The FDA has updated the label of the osteoporosis drug denosumab to include a boxed warning about increased risk for severe hypocalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). This new warning is based on evidence indicating a significant risk for hypocalcemia in patients with CKD-MBD. Healthcare professionals are advised to assess patients’ kidney…
The increasing popularity of energy drinks among children and young adults has raised concerns about their safety. A recent study found that these beverages can cause disrupted sleep, depression, suicide, ADHD, and anxiety. Despite being marketed as ways to improve physical and cognitive performance, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Energy drinks…
There is a growing concern about the increase in cases of gastric outlet obstruction, which has been linked to drug abuse. This issue has sparked worries among healthcare professionals, as the condition can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The surge in cases has raised alarms about the potential impacts of drug abuse…
The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift with an accelerated aging population. The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for innovative solutions for healthcare, social services,…
The content is about the RCPI Faculty Occupational Medicine Smiley Lecture, which was delivered by Prof Neil Greenberg. The lecture was attended by Dr Sheelagh O’Brien, Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of RCPI. The article mentions that the reader has accessed 1 of 15 free articles allowed for…
A phase 2 study showed that the novel selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor BI 690517 improved albuminuria reduction in patients with chronic kidney disease. When combined with empagliflozin, it provided kidney protection without increasing hyperkalemia risk. The study included 714 participants who had been on an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker for at least 4…
Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, characterized by abnormally high blood pressure and other symptoms. It can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. Early diagnosis and careful management are crucial. Treatment involves close monitoring of blood pressure, and in some cases, early delivery of the baby. Lifestyle changes,…
Samsung Electronics has signed a three-year contract with Lunit to integrate the company’s AI solutions into its premium X-ray devices. The AI-integrated X-ray devices will initially be available in the United States, Canada, and Europe before expanding to other regions. Canon Medical and Olympus Corporation have also announced a collaboration to develop advanced endoscopic ultrasound…
The Biden administration is drafting federal rules to protect workers from extreme heat due to the rising threat of climate change. OSHA plans to publish a proposed heat standard this year, requiring worker protections when temperatures hit certain levels. However, the fate of the rule is uncertain due to potential political changes. Heat is the…
The FDA has added a boxed warning to denosumab (Prolia, Amgen) due to an increased risk for severe hypocalcemia for people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those on dialysis. A study published in JAMA found that women on dialysis who initiated treatment with denosumab had a higher risk for severe hypocalcemia compared to…
Share your new hires, promotions, and job changes with us, and we will share them with others. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going. This week, SimBioSys hired Barry Rosen as chief medical officer. He previously worked at Clearcut Medical in the same position. But all work and no play can make for…
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many services moving online, creating a “digital first” approach. However, this transition has raised concerns about leaving behind digitally excluded and vulnerable individuals. The NHS’s push for “digital transformation” is at risk of worsening existing inequalities, particularly in accessing healthcare. Bola Akinwale, of the NHS, emphasized the importance of…
Scientists have developed a new form of insulin that can be taken orally in the form of a capsule or chocolate and next steps are to begin human trials. By having insulin coated with a protective layer that is broken down in the liver only, it can be released rapidly and lead to fewer side…
Recent UCL study explores the role of generative AI in explaining how memories enable learning, imagination, and planning. The study uses a generative neural network to simulate how the brain’s neural networks learn from and remember events. The hippocampus and neocortex work together during memory, imagination, and planning. The AI networks suggest that replaying memories…
CIA officers in Havana, Cuba started having unexplained health issues in 2016, leading to symptoms like persistent piercing sounds, headaches, nausea, vertigo, trouble concentrating, and memory loss. The incidents, called Havana syndrome, have been recorded in several global locations. Many attribute the illness to stress but there are theories about it being a result of…
A recent study from the Nurses’ Health Study suggests that intake of protein, especially from plants, in middle age is associated with higher odds of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health status in older women. Plant proteins have significant health benefits and contribute to healthier diets, while animal protein intake has been linked…
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures, leading to organ failure and potentially death. Around 1,300 people die of hypothermia in the U.S. every year. Complications may include frostbite and permanent tissue damage. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, and confusion. Prevention involves minimizing cold exposure, and treatment includes…
Coaching centers for the NEET exam are now prohibited from enrolling students under the age of 16. This new regulation aims to improve the quality of education and ensure that students have a suitable level of maturity and understanding before preparing for the entrance exam. Additionally, the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site…
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve clinical care and support value-based care, but also comes with risks. A panel discussion at CES 2024 discussed the role of AI in value-based care models. Chris Jagmin of CVS Health’s Aetna suggested using AI in low-risk areas like clinical decision-making and claims payment. Dr. Maria Ansari of…
RCSI held an Open Day on January 13, 2024, attracting over 450 second-level students interested in studying medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and advanced therapeutic technologies. The event allowed students to explore the RCSI campus and experience life as a health sciences student. Attendees were also able to participate in workshops at RCSI’s simulation centre, where they…
Dr. Marc Taub is a leading optometrist specializing in brain injuries and visual rehabilitation. He has developed unconventional methods for treating patients who have vision difficulties due to brain injuries, and he shares his expertise in his book, From Fracture to Function: Clinical Insights into the Visual Aspects of Acquired Brain Injury. He believes that…
The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the ban on Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, but Apple found a way to make the Watches available by removing the disputed blood oxygen feature. This is part of an ongoing dispute with medtech company Masimo, which sued Apple for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to…
The Supreme Court is considering a case that could impact the way federal agencies administer laws passed by Congress. There is also a debate over whether to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes among African American smokers. Meanwhile, Congress is set to pass another temporary spending bill to keep the government running, and there are concerns about understaffing…
Dr. Danny A. Mammo presented data at Hawaiian Eye 2024 on the 0.18 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant for treating noninfectious uveitis in the posterior segment. The study showed that 80% of patients had one or more uveitis recurrences within a year prior to implantation, but this dropped to 10% at 24 months after implantation. The…
Timothy Stenzel, the head of the FDA’s diagnostics division during the Covid-19 pandemic, has retired. He was in the middle of a turf battle between the CDC and FDA over the regulation of Covid tests. The FDA found it difficult to control lab-developed tests, especially in the case of Covid-19 PCR tests. This was a…
Stoicism originated in the third century BCE and is associated with notable philosophers including Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism focuses on recognizing what can and cannot be controlled, emphasizing acceptance and indifference to many things good and bad, recognizing the inevitability and value of death, and the central role of relationships and communities in…
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…