Twenty-one leading clinicians and academics have written an open letter to the Taoiseach urging the government to reverse its decision to not fund the National Cancer Strategy this year. The letter highlights the negative impact of underfunding on cancer outcomes, including delays in screenings, surgeries, and treatments. Ireland has the third-highest cancer mortality rate in…
Using the kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) alongside estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for vascular access planning may help more patients start hemodialysis with arteriovenous fistula or grafts at appropriate times. A study of 2581 adults found that creating a fistula or graft within 2 years of hemodialysis initiation was more likely in patients with…
Postpartum Support International (PSI) launched the Connect by PSI app to provide support and resources to women with perinatal mental health disorders (PMHD). The app offers access to a helpline, crisis assistance, a community of patients and professionals, and a library of resources in English and Spanish. Research shows that one in five women and…
A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida outlines a scheme where large insurance sales call centers enrolled people in Affordable Care Act plans or switched their coverage without permission. The lawsuit alleges that call centers paid for names of people responding to misleading ads, leading to unauthorized enrollments and…
A study presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting found that location of residence was not associated with subjective cognitive decline in Black women. The research analyzed data from the Black Women’s Health Study, including 20,768 individuals. The Area Deprivation Index, used to measure neighborhood disadvantage, did not show any significant differences in…
New regulations announced by the U.S. government agency set strict limits on the amount of crystalline silica exposure for miners and stone cutters to prevent health hazards. The rules limit exposure to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for an eight-hour shift. Overexposure to silica can lead to silicosis, lung issues, and other health…
NHS trusts and GPs will now be required by law to share records of all patients who die from natural causes with their local medical examiner starting in September. This new legislation aims to formalize changes to the death certification process in England and Wales, ensuring greater safeguards and support for bereaved families. The legislation,…
New research indicates that ethnic minorities are not adequately represented in studies on multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), despite being more susceptible to these conditions. A systematic review published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine highlighted a lack of reporting on ethnicity and underrepresentation of ethnic minority groups in intervention studies aimed at…
A study was conducted on the effects of varying carbohydrate intake and glycemic index on endurance performance in men during a 10-week exercise and nutritional intervention. The study compared a low-carb high-fat (LCHF) diet, high-GI diet, and low-GI diet. The low-GI diet showed reduced energy intake, improved metabolic flexibility, and endurance performance. The LCHF diet…
Whole-body CT scans are becoming increasingly popular as a preventive health measure, but their effectiveness and safety are a matter of debate among medical experts. These scans use computed tomography to examine different parts of the body for early signs of abnormalities, but they are expensive and not typically covered by insurance. The radiation exposure…
A large study found that headaches, including tension-type, migraine, and posttraumatic headache, are strongly linked to both attempted and completed suicide. Individuals with trigeminal and autonomic cephalalgias (TAC) had a four times higher risk of suicide attempt, while those with posttraumatic headache had double the risk of completed suicide compared to those with no headache….
A recent study found that pressure to lose weight in adolescence can lead to high levels of internalized weight stigma later in life. This stigma can result in negative outcomes, such as poor mental health and disordered eating. Factors such as bullying, family pressure, and media influence during teenage years were found to contribute to…
A study has found that adding metronidazole to cefazolin reduces the risk of surgical site infections in gynecologic surgery. By combining these two antibiotics, the study showed a decrease in postoperative infections. This finding may lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications for patients undergoing gynecologic procedures. Source link
Three healthcare organizations, including AHIP, AMA, and NAACOS, have collaborated to release a playbook outlining best practices for value-based arrangements as the industry shifts away from fee-for-service models. The playbook focuses on improving patient experience, advancing population health, and reducing costs, with recommendations organized into seven domains. The goal is to help payers, physicians, hospitals,…
The Government has reinstated a paid leave scheme for public health service workers with Long Covid. The temporary scheme, previously paused, has been extended until June 30 in response to calls from health sector unions. Around 120 nurses are still unable to work due to Long Covid symptoms. The scheme will apply retrospectively from April…
The presence of microangiopathy in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is associated with a worse prognosis, as shown in a study of 450 patients. Patients with microangiopathy had a significantly increased risk for kidney outcomes, including a decrease in estimated filtration rate, end-stage kidney disease, kidney transplantation, or death. The group with microangiopathy also…
Kontakt.io, an analytics company focused on the healthcare journey, raised $47.5 million in a Series C funding round led by Goldman Sachs. The company uses AI and real-time IoT to track patient movement in the care process. The funds will be used to expand globally and enhance their AI-enabled IoT offerings. Dr. David Shulkin, former…
The FDA has issued a Class 1 recall for the HeartMate II and III devices, manufactured by Thoratec Corp., due to hundreds of injuries and at least 14 deaths. The recall comes years after surgeons first noticed problems. The devices help the heart pump blood and are used in patients with end-stage heart failure. Abbott…
At the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting, Dr. Steven R. Sarkisian Jr. discussed how phacoemulsification plus minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) can improve quality of life and prevent visual field loss in glaucoma patients. Studies have shown that combining phaco with MIGS devices like Hydrus or iStent can lower intraocular pressure (IOP)…
In this content, Dr. Grubbs reflects on her experiences working in predominantly white academic medicine institutions and how she felt pressured to conform and suppress her authentic self. She shares her newfound sense of freedom and fulfillment working at West Oakland Health, where she can be her true self without tokenization or skepticism about her…
Surgeon Sala Abdalla warns about the risks of having surgery abroad, particularly in weight loss and cosmetic surgery. Patients are not adequately informed of the potential complications that can arise from medical procedures conducted outside their home country. Abdalla has personally treated multiple patients who experienced complications after undergoing surgery overseas. The rise of health…
A new theory proposed by Wu Tsai Neuro Faculty Scholar Julia Kaltschmidt and MD/Ph.D. candidate Lori Dershowitz suggests that defects in the organization of gut neurons in infancy may be linked to pediatric gastrointestinal motility disorders. This theory, published in a Perspective article in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, highlights the importance…
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are promising next-generation drugs that can block harmful messages from genes, potentially treating diseases like cancer. However, delivering ASOs into cancer cells has been a major challenge as the cells have gatekeeper molecules that prevent their entry. Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new compound called L687, which opens specific calcium…
Dr. Lisa Newman highlights reasons for hope for women with advanced breast cancer, including improving treatments and targeted therapies with fewer side effects. Research on circulating cancer cells and precision medicine is promising. However, African American women face higher death rates due to systemic racism affecting healthcare access and delays in diagnosis. More research is…
An ongoing extension study supports the long-term safety and efficacy of the oral CGRP receptor antagonist atogepant in preventing chronic and episodic migraine. 70% of patients treated with atogepant achieved at least a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days at 13-16 weeks, maintained over 48 weeks. The study, reported at the American Academy of Neurology…
A 37-year-old man in Hong Kong tested positive for the rare human B virus after being attacked by a wild monkey. The virus can lead to severe brain damage or death and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with saliva, feces, urine, or tissue from infected monkeys. Symptoms of infection include flu-like symptoms,…
A study has found that a combination of netarsudil and latanoprost is a useful fixed dose option for treating open-angle glaucoma and reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). This combination therapy was shown to be effective in managing the condition. Cookies are used on the website for analytics, advertising, and site improvement, with users agreeing to their…
A webinar on April 16 at 1pm ET will discuss how healthcare organizations and health tech companies can collaborate to improve interoperability through eConsent, moderated by Aneesh Chopra. The panel, including representatives from DocuSign and Velatura, will focus on streamlining patient consent for sharing protected health information (PHI), complying with regulations, and improving care coordination….
The Cabinet has approved new legislative amendments to expand pharmacists’ responsibilities, including the ability to prescribe. The Expert Taskforce on Pharmacy in Ireland has been reviewing the role of pharmacists in primary care and has made recommendations for changes. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has secured approval for an amendment to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill…
More than $4.3 billion in opioid settlement funds have been distributed to city, county, and state officials, with more to come. However, some places are using the money to replace existing funding instead of adding necessary treatment and prevention services. Critics argue that this approach is not addressing the ongoing addiction crisis effectively. A debate…
The 2024 ADA Standards of Care recommend continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for all people with type 1 diabetes. CGM, along with certain insulins, can help people recognize, prevent, and treat hypoglycemia. Joanne Rinker, a board-certified advanced diabetes manager, highlighted these changes at a conference. Providers are encouraged to offer CGM to all adults on insulin,…
Intra-Cellular Therapies announced positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial for its antipsychotic medicine Caplyta in treating major depressive disorder. The study showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a placebo on the MADRS scale. The drug also demonstrated benefits on a patient-reported measure of depression severity. Common side effects included dry…
NHS England has initially decided to stop accepting new sign-ups to the NHS Practitioner Health program, which provides mental health and addiction services to healthcare professionals. This decision sparked dismay and disbelief among doctors, prompting NHS England to reverse the decision. The organization stated that they are reviewing staff support options for mental health across…
New guidelines called TRIPOD+AI have been introduced to update the reporting standards for clinical prediction models, reflecting the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical decision-making tools. These guidelines aim to improve transparency and accuracy in studies developing and evaluating AI prediction models, emphasizing trustworthiness, fairness, and the importance of reporting. Led by researchers…
A lawsuit filed in Florida claims that large insurance call centers enrolled people in Affordable Care Act plans or switched their coverage without permission in a scheme to make money. The call centers paid to obtain names of individuals who responded to misleading advertisements promising government subsidies. The sales agents then used this information to…
A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery found that patients who experienced complications following dermatologic cosmetic procedures had high rates of mental health issues. Survey results from 100 individuals showed that rates of anxiety disorder, depression, body dysmorphic disorder, and PTSD were significantly higher after complications….
Regular physical activity is important for heart health, with exercise lowering cardiovascular disease risk by reducing stress-related signaling in the brain. A study by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that individuals with depression benefited the most from physical activity, with a 23% reduced risk of heart disease among participants who met recommended activity levels….
The Karnataka High Court rejected a dentist’s plea challenging the cancellation of their transfer to the position of Taluk Health Officer, stating that a MBBS degree is mandatory for the role. The dentist had filed a petition against the cancellation, but the court upheld the requirement of an MBBS degree for the position. The court’s…
Banner Health, an Arizona-based health system, is deploying Qventus’ perioperative technology across its organization after a successful pilot. Qventus, founded in 2012, offers technology that optimizes efficiency in healthcare settings. The perioperative software integrates with electronic health records and uses machine learning to maximize surgical caseloads. Banner is rolling out the technology to meet increasing…
The 2024 Spring Meeting of the ROI Faculty RCGP at Queens University Belfast had an ‘all-island’ feel, with presentations on clinical cases, cancer care, political challenges in Northern Ireland, and the role of general practice in society. Winners of the Clinical Case Presentation Competition from UCC presented a case for varicella immunization, while Trinity College…
Lark Health has appointed Darren Eckberg as its chief growth officer to lead the expansion of its AI-enabled GLP-1 cost-containment technology. The company offers digital chronic-condition management services aimed at reducing medication costs. Additionally, Parsley Health has named Chris Ricaurte as co-CEO to help with financial stewardship and strategic leadership. Similarly, Array Behavioral Care has…
Una encuesta reveló que casi una cuarta parte de los adultos que fueron dados de baja de Medicaid el año pasado ahora no tienen seguro. Las protecciones del programa durante la pandemia expiraron el año pasado, lo que resultó en la pérdida de cobertura para muchos. Sin embargo, casi la mitad de las personas que…
Dr. Edward V. Loftus Jr. discusses the use of interchangeable biosimilars in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in a video exclusive for Healio. The availability of interchangeable biosimilars like Cyltezo, Abrilada, and Wezlana has increased access to costly medications for patients. Dr. Loftus explains that interchangeable biosimilars have been studied more than regular biosimilars and…
Telehealth company Cerebral has agreed to limit the use of consumer health data for advertising and pay $7 million to settle charges of disclosing personal health information to third parties. The Federal Trade Commission ordered Cerebral to stop using health information for advertising purposes. The company, known for providing counseling services and prescriptions for mental…
This study developed and tested a new prediction tool, called KDpredict, to predict the risk of kidney failure and mortality in individuals with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The study used data from Canada, Denmark, and Scotland to train and test the tool. KDpredict outperformed the current benchmark model for kidney failure risk prediction,…
A study by researchers at City University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong discovered evidence of numerical ability in rats, suggesting the existence of discrete number sense in rodents. The research used brain manipulation techniques, numerical learning tasks, and AI modeling to investigate the neural basis of numerical ability. The findings…
Researchers reviewed the impact of environmental factors on fetal brain development, focusing on inflammation and oxidative stress as common denominators across various stressors. They emphasize the importance of healthy intrauterine environments for promoting fetal brain development and stress the need to reduce modifiable stress factors during pregnancy. Factors like maternal nutrition, gut microbiota, obesity, smoking,…
Michelle Pickens struggled with health issues since childhood, including severe digestive problems and fatigue, eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2015. She manages her symptoms through medication, including immunosuppressive infusions, and prioritizes self-care and stress management. Motherhood has added challenges, as she had to make tough decisions during pregnancy and adjusts her schedule to balance…
Research suggests that analyzing temporal changes in speech could be a simple way of detecting mild cognitive impairment and identifying the risk of developing dementia. The Speech-Gap Test focuses on temporal speech parameters such as speech rate, hesitations, and silent pauses. It is a tool for initial screening, not diagnosis, to quickly flag patients with…
Dr. Peter Rentrop discusses how cutting-edge medical technologies are revolutionizing the field of cardiology. Innovations such as smart wearables with ECG capabilities, AI for enhanced diagnostics, telecardiology for remote care, minimally invasive procedures, and 3D printing for surgical planning are transforming the way heart health is approached. These advancements allow for continuous monitoring, more accurate…