A study published in JAMA found that preoperative urine culture testing does not significantly reduce the risk of postoperative urinary tract infections. The research suggests that relying solely on this type of testing may not be an effective way to prevent UTIs in surgery patients. The study results call into question the common practice of…
In his State of the Union address, President Biden highlighted several critical healthcare issues facing Americans, including reproductive rights, prescription drug costs, the Affordable Care Act, and women’s health research. He criticized states banning abortion and promised to restore Roe v. Wade if Congress supports it. Biden discussed proposals to cap insulin costs and negotiate…
In December 2023, the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath initiated a review of the Standard Fund Threshold (SFT) currently set at €2 million. The review aims to examine the implications of potential changes to the SFT, which could impact individuals planning for retirement. The SFT has not been adjusted since 2014, despite inflation and earnings…
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that a continuous dosing schedule of PEG-asparaginase (PEGasp) in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reduced hypersensitivity reactions and antibody formation compared to a noncontinuous schedule. The study included 818 patients aged 1-18, with 312 in the medium-risk arm. Results showed fewer hypersensitivity reactions in…
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone, which work in the brain to alleviate symptoms without the same euphoric effects as opioids. Suboxone is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment programs to help individuals manage their addiction. However, there are potential side effects…
Headspace, a digital mental health company, has launched a new virtual reality app called Headspace XR aimed at helping users strengthen their mind-body connection through movement and breathwork. The app includes mood-boosting games, guided meditations, and techniques to reach a younger audience, especially Gen Z. Headspace plans to conduct a study to evaluate the app’s…
President Joe Biden delivered a State of the Union address focusing on accomplishments in health care, as well as discussing immigration, the economy, crime, job growth, infrastructure, and international conflicts. Biden aimed to counter his low approval ratings and draw contrasts between his policies and those of Trump and some Republicans, without mentioning Trump by…
A study presented at ACTRIMS 2024 found no correlation between depression and self-reported disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), contrary to the hypothesis. The study involved a retrospective chart review of 224 adults with MS admitted to Parkland Hospital. Data showed a trend between higher depression scores and higher disability levels but was not…
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced that their ALS treatment, Relyvrio, failed to provide any benefit in a large clinical trial, leading to consideration of withdrawing the medicine. The FDA called for a meeting to discuss Eli Lilly’s Alzheimer’s drug, donanemab, despite successful trial results. President Biden’s proposal to expand Medicare price negotiation in his State of the…
On February 1, the UK Foundation Programme Office announced changes to the specialised foundation programme recruitment, moving to a “preference informed allocation” system. This new algorithmically generated ranking system has raised concerns among academics, clinicians, and students about its impact on clinical academia. Medical student Marina Politis and colleagues argue that the changes will add…
