New research in Diabetologia shows that remission from type 2 diabetes after substantial weight loss is associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study followed participants in the Look AHEAD study over 12 years, finding that those who achieved remission had lower rates of CVD and CKD. The…

Researchers have emphasized the need to recognize nutritionally acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (N-AIDS) as a crucial determinant and comorbidity among tuberculosis (TB) patients. They argue that addressing malnutrition is as important as addressing HIV to mitigate the TB pandemic. Malnutrition has been established as a primary cause of secondary immunodeficiency, increasing infection risks. Early detection of…

No matter your gender identity, using birth control might be a choice if you want to avoid pregnancy. Transgender and nonbinary individuals may or may not choose hormone therapy for gender-affirming care, but it’s important to note that gender-affirming hormone therapy is not effective as birth control. Certain types of hormonal birth control may be…

The FDA has approved expanded MRI labeling for Abbott’s Proclaim DRG neurostimulator system, allowing full-body MRI scans in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of the lower limbs. This eliminates the need to search for special MRI settings for the device. CRPS is a rare form of chronic pain that can develop after an…

The rising prevalence of neurological conditions like stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS) has heightened the need for effective treatment options. The World Health Organization reports a 50% increase in the lifetime risk of stroke over the past 17 years, with close to 3 million people affected by MS worldwide. Current medications for these conditions have…

Young males are at risk of retinal detachment with retinal dialysis, often due to trauma. This condition involves the separation of the retina from the underlying tissue, which can lead to vision loss if not promptly treated. The use of cookies is implemented on the site for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, with user agreement…

In the current digital health fundraising environment, startups must focus on profitability and sustainability of their unit economics to secure capital. The digital health sector ended last year with the lowest amount of capital invested in U.S.-based startups since 2019. This year is expected to be a transitional year with a potential rebound in 2023….

Trinity College Dublin is looking for a GP to work in the College Health Service, delivering medical care to students and staff. The role includes open access and fixed appointment surgery, as well as specialized clinics. The service also focuses on mental and occupational aspects of student health and education. The position is a specific…

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that middle-aged men who follow a high-quality carbohydrate diet have a reduced prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The study evaluated the association between adherence to the carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. The participants had a lower risk of metabolic…

Quest Diagnostics and Google’s Fitbit are partnering on a study called Wearables for Metabolic Health (WEAR-ME) to examine how wearable technology can improve metabolic health. The study will combine Fitbit’s data with health information from Quest Diagnostics’ lab tests to assess metabolic health and potentially prevent disease. Metabolic health is measured by five markers, and…

The Biden administration announced a final rule changing how insurers in federal programs like Medicare Advantage use prior authorization, which has long prevented many patients from accessing doctor-recommended care. The rule will require some insurers to adopt an electronic process for prior authorization and respond to requests within specified time frames. However, it only applies…

A study published in Neurology found that in a cohort of 1,412 older adults with stroke, there was no significant difference in readmission risk for different stroke subtypes. The study followed up participants for all-cause readmission after their initial stroke and found that the risk of readmission was high for all subtypes in the short…

The traditional approach of selling digital therapeutics as prescription drugs has proven to be unsuccessful, as demonstrated by the bankruptcy of Pear Therapeutics. Despite receiving FDA clearance for its app treating substance use disorders and insomnia, Pear Therapeutics struggled to get insurers to cover their treatments. Sticking to their original plan ultimately cost the company…

The annual cost of using agency and bank staff to provide healthcare in the NHS across the UK has risen to over £10 billion, according to a report by LaingBuisson. The agency healthcare staffing market value was £5.1 billion in 2022-23, with most of the spending (£4.6 billion) on hospital staff and £500 million on…

MIT neuroscientists have found distinct patterns of electrical activity across different brain layers. In the deeper layers, neurons dominate slower oscillations called alpha and beta waves, and in the topmost layers, they are dominated by rapid oscillations known as gamma waves. This pattern is consistent across many different brain regions and several animal species, including…

Despite the end of declared health emergencies regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, 20,000 people in the United States and countless others overseas have died from the virus since October. The pandemic is still ongoing, and while vaccines and treatments have helped reduce the number of hospitalizations and deaths, the virus is still surging. Influenza and respiratory…

Carolyn Glaviano was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) on her birthday after experiencing eye pain. Her friend Cassie provided support by bringing her food and staying with her in the hospital. Carolyn also relied on her friend and roommate Sarah for support during medical appointments and procedures. She discussed how her diagnosis impacted her friendships,…

Cyclosporine is the gold standard for treating atopic dermatitis in adults requiring systemic treatment, but there are numerous other molecules being explored. Dupilumab, tralokinumab, Janus kinase inhibitors, and other molecules have shown promise for treating atopic dermatitis in both adults and children. Lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, rocatinlimab, amlitelimab, temtokibart, and tapinarof are among the other drugs being…

A study found a link between childhood and adolescent stress and later risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers analyzed 276 participants and found that consistently high stress led to higher risk of high blood pressure, obesity, and other cardiometabolic factors. They used the Perceived Stress Scale to measure stress levels from childhood until early adulthood. Those…

Zydus Lifesciences has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Pimavanserin capsules and tablets. The company’s new medication is intended to treat certain conditions and has passed regulatory requirements. Additionally, the company uses cookies for various purposes such as analytics and advertising. By continuing to use their site, users are…

General Catalyst launched a new company named Health Assurance Transformation Corporation in October. The company aims to advise health systems on technology deployment, develop an interoperability model, and acquire and operate a health system to demonstrate digital transformation. HATCo signed a letter of intent to acquire Summa Health, a three-hospital health system in Ohio. The…

The European Parliament has approved the European Health Data Space (EHDS) to enable secure and efficient use of health data by researchers, innovators, institutions, and industry. This will accelerate medical product development and treatments. Ireland received €3.6 million in EU funding to establish a health data access body. Safeguards will control data usage. The framework…

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggested that there is no link between the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and pancreatic cancer risk among adults with type 2 diabetes over a period of up to 7 years. The researchers conducted a cohort study on over 500,000 participants and found no significant increase…

General Catalyst’s HATCo plans to purchase Summa Health, a nonprofit healthcare system in Ohio, with an aim to drive long-term transformation and growth. Summa Health reported an operating loss in 2023, but HATCo’s investment is expected to bring near-term benefits and sustainable change through value-based care and innovation. The deal will focus on implementing tech-enabled…

El uso de inteligencia artificial (IA) para analizar mamografías es una tendencia en la práctica clínica de rutina, pero su valor y costo adicional para los pacientes no están claros. Un estudio de RadNet mostró mejoras en la detección de cánceres con el uso de IA, pero su efectividad en EE. UU. aún no está…

Diana V. Do, MD, discussed the balance between efficacy and risk when it comes to geographic atrophy medications at Retina 2024. She emphasized the importance of considering efficacy, safety, cost, and treatment burden when selecting a medication for patients. Two FDA-approved therapies for geographic atrophy, Syfovre and Izervay, were discussed, and it was noted that…

Negotiations to add extra health care policies to the stopgap funding bill fell apart. The provisions included a raise in Medicare pay rates for physicians, funding for community health centers, and some behavioral health policies. Lawmakers were considering attaching new health care spending items to the package, but those talks broke down and they decided…

Peter J Enoch was a dedicated and highly accomplished general practitioner who worked at Littlewick Medical Centre, Ilkeston, for over three decades. He was born in 1934 in Wednesfield and graduated from Newcastle Medical School in 1957. Enoch also served in the Royal Air Force for five years, reaching the rank of Squadron leader. Throughout…

A study explored the use of local vibration in combination with extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to treat plantar fasciitis (PF), a condition characterized by severe heel pain. Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 34 participants, splitting them into two groups: one receiving ESWT alone and the other receiving a combination of local vibration…

A study in Nature Medicine focused on the relationship between early-life gut virome, or viruses in the gut, and the development of childhood asthma, independent of bacteria. The gut virome, specifically temperate phage taxa, was found to be associated with preschool asthma risk, along with the host genetics and the bacteriome. The study, conducted with…

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable neurological disease that affects each person differently. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include fatigue, blurry vision, muscle spasms, mood issues, and balance problems. The disease, which is an autoimmune condition, can affect work and home life, social and economic effects may include reduced work hours,…

A study found that 9 in 10 adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not aware of their diagnosis. Primary care providers should improve screening for CKD since only 40% of those with diabetes and insurance receive appropriate testing. New drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, have considered the benefits of…

Incorporating a belly tightening cream into your skincare routine can transform your appearance and boost confidence. With carefully selected ingredients, these creams address concerns like sagging, stretch marks, and cellulite, promoting elasticity and firmer skin. Enriched with natural ingredients, they tighten, tone, and rejuvenate the delicate skin around the abdomen. The ritual of applying the…

Researchers have developed a smartphone app aimed at preventing falls in older adults. The app uses a combination of balance tests and questionnaires to assess the user’s risk of falling. Based on the results, the app then provides personalized recommendations for exercises and activities to improve balance and reduce the risk of falling. The app…

CPSI sold its subsidiary, American HealthTech, to PointClickCare Technologies. PointClickCare will now take over American HealthTech’s customer base in the post-acute care market. PointClickCare aims to address operational inefficiencies in healthcare and improve care delivery, patient experience, and access to real-time insights. The company’s EHR platform and technology solutions are designed to serve various healthcare…

The author discusses the need for decisive action in Ireland to address the issues of e-cigarettes and smoking. Vaping was initially promoted as an alternative to smoking but has become a concern due to its appeal to children and young adults and potential health risks. The addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes and their role…

Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there is a widespread myth that smoking marijuana is safer than smoking tobacco. The belief that Cannabis smoke is less harmful is not true, and it is important for people to be aware of the potential health risks associated with secondhand cannabis smoke. This…

A mother in North Carolina filed a complaint with the federal government in March 2022 after her second-grade son, who has autism and other conditions, repeatedly punched himself in the face in a seclusion room at Buckhorn Creek Elementary. Documents show that restraint and seclusion were part of her son’s special education plan, and the…

Frederick W. Miller, MD, PhD, reflects on his career in medicine and rheumatology, which began with his father’s diagnosis of melanoma. He pursued a combined MD-PhD program at Case Western Reserve University and completed his medical internship at Emory University and residency at Stanford University. He fell in love with rheumatology during his rotation at…

Due to the pandemic, patients have become more comfortable with obtaining their medications online. Direct-to-consumer telehealth has made it easy to schedule virtual visits and obtain prescriptions quickly, with medications being shipped directly to patients’ doorsteps. Eli Lilly has introduced a platform called LillyDirect that allows patients to access and fill prescriptions for its drugs…

Consultants in England from the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association have turned down the government’s recent pay offer, which would have resulted in a pay rise of up to 12.8% for this year, in addition to a 6% increase in 2023-24. Out of the consultants who voted, 58% rejected the package, with concerns about the…

A study conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London has found that the regular use of nicotine-replacement products, such as e-cigarettes and nicotine patches, during pregnancy is not associated with adverse pregnancy events or poor pregnancy outcomes. The study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data collected from over 1,100 pregnant smokers attending…

Researchers reviewed recent advancements in migraine therapy, specifically the classification of the disease and clinical and diet intervention advancements aimed at significantly reducing the frequency, pain, and severity of attacks. They found that CGRP receptor antagonists and monoclonal antibodies, along with dietary and physical activity modifications, can substantially increase the number of migraine-free monthly days…

TikTok health tips can be dangerous and unsupported, like using castor oil in the bellybutton or drinking “medical grade” alkaline water. Snacking on raw potatoes, ear candling, eye mucus fishing, and bed rotting are also risky, as are the BORG challenge and borax/baking soda libations. Medical professionals caution against these practices, as they can lead…

Newly released documents show that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared cannabis to have legitimate medical use and advocates for its reclassification from Schedule I to Schedule III on controlled substances list. The 252-page report was sent to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in August 2023, after being leaked to news…

Caring for a patient at home requires a good hospital bed for comfort and efficiency. Factors to consider when choosing a bed include the patient’s mobility, need to transfer to other equipment, available room space, and aesthetic appeal. Some recommended hospital beds for home use are the Point A Premium 3 Function Full Electric Hospital…

A study has found a causal link between skipping breakfast and weight gain as well as higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The research suggests that skipping breakfast can lead to increased hunger and overeating later in the day, contributing to weight gain. Additionally, those who skip breakfast tend to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol,…

Social media can negatively affect the mental health of children and teens. At CES 2024, Google’s Megan Jones Bell discussed five ways they are protecting child mental health on YouTube. This includes implementing break and bedtime reminders, limiting recommendations of harmful content, updating crisis resource panels, partnering with the World Health Organization to define mental…

More than 100,000 people were removed from hospital waiting lists last year without receiving treatment, according to data analysis by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA). The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) validation process was responsible for the removals, which involved hospital administration contacting patients on waiting lists to ensure they still required treatment. The…

Holly Maloney, managing director at General Catalyst, emphasizes the need for digital health stakeholders to focus on improving care access, outcomes, cost, and workforce retention. She discusses the potential for AI to assist with the administrative burden in healthcare and drive truly personalized solutions. Maloney also anticipates continued healthy funding at early stages in 2024,…