Health insurer advocacy organizations are disappointed with the final 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D rate announcement from CMS. The government expects total MA revenues to increase by 3.7%, but benchmark payments to MA plans will decrease by 0.16%. AHIP and Better Medicare Alliance express concerns that these changes will impact beneficiaries by potentially affecting…
The England and Wales High Court decision involved a two-year-old girl who suffered a devastating brain injury and was on life-sustaining treatment. The hospital trust applied for a declaration to withdraw the treatment and provide palliative care, as the child’s condition was irreversible and deteriorating. Despite the parents’ hope for recovery, the medical evidence showed…
A study found that patients with chronic airway obstruction (CAO) and restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) have a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with normal lung function (NLF), with men with CAO having the highest risk. The study involved 1986 individuals and showed that CAO was associated with respiratory death in women and…
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has abandoned proposed protections for indoor workers facing extreme heat due to concerns about the costs involved. This decision has angered workplace safety advocates and regulators, leading to uncertainty about when and how emergency rules will be implemented to protect workers from the intensifying heat. Despite the administration’s concerns about…
A study published in The BMJ found that prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs, such as medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone, is associated with an increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma. The study included over 100,000 women and showed a 5.6-fold increased risk with the use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injection. This risk was not…
The latest weight loss drugs, such as GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound, can have a significant impact on treating obesity and related health conditions in the U.S. However, the focus on price controls in political conversations may hinder their accessibility. While concerns about the initial high prices exist, past examples show that competition in the…
Fatima Hassan and colleagues from the Health Justice Initiative in South Africa argue that the global health community must speak out against the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. The deliberate destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians, including children, being killed. The ongoing attacks and blockade have…
A recent study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. The research, titled “Divergence in cigarette discontinuation rates by use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),” analyzed data from the U.S. PATH Study Waves 1-6 and found that between 2018…
Researchers developed a model to predict severe acute kidney injury in patients receiving cisplatin, a chemotherapy agent, to improve treatment outcomes and patient selection. The study examined data from six major US cancer centers and identified risk factors for cisplatin-associated acute kidney injury (CP-AKI). The model showed consistent discrimination and effectiveness in identifying patients at…
Lynne DeMarsh was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in 2017 and was told she had only a few years to live. She sought a second opinion, which led to different treatment options including genetic testing and immunotherapy. Consulting another doctor can provide a fresh perspective and offer additional treatment options. It’s important to communicate with…
Data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that clinical diagnosis of varicella (chickenpox) in children without laboratory confirmation is often unreliable. Only about half of clinically diagnosed cases were positive for the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The state expanded PCR testing for varicella to improve diagnosis accuracy and saw an increase in lab-confirmed cases. Clinical…
A human case of bird flu has been confirmed in Texas, with the patient having direct exposure to cattle. This is the second human case of avian influenza in the U.S. and the first related to an outbreak among dairy cows in Texas. Avian influenza A (H5N1) is typically found in wild birds but can…
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has given approval to the Hind Institute of Medical Sciences to withdraw their applications to start DM Cardiology and Medical Gastroenterology courses. The decision was made after considering various factors. The institution will no longer pursue the establishment of these courses. This information was disclosed in the context of…
Ipsen, a company focusing on oncology, has made a deal with Sutro Biopharma for their first antibody drug conjugate (ADC), STRO-003. This ADC targets ROR1, a tumor antigen overexpressed in various cancers. Sutro’s technology allows for precise drug conjugation, potentially making STRO-003 a leading ADC. Ipsen paid $92 million upfront for the rights to STRO-003…
A recent report from the National Healthcare Quality Reporting System shows significant improvements in heart attack and stroke outcomes over the past decade. In-hospital deaths within 30 days of admission for heart attacks have decreased by 23%, while in-hospital deaths for ischaemic stroke have decreased by 38%. The report also highlights increased uptake of cervical…
The FDA has issued a safety alert regarding the use of unapproved potassium phosphates drug products by Hospira in pediatric patients. These products may result in daily aluminum exposures exceeding recommended limits, potentially leading to various health issues. To prevent this, the FDA recommends using alternative products such as Fresenius Kabi’s or CMP Development’s Potassium…
Seattle Children’s Research Institute and Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab partnered to research sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and found that genetic testing at birth could help determine a child’s risk of SIDS. The study, involving whole-genome sequencing of infants who died from SIDS, identified genes associated with the syndrome, particularly those related to oxygen…
Deanna Gomez, a college senior at California State University-San Bernardino, had to travel over 300 miles and pay hundreds of dollars for a medication abortion that she could have received for free on campus. A year after California mandated public universities to provide abortion pills, many campuses lack information on how to obtain them. Despite…
A randomized controlled trial found that an intervention aimed at reducing daily sitting time among older adults led to a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 3.48 mm Hg in the intervention group compared to the control group. Participants received health coaching, a fitness tracker, a standing desk, and a workbook to help them…
The White House has finally released a plan to address drug shortages, linking Medicare payments to hospitals with practices that prevent shortages. A task force was formed in early 2023 to tackle the issue, particularly with cancer drugs shortages. Lawmakers have not been in contact with the task force and are unsure of its leadership….
Texas Medical Board guidance on abortion regulations criticized for being confusing and burdensome. Since 2021, abortion has been banned in Texas after six weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions only for medical emergencies. Abortions have significantly decreased in the state, from over 50,000 in 2021 to 23 in 2023. Doctors are struggling to define a medical…
A study conducted by the University of Birmingham found that healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, feel ill-equipped to address the issue of childhood obesity due to a lack of training, time, and resources. Professionals expressed frustration over limited availability of specialist services, lack of training on childhood obesity, and concerns about damaging trust with…
A study published in Radiology found that microwave ablation was as effective as surgery in treating multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with fewer complications. PTC is the most common type of thyroid cancer and often presents with multiple nodules within the thyroid gland. Microwave ablation showed similar progression-free survival rates to surgery but resulted in…
In 1996, Doug Olson was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and underwent various treatments including chemotherapy. When the cancer stopped responding to treatment, he was recommended CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that reengineers immune cells to target cancer cells more effectively. CAR T-cell therapy has shown promising results for blood cancers, with…
The FDA has approved Abbott’s TriClip Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair system for repairing severe tricuspid regurgitation. The approval was based on positive results from the TRILUMINATE trial, showing significant improvement in quality of life for patients who underwent repair with the TriClip system. The procedure was found to be safe, with a high rate of patients…
L.D. George Angus’s latest book, Unveiling the Legends, celebrates medical visionaries and their revolutionary contributions. This book takes readers on a journey through the lives and work of medical pioneers who changed the world. From ancient knowledge of Imhotep to modern surgical skills of Sushruta, readers will explore the incredible achievements of these proactive individuals….
A study found that using iGlarLixi therapy is safe and effective for treating diabetes, regardless of whether or not patients are also taking SGLT2 inhibitors. This combination therapy does not pose any additional risks and can help improve outcomes for patients with diabetes. The study emphasizes the importance of using a personalized approach to diabetes…
Providence’s Digital Innovation Group has spun out a new tech startup called Praia Health, focused on personalizing healthcare journeys for patients. The platform, backed by a $20 million funding round, aims to improve consumer engagement and provide true personalization at scale. Praia’s platform uses identity and profile technology to unify fragmented data sources and offers…
Dr. Ray O’Connor compiles and writes about the latest clinical studies, focusing on their practical implications. Studies discussed include the effectiveness of dancing for weight loss, the health benefits of transitioning to clean energy sources, the impact of pet ownership on cognitive decline, and the association between protein intake and healthy aging. Additionally, studies on…
The obesity epidemic is a global issue with significant health implications. Innovative solutions like the vibrating ingestible device offer hope for non-invasive weight management by targeting stomach receptors to induce feelings of fullness. Although further research and human trials are needed, early results from animal studies are promising. The current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obesity…
Digital health startup Eko Health has received FDA clearance for its AI-enabled Eko Low Ejection Fraction Tool (ELEFT) that helps detect low ejection fraction, a sign of heart failure, in just 15 seconds during routine exams with an Eko stethoscope. This tool is added to Eko’s SENSORA Cardiac Early Detection Platform, which already has FDA-cleared…
State and local governments are receiving billions of dollars in settlements from companies involved in the opioid crisis. KFF Health News has been tracking how this money is being used. BrownGreer, the administering firm, recently made settlement data public on a website, allowing users to see how much money their area has received or will…
A Cincinnati-based life sciences company, Asha Therapeutics, announced the advancement of its development candidate, ASHA-624, as a potential disease modifying therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ASHA-624 is an intra-molecular compound that targets the SARM1 protein, which promotes axonal degeneration and neurodegeneration in ALS. Preclinical models have shown that ASHA-624 can reverse motor impairment and…
Roivant Sciences is facing questions about whether its business model can survive its recent successes. The company’s drug brepocitinib showed positive results in a study for non-infectious uveitis, while also announcing a $1.5 billion stock buyback, including shares owned by Sumitomo. Many of Roivant’s drugs, including brepocitinib, were initially part of larger pharmaceutical companies like…
The Royal College of General Practitioners and the Faculty of Public Health have topped the climate and health scorecard, evaluating UK health organisations’ efforts to tackle the climate emergency. 19 organizations, including nine medical royal colleges, participated in the initiative, which assesses internal operations, finance, education, and advocacy. Experts from various fields contributed to the…
A team of scientists from the German Cancer Research Center has developed a new method called “Small-Scale Magneto-Oscillatory Localization” (SMOL) to track and control miniature robots and surgical instruments inside the body in real-time. The method is based on a magnetic oscillator that can be excited to vibrate mechanically and then detected using magnetic sensors….
Individuals with heart disease have the most to gain from a low-sodium diet, as consuming too much sodium can raise blood pressure and worsen conditions like heart failure. The recommended limit is 1,500 mg/day, but most people with heart disease consume over twice that amount. Adhering to a low-sodium diet can reduce the risk of…
Rochelle Pagano, in her mid-40s, experienced anxiety and mood changes as she entered menopause. With symptoms like heart palpitations, anxiety, and depression, she realized that hormonal fluctuations were causing these issues. Lifestyle changes like healthy eating, exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and dietary supplements helped her manage her symptoms. Treatments for menopause anxiety include antidepressants, cognitive…
The FDA has approved danicopan as an add-on therapy for patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) who are receiving ravulizumab or eculizumab. PNH is a rare blood disorder that can result in life-threatening complications such as anemia, thrombosis, and bone marrow dysfunction. Danicopan, an oral complement factor D inhibitor, helps control intravascular hemolysis and prevent…
Researchers have found that a ketogenic diet can improve both metabolic and psychiatric symptoms in patients with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These individuals often experience side effects from antipsychotic medications, such as weight gain and insulin resistance. A pilot study found that participants who followed a ketogenic diet with low carbs…
A hospital in Bengaluru performed a faulty fissures operation that resulted in complications for the patient. The doctor responsible for the operation was slapped with a compensation claim as a result. The incident highlights the importance of proper medical procedures and the potential consequences of medical negligence. This case serves as a reminder for healthcare…
The employee healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with factors such as new regulations, more vendor options, and advances in technology driving the need for change. Consultants are facing challenges in meeting the diverse needs of their clients, requiring a broader knowledge base and a more expansive role. A survey is being conducted to gather insights…
A survey conducted ahead of the Irish Medical Organisation’s AGM revealed that the majority of non-consultant hospital doctors feel that long hours, lack of support, and challenging working conditions are driving doctor emigration. Many NCHDs do not feel valued or supported in their work and are regularly working unsafe and illegal hours. The survey also…
Unauthorized enrollment or plan-switching in Affordable Care Act insurance plans is becoming a serious issue, as rogue agents can easily access policyholder accounts through the federal marketplace. This can lead to consumers being switched to different plans without their consent, causing them to potentially face issues with doctors, prescriptions, and back taxes. Federal regulators are…
A retrospective cohort study of 2,459 adults with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) found that there was a significant decrease in the risk of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among patients with rheumatic diseases. Risk factors for PASC were similar to those of the general population, with patients with lupus showing more cardiovascular, dermatologic, and…
The National Residency Match for medical graduates this year revealed worrying trends, particularly in the field of pediatrics. Despite an increase in applicants, a lower proportion of graduates chose pediatrics as their specialty, with nearly 30% of pediatric residency programs left unfilled. The decline in interest is attributed to low compensation for pediatricians compared to…
Rodrigo de Oliveira Andrade, a freelance journalist from São Paulo, Brazil, examines the reasons behind the decline in childhood immunization coverage in the country and what measures have been taken to address it. Brazil has shown an increase in vaccine coverage for eight childhood vaccines in 2023 compared to the previous year. Notably, vaccinations for…
The cerebellum, known as the “little brain,” is crucial for coordinating movement, balance, and learning. A study led by the Champalimaud Foundation reveals the importance of climbing fibers in the cerebellum for associative learning. By manipulating these fibers using optogenetics, researchers found that they are essential for teaching signals that drive learning. Surprisingly, introducing a…
A review article discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and treating brain tumors, highlighting challenges in management and the need for precise care. Diffuse midline glioma and glioblastoma are among the toughest tumors to treat with current methods. AI offers advantages in tumor analysis, providing detailed imaging, optimized workflows, and accurate tumor…
Advancements in treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, such as biologic drugs, have drastically improved the outlook for those with the condition. Biologics, which target specific parts of the immune system, work faster and more effectively than traditional DMARDs like methotrexate. Different types of biologics are available to treat RA, including TNF inhibitors, interleukin blockers, and JAK…