MedPage Today
Coverage of MedPage Today in the Nexus archive.
- Statins Tied to Lower Major Complication Risk After Retinal Surgery
A large propensity-matched analysis found that people with a history of statin use had nearly a 50% lower risk of two major complications after retinal detachment surgery. The study involved almost 7,500 patients undergoing the procedure.
- Trial Begins for Nurse Who Says Postpartum Issues Led Her to Kill Her Kids
A trial has begun for a nurse who claims postpartum issues led her to kill her children. The article includes a note about the U.S. national suicide and crisis lifeline.
- Stem Cell Therapy for GA Shows Early Evidence of Vision Gains, Retina Preservation
A stem cell-derived therapy for advanced geographic atrophy (GA) showed preliminary evidence of vision improvement and retina preservation, according to a small study reported in Montreal. The study indicated potential benefits in preserving retinal health and enhancing visual acuity in patients with advanced GA.
- The Roadmap to DSM-6
The article discusses the upcoming DSM-6, highlighting its role as a foundational reference in psychiatric diagnosis and its impact on clinical practices, insurance reimbursements, and psychiatric research design.
- Second Season of Clesrovimab for RSV Well Tolerated in High-Risk Kids
The long-acting monoclonal antibody clesrovimab (Enflonsia) was well tolerated in high-risk infants during two RSV seasons, according to a randomized clinical trial. The drug is used for RSV prevention in infants at increased risk for severe disease.
- Dramatic Results Seen With Gene Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) showed stable vision and retinal anatomy for up to 5 years, with significant reductions in treatment burden, according to studies presented in Montreal.
- Europe's Early Heat Wave Led to a Spike in Deaths, May Have Killed Over 10,000
Europe's early and intense heat wave this year caused a significant spike in deaths, with over 10,000 more fatalities reported at the height of the event than typically expected. The analysis is based on data from MedPage Today, which highlights the exceptional severity of the heat wave.
- Vision Benefits in GA With Complement Inhibitor, Regardless of AMD, Anti-VEGF
Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre), a complement inhibitor, showed similar efficacy in treating geographic atrophy (GA) whether administered to patients with concurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or to those with GA alone. The findings are based on data from a retina clinical trial.
- Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism in Cancer Patients; Infections in U.S. Hospitals
The article discusses diagnosing pulmonary embolism in cancer patients and infections in U.S. hospitals. It references a weekly medical podcast by Elizabeth Tracey and Rick Lange from Texas Tech.
- The Upside-Down World of the GLP-1 Bridge
A healthcare professional examines electronic medical records to investigate the GLP-1 Bridge, focusing on patient data without immediate life-threatening concerns.
- The New Malaria Vaccine Helps in Africa but Faces a Test: Completing All 4 Doses
A new malaria vaccine is being administered in Africa, but challenges remain in ensuring children complete all four required doses. In Cameroon, a mother walks through muddy conditions to bring her 9-month-old son for his vaccination at a central clinic.
- What's the Best Way to Test for Cyclospora Infection?
Routine ova and parasite (O&P) testing may miss Cyclospora infections, and physicians should request additional diagnostic methods for accurate detection.
- Wildfire Smoke Kills Tens of Thousands Each Year. Here's How It Attacks the Body.
Wildfire smoke, linked to increased Northern Hemisphere fires due to Earth warming, harms nearly every human body system and causes tens of thousands of annual deaths, according to medical studies. The article highlights the lethal health impacts of wildfire smoke.
- Nurse Found Dead at Home; Doc's Manslaughter Charges; Emergency Nurse Missing
A Missouri nurse was found dead at her home in June. Her husband, Andrew Hummel, MD, had admitted to assaulting a woman but has not been accused in her death. Another doctor, Samuel Lee, MD, from Florida is mentioned in the context of manslaughter charges.
- America Tried Permanent Daylight Saving Time but It Didn't Last. Could It Work Now?
The article discusses proposed legislation in Congress to implement permanent daylight saving time in the U.S., which could eliminate the biannual clock changes. It references a previous failed attempt at permanent daylight saving time and explores whether it might succeed now.
- Study Offers Reassurance to Women Considering Epidural During Labor
A Scottish cohort study analyzing nearly half a million deliveries found no link between epidural analgesia during labor and adverse neonatal neurological outcomes. The findings offer reassurance to women considering epidurals for pain management during childbirth.
- Astronauts Obtain First X-Rays in Space
Astronauts successfully conducted the first X-rays in space using a portable radiography system, which could enhance diagnostic capabilities for crew health, according to a small prospective study. The experiment was part of the Fram2 polar mission involving three crew members.
- CDC Finds Good News on Hospital-Associated Infections
The CDC reported that Americans were less likely to experience healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in 2023 compared to 2015, though challenges persist in reducing surgical-site infections and non-ventilator-associated pneumonia in hospitals.
- Trial Questions Continuous Maintenance in Newly Diagnosed Myeloma
A phase III trial (ENDURANCE) found that continuous lenalidomide (Revlimid) maintenance therapy did not significantly improve overall survival in patients with standard-risk, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The results question the effectiveness of continuous maintenance in this patient group.
- Biomarkers for Esophageal Cancer Continue to Evolve
Biomarker discovery has been essential in developing more effective therapies for solid tumors, including esophageal cancer. The applicability of biomarkers in esophageal cancer continues to evolve.
- GLP-1s and Blinding Condition; Cyclosporiasis Source Found? Tylenol-Autism Lawsuits
A cohort study found diabetes patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists had a higher risk of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a potentially blinding eye condition. The article also mentions Tylenol-autism lawsuits and an investigation into the source of cyclosporiasis, though details on these topics are not elaborated in the provided content.
- Declaring Death Is Not So Simple
A medical student describes declaring the death of a hospice patient with cancer during their hematology-oncology rotation. The article highlights the personal experience of confirming a patient's death as part of medical training.
- Later-Line Treatments for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Based on the DESTINY-Breast03 trial, trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is now the preferred second-line therapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, according to guidelines.
- Mitch McConnell Breaks Silence, Says Hospitalization Was Due to a Fall
Sen. Mitch McConnell disclosed that a fall caused his hospitalization, ending weeks of speculation about his health. The 84-year-old senator revealed the cause for the first time.
- Dementia Prevention Is Not One-Size-Fits-All, Study Shows
A study of 14 countries and regions found that modifiable dementia risk factors vary widely by location, indicating that a universal prevention strategy is ineffective. The research highlights the need for region-specific approaches to dementia prevention.
- We've All Had 'Difficult' Patients. But Do They Really Exist?
The article discusses the concept of 'difficult patients' in healthcare, citing a physician's chart note describing a patient as frequent and demanding unnecessary tests. It questions whether such patients truly exist or if the label is subjective.
- Prosthesis for Hip Replacement; Testing for Respiratory Viruses in Nursing Homes
The article discusses a podcast episode focusing on a prosthesis for hip replacement and testing for respiratory viruses in nursing homes. It features Elizabeth Tracey and Rick Lange, who analyze top medical topics.
- Guidelines Help Spot Dermatomyositis Patients at High Risk for Cancer
International guidelines can help identify dermatomyositis patients at high risk for cancer, according to a U.S. retrospective single-center study involving 413 patients with a known dermatomyositis diagnosis.
- Oversight Needed on Physician-Assisted Suicide for Hospice Patients, Lawmakers Say
Lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to implement stricter regulations on physician-assisted suicide for hospice patients to prevent discrimination against vulnerable and disabled individuals. The call for oversight comes from members of Congress who argue current practices lack sufficient guardrails.
- What Was Katie Couric Recently Diagnosed With?
The article mentions Katie Couric's recent diagnosis but does not specify the condition. It is presented as a quiz by MedPage Today.
- ED Visits Often Precede Cancer; Shrinking Radiation Access; Beware 'Free' Drug Plans
A study found that 25% of patients with newly diagnosed cancers had a recent emergency department visit with nonspecific findings. The article also highlights concerns about reduced access to radiation therapy and potential risks associated with 'free' drug plans.
- Viral NeeDoh Trend Leading to Scalding Injuries, Doctors Warn
Physicians are warning about a dangerous social media trend involving NeeDoh, where children are heating the sensory toy, leading to scalding injuries and hospitalizations. The toy is not designed for such use, but the trend has caused multiple cases requiring medical attention.
- Is Erling Haaland's 6,000-Calorie Diet Healthy?
The article examines whether Norway's World Cup star Erling Haaland's 6,000-calorie diet is healthy, as part of a collaboration between MedPage Today and Northwell Health analyzing viral medical topics.
- Meet the Doctor for the New York Knicks
The article introduces the doctor associated with the New York Knicks as part of MedPage Today's 'Medical Mavericks' series, which highlights healthcare professionals in unconventional fields. The New York Knicks are noted for recently winning the National... (content cut off).
- Common Drugs Basically Flunk for Long COVID Fatigue
An open-label randomized trial found that an anti-inflammatory pill and a combination of a heartburn drug and antihistamine marginally improved severe long COVID fatigue compared to usual care, but only in the short-term. The drugs did not show significant long-term benefits for managing the condition.
- Treatment Horizon Expanding for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare and aggressive kidney disease characterized by scarring of the glomeruli, has no known cure but treatment options are expanding. The progressive disease is estimated to...
- Younger Teens May Be Unaware of the Dangers of Fentanyl, Survey Says
A cross-sectional survey study found that 47.8% of 8th graders attribute great risk to experimental fentanyl use, indicating a considerable proportion of younger adolescents may be unaware of its dangers.
- ASPECTS Fails to Reflect Ceiling for Endovascular Stroke Therapy Benefit
A study suggests that the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) does not fully capture the potential benefit of endovascular stroke therapy, with evidence indicating some patients may benefit from thrombectomy even beyond ASPECTS thresholds.
- Vitamin C and the Brain; Invisible MS Lesions Revealed; Profound Autism Definition
A study found that plasma vitamin C levels in older adults correlate with gray matter structural integrity and default mode network connectivity. Another study explores dual-target noninvasive stimulation of the striatum and cerebellum, though details are incomplete.
- How Patients Feel About AI-Drafted Portal Messages
A small study found patients prioritize tone, length, and details over whether messages were drafted by humans or AI. Patients showed high comfort with AI-generated portal messages, according to investigators.