The imbalance in cancer survival rates in the Mid-West region of Ireland compared to the rest of the country may be due to the centralization of cancer services. The splitting of the HSE into regional areas has highlighted disparities in healthcare outcomes. The need for equitable survival outcomes in all regions is important, but complex…
A growing number of older and homeless people are dying from hypothermia in California, with 166 deaths last year. The state has seen a significant increase in hypothermia deaths, linked to the rise in homelessness. The increase in deaths is also seen nationwide. Homeless people are particularly vulnerable due to living outside and being exposed…
Clinical trials in Sjögren’s disease have shown mixed results over the past decade, but new drugs in the pipeline are raising hopes for potential paradigm shifts in treatment. B-cell depletion therapies like rituximab have been studied, along with CD40 blockade and CAR T-cell therapy. While results have been mixed, researchers remain optimistic and emphasize the…
The author, a Syrian immigrant, shares their journey of achieving the American dream by becoming a U.S.-trained physician through hard work and dedication. They highlight the vital role immigrant doctors play in the U.S. healthcare system, filling gaps in care and contributing to the economy. The impact of the travel ban on Syrian medical graduates…
Medical student Jun Liu and Associate Professor Zhichao Wang published a case report in BMJ about a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 who presented with progressive breathlessness. The patient’s symptoms worsened despite treatment with bronchodilators and steroids. Further investigations revealed a large mediastinal mass compressing the thoracic airway, which was surgically excised. The case highlights…
A recent study by the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa tested a new therapy for children with chronic nightmares. The therapy reduced the frequency of nightmares, improved sleep quality, and decreased distress caused by nightmares. This therapy is significant because nightmares are often overlooked in children, impacting their mental health, behavior, and…
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing vaccines to target the accumulation of amyloid beta and tau proteins in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. The $2.9 million grant from the National Institute on Aging will fund the project led by Jai Rudra, PhD, and Meredith Jackrel, PhD. They aim to create noninflammatory vaccines…
Middle-aged adults with standing hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg) have a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, while orthostatic increases in SBP do not show a significant association. A study from the ARIC cohort analyzed data from over 11,000 participants without CVD, finding that standing hypertension was linked to increased risks of heart disease, heart…
Every year, over 3000 infants under six months old die from unsafe sleep positions in the U.S., including accidental strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is the sudden, unexplained death of a healthy baby, often associated with incorrect sleeping positions. A recent study found that 12% of four-month-old infants are placed in unsafe…
Noom, a digital health company, is now offering oral medications for weight loss through its Noom Med program. Patients can access one-on-one messaging with weight loss clinicians, medication prescriptions, a community of patients, medication management, and educational content. The first oral weight loss medication offered is Metformin, which can help reduce appetite and increase insulin…
Leo Varadkar spoke at the Doolin lecture, discussing pay negotiations for doctors and nurses in Ireland. He advised doctors not to sell themselves short and suggested they could expect an increase in pay. However, he expressed concern about the lack of new hospitals being built. Varadkar also mentioned the need for more hospital beds and…
The shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City elicited sympathy for the perpetrator, highlighting deep-seated issues in the healthcare system. President-elect Donald Trump remains vague about his healthcare plans, leaving uncertainty about the future of the ACA. Congress has limited time to address funding for healthcare priorities, such as telehealth access….
Chimeric antigen receptor nature-killing cell therapy showed efficacy, persistence, and safety in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a small study presented at ACR Convergence 2024. The study involved 22 patients with active severe and refractory SLE who received an allogenic CD19-targeting CAR-NK cell treatment. Results showed high response rates in terms of disease activity…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tested samples from a child in California suspected of having H5N1 bird flu after consuming raw milk, which turned up no evidence of influenza viruses. The child had tested positive for flu A initially but subsequent tests were negative for all flu targets. Despite the lack of confirmation,…
A decline in trust in women’s leadership is concerning for global health, especially as attitudes become more regressive, particularly among young men. The Reykjavik index on leadership shows a decline in equality between how men and women are viewed as leaders. This decline in trust mirrors a growing gender gap in voting patterns, with young…
New research suggests that people with type 2 diabetes should be screened for liver damage at the same time as they undergo screening for eye disease. Liver fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer, is common in individuals with type 2 diabetes but often goes undetected. Screening for liver fibrosis alongside retina scanning…
Lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, causing chronic pain, fatigue, and organ damage. Noah Oakland, a student at Virginia Tech, is researching new treatments for lupus using DNA-like molecules to ease symptoms. Oakland received an NIH F30 award to support his research, focusing on CpG ODNs to attenuate lupus in cell cultures, with plans to test…
Questions are being raised about the PLATO study that launched the antiplatelet drug ticagrelor worldwide. A new investigation by Peter Doshi raised concerns about data inconsistencies and omissions in the 2009 trial originally published in The New England Journal of Medicine. AstraZeneca’s failed bid for FDA approval highlighted discrepancies in the effectiveness of ticagrelor compared…
The CDC reported a decrease in flu vaccinations for children in the U.S. in 2024 compared to the previous year, with only 36% of children aged six months to 17 years receiving the vaccine. This decline follows a deadly 2023-24 flu season, with 205 pediatric deaths reported. The CDC estimates the actual number of deaths…
The ASH 2024 meeting in San Diego brought together over 30,000 attendees to discuss advancements in blood cancers and hematological disorders. Key highlights included new data on treatments for multiple myeloma, such as GSK’s Blenrep and J&J’s Darzalex Faspro. Cell therapies like Arcellx’s anito-cel and Legend Biotech’s Carvykti also showed promising results. In leukemia and…
A recent report from the National Cancer Registry Ireland found that patients in the Midwest region have lower five-year survival rates for lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate tumors compared to other regions in Ireland. The report highlighted disparities in survival rates across different cancers, with the Midwest having lower rates for lung and colorectal cancer,…
Red wine has been thought to have health benefits due to antioxidants like resveratrol. However, recent research published in The Lancet suggests that no amount of alcohol is truly beneficial for health. Alcohol consumption can lead to harmful byproducts in the body, causing issues such as liver disease and cancer. While moderate red wine consumption…
In KFF Health News’ “Navigating Aging” conversation, older adults living alone shared insights into their experiences. They discussed hopes, fears, challenges, and strategies for aging solo. The conversation highlighted the need for support for older adults living alone, financial concerns, the importance of help with technology, the need for care teams, and the impact of…
Exercise with lower extremity blood flow restriction can enhance strength-related outcomes in athletes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies involving 546 athletes found that most studies favored exercise with blood flow restriction over exercise alone. Significant improvements were reported in overall strength, muscle size, endurance, and sport-specific outcomes. The studies also showed that…
Investors in biotech startup Padlock Therapeutics are suing Bristol Myers Squibb for allegedly failing to make up to $450 million in milestone payments as agreed in a 2016 acquisition deal. Bristol originally paid $150 million in cash for Padlock, which was working on new drugs for autoimmune diseases. The lawsuit accuses Bristol of manipulating the…
Eatizaz Yousif, the country director in Sudan for the International Rescue Committee (IRC), discusses the devastating impact of the conflict in Sudan, particularly on women and girls. The IRC is providing essential services and psychosocial support to those affected. The situation in Sudan is dire, with millions internally displaced and facing extreme food insecurity. The…
Researchers have developed a wearable patch that can monitor breathing changes accurately without direct contact with the skin. This device, called “Pneumorator,” can detect variations caused by chest expansion or lung changes. The patch aims to provide early warnings for health deterioration in diseases like sepsis and COVID-19. It is cost-effective, non-invasive, and aims for…
Patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) who underwent active monitoring showed similar physical, emotional, and psychological outcomes as those who received immediate treatment, based on the COMET clinical trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Active monitoring involved close monitoring with surgery only if cancer developed. Nearly 995 patients were included,…
Cardiologist Daniel West, MD, dedicated 35 years to Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, only to be abruptly fired for reporting patient safety concerns about another physician. West and his colleagues found evidence that the cardiologist in question was misinterpreting test results and performing unnecessary heart procedures. Despite reporting to Trinity executives and the US Attorney’s Office,…
Obesity is linked to health issues, including cancer, with weight gain after age 35 impacting breast cancer risk. A study found a complex relationship between BMI changes and cancer risk, with weight gain during hormonal transitions affecting breast cancer susceptibility. Managing weight during this critical period may reduce breast cancer risk. Women who gained more…
A new report from Kaufman Hall shows that hospitals’ finances have remained stable in 2024 compared to last year. Despite slight underperformance relative to pre-pandemic levels, median operating margins have been consistently positive. Improvements in patient volume and care transition processes have contributed to this stability. The report also highlights a decrease in the utilization…
Dr. Ray O’Connor explores the latest updates on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) management in clinical research. The European Society of Cardiology has updated its guidelines on managing high blood pressure, emphasizing the continuous risk of CVD related to blood pressure levels. Lower blood pressure targets are recommended in patients with type 2 diabetes. The American Heart…
Anna Goldman, a primary care physician at Boston Medical Center, established the Clean Power Prescription program to help patients who struggle to pay their utility bills. The program utilizes solar panels installed on the hospital’s roof to provide energy credits to patients with complex medical needs. Patients like Kiki Polk have benefited from this initiative,…
Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease who develop interstitial lung disease have a similar 1-year mortality risk following either a single- or double-lung transplant, according to a study presented at ACR Convergence 2024. The study, conducted by Harry Hurley, MD, and colleagues, included 606 adults with SARD-ILD. The analysis showed that single-lung transplant did not…
The author, a first-generation immigrant, reflects on the 14-year journey towards citizenship and finds solace in the hospital, where healthcare transcends immigration status. However, a new Texas policy requiring hospitals to ask patients about their citizenship status creates fear and mistrust among immigrants, jeopardizing their access to healthcare. Despite the state’s poor health outcomes and…
The UK government has announced plans to ban TV advertisements for junk food products before 9 pm starting in October 2025 in an effort to reduce childhood obesity. Paid online junk food ads will also be prohibited to limit children’s exposure to unhealthy foods. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of addressing obesity to…
Esophageal cancer poses a significant global health threat, with disparities in incidence and mortality rates. Risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity contribute to its prevalence. A recent study highlighted the increasing burden of esophageal cancer, especially in Asia, with tobacco use and obesity being primary drivers. Urgent public health measures are needed…
A study on drug coverage for cardiovascular conditions in Canada’s public pharmacare programs revealed significant inequities and deficiencies in access to medications. Only a third of Canadians are eligible for publicly funded drug plans, resulting in discordance with Canadian guidelines. Reimbursement decisions vary widely across provinces, with limited updates to formularies and no systematic process…
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeted therapy for advanced multiple myeloma or cervical cancer can cause significant off-target eye toxicity, with risks not widely known. Collaboration between oncologists and ophthalmologists is crucial, as recent studies have shown that some ADCs can lead to ocular toxicity. Ocular damage such as blurred vision, dry eyes, and light sensitivity have…
Demi Agoglia, a 26-year-old UK mother of three, died after undergoing a Brazilian butt lift procedure in Istanbul, Turkey, following a celebrity endorsement on social media. The autopsy report revealed she died from a rare complication of microscopic fat embolism, with the coroner attributing her death to neglect. Despite loved ones advising against the surgery,…
Pyx Health, a social health platform, has launched a condition management program to support members with conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The program includes unlimited phone calls for companionship, access to a mobile app with wellness activities, interactive features, and reminders for medication. The company’s mentors and health coaches work with members to understand barriers…
The joint Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the Irish Pain Society (IPS) and Northern Ireland Pain Society (NIPS) on October 19, 2024, at University College Dublin focused on ‘Sex and Gender Disparities in Pain’. The event featured speakers discussing topics such as chronic pelvic pain, chronic postsurgical pain, physical activity, and new models of pain…
Eating a balanced diet, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress levels are essential in reducing stubborn belly fat, including the infamous “beer belly.” Poor diet choices and hormonal imbalances, particularly low levels of human growth hormone (HGH), can contribute to abdominal fat accumulation. HGH deficiency can lead to reduced fat breakdown, loss of…
A former Montana health department staffer criticized new rules implementing legislation to scrutinize nonprofit hospitals’ charitable acts as being a hospital “wish list.” The rules aim to collect data on hospitals’ charitable acts to eventually create giving standards. However, the rules have been accused of catering to the Montana Hospital Association and providing exemptions for…
Recent research presented at the American Epilepsy Society annual meeting found that adults with epilepsy have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly anger and fear, compared to healthy controls. The study used the Emotion Recognition Task (ERT) to assess emotional identification in 67 adults with epilepsy and healthy controls. Results showed that individuals with epilepsy performed…
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a natural method to produce vitamin B2 by heating lactic acid bacteria. This breakthrough could help combat vitamin B2 deficiency in developing countries by allowing for fortification at the local level. The method is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and integrates vitamin production into the food fermentation process….
A study in Australia found that individuals with melanomas with a Breslow thickness of 0.8-1.0 mm had a higher risk of melanoma-related death compared to those with tumors smaller than 0.8 mm. The research analyzed data from over 140,000 individuals diagnosed with thin melanomas between 1982 and 2014. The 20-year cumulative incidence of melanoma-related deaths…
A Texas doctor was forced to delete a TikTok video about helping undocumented immigrants access healthcare after Governor Greg Abbott threatened to defund the children’s hospital where he works. The doctor, Dr. Tony Pastor, mentioned in the video that patients do not need to disclose their citizenship status when seeking medical care. Abbott’s executive order…
Over 35 million private-sector employees are enrolled in self-insured health plans, with a total of over 100 million covered lives when families and public-sector employees are included. Employers on these plans face cost increase challenges similar to those of commercial insurers. Accolade, a company that helps employees navigate healthcare, aims to lower costs for employer…
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a complex origin involving genetics, environment, and immune factors. It affects around 40,000 people in Ireland, with symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and diarrhea to fistulas and abscesses. Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging, and pathology tests. Treatment includes medication to control inflammation and…