health $wellness blog

Managing atopic dermatitis (AD) often proves to be a persistent challenge in dermatological practice, with treatments frequently falling short in providing long-lasting relief. However, the recent findings of the CrisADe CONTROL phase III study highlights a potential breakthrough in AD management. The findings were published in the Dermatology and Therapy journal. The study encompassed the participants aged three months and older with mild to moderate AD and focused on the efficacy of once-daily (QD) application of crisaborole following initial treatment success with crisaborole twice daily (BID). The investigation added data on the maintenance of response by examining flare-free periods and the frequency of flares when compared to the participants receiving a vehicle. This study engaged in an exploratory analysis to evaluate the various endpoints like the time to response during the open-label run-in period and the maintenance of response during the double-blind maintenance period...

USA: As cancer treatment advances, so do strategies to manage its side effects. A new frontier in supportive care has emerged with high-dose oral vitamin D showing promise in alleviating skin toxicities associated with cancer therapies. This breakthrough offers hope to patients grappling with dermatological challenges that often accompany chemotherapy and radiation. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, revealed that high-dose oral vitamin D is an emerging, safe therapeutic option for both toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) and acute radiation dermatitis. Skin toxicities, ranging from rashes to severe dermatitis, are common adversities in cancer treatment, impacting quality of life and treatment adherence. Traditional approaches have focused on topical treatments and systemic medications, but researchers are increasingly exploring the role of vitamin D in mitigating these effects. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skin health and immune mod...

Taiwan: In a groundbreaking hospital-based study, researchers have unveiled a potentially overlooked factor in the prognosis of stroke patients: low bone mineral density (BMD). Beyond its well-established role in skeletal health, BMD appears to hold significant implications for mortality and susceptibility to infections among individuals recovering from stroke, shedding new light on the intricate interplay between bone health and neurological outcomes. The study highlighted the pivotal role of bone mineral density in stroke patient outcomes. The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism , imply that proactive assessment & management of BMD in stroke care could potentially bolster survival rates. "Patients with lower BMD in the right femur (<0.624 g/cm2) and spine (<0.842 g/cm2) displayed reduced survival rates," the researchers reported. They noted that lower spine BMD correlated with a higher urinary tract infection (UTI) ris...

According to Phase 2 results, KP104 exhibits optimal long-term safety and efficacy for complement inhibitor-naïve patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The results of Phase 2 were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2024 Hybrid Congress. Announced by Kira Pharmaceuticals on June 17, 2024, these data highlighted KP104 as a potential first-line monotherapy to safely and effectively control intravascular (IVH) and extravascular hemolysis (EVH) of PNH. “We are very encouraged by the robust efficacy and favorable safety profile demonstrated by KP104 in our Phase 2 study,” said Wenru Song, head of R&D at Kira Pharmaceuticals. “These long-term results support the advancement of KP104 into Phase 3 trials.” PNH is a rare, life-threatening blood disease characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, the formation of blood clots, and impairment of bone marrow function. It is generally caused by a genetic mutation causing the production of aberra...

Researchers at the University of Michigan are finding that many patients may be encountering significant barriers to cancer care, even from their first phone call to a clinic. Patients attempting to access cancer care must go through several different levels of communication, both before their initial appointment with a physician and throughout their treatment. Making those first calls to learn more about available cancer care services or to schedule an appointment at a clinic is an important step toward beginning their treatment journey. “Racial and ethnic disparities have been observed in the outpatient visit rates for specialist care, including cancer care. However, we know very little about patients’ experiences at the critical step of attempting to access new clinic appointments for cancer care,” said Debbie Chen, M.D. Researchers set up simulated patient calls and studied whether each caller was able to access cancer care-that meant whether the caller was provided with a cli...

India: Melasma, a common skin condition characterized by dark patches on the face, has long troubled dermatologists and patients alike. Despite numerous treatments, recalcitrant cases have remained a challenge. However, a recent study published in the International Journal of Dermatology presents promising findings on the efficacy of oral melatonin in combating stubborn melasma. The study suggests that clinicians could consider oral melatonin as a well-tolerated off-label treatment for patients with recalcitrant melasma, although there is a need for additional research. Melatonin, known for its role in regulating sleep patterns, exhibits potent antioxidant properties. This led Rashmi Sarkar, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India, and colleagues to seek to determine if melatonin could potentially mitigate the hyperpigmentation associated with melasma. They aimed to explore alternative therapies for patients resistant to conventional treatment...

Hong Kong: In a comprehensive investigation, a recent systematic review has delved into the effect of antiresorptive drugs on osseointegrated dental implants, shedding light on a crucial aspect of oral health care. The review synthesizes evidence to provide valuable insights for dental professionals and patients. The review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights the significant impact of antiresorptive drugs on osseointegrated implants, with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) identified as a leading cause of implant failure. It emphasized the potential role of peri-implantitis as a trigger for MRONJ. "Regular monitoring and maintaining good periodontal health, particularly within the first three years of antiresorptive drug therapy initiation, are crucial for implant success," the researchers wrote. "Dentists and physicians should provide comprehensive information to patients prescribed with antiresorptive drugs, stressing the need...