health $wellness blog

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains a leading cause of avoidable blindness in infants, particularly among extremely preterm newborns. With the rising survival rates of these infants, the incidence of ROP has increased, emphasizing the need for effective preventive strategies. A recent meta-analysis delved into the potential of propranolol as a therapeutic option and early prevention method for ROP, shedding light on its effectiveness.This study was published in American Journal Of Ophthalmology by Shafique M. and colleagues. A comprehensive meta-analysis, encompassing 8 relevant studies, was conducted to assess the efficacy of propranolol in preventing severe ROP. Following rigorous evaluation using PRISMA guidelines, the analysis included trials and observational studies involving beta-blockade to prevent stage ≥3 ROP or treatment requirement. The meta-analysis revealed compelling evidence supporting the use of oral propranolol as a preventive measure for severe ROP. The Risk...

USA: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has issued an updated version of the adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years and above in the US. The American College of Physicians, the CDC, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and the American Pharmacists Association have approved the immunization schedule. Major changes to the adult immunization schedule for 2024 include the following: Guidance has been revised to include the updated COVID-19 vaccines (2023-2024 formula). Hepatitis A Vaccination The revised note clarifies that any individual who is not fully vaccinated and requests vaccination can receive hepatitis A vaccination. Hepatitis B Vaccination Risk-based vaccination recommendations for individuals 60 years and older have been updated. A rec...

In a recent study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that early rhythm control (ERC) significantly impacts the occurrence of diabetes-related complications and mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The study included 47,509 subjects with T2DM and AF and based on the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database spanning from 2009 to 2016. Subjects were divided into two groups – those who received ERC within one year of AF diagnosis and those who underwent usual care. Among the participants (with a mean age of 66.7±10.5 years), 23.1% received ERC, while 76.9% received usual care. ERC was associated with a notable reduction in the risk of ischemic stroke, macrovascular and microvascular complications, and all-cause death. The adjusted hazard ratios were impressive: 0.77 [0.70–0.85], 0.79 [0.73–0.86], 0.86 [0.82–0.90], and 0.92 [0.87–0.98] respectively, with all p-values below 0.001, except for all-c...

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer with extremely poor survival rates. It is well known that because of late detection, PDAC is often diagnosed in advanced or metastasized stages, which emphasizes the necessity of accurate imaging methods for suspected lesions. The fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is highly expressed on carcinoma-associated fibroblasts in the stroma of pancreatic cancer and thus is promising target for imaging and therapy. Preliminary data on PET imaging with radiolabeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) demonstrate superior tumor detection. A recent study in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine assessed the accuracy of FAP-directed PET in patients with pancreatic cancer. The study confirmed an association of 68Ga-FAPI PET SUV max and histopathologic FAP expression in pancreatic cancer patients. Additionally, there was high detection rate and diagnostic accuracy, superior to those of 18F-FDG PET/CT. 68Ga-FAPI might become a powerful diagnostic tool for ...

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two renal denervation (RDN) systems and made groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of patients with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN). These innovative systems, developed by leading medical technology companies Medtronic, Inc (Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System) and ReCor Inc. (Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation System), have the potential to transform the lives of individuals suffering with uncontrolled HTN, who may be inadequately responsive to, or are intolerant to, anti-hypertensive medications. The FDA's approval of these RDN systems marks a significant milestone in the field of cardiovascular medicine. This invasive procedure offers a promising therapy to this targeted population. By targeting the nerves surrounding the kidneys, the systems disrupt the signals that contribute to high blood pressure, providing patients with a potentially life-changing solution. "The approval of the renal denerva...

USA: The use of 6-mg or 3-mg nicotine concentration oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) did little to curb nicotine cravings in current smokers, a recent study published in the journal Addiction has revealed. ONPs are a tobacco-leaf-free product marketed as an alternative to cigarettes.  "Use of 6-mg nicotine concentration ONPs was tied to greater plasma nicotine delivery at 30 minutes than 3-mg ONPs or cigarettes, but neither ONP relieved craving symptoms at 5 minutes as strongly as a cigarette," the researchers wrote. They suggested that accelerating the speed of nicotine delivery in ONPs might raise their misuse liability relative to cigarettes.  Nicotine pouches are small pre-portioned bags filled with nicotine powder, flavourings, artificial sweeteners and other chemicals that extend shelf life. Marketed as a smoke-free, tobacco-free alternative to cigarettes, these products have become increasingly popular since entering the consumer market in 2016. Lead author Brittney ...

In a groundbreaking study that could revolutionize dental pain management, Rutgers researchers have found that cannabidiol (CBD)-the non-addictive marijuana derivative-alleviates acute dental pain. This first-of-its-kind result appears in the Journal of Dental Research and indicates that CBD, which produces no “high” among users, may be an equally effective but far safer alternative to addictive opioid painkillers. “The first line of defense for dental pain has always been anti-inflammatory medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve), but many patients can’t take such medications or can’t get sufficient relief from them, so dentists have traditionally been among the largest prescribers of opioid medications, either alone or in combination with these other medications,” said lead study author Vanessa Chrepa, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and director of clinical and translational research at the school’s d...