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Simple and inexpensive interventions can cut the number of catheter-related bloodstream infections

As many as 28,000 patients die each year in the U.S. because of catheter-related bloodstream infections, but doctors and nurses who implement simple and inexpensive interventions can cut the number of deaths to nearly zero, according to a study by Johns Hopkins researchers.

30 Nov 2004

Discovery of new compounds that may treat mucus build-up associated with cystic fibrosis

Preliminary studies show these compounds improve the flow of mucus through the respiratory tract, allowing airways to clear more quickly and efficiently.

14 Nov 2004

Researchers help neonatal specialists administer a replacement substance that helps babies breathe easier

When babies are born prematurely, their lungs are not able to produce a protein that helps them breathe.

13 Oct 2004

Research in children has shown that blood loss after heart surgery can be minimized if fresh whole blood is used for transfusions

A standard medical practice at some of the nation's largest children's hospitals – using whole, recently donated blood for certain infant open heart surgeries – may do more harm than good.

13 Oct 2004

New statement published on nonmalignant diseases related to asbestos exposure

In its first official statement since 1986 on the topic, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) has published a document entitled “Diagnosis and Initial Management of Nonmalignant Diseases Related to Asbestos.”

4 Oct 2004

Reducing eosinophilic airway inflammation in severe asthma

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that constitute from 1 to 3 percent of the total white cell count. When foreign substances or infectious cells enter the body, lymphocytes and neutrophils attract eosinophils which release toxic substances that can destroy abnormal cells. Eosinophils function in allergic responses and in helping resist some infections.

4 Oct 2004

Secure web sites can improve communications about critically ill patients for hometown physicians and loved ones

Password-protected Web sites can improve communications about critically ill patients for hometown physicians and loved ones, according to a study by researchers at Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

29 Sep 2004

Study compares cheap take-home sleep test to expensive polysomnography test

Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea usually involves polysomnograpy, an overnight sleep test in a sleep clinic or lab. Results of a new study indicate that a take-home sleep test is just as effective as a polysomnography and is less expensive while providing timely results.

17 Sep 2004

Inhaled nitrite spray may help babies diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center and the Loma Linda University School of Medicine have found that use of an inhaled nitrite spray may help babies diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

13 Sep 2004

Spray used by British police forces to control aggressors more harmful than previously thought

The "personal incapacitant" spray or PIS is used for self defence in situations where "lethal force is inappropriate." It combines the compounds CS (o-Chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) with MiBK (Methyl isobutyl keton).

24 Aug 2004

Madeline Mann, the world's smallest surviving baby now 15

Medical progress of her 14-year follow up will be released in a letter published in the Aug. 19, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

18 Aug 2004

Children with mild asthma can lose lung function

About one quarter of children in a long-term study of mild to moderate asthma suffered a significant loss of lung function over the course of four to six years.

3 Aug 2004

More than 75% of children with asthma were unprepared for an exercise-induced asthma attacks

Since exercise can be a trigger for asthma attacks and inhalers are the best treatment, the researchers stressed that it’s critical inhalers be available during physical activity.

10 Jul 2004

Overworking nurses has adverse effects on patient safety

A nationwide study co-authored by a Grand Valley State University nursing professor found that the long hours worked by hospital staff nurses may have adverse effects on patient safety.

9 Jul 2004

MRSA contamination can be reduced by using copper alloys for surfaces in healthcare facilities

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a virulent organism, essentially resistant to all beta-lactam antibiotics (for example: penicillins, ampicillins, cephalosporins). It can cause skin, bone and life-threatening blood infections, as well as pneumonia.

7 Jul 2004

Severe sepsis causes around one in ten cancer deaths each year in the USA

Severe sepsis, is a costly complication in hospitalized cancer patients causing around one in ten cancer deaths each year in the USA, according to an article published today in Critical Care.

5 Jul 2004

Rabies infections in organ donor and transplant recipients

On June 30, 2004, CDC confirmed diagnoses of rabies in three recipients of transplanted organs and in their common donor, who was found subsequently to have serologic evidence of rabies infection.

2 Jul 2004

Regular use of beta-agonist drugs for asthma could be endangering their patients

Physicians who prescribe the regular use of beta-agonist drugs for asthma could be endangering their patients, two new studies by researchers at Cornell and Stanford universities find.

17 Jun 2004

World's largest study into intensive care

The University of Sydney has played a part in the world's largest study into intensive care, which contains significant findings for doctors all over the world.

16 Jun 2004

Special Ops medics training at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

They call themselves quiet professionals -- an elite, highly trained group of military experts known for their strength, stealth and speed. Some of their training is coming from doctors and nurses at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.

15 Jun 2004