More than 1,125,000 men around the world have the inherited bleeding disorder of hemophilia, and 418,000 of those have a severe version of the mostly undiagnosed disease, says a new study led by McMaster University researchers. This is three times what was previously known. Only 400,000 people globally were estimated to have the disorder which […]
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Discharge incentives in emergency rooms could lead to higher patient readmission rates
In an effort to address emergency department overcrowding, pay-for-performance (P4P) incentive programs have been implemented in various regions around the world, including hospitals in Metro Vancouver. But a new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business shows that while such programs can reduce barriers to access for admitted patients, they can also lead to […]
Evaluating blood flow is key to early diagnosis and treatment for people with critical limb ischemia
Non-invasive techniques and devices for assessing blood flow and other diagnostic considerations for people with critical limb ischemia are addressed in a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association, published in the Association’s flagship journal Circulation. The statement provides perspective on the strengths and limitations of current imaging techniques, including the ankle-brachial index, toe […]
Multiple injection safety violations found in New Jersey septic arthritis outbreak: Tainted knee injections infected 41 patients, caused $5 million in Medicare claims
Multiple violations of injection safety and infection prevention practices — from lack of handwashing to inappropriate re-use of medication vials — were identified after an outbreak of septic arthritis at a New Jersey outpatient facility in 2017, according to an investigation published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal for the Society for […]
A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk
Knee injuries can be a scourge to collegiate and pro athletes alike, but Penn State researchers say a single measurement taken by a clinician may help predict whether a person is at risk for knee instability. The researchers found that measuring the distance between the tibial tubercle (TT) — a bony bump on the tibia, […]
Pneumonia patients get too many antibiotics — especially as they leave the hospital
A million times a year, pneumonia sends American adults to the hospital. And while antibiotics help save lives, a new study shows two-thirds receive more antibiotics than they probably need. It’s not the care that happens in the hospital that leads to over-treatment, the study finds. Rather, it’s the prescriptions that patients receive as they […]
Nerve transfer surgery restores hand function and elbow extension in 13 young adults with complete paralysis
13 young adults with tetraplegia are able to feed themselves, hold a drink, brush their teeth, and write as a result of a novel surgical technique which connects functioning nerves with injured nerves to restore power in paralysed muscles Nerve transfer surgery has enabled 13 young adults with complete paralysis to regain movement and function […]
Cholesterol medication could invite diabetes, study suggests: Patient data shows association between statins and type 2 diabetes
A study of thousands of patients’ health records found that those who were prescribed cholesterol-lowering statins had at least double the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The detailed analysis of health records and other data from patients in a private insurance plan in the Midwest provides a real-world picture of how efforts to reduce […]
Sugar entering the brain during septic shock causes memory loss: Research gives clear target for drug development and further study into memory loss
The loss of memory and cognitive function known to afflict survivors of septic shock is the result of a sugar that is released into the blood stream and enters the brain during the life-threatening condition. This finding, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains the premature mental aging that follows […]
Engineers aim to pioneer tissue-engineering approach to TMJ disorders: Solutions have been hampered by past failures, proximity of jaw joint to brain
Here’s something to chew on: One in four people are impacted by defects of the temporomandibular — or jaw — joint. Despite the pervasiveness of this affliction, treatments are lacking, and many sufferers resort to palliative measures to cope with the pain and debilitation it causes. “The TMJ is central to chewing, talking and so […]