The content discusses the tragic death of Carlton “PeeWee” Gautney Jr., who died from an insulin pump malfunction. The pump, which was part of a recall, was manufactured by Medtronic and allegedly dispensed a fatal overdose of insulin. The investigation also highlights other cases of medical device malfunctions, including artificial knee and hip implants that…
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the importance of entry pages in a website and how they can provide insight into the success of a website’s SEO. They explain that analyzing traffic for these entry pages can show how patients are finding and entering the website. Evans emphasizes that the traffic…
Health data breaches have reached a record high this year, affecting as many as 116 million people. This surge in breaches is largely due to an increase in hacking and ransomware attacks on health care organizations regulated by HIPAA. If you have received a notification about a cybersecurity incident from your health care provider, you…
The World Health Organization has identified a new Covid-19 strain, JN.1, as a “variant of interest.” JN.1 is an offshoot of the omicron subvariant BA.2.86 and is considered by WHO to pose a “low” risk to global public health. The strain has been detected in multiple countries and is responsible for a significant portion of…
A new study indicates that despite the availability of at-home colon cancer tests, many of them are unusable because of mistakes made by the patient. The study suggests that there are multiple reasons contributing to the unsatisfactory results, such as inadequate stool specimen, incomplete sample labeling, improper storage, or broken specimen containers. The study found…
A study from the Karolinska Institute compared exposure-based CBT with traditional CBT for treating fibromyalgia. They found that both treatments produced significant reduction in symptoms. The study involved 274 people with fibromyalgia, who were treated with either traditional or exposure-based CBT. The treatments were delivered entirely online. Participants answered questions about their mood and symptoms…
Ejection fraction (EF) is one of many measurements of heart function that measures the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart when it contracts. A low EF can indicate heart failure, specifically systolic heart failure. EF is usually measured using echocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, and other techniques. Normal EF is between 55% to 70%, but…
Walking at a faster pace has been associated with more favorable health advantages and may be linked to a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults. A systematic review of 10 cohort studies found that adults who engage in fairly brisk or brisk/striding walking may have a lower risk of developing T2D,…
The focus on gut health as a crucial component of overall well-being has led to the emergence of a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs in the gut health supplements industry. This article highlights the top 8 companies at the forefront of this transformation, including Athletic Greens with its AG1 product, Eidon with its Liquid Silica…
Intrarectal Botox injections show promise for treating faecal incontinence, according to a recent study. The injections help to relax the muscles in the rectum, reducing incontinence episodes. This treatment could provide a non-invasive alternative to surgery for some patients. The injections are well-tolerated and have shown positive results in clinical trials. However, further research is…
The COVID-19 pandemic has left hospitals and health systems dealing with long-term effects, including workforce shortages. The sustained demand for hospitalization has led to patients staying longer and coming in sicker, exacerbating the challenges of workforce shortages. The American Hospital Association reported record levels of staff anxiety, stress, and burnout. Care Logistics has been helping…
National mental health charity Turn2Me has launched free Christmas support groups for those struggling over the holidays, covering issues such as Christmas blues, family problems, bereavement, and loneliness. The online groups are anonymous and facilitated by a psychotherapist. Any adult in Ireland can sign up for these services on Turn2Me.ie. The support groups take place…
Starting January 1, California’s Medi-Cal program plans to implement new standardized contracts with its 22 managed care health plans, tightening enforcement of quality measures, requiring public reporting of medical providers’ performance, and mandating investment to plug gaps in primary care access. State regulators will need to be tough to realize these changes amidst other initiatives,…
Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative accelerated- or blast-phase myeloproliferative neoplasms who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells had a longer median overall survival (OS) than those who did not, according to a study presented at the ASH Annual Meeting. The study, led by Anand Ashwin Patel, MD, at UChicago Medicine, found that the stem-cell therapy resulted in…
Venture capitalists continue investing in drug research despite Medicare’s new authority to negotiate drug prices. The Inflation Reduction Act includes two measures that reduce drug prices, with Medicare price negotiation being the most controversial. Medicare will now negotiate prices for top-selling drugs without generic or biosimilar competition, beginning 9 years after their market appearance. The…
The author, Benjamin Woolf, recounts how he went into multiple organ failure and was hospitalized for nearly 100 days after being diagnosed with chronic thrombotic pulmonary hypertension and receiving treatment with macitentan and sildenafil. During his recovery, he became curious about the long-term effects of sildenafil, a medication commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. He…
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology issued updated guidelines for the use of antiplatelet therapy (APT) to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guidelines provide recommendations for the use of acetylsalicylic acid in primary prevention, duration of dual APT (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention, choice of potent DAPT for patients with acute…
Cranial bones play a vital role in protecting the brain and enabling physiological functioning. Restoring critical-sized cranial defects is challenging, with autologous bone grafts often preferred by reconstructive surgeons. However, this method has limitations and risks. Inspired by the composition and structure of cranial bones, scientists developed two bioceramic scaffolds with gyroid pores. These scaffolds…
Dry January is a growing trend in which people refrain from drinking alcohol during the month of January to reset their bodies and re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol. The trend has been popularized in the UK and is spreading to the US. Participants have reported various benefits such as better sleep, energy, and more mindfulness…
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled a series of Olympus bronchofiberscopes and bronchovideoscopes that could lead to a risk of burns and fire. The recall affects devices distributed between January 1, 2001, and September 11, 2023. Use of the devices may cause serious adverse events to patients and to clinicians, and healthcare…
Experts provide valuable tips for avoiding overeating and weight gain during the festive season. Restrictive eating is not recommended as it may lead to binge eating later. Instead, focus on mindful eating and being aware of portion sizes. It’s important to stay active during the holidays, but not as a weight loss tool. Hydration is…
GSK has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) panel to conduct a study on the safety of their anti-cancer drug, Dostarlimab. The study will focus on assessing the safety of the drug and its potential side effects. This approval allows GSK to proceed with conducting the study in India. The company…
Healthcare disparities are a growing concern, leading to a focus on creating a healthcare system that promotes health equity. This concept has far-reaching implications, impacting not only individual patients but entire communities. The key pillars for achieving health equity are awareness and education, equal access to care, advocacy, response and promotion, and technology. Language access…
In February, four voluntary hospice providers in Ireland will be redesignated to section 38 agreements with the HSE, ensuring full State funding for adult hospices. The Government will provide a total of €18.6 million to support sustainable care for adult specialist palliative services. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly sees this as a significant step towards universal…
The EnPlace surgical device offers a minimally invasive treatment option for women suffering from pelvic organ/uterine prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become weak and organs sag into the pelvic cavity, and transabdominal sacrocolpopexy has been the traditional treatment. However, due to complications, mesh repair is no longer…
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a nonprofit newsroom focused on health and health policy, distributing journalism for free without advertising. It is a program of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) and welcomes support through contributions to KFF, a charitable organization not associated with Kaiser Permanente. Readers and listeners are appreciated and encouraged to engage and support…
Ophthalmologists should track whether they attract patients through SEO or word of mouth to gauge the success of their online presence and marketing company. In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the difference between attracting patients through successful SEO vs. their practice’s existing brand. They emphasize the…
STAT is now publishing selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage discussion on difficult issues. The letters include one from a former FDA associate commissioner who strongly disagrees with an article casting doubt on the agency. A patient advocate in Canada provides a different perspective on advocating for treatment…
England’s health and social care secretary, Victoria Atkins, has urged junior doctors’ leaders to end their latest round of strikes and resume talks with the government over a pay dispute. Atkins stated that many junior doctors would be uncomfortable with the timing of the strikes due to the impact on services and colleagues. The latest…
A new variant of COVID-19 called JN.1 is responsible for a sudden increase in infections in the United States. This variant has evolved from another variant called BA.2.86. It is likely either more transmissible or better at evading the immune system. However, the updated COVID booster shot should provide protection against this variant. Despite this,…
Microglia, small immune cells in the brain, play a significant role in regulating the body’s response to general anesthesia. The understanding of how different anesthetics block consciousness is still not fully comprehended, but researchers uncovered that microglia impact the effectiveness of anesthesia and regulate brain network activity in a region-specific manner. This discovery was unintentionally…
Many people are torn between wanting to spend time alone and fearing the risk of loneliness. Memes on social media capture this dilemma, with some people begging for alone time while others struggle with the negative emotions that come with it. Researchers have found that the relationship between time spent alone and loneliness varies by…
The European Food Safety Authority reevaluated the safety of erythritol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in food products. They found concerns over its laxative effects and set new guidelines for acceptable daily intake. The evaluation investigated erythritol’s manufacturing process, contaminants, and human exposure. The report established an acceptable daily intake of 0.5 g/kg…
Researchers have found a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and delayed language development in children, particularly in males and when used in the third trimester. Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain relief and fever and is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, the study does not prove a direct cause and effect relationship…
Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, is set to acquire an established products portfolio in Europe and Canada from Sanofi for Rs 91 crore. The acquisition aims to expand Lupin’s presence in these regions and strengthen its product portfolio. This move will also contribute to Lupin’s growth strategy and market competitiveness. The company’s decision to invest in…
Reproductive health has been a major issue since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. In 2023, some states enacted total bans on abortion, while others worked to protect reproductive rights. The Guttmacher Institute and NFPRHA found several wins in 2023, including second-highest number of abortion protections enacted and the approval of Opill, the…
Five inpatient mental health centers in Ireland were found to be non-compliant with regulations on premises, staffing, and access to physical healthcare. The lowest compliance was found at Cork University Hospital’s acute mental health unit, with only 58 percent compliance. The inspection reports by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) found common concerns across all five…
New research presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting in 2023 found that intellectually healthy adolescents seen in epilepsy clinics have a high prevalence of eating disorders (EDs), particularly those diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The study involved a 10-year observational study of adolescents with comorbid EDs seen in epilepsy clinics and found…
Stem cells, in the forms of embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent, offer potential for regenerative medicine. Ethical concerns arise from the use of embryonic stem cells due to the destruction of embryos, but induced pluripotent stem cells offer a less controversial alternative. The potential applications of stem cells include regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug development,…
A Tennessee dentist, Steve Galella, has invented and trained dentists to use a dental device called the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) for TMJ and sleep apnea conditions. However, he has been sued by multiple patients claiming harm and tooth loss due to the device. Galella has settled almost all the lawsuits and rebranded the…
The BET inhibitor BMS986158 has shown promising preliminary data of potential disease modification in patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis when used in combination with ruxolitinib and fedratinib. The phase 1/phase 2 CA011-023 study, led by Dr. Haifa Kathrin Al-Ali, head of the Krukenberg Cancer Center at University Hospital of Halle in Germany, examined 16…
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a new warning label for Legend Biotech and Janssen’s myeloma CAR-T, Carvykti or cilta-cel, due to the occurrence of some secondary blood cancers following treatment. Oncologists and CAR-T experts believe this label update will not change anything about the use of Carvykti and that physicians already have discussions…
The European Medicines Agency suspended the marketing authorizations of 365 generic drugs after concerns were raised about the reliability of the testing conducted by Synapse Labs, a contract research organization in India. Out of 400 drugs reviewed, only 35 were found to be reliable. This raises significant concerns about the quality and safety of generic…
A new study indicates that the severity of amyloid deposition in the brain, rather than just age, may be a key factor in determining who will benefit from new anti-amyloid therapies in order to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that the baseline amyloid burden and overall brain health may be stronger predictors…
A study published in The BMJ found that sales of emergency contraception in the US rise by around 10% in the week after the New Year holiday. Other holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Independence Day were also associated with increased sales, though to a lesser extent. The increased sales are indicative of unmet contraceptive…
The content discusses the holiday blues and ways to protect your mental health during the festive season. WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer John Whyte explains the symptoms of holiday blues, strategies to overcome them, and also addresses viewer questions. The risk factors for holiday blues are highlighted, and tips for protecting yourself from them are provided….
A study in Ontario, Canada found that only 4.1% of hospital visits for opioid use disorder (OUD) resulted in community-based initiation of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) within 7 days of discharge. This low rate, despite the proven effectiveness of OAT in reducing morbidity and mortality, reflects missed opportunities to engage patients in treatment for OUD….
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that lack of proper sleep reduces positivity and increases the risk for anxiety symptoms in individuals. The study looked at data from 154 studies with 5,715 participants over 50 years to evaluate the impact of disrupted sleep on emotional well-being. It found that all three types…
A study has found that environmental exposure to metals is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Researchers found higher levels of metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead in the urine of women with breast cancer compared to those without the disease. The findings suggest that environmental metal exposure may play a role…
Health equity in the U.S. healthcare system is a serious issue, with many patients lacking necessary resources or facing discrimination based on factors like income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ZIP code. Some healthcare organizations are accused of using health equity as a buzzword without making a genuine commitment to tackling systemic barriers. Acknowledging past…