The addition of dexamethasone to the treatment for tuberculous (TB) meningitis in heavily immunosuppressed HIV-positive patients in low-resource settings did not significantly improve survival or provide any other measured benefits, according to a randomized controlled trial conducted in Vietnam and Indonesia. The trial involved 520 HIV-positive adults who received a year of chemotherapy for TB
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At the recent Psych Congress 2023, Dr. Peter Weiden delivered a session titled “State of the Science: Focus on Schizophrenia.” As a clinical professor of psychiatry, Dr. Weiden provided valuable insights into the latest research findings and emerging treatments in the field of schizophrenia. In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for clinicians to
A recent secondary analysis of the STEP-HFpEF trial revealed promising results regarding the use of semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy) in heart failure patients with moderately reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF, HFpEF) associated with obesity. This analysis, presented by Dr. Javed Butler, showcased the consistent benefits of semaglutide in various subgroups during the Heart Failure
Once, I agreed to be an expert witness. Never again! Not because I was grilled on the witness stand for several hours. Not because my qualifications were questioned. And certainly not because I was compensated poorly for my time. Rather, I don’t ever want to have to defend our profession’s great tradition steeped in the
A small randomized study has found that long-term use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can slow the progression of eye disease in sleep apnea patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, an unexpected finding from the study showed that patients who adhered to the CPAP intervention ended up with more retinal microhemorrhages. The study, conducted
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects many individuals around the world. Researchers have now reported the full 52-week results from the two parallel phase III trials of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) blocker bimekizumab in axSpA, revealing strong efficacy. However, the future of this promising drug in the U.S. market is uncertain. This
Aspirin is commonly used for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Enteric coating, also known as “safety coating,” is believed to reduce gastrointestinal bleeding associated with aspirin use. However, the effectiveness and safety of enteric-coated aspirin compared to uncoated aspirin remain uncertain. In a recent study called ADAPTABLE, researchers aimed to determine the
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted authorization to the updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, allowing it to protect against hospitalization and death from circulating variants. This protein-based shot, targeting the XBB.1.5 strain as required by the FDA, serves as a non-mRNA option for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. The authorization comes after the FDA’s
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of tumors along nerves in the body. However, clinicians in Denmark were faced with an unusual case when a 38-year-old woman with NF1 developed choroidal Yasunari nodules in both eyes. Choroidal Yasunari nodules are typically challenging to detect on a routine ophthalmic examination
A groundbreaking study presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) annual meeting revealed that Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR) is proving to be an effective and noninvasive alternative treatment for primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery. The FASTRACK II trial, a prospective phase II study involving