In the phase 2 SHASTA-2 study, most patients saw their levels fall below the pancreatitis risk threshold after receiving plozasiran injections. The drug’s safety profile was generally favorable, but it did lead to increased LDL cholesterol and a temporary decline in…

Dr. Kieran Slevin of North American Pain and Spine is a pain management specialist with a focus on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI is being increasingly used in pain detection and management, offering hope for more effective non-pharmacological methods of treatment. Dr. Slevin believes AI therapy could provide easier access to…

A recent study has found that treprostinil is effective in treating pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Treprostinil is a medication that helps to relax and dilate blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This study highlights the importance of this treatment option for children with this serious condition. More…

A new report by J.D. Power shows that commercial health plans and Medicare Advantage plans are lacking in providing a positive digital experience for members. The study, conducted with Corporate Insight, analyzed digital interactions of 5,590 members. The report found that 32% of health insurance sites and apps did not meet basic levels of functionality….

The Irish Cancer Society has expressed concern that cancer outcomes in Ireland may have stagnated or worsened due to inadequate Government funding for the National Cancer Strategy. Despite some progress in improving cancer survival rates over the past two decades, current funding falls short of what is needed to fulfill commitments in areas such as…

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that clinical trials of psychological interventions for depression often do not assess suicidality, despite the known association between depression and suicide risk. Most trials did not include assessments for suicide, with only a small number reporting on suicidal thoughts and behaviors as adverse events….

Cedars-Sinai is expanding its AI-powered virtual healthcare platform, Cedars-Sinai Connect, to include a Spanish version for parents of children aged 3 to 17 and Spanish-speaking adults. This allows for 24/7 on-demand access to healthcare providers for urgent issues like colds and flu. The platform also offers scheduled visits during weekdays and weekends, with a child’s…

In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” host Dan Weissmann explores the dark side of the American health care system, focusing on Medicare Advantage plans using an algorithm owned by UnitedHealth Group to make decisions about patient care. This algorithm has caused people to be prematurely discharged from nursing homes, leading to adverse…

Enrollment in medical cannabis programs increased by 33% from 2020 to 2022, but decreased in states where nonmedical adult use was legalized. The prevalence of medical cannabis use among U.S. citizens has increased significantly in the past decade. A study found that patient enrollment dropped dramatically in some states following the legalization of nonmedical adult-use…