As an emergency medicine resident in the early 2000s, I had the unfortunate experience of encountering a patient with a heartbreaking story. A woman in her early 60s came to the emergency department complaining of back pain. In the past, it was common for uninsured individuals to seek care in the ER, even for low-acuity
Health
Premature births pose significant risks to infants, particularly those born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation. To address the challenges associated with premature births, researchers have developed artificial womb technology (AWT) as a potential solution. AWT aims to simulate the womb’s physiologic environment, providing a bridge from extreme preterm birth to later gestation and reducing
MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, according to the phase III randomized MAPP2 trial. The trial showed that patients who underwent MDMA-assisted psychotherapy experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms compared to those who received a placebo and psychotherapy. The findings, based on
Recently, a French agency raised concerns about the iPhone 12 emitting excessive radiation levels, calling for its removal from the market. This news has sparked a debate about the potential health risks associated with mobile phones. While the issue of radiation from electronic devices has been a topic of discussion for years, this specific incident
This year marks the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, as the virus morphed and continued to disrupt our daily lives, people around the world grew tired of COVID restrictions. As a result, we saw mask mandates lift, social distancing practices fade, and vaccination rates decline as more shots became available. Understandably, people
Narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, has long been associated with a range of comorbid conditions. However, recent observational data has shed light on the prevalence of mood and pain disorders among individuals with narcolepsy, bringing attention to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment plans. The findings of a propensity-matched cohort analysis,
Uncontrolled hypertension remains a significant challenge in healthcare, necessitating the development of innovative treatment options. However, a recent phase II dose-finding trial has shown promising results in lowering blood pressure (BP) in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension. The trial utilized a highly selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor, lorundrostat, and demonstrated significant reductions in systolic BP across various
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly diagnosed in youth. One of the primary treatment approaches for managing ADHD symptoms is medication. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of these medications on growth trajectories in children. In a recent study conducted by Karl Weddige, PhD, and his colleagues, the growth trajectories
Breastfeeding has long been praised for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, a recent large cohort study suggests a potential link between breastfeeding and an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in adulthood. While the findings are thought-provoking, it is important to approach them with caution and recognize the need for
In older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the use of intensive consolidation treatment prior to allogeneic stem-cell transplantation has been a matter of debate. A recent retrospective comparison study aimed to evaluate whether intensive consolidation therapy improves outcomes in this patient population. However, the study’s findings did not demonstrate any significant benefits of intensive