In patients with heart failure and secondary mitral regurgitation, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair was found to be as effective as mitral valve surgery with fewer safety events in the MATTERHORN trial. The study included 210 patients who were randomly assigned to either undergo transcatheter edge-to-edge repair or surgical mitral valve repair or replacement. The primary efficacy…
Sanofi’s oral treatment for multiple sclerosis, tolebrutinib, showed promising results in a Phase 3 study, potentially leading to regulatory approval. However, two other studies involving patients in earlier stages of the disease did not show the same benefit. The company’s head of research and development expressed confidence in the positive outcome, stating that it would…
Nigel Klein, a world-renowned expert in paediatric immunology, made significant contributions to understanding children’s immunity and their response to infections. He began his career in the 1980s during the HIV epidemic and showed that early antiretroviral therapy for babies with HIV could lead to better outcomes. Klein’s work as a clinician and researcher at Great…
A new study led by UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women who receive false-positive mammogram results are less likely to return for follow-up screenings, raising concerns about unintended consequences. Data from over 3.5 million screening mammograms showed that after a false positive, the percentage of women returning for screening dropped significantly, with even…
Finerenone was found to reduce heart failure events and cardiovascular death in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF). The FINEARTS-HF trial showed significant positive outcomes with finerenone compared to a placebo, with a reduction in total worsening HF events and cardiovascular death. The trial included over 6,000 patients across 37…
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating did not lead to weight loss or improved glucose regulation in comparison to a usual eating pattern. The study involved 41 adults with obesity and prediabetes or diet-controlled diabetes. Both groups followed a specific diet plan with no adjustment in calories. While time-restricted eating did not have…
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is a crucial nutrient for overall health, energy production, and antioxidant protection. It supports various bodily functions, including metabolic processes, skin health, and eye health. Supplementation with riboflavin can be beneficial for those suffering from migraines, cardiovascular issues, and eye conditions. While generally safe, excessive intake may lead to…
Labor Day heralds the end of summer and the return of children to school, where food allergies are prevalent. To combat allergic reactions, EpiPens have been a staple in schools, but this academic year will see the introduction of the first nasal spray epinephrine, neffy. Approved by the FDA, neffy offers an alternative to injectable…
The Human Endometrial Cell Atlas provides a comprehensive map of the human endometrium, offering insights into women’s health by studying diverse cell types and their dynamic changes during the menstrual cycle. This atlas, part of the Human Cell Atlas project, could help understand and potentially treat conditions like endometriosis. By identifying immune cells and stromal…
SARMs are Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators developed to treat health conditions caused by low testosterone without the side effects of traditional testosterone treatments. They are marketed as a shortcut for bodybuilders, but come with side effects and potential risks. Clinical trials have shown mixed results on their efficacy and safety. The FDA warns against the…
Truepill and ScriptDrop have partnered to combine Truepill’s pharmacy platform with ScriptDrop’s same-day prescription delivery service, offering patients the option to choose their retail pharmacy for two-hour medication delivery. This collaboration aims to provide patients with more choices that suit their individual needs while ensuring a seamless experience from prescription to doorstep. The partnership marks…
The conversation in Kensington, a critical center of the nation’s opioid crisis, took a turn on June 20th when the state oversight board considered rejecting Philadelphia’s decision to spend $7.5 million in opioid settlement money to improve quality of life in the neighborhood. Many residents were shut out of the discussion, highlighting a trend of…
The OCEANIC-AF trial compared the novel factor XIa inhibitor, asundexian, to apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. Despite lower bleeding risk, asundexian did not prevent stroke or systemic embolism as effectively as apixaban. The trial was halted due to lack of efficacy for asundexian. The results showed that asundexian was associated with a higher risk…
At Europe’s largest cardiology conference in London, researchers reported on a drug that reduced complications from heart failure, improved heart structure and function, and even saved lives of people with Covid-19. The conference also featured a trial of the drug in kidney disease. Richard Pratley, a diabetes specialist, introduced the trial to the crowd. This…
Helen Whitwell, a consultant neuropathologist, received the outstanding alumni award at Manchester University in 2008. She met crime writer Nigel McCrery in the early 1990s and inspired his BBC drama Silent Witness. Whitwell was a glamorous bon viveur who enjoyed champagne and lived by the maxim, “Never turn right when boarding a plane.” She was…
In 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services drafted a plan to prevent overbilling by Medicare Advantage health insurers, requiring them to identify overpayments and refund the government. However, they abandoned the plan in May 2014 due to industry pressure. This decision is at the center of a multibillion-dollar civil fraud case against UnitedHealth…
The book “Eggonomics” by Diane M. Tober uncovers disparities in the egg donation industry, with White women being paid significantly more than Black women for their eggs. The book reveals personal stories of imbalance and explores the complex realities of egg donation, highlighting the financial strain many donors face. Tober also raises concerns about the…
A study found that a dietary pattern associated with the microbial signature of colorectal cancer (CRC) is linked to an increased risk for CRC, especially for tumors with specific bacteria. The researchers identified a dietary pattern, called the CRC Microbial Dietary Score (CMDS), linked to these CRC-related microbes and found that a higher CMDS was…
Researchers have found that even small drops in temperature over 2 to 6 days can increase the risk of heart attack by up to 11%. A study in Sweden showed a 10% increase in all heart attacks, an 11% increase in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMI), and an 8% increase in ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) with…
The U.S. behavioral health care system is in crisis, with a severe lack of access to mental health treatment. Minority populations face additional challenges due to cultural factors and lack of representation in the mental health workforce. Culturally aligned care leads to better long-term treatment adherence, but there is a significant lack of diversity among…
The Government has launched a public consultation on health and social care services for older people, led by the Commission on Care for Older People chaired by Prof Alan Barrett. The consultation includes a survey to gather feedback from older people, carers, healthcare professionals, and the public. The responses will be analyzed by the Institute…
A study by researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that TikTok is spreading misinformation about gynecologic cancers, with 73% of content being inaccurate. This poses a risk to patients’ health outcomes as they may make decisions based on incorrect information. The study also uncovered disparities among racial groups in the quality of…
Reimagine Care, a home-based cancer care platform, is expanding its partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System to offer oncology patients digital, virtual, and in-home care beyond their flagship hospital in Houston. The partnership allows cancer patients to access a team of oncology specialists 24/7 through SMS, video, and phone. Reimagine Care aims to make cancer…
In 2014, CMS drafted a rule to prevent overcharging by Medicare Advantage insurers, requiring them to identify and refund overpayments to the government. However, the rule was dropped in May 2014 due to industry pressure. This decision is now at the center of a DOJ civil fraud case against UnitedHealth Group, accusing them of cheating…
New research presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress shows that a single combined measure of three modifiable biomarkers in healthy women at midlife can predict 30-year risk for future cardiovascular events. The study, led by Paul M. Ridker and colleagues, looked at high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) levels in nearly 28,000…
HCA Healthcare and UnitedHealthcare avoided a potential crisis by reaching agreements just before their contracts were set to expire, ensuring in-network access to 38 hospitals across four states. The resolution came after months of disagreements, with HCA claiming UnitedHealthcare paid below-market rates and UnitedHealthcare alleging that HCA demanded unsustainable price hikes. If no agreement had…
The government has confirmed a 7.4% increase in core funding for general practices in England for 2024-25 to fund pay rises for GPs and staff. This follows the acceptance of a 6% rise for GPs recommended by the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration. The increase in funding aims to support healthcare professionals and…
Children and teenagers benefit greatly from participating in physical activity and sport, promoting health, social interaction, resilience, and leadership skills. However, playing sports can lead to injuries like ACL damage. ACL injuries among children in England have increased significantly, possibly due to a lack of basic movement skills development. ACL injuries can be debilitating, leading…
A study published in Nutrients suggests that consuming polyphenol-rich lightly roasted coffee may lead to improved body composition in overweight or obese individuals. The study found that participants who consumed this type of coffee showed slight reductions in body fat and increases in muscle mass compared to those who had regular coffee. These findings suggest…
The POPular PAUSE TAVI trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress showed that continuing oral anticoagulant therapy during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) did not provide any benefits and actually increased the risk of bleeding. The trial included 858 patients and indicated that interruption of anticoagulant therapy was superior to continuous therapy in…
Massage chairs have gained popularity as a way to experience therapeutic massage at home. They offer various settings for different body parts and techniques, such as Shiatsu and Swedish massage. Benefits include stress relief, improved circulation, reduced muscle stiffness, pain relief, and better sleep quality. Massage chairs are useful for those with chronic pain, stress,…
The healthcare hiring roundup includes the appointment of Scott Gee as deputy national advisor for cybersecurity and risk at the American Hospital Association, Jayne Morgan as vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart, Dennis Butts as chief strategy and network development officer at Henry Ford Health, Graham Barnes as CEO of Medically Home, Larry…
The England and Wales Court of Protection approved a Health Body’s application for a young woman with autism and disabilities to undergo dental treatment under general anaesthetic. The woman had problems with toothache, reduced diet, and poor oral hygiene. After assessments and consultation with medical professionals, the Court ruled that treatment under general anaesthetic was…
Working from home has blended personal and professional boundaries, making it important to incorporate regular exercise into daily routines to maintain physical fitness. Short, effective workouts, like simple aerobic activities or static exercises, can be integrated into the day for significant benefits. Regular physical activity not only improves physical health but also boosts mental and…
WELL Health, a digital health company, has announced the approval of a $44 million project, Health Compass II, funded by the Canadian government, to enhance AI and interoperability in healthcare. The project aims to streamline administrative tasks, improve clinical decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes by integrating AI-driven modules into a mobile app for healthcare providers….
Farmworkers in Greeley, Colorado celebrated Farmworker Appreciation Day with a different menu due to millions of chickens being culled to prevent bird flu transmission. Dairy workers feel underappreciated, lacking proper protective equipment despite the risk of bird flu. Health experts are trying to educate workers on protecting themselves, but many farms are not requesting free…
In a Healio Video Perspective, Sandy Zhang-Nunes, MD, discusses light laser therapy as a cosmetic treatment for inflammation in ophthalmology. She recommends ophthalmologists consider this therapy for conditions like ocular rosacea and other diseases causing inflammation and irritation. Zhang-Nunes highlights the positive outcomes and life-changing effects this therapy can have on patients. She hopes more…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. holds a worldview that prioritizes naturalness, viewing it as good and artificial as evil. This perspective influences his stances on vaccines, organic farming communes, climate change, and opposition to corporate polluters. His belief in empowering epistemology aligns with President Trump’s ideology of rejecting institutional control and trusting natural instincts. Kennedy’s Natural…
Janet Gunter, a long Covid patient in the UK, emphasizes the importance of better data collection on Covid prevalence for public health. She shares her experience of living with debilitating long Covid symptoms since 2020 and highlights the impact of inadequate information on her and her partner’s risk of reinfection. Gunter calls for the government…
The World Health Organization warns that children in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at higher risk from the mpox outbreak, with reports showing children under 5 account for 39% of cases. Dr. Nadia Adjoa Sam-Agudu, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases, explains that children in Africa, particularly in conflict zones, are more vulnerable due…
A study at Weill Cornell Medicine indicates that childhood vaccination against HIV could provide protection before the increased risk of infection in adolescence. The research, published in Science Immunology, showed that vaccinations in non-human primates triggered an immune response that could potentially protect against the virus for life. Immunizing children is ideal due to higher…
The European Society of Cardiology has updated its hypertension guidelines, emphasizing simpler and more aggressive blood pressure targets. The new guidelines introduce a category for elevated blood pressure, defined as a systolic BP of 120-139 mm Hg or a diastolic BP of 70-89 mm Hg, which requires cardiovascular risk assessment for treatment decisions. The new…
Soluble dietary fibers like Glucomannan are beneficial for weight loss and come with added advantages such as improved cholesterol and blood sugar control. Glucomannan is derived from the elephant yam or konjac plant, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat various conditions. It helps you feel full, promotes good bacteria in the intestine, and aids…
The FDA has approved an Emergent BioSolutions vaccine, ACAM2000, for preventing infection from the mpox virus, which is related to smallpox. This vaccine was originally developed to protect against smallpox and is now approved for preventing mpox in high-risk individuals. The ACAM2000 vaccine uses a live vaccinia virus to stimulate the immune system to produce…
Irish researchers have developed a new implant that uses electronic signals to aid spinal cord injury repair. Currently, it is difficult to promote neuron regrowth after such injuries. The implantable 3D-printed scaffold, developed by RCSI and AMBER researchers, can bridge the gap at the injury site and boost axon regrowth when electrical stimulation is applied….
A study published in Nature Medicine in July 2024 by Oxford University scientists found that getting vaccinated against shingles can reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. Through analyzing data from over a quarter million American senior citizens, researchers discovered that those who received the shingles vaccine delayed the onset of dementia by…
Hyrox, a global fitness race, announced a partnership with Zepp Health to make Amazfit the official wearable and timekeeping partner of HYROX. Amazfit will provide athletes with smart wearable devices for health and fitness monitoring. The partnership will last until 2026 and includes outfitting athletes with various Amazfit smartwatches. Zepp Health’s Helio Ring and Amazfit…
In this episode of “An Arm and a Leg,” Caitlyn Mai faced a huge bill of over $139,000 for her cochlear implant surgery, despite getting prior approval from her insurer. She refused to pay the bill and fought back by making numerous phone calls and demanding the necessary documentation. With the support of her job…
Dr. Shivani Kamat from UT Southwestern Medical Center discusses her experiences with in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a female physician at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium in Carlsbad, California. She highlights the prevalence of infertility among female physicians and the importance of having a support group during the isolating process. Kamat advises women undergoing…
The RESHAPE-HF 2 trial studied Abbott’s heart clip device called the MitraClip, which is used to treat mitral regurgitation by preventing blood leakage into the heart chamber. The trial results, presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that the device improved health status and…