Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
Urology-nephrologyNephroprotection in diabetic kidney disease
Aggressive, early treatment of diabetic kidney disease can not only slow disease progression, but also stabilize or even reverse the decline in renal function. Standard treatment of diabetic kidney disease is currently based on blocking the renin-angiotensin system with converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These monotherapy treatments prevent or slow the progression
Dermatology and VenereologyAcne vulgar and oxidative stress
The links between acne vulgaris and biomarkers of oxidative stress are not clearly established. In this systematic literature review and meta-analysis, researchers explored the links between acne vulgaris and various biomarkers of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity). A total of 14 trials involving 1,191 participants were included. The data showed
Allergology and ImmunologySelective vulnerability to Epstein-Barr virus
Infection with Epstein-Barr virus may be asymptomatic, cause infectious mononucleosis or cause serious B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. A selective vulnerability to the virus has been reported in combination with hereditary mutations altering T-cell immunity. In this study, The researchers describe biased variants associated with involvement of the IL-27 pathway, resulting in acute and severe
Endocrinology and MetabolismLipoproteins containing apoB and risk of peripheral arterial disease
Elevated levels of lipoproteins containing apoB are a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including peripheral arterial disease and myocardial infarction. In this study, Danish researchers analyzed levels of apoB-containing lipoproteins, residual cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in 93,461 statin-naive patients at baseline. During follow-up of up to 15 years, 1,207 patients devel
NeurologyMulticellular pathophysiology of neurodegeneration
Research into neurodegenerative diseases has long focused on neuronal cells, their dysfunction and selective vulnerability. At the same time, the involvement of other major cell types has been little explored. In this study, researchers used spatial gene expression, structural MRI and cellular deconvolution data to describe the cerebral distribution of different cell types in tissue lesions of 13
Anesthesia and Intensive CareWhat ventilatory support is needed after extubation of a premature baby ?
Nasal intermittent positive airway pressure (NIPPV) has been shown to be superior to post-extubation nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in premature neonates. In this comparative efficacy and non-inferiority study, Canadian researchers hypothesized that CPAP would not be inferior to IPPV. In total, data were collected on 843 infants extubated with CPAP and 974 infants extubated with
Public Health and Social MedicineManagement of Clostridioides difficile infections
Clostridioides difficile infection is the most common nosocomial infection in the United States. On an individual level, it is associated with potentially fatal complications, while representing a significant burden in terms of healthcare costs for the healthcare system. Proper use of antibiotics and discontinuation of chronic antacids are essential for its prevention and treatment. Effective mana
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineFragility and cognitive profile of adult and elderly subjects with congenital heart disease
Thanks to advances in diagnosis and treatment, life expectancy for patients with congenital heart disease has increased in recent years. However, these patients still have a high morbidity and mortality rate. In this study, researchers described the frailty and cognitive profile of middle-aged and older adults with congenital heart disease. In all, they included 814 patients aged at least 40, livi
NeurologyGivinostat in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
In this Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of givinostat in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Givinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor which may help counter the effects of dystrophin deficiency. The study involved 179 boys with a median age of 9.8 years. Functional abilities, as assessed
InfectiologyCovid-19 in cystic fibrosis patients
Cystic fibrosis patients are considered to be at risk of developing severe forms of respiratory infection. In this study of 171 participants, including 65 with cystic fibrosis, researchers investigated the consequences of Covid-19 and virus-host cell interactions in cystic fibrosis patients, compared with non-cystic fibrosis patients. Symptomatic SARS-CoV2 infections were observed in 8 people with
PediatricsRenal toxicity of ifosfamide in children
Ifosfamide is a key anticancer drug in children, but is associated with renal toxicity. In this study, researchers sought to identify children at increased risk of long-term renal toxicity. The 15 children in the study were treated with ifosfamide-based chemotherapy for Ewing's sarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma. They received a median total ifosfamide dose of 59 g/m2, administered over a median of 7 cyc
Pharmacology and ToxicologyPharmacokinetics of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate
Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate is an approved oral treatment for hyperkalemia. It binds selectively to potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates it from the body through increased fecal excretion. This study describes the pharmacodynamic response to this drug in patients with hyperkalemia. The pharmacodynamic response was modeled from 7 phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, involving 2,369 p