The newsletter discusses the reporting discrepancies in charity care by hospitals, with HCA Healthcare allegedly overstating its charity care to receive more funds from government programs. It also mentions UnitedHealth Group’s upcoming report on the costs of the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Additionally, the newsletter covers the disappointment in Medicare Advantage payment rates for 2025, leading…
A study has found that most cancer drugs granted accelerated approval in the US did not show benefits in overall survival or quality of life in confirmatory trials after more than five years of follow-up. Some drugs improved overall survival, some were withdrawn due to inefficacy, and others had ongoing confirmatory studies. Oncology drugs are…
A study from Stockholm University found that the introduction of a policy protecting parental leave benefits in Sweden in 1980 led to unintended consequences on child health. The policy, known as the speed premium policy, aimed to protect couples’ income-based parental leave benefits when having children in quick succession. However, it resulted in a 26%…
A meta-analysis published in Circulation focused on the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on adverse cardiovascular events in diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease patients. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the rate of major cardiovascular events by 9%, primarily decreasing cardiovascular death, especially heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The study included 11 trials with 78,607 participants…
Dr. Mary Claire Haver has found collagen supplements with VERISOL to be safe and somewhat effective for issues like wrinkles, cellulite, and bone health. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based choices when selecting supplements, especially with menopause-related products, due to lack of FDA regulation. Collagen serves as a major structural protein in the body, but…
The meta-analysis suggests that a single dose of intravenous esketamine during delivery or caesarean section may reduce the risk of postpartum depression by more than 50% in the first 6 weeks. However, the long-term safety and efficacy of the drug are still unclear. Preliminary studies show a significant reduction in PPD incidence at 1 and…
A study called EMPACT-MI found that empagliflozin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, did not reduce the risk of heart failure hospitalizations or deaths after a heart attack. The study results suggest that empagliflozin may not be effective in improving outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction. This information is important for healthcare…
Disparities in healthcare with diversity and inclusion persist, as seen in imbalances among healthcare practitioners and clinical trial participants. Lack of diversity affects trial outcomes and patient care and does not accurately represent diverse populations. Understanding social determinants of health and addressing factors like socioeconomic status and access to care can mitigate disparities. Lack of…
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A study published in Dermatologic Therapy found that oral and topical antifungals are effective for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who develop dupilumab facial redness (DFR) after receiving dupilumab treatment. The study included 101 patients with AD who developed DFR after starting dupilumab therapy. The researchers determined that the DFR was likely a hypersensitivity reaction…
Boston-based telehealth company Amwell Health has fallen out of compliance with the New York Stock Exchange’s minimum stock price requirement. The company’s stock price needs to be over $1 for 30 consecutive days, but it was trading at $0.74 per share. Amwell plans to gain compliance with a reverse stock split pending approval at its…
The FDA recently convened a committee to assess a cardiac device made by Abbott, but did not disclose that most committee members had received payments from the company or had conducted research funded by Abbott. The Open Payments database revealed that 10 out of 14 committee members had received payments totaling about $650,000 from Abbott….
The FDA has approved ciltacabtagene autoleucel, also known as cilta-cel, for earlier use in certain adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This CAR T-cell therapy can now be used after the first relapse in adults who are refractory to lenalidomide and have received previous lines of therapy. Cilta-cel has shown efficacy in reducing disease…
States have been conducting Medicaid redeterminations after frozen rolls were unfrozen due to the Covid-19 emergency. Data shows that 21% of enrollees lost coverage while 45% were confirmed. This had a significant impact on community health centers, with an average loss of 23% of Medicaid patients resulting in revenue loss. Despite this, most centers did…
Samantha Holmes, a sustainability clinical fellow, emphasizes the importance of sustainable healthcare in the face of the climate crisis. She highlights the need to move sustainability out of silos and reach a wider audience through behavioral change. While progress is being made towards sustainability in healthcare, there is a disconnect between directives and actual change….
Coronary artery disease and major depression may be linked genetically through inflammatory pathways, leading to an increased risk for cardiomyopathy. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital found that drugs used to treat both conditions may reduce inflammation and prevent the development of cardiomyopathy. The study identified 185 genes associated with both…
The SMART trial compared two transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices in patients with small aortic annulus, finding better valve performance with a supra-annular self-expanding valve. The trial included 716 low to intermediate risk patients, primarily women, with favorable outcomes at one year, favoring the Evolut PRO/PRO+/FX valve over the SAPIEN 3/3 Ultra. Both valves…
Recent studies suggest that talking to strangers or acquaintances can have various health benefits, from better mood to longer life. Despite this, data shows a decrease in social interactions over the past two decades, with smartphones possibly playing a role in our reluctance to talk to others. However, research indicates that people often underestimate how…
Progressive resistance training (PRT) and neuromuscular exercise (NEMEX) programs show similar improvements in hip function, pain, and quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis. Over a 12-week period, both interventions led to minor changes in physical performance and self-reported outcomes. Researchers compared the two exercise programs and found no significant differences in effectiveness. Therefore, patients…
Losing weight can be a challenging task, especially when trying to meet nutritional requirements. Protein powder for weight loss can be a helpful tool to support weight loss efforts. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder, Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, and Dymatize ISO100 Whey Isolate Protein Powder are some of the top choices…
A study has found that vitamin D supplementation can improve outcomes after total knee arthroplasty surgery. The research highlights the benefits of vitamin D in enhancing recovery and overall success of the procedure. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement purposes. Further information…
Relapse is common in multiple myeloma, leading to the approval of two cell therapies—Abecma and Carvykti—for earlier lines of treatment. Both therapies target the BCMA protein on multiple myeloma cells. While FDA advisory committees raised concerns about risks such as death, the benefits of these therapies were ultimately deemed to outweigh the risks, particularly for…
Clonmel Healthcare has opened a new €3 million warehouse facility in Clonmel, with the presence of the Mayor of Clonmel Borough District, Cllr Richie Molloy. The 1,650 square metre build will increase production potential of pharmaceutical products for distribution to pharmacists and medical professionals across Ireland. The new facility, located on Waterford Road, will have…
A study published in Infectious Diseases Now compared the treatment of community-acquired urinary tract infections (cUTI) with cotrimoxazole vs fluoroquinolones. Among 640 patients with cUTI due to Enterobacteriaceae, those treated with cotrimoxazole experienced more adverse effects and longer hospital stays compared to those treated with fluoroquinolones. The study also found that the use of broad-spectrum…
Blackbird, a mental health provider for children and young adults, raised $17 million in Series A funding led by Define Ventures. CEO Tom Peterson discussed his background in mental health and the company’s focus on personalized care. The funds will be used to expand into new markets, improve infrastructure and data analytics, and increase capacity…
Un estudio realizado en mujeres latinas embarazadas encontró que una dieta basada en alimentos culturales como vegetales, frutas y aceites saludables puede reducir el riesgo de preeclampsia, una enfermedad peligrosa durante el embarazo. El estudio mostró que las latinas que seguían una dieta con grasas sólidas, granos refinados y queso tenían mayores tasas de preeclampsia….
The author shares their journey into family medicine, citing their parents’ medical backgrounds as inspiration. They discuss how family medicine allows them to make a difference through comprehensive care, advocacy, and empowering patients. With its diverse challenges and opportunities, family medicine keeps the author intellectually stimulated and passionate. They view family medicine as more than…
A clinical trial investigating a cardiac device made by Shockwave Medical, a company being acquired by Johnson & Johnson for $13 billion, provided some support for the device’s effectiveness. The trial, presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting and published in The Lancet, showed that the device, a coronary sinus reducer, reduced angina, but…
The content discusses the importance of specialised foundation programme allocation in medical education. The authors, including Kath Higgins, Simon Gay, Rachel Parry, Rachel Winters, and Fiona Miall, emphasize the need for research in this area and highlight the significance of involving everyone in the process. The article aims to make the case that research should…
A study presented at the European Psychiatric Association Congress 2024 found a significant link between prenatal cannabis use disorder (CUD) and higher risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, ASD, and ID in offspring. The study, based on data from over 222,000 mother-offspring pairs in Australia, showed children born to mothers with prenatal CUD had…
Unhealthy lifestyle habits are often associated with the development of Type 2 diabetes (T2D), such as excessive sugar intake, high alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary habits. Lifestyle adjustments are crucial in managing T2D, with weight loss and metformin commonly used in treatment. A recent study evaluated the willingness of recently diagnosed T2D patients to adopt…
Living with IgA nephropathy can be challenging due to the uncertainty of future outcomes, which may lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. To manage these emotions, staying informed about the condition, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking support from healthcare professionals are recommended. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, discussing emotions with a…
Physicians advocating for social and political issues face backlash, including professional penalties. Despite this, many believe public advocacy is essential. Doctors like Rob Davidson and Megan Ranney use their expertise to address public health issues, not to play politics. Laura Andreson filed a lawsuit against Tennessee’s abortion ban, risking safety for her patients. Similarly, Vanessa…
Regular exercise is known to boost immunity, but finding time for it can be challenging. A recent study suggests that just 15 minutes of moderate exercise can increase levels of natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight infections and diseases. This quick boost in immunity can be beneficial for those with…
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The healthcare industry is facing a crisis of burnout among its workforce, with high percentages of healthcare workers considering leaving their roles. Factors contributing to this issue include low engagement, understaffing, and limited support. Recent strikes at major healthcare institutions highlight the urgent need for action. Strategies to address burnout and turnover include investing in…
Federal and state regulators are not adequately addressing the issue of rogue health insurance brokers making unauthorized policy switches for Affordable Care Act policyholders. This problem has led to policyholders being switched to plans that don’t include their doctors or medications, or have higher deductibles. Low-income consumers are often targeted, as they might not notice…
Dr. Eric D. Donnenfeld presented on Lacrifill for the treatment of dry eye disease at the ASCRS meeting. Lacrifill, made by Nordic Pharma Eye Care, is easy to insert, has good reimbursement, and is comfortable for patients. It occludes the punctum better than typical punctal occluders, resulting in better outcomes. A study presented at the…
After receiving a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, 62-year-old Richard Slayman experienced a rejection episode but recovered and left the hospital. He showed no further signs of distress and was able to resume normal activities he hadn’t done in over a year. The groundbreaking procedure involved a transplant of an engineered porcine kidney…
Consultant gastroenterologist Rajaratnam Mathialagan emphasizes the importance of reassuring and educating patients, as well as passing on essential skills to trainees. He believes that good patient care involves clear communication and thorough examination. Mathialagan is passionate about sharing his love of gastroenterology with trainees, highlighting the importance of gut health in overall well-being. His interest…
The ULTIMATE-DAPT study found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI in high-risk heart patients and keeping them on ticagrelor alone significantly reduces major bleeding by more than 50% compared to patients on aspirin and ticagrelor. This change in treatment did not increase adverse ischemic events. The study involved 3,400 ACS patients and was conducted…
Researchers reviewed the use of psychobiotics for treating depression through restoring microbial balance and regulating the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Dysbiosis, or gut microbiome imbalance, can affect the gut-brain axis, leading to microbial alterations that contribute to depression. Psychobiotics have positive effects on the gut barrier, immune responses, and hormone regulation, making them a potential treatment for…
Alexa Federico shares her journey with Crohn’s disease, starting with her diagnosis and hospitalization. She found her voice through sharing her story on Instagram, leading to the creation of the Girl In Healing brand aimed at empowering those with IBD to heal themselves. Through practical advice on managing symptoms and deeper emotional healing, Alexa expanded…
Research suggests that adults with excess weight or obesity tend to experience higher levels of pain intensity than those with a normal weight, possibly due to pathophysiological changes caused by obesity. A meta-analysis of 22 studies including over 31,000 adults found that individuals with excess weight or obesity reported higher pain intensities compared to those…
Millions in North America are eagerly anticipating the total solar eclipse happening today, a rare event not to be seen in the U.S. for another two decades. The path of totality will span 15 states, with the rest of the nation able to see at least a partial eclipse. Health experts warn of the dangers…
Aurobindo Pharma has named T Vijaya Kumar as the President of Research and Development for Specialty Drug Delivery. This appointment aims to strengthen the company’s focus on developing specialized drug delivery technologies. By using cookies for analytics and advertising, the company aims to improve its site and provide a better user experience. For more information…
Alex Lugovskoy, CEO of Diagonal Therapeutics, aims to develop antibodies that activate targets, rather than just inhibit cellular functions. Using computational and experimental techniques, the startup focuses on binding combinations to yield desired effects. Diagonal’s platform, developed over two years, includes a lead program for a rare bleeding disorder without FDA-approved therapies. Their technology, which…
The SMART trial compared self-expanding and balloon-expandable valves in patients with small aortic annuli undergoing TAVR. The study showed that self-expanding valves had better hemodynamic results at 1 year, with no difference in clinical outcomes. The trial, which enrolled primarily women, found that the self-expanding valve had lower rates of bioprosthetic valve dysfunction compared to…
Cancer cases among younger people have been increasing, with new evidence showing that younger generations are aging faster at the cellular level. A study of nearly 150,000 people in the UK found that those born after 1965 had a biological age that exceeded their chronological age, leading to a 17% increased risk of developing solid…
Cognitive decline and dementia impact over 55 million people globally, with this number expected to rise as the population ages. While genetic factors play a role, modifiable lifestyle habits like smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise are linked to a higher risk of dementia. Research suggests that following a traditional Japanese diet, characterized by foods…