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Birth, child outcomes linked with maternal opioid use during pregnancy

In utero exposure to opioids was associated with higher risks for short- and long-term adverse outcomes including preterm birth and neurodevelopmental and physical health disorders in children.

29 Jun 2019

FDA approves first drug for treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Soliris (eculizumab) injection for intravenous use for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in adult patients who are anti-aquaporin-4 antibody positive.

27 Jun 2019

First treatment approved by FDA for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Dupixent (dupilumab) to treat adults with nasal polyps (growths on the inner lining of the sinuses) accompanied by chronic rhinosinusitis (prolonged inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity).

26 Jun 2019

NIH-funded study supports optimal threshold for diagnosing COPD

A new study provides evidence to support a simple measurement for diagnosing clinically significant airflow obstruction, the key characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

26 Jun 2019

Large prevention trial launched for people exposed to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis

A large clinical trial to assess treatments for preventing people at high risk from developing multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has begun.

25 Jun 2019

Trump administration seeks more health care cost details for consumers

Anyone who has tried to "shop" for hospital services knows one thing: It's hard to get prices. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order he said would make it easier.

24 Jun 2019

Non-English speakers face health setback if Trump loosens language rules

A federal regulation demands that certain health care organizations provide patients who have limited English skills a written notice of free translation services.

24 Jun 2019

FDA approves new drug to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Vyleesi (bremelanotide) to treat acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.

23 Jun 2019

FDA expands approval of cystic fibrosis treatment to include pediatric patients as young as 6 years old

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the indication for Symdeko (a combination of tezacaftor/ivacaftor) tablets for treatment of pediatric patients ages 6 years and older with cystic fibrosis who have certain genetic mutations.

22 Jun 2019

Study: Arkansas Medicaid work requirements hit those already employed

The Medicaid work requirement plan devised by Arkansas and approved by the Trump administration backfired because it caused thousands of poor adults to lose coverage without any evidence the target population gained jobs, a new study finds.

19 Jun 2019

Researchers identify new clues on tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Research supported by the Accelerating Medicines Partnership on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus provides new insights into tissue damage for these autoimmune conditions.

19 Jun 2019

California vaccine bill amended to appease governor

A California lawmaker on Tuesday made substantial changes to his contentious vaccine bill after Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state officials raised concerns that the measure was too strict and gave too much power to bureaucrats to decide which children could skip their routine shots.

18 Jun 2019

FDA approves first non-insulin drug for treatment of pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Victoza (liraglutide) injection for treatment of pediatric patients 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes.

18 Jun 2019

Scientists create 'mini-brain' for studying sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

National Institutes of Health scientists have used human skin cells to create what they believe is the first cerebral organoid system, or "mini-brain," for studying sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

16 Jun 2019

Air ambulance costs fly around fixes for surprise medical bills

In April 2018, 9-year-old Christian Bolling was hiking with his parents and sister in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, near their home in Roanoke. While climbing some boulders, he lost his footing and fell down a rocky 20-foot drop, fracturing both bones in his lower left leg, his wrist, both sides of his nose and his skull.

14 Jun 2019

KHN’s ‘What the Health’: Who will pay to fix problem of surprise medical bills?

Congress is finally getting down to real work on legislation to end "surprise" medical bills, which patients get if they inadvertently receive care from an out-of-network health providers or use one in an emergency.

13 Jun 2019

Researchers find salmonella resistant to antibiotics of last resort in the U.S.

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a gene that gives Salmonella resistance to antibiotics of last resort in a sample taken from a human patient in the U.S. The find is the first evidence that the gene mcr-3.1 has made its way into the U.S. from Asia.

13 Jun 2019

Cheaper supersized 'alcopops' a serious risk for underage drinkers

Experts have warned that alcopops are posing a new threat to underage drinkers. These alcopops are ready-to-drink flavoured alcoholic drinks that contain more alcohol than usual, they warn.

12 Jun 2019

Trump administration rule would undo health care protections for LGBTQ patients

A new Trump administration proposal would change the civil rights rules dictating whether providers must care for patients who are transgender or have had an abortion. Supporters of the approach say it protects the freedom of conscience, but opponents say it encourages discrimination.

12 Jun 2019

Exposure to artificial light at bedtime linked with weight gain in women

Sleeping with a television or light on in the room may be a risk factor for gaining weight or developing obesity, according to scientists at the National Institutes of Health.

11 Jun 2019