Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
HematologySpaceflight = Programmed Anemia?
#Anemia #Space #Microgravity #Hemolysis #RBC #Astronauts Space anemia is a well-known phenomenon among astronauts, observed since the earliest manned missions. It is characterized by a decrease in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, which can affect oxygen transport capacity, physical performance, and post-flight recovery. Until recently, this anemia was considered transient and ada
OncologyKidneys under pressure?
#ColorectalCancer #AKI #Surgery #OperativeRisk #RiskFactors #PostoperativeCare Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication, particularly following major surgeries such as those performed in digestive oncology. It is associated with increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, higher readmission rates, and delayed discharge. In the context of colorectal cancer—one of the most
InfectiologyMDR-TB: 9 months to change everything?
#Tuberculosis #MDRTB #OralTreatment #Bedaquiline #Efficacy #Safety Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a particularly concerning form of TB, defined by resistance to isoniazid and rifampicin—the two cornerstone drugs in standard TB treatment. It causes hundreds of thousands of cases worldwide each year and poses a growing threat to public health, especially in high-burden or resource-limi
Infectiology4 months to change everything?
#Tuberculosis #Diabetes #Rifapentine #ShortCourseTreatment #Moxifloxacin #Safety Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes are two major global public health challenges, with high prevalence and significant impacts on morbidity and mortality. When they coexist in the same patient, these conditions negatively and synergistically interact, making management far more complex. Diabetes impairs the immune respons
OncologyCetuximab: game changer or a mere drop in the ocean?
#ColorectalCancer #Chemotherapy #Cetuximab #AntiEGFR #Survival #TargetedTherapy Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is an advanced and aggressive form of colorectal cancer characterized by the spread of tumor cells to other organs, particularly the liver and lungs. Its prognosis is poor, with a 5-year survival rate estimated at only 14%, compared to 90% for localized forms. This significant differ
PsychiatryGenes and Alzheimer’s: the key to the mystery?
#Alzheimer #Genetics #Neurodegeneration #PrecisionMedicine #GWAS #MultiAncestral Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting millions worldwide. It is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive functions, impacting memory, language, and spatial orientation. While environmental factors and lifestyle contribute to its onset, genetics play a crucial role in diseas
GeriatricsPostoperative delirium: does melatonin really work?
#Delirium #Surgery #Melatonin #Prevention #Cognition #Sleep #Geriatrics #Anesthesia Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common disorder in elderly patients following surgery. It manifests as attention, perception, and cognitive disturbances, potentially leading to severe complications. POD increases the risk of cognitive decline, loss of autonomy, and mortality.Unfortunately, few effective treatment
PsychiatryVitamin D deficiency: a risk for the mind?
#Suicide #VitaminD #Depression #Neuroprotection #Inflammation #Deficiency #Supplementation #Prevention #MentalHealth #SuicidalBehavior Suicide is a major public health issue, causing nearly 700,000 deaths worldwide each year. It results from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, such as depression, social isolation, or neurochemical imbalances. Among the biological
NephrologyFibers and kidneys: the hidden solution?
#Fiber #UremicToxins #Inflammation #Microbiota #Nutrition #KidneyDisease #Dialysis Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often suffer from an imbalance in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis. This disruption promotes the proliferation of bacteria that break down dietary proteins and produce uremic toxins (p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, TMAO). Since the kidneys cannot effectively elimin
Endocrinology and MetabolismPregnancy and weight: a winning balance?
#Obesity #Pregnancy #FatLoss #Nutrition #MaternalHealth Obesity during pregnancy is a major public health concern, as it is associated with an increased risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. Gestational diabetes raises the likelihood of having a large baby (macrosomia), making delivery more difficult. Hypertensive disorders such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia can le
Endocrinology and MetabolismChildhood obesity: could homocysteine be the key?
#ChildHealth #Metabolism #VitaminB12 #Folate #Homocysteine #Obesity Childhood obesity is a rapidly growing public health concern worldwide. According to the WHO, the number of overweight or obese children and adolescents has increased tenfold in recent decades. This rise is linked to lifestyle changes, including increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and decreased physical activity. The ba
PsychiatryHearing loss and cognition: an underestimated solution?
#Hearing #Aging #HearingLoss #Neuroplasticity #Dementia Age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline are two major risk factors for dementia, a condition affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Recent studies suggest that hearing loss accelerates cognitive decline by reducing brain stimulation and promoting social isolation. Yet, despite the availability of hearing aids, their adoption remai