Chronic News and Research

RSS

HIV-infected African Americans likely to develop kidney failure: Study

Among African Americans, HIV infection is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease. African American men and women are more likely to die from the complications of HIV infection compared with Caucasian men and women.

24 Sep 2010

Malnutrition, inflammation complicate blood cholesterol readings in CKD patients

To understand the health effects of high cholesterol levels, doctors first need to assess malnutrition and inflammation status in their chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN).

24 Sep 2010

Technologic innovation — Telephones! — could save health system money

Health-coaching more patients over the phone could help save the system money according to a study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and noticed by the Wall Street Journal's Health Blog. "Typically this kind of care management, as it's called, is offered to people who have trouble managing their chronic conditions or who are facing a big treatment decision — such as surgery or medical management for lower back pain.

24 Sep 2010

Albert Einstein College researchers to hold congressional briefing on global diabetes epidemic

On Monday, September 27, researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University will hold a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C., aimed at focusing attention on the alarming global diabetes epidemic.

24 Sep 2010

New EID/Qb technique offers real-time monitoring of AVF function during dialysis

A simple equation provides real-time feedback to detect access recirculation in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) during hemodialysis, reports a study in the September/October issue of ASAIO Journal, Official Journal of the American Society of Artificial Internal Organs.

24 Sep 2010

Many antisocial boys may have malfunctioning brains

Antisocial boys who abuse drugs, break laws, and act recklessly are not just "bad" kids. Many of these boys may have malfunctioning brains, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

24 Sep 2010

Scientists find high levels of stress hormone in chronic alcoholics

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have found that high levels of a stress hormone in recovering alcoholics could increase the risk of relapse.The study showed that cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress, is found in high levels in chronic alcoholics, as well as those recovering from the condition.

24 Sep 2010

Sensitizing effect of anger and sadness not limited to fibromyalgia patients

Researchers from Utrecht University who studied the effect of negative emotions on pain perception in women with and without fibromyalgia found that anger and sadness amplified pain equally in both groups. Full findings are now online and will publish in the October 2010 print issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

24 Sep 2010

Breast cancer incidence drops, linked to decline in HRT use

A new Canadian study shows that a significant drop in breast cancer incidence among post-menopausal women from 2002 to 2004 coincided with a sharp drop in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use during the same period. This is the first study to show the link between HRT use and breast cancer among Canadian women.

24 Sep 2010

Abbott, Reata enter agreement to commercialize bardoxolone drug for CKD

Abbott and Reata Pharmaceuticals today announced that they have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize bardoxolone methyl (bardoxolone), which is currently in late Phase 2 trials for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

24 Sep 2010

Prescription only baby formula proposal

It has been known and recommended for some time now that breast milk is the best food for a new born. However for mothers who cannot breast feed, this has been a serious issue related to guilt and anguish. The controversy took a new turn as a Melbourne doctor of midwifery called for infant formula to be made available only by prescription. RMIT University expert Dr Jennifer James wants infant formula banned from supermarket shelves.

23 Sep 2010

Pet dog decreases risk of obesity in kids: Study

According to the latest research in England, children who have a dog for a pet are less likely to be obese. Children who are obese in childhood are at increased risk of developing a range of chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, bone and joint problems, asthma, disrupted sleep patterns, liver and gall bladder disease, early physical maturity and depression.

23 Sep 2010

Well designed and executed care management program cuts costs: Study

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that a carefully designed and executed care management program cuts costs.

23 Sep 2010

AFMC supports research to determine link between blood vessel anomalies and multiple sclerosis

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), along with other organizations in Canada including the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, is in strong support of rigorous scientific research to determine the possible link between blood vessel anomalies and multiple sclerosis and the potential benefits of surgical intervention to relieve its symptoms.

23 Sep 2010

Erasmus Medical Center Professor to present LEADERS trial result at TCT symposium

Three-year data from the prospective, randomized LEADERS trial demonstrate the equivalence of a biolimus A9-eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer vs. a sirolimus-eluting stent with a durable polymer. The results will be presented at the 22nd annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation.

23 Sep 2010

Resistance training program can help maintain metabolic health: Research

Although obesity is a major risk factor for disease, much of the threat may be associated with the metabolic (or cardiometabolic) syndrome, a cluster of risk factors related to diabetes and heart disease. Losing weight can improve health and reduce many of these risk factors. However, many people struggle to keep the weight off long-term.

23 Sep 2010

Data shows preoperative Web-based interactive programs reduce hospital stays

Patients who participate in Web-based interactive programs prior to surgery have a significantly shorter length of stay than those who do not, according to new data. Preoperative education reinforces messages about care instructions and safety, and reduces the level of stress patients experience after their procedure - leading to improved efficiency and care.

23 Sep 2010

Novartis applauds declaration of CML Awareness Day in Canada

Today is a meaningful milestone for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients and their families.

23 Sep 2010

World leaders address country ownership, accountability, women at MDG summit

At the U.N. Summit on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on Tuesday African leaders said "they could do more to meet U.N. goals to slash extreme poverty and urged stronger leadership among developing countries to tackle hunger and disease and attract investment," Reuters reports in an article that examines the leaders' call for African nations to take greater ownership over their development.

23 Sep 2010

Merck expands patient assistance programs to provide medicines to needy people

Today, Merck announced that it has significantly expanded the number of Merck medicines available through its Merck Helps patient assistance programs, which include the Merck Patient Assistance Program, the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program, the ACT Program for Oncology and Hepatitis C medicines, and the SUPPORT Program for HIV/AIDS medicines.

23 Sep 2010