Health News

Study illustrates challenges of lowering tetanus mortality

The overall mortality in patients suffering non-neonatal tetanus is high. Efforts to reduce mortality in one sub-Saharan African intensive care unit (ICU) by implementing a standard tetanus protocol did little to change mortality rates, although they shifted causes of deaths, researchers have now reported in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable neglected disease […]

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How low is too low? Study highlights serious risks for intensive blood pressure control: Kaiser Permanente study finds aggressive blood pressure control efforts can lead to falls and fainting, especially in elderly patients

Kaiser Permanente research published today in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found if patients with hypertension taking prescribed medications experience unusually low blood pressures — systolic blood pressure under 110mmHg — they are twice as likely to experience a fall or faint as patients whose treated blood pressure remains 110mmHg and above. This research […]

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Exercise shown to improve symptoms of patients with chronic kidney disease: Leicester’s Hospitals and University of Leicester lead research into CKD

Just 12 weeks of aerobic and strength-based exercise reduces symptoms and levels of fatigue in patients with chronic kidney disease, a study in Leicester has found. The study was carried out by Leicester’s Hospitals and University of Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team, led by Professor Alice Smith. The researchers randomly divided 36 non-dialysis patients with chronic […]

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Over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and their effect on lab test results: Patients’ reluctance to disclose OTC drug use can lead to inaccurate test results

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplements are widely used and popular, with US households spending an average of almost USD 350 annually on OTC products. In 2006 an average of EUR 67.50 was spent per person on OTC products in Germany. The use of various OTC drugs and dietary supplements is highly prevalent in Europe […]

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Researchers turn powerful, viscous disinfectants into breathable mist for the first time: Finding could help fight hospital-acquired infections

A team of engineers and physicians in San Diego have developed a device that diffuses potent disinfectants for airborne delivery. Notably, the device works on a range of disinfectants that have never been atomized before, such as Triethylene glycol, or TEG. In a study published in the August issue of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, the […]