The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences on various aspects of society, including physical and mental health. Recent data from the PROTECT study in England suggests that individuals aged 50 and older experienced a rapid deterioration in brain health during the pandemic. The study, led by Anne Corbett, PhD, from the University of Exeter, examined
Health
Recurrent bleeding due to small-intestinal angiodysplasia (SIA) poses a significant medical challenge, as current treatment options are limited. However, a recent randomized trial conducted by Huimin Chen, MD, and colleagues at Shanghai Jiao-Tong University in China has shown promising results with the use of thalidomide. Thalidomide treatment led to a significant reduction in bleeding episodes
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening plays a crucial role in early detection and prevention of this deadly disease. However, the benefits of screening are not uniform across all age groups, and the potential harm increases as individuals get older. This presents a challenge for healthcare providers and patients in making informed decisions about screening. In a
A recent Danish cohort study has found a concerning link between antibiotic and acid suppressant exposure during the perinatal period and the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) later in life. This chronic condition involves the accumulation of eosinophils in the esophageal lining, leading to inflammation and difficulties with swallowing. The study sheds light on the
The statement by Deborah Houry, MD, MPH, the CDC’s chief medical officer, highlights the growing problem of burnout among healthcare workers. This is a significant concern as it not only affects the well-being of these professionals but also has implications for patient care and overall healthcare delivery. However, it is important to delve deeper into
When I arrive to conduct my weekly clinical trial visit, I am greeted with a tired smile. For some of my home-based participants, I am the only face they have seen all week. These patients are elderly, managing multiple health conditions, and enrolled in a clinical trial for transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. Although they may not directly
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of misoprostol as a safe and effective method for self-managed abortions. A prospective observational cohort study conducted in Nigeria, Argentina, and Southeast Asia explored the use of misoprostol-alone regimens and their effectiveness in inducing abortion. The findings of this study shed light on the
In a recent retrospective study conducted at an Arkansas hospital, alarming racial disparities in sepsis outcomes among children have been uncovered. The study found that Black children had more than twice the risk of dying from sepsis compared to their white counterparts, even when clinical responses were similar. These findings shed light on the stark
Intravenous vitamin C, a potential treatment for COVID-19, was found to have limited efficacy in increasing days free of organ support in adult patients, according to two harmonized clinical trials known as LOVIT-COVID and REMAP-CAP. Contrary to earlier expectations and smaller studies, the results of these trials suggest that vitamin C may not significantly improve
Huntington’s disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, has long eluded effective treatment options. However, new research suggests that changes in metal levels may play a significant role in the development and progression of the disease. A recent post-mortem study conducted by Melissa Scholefield, PhD, and her colleagues at the University of Manchester, England, explored the metal