Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence
In mice, researchers have discovered the presence of oncostreams, highly active cells connected to how brain tumors grow and invade healthy tissue. Collagen 1, a protein produced by tumor cells, is essential to the growth and function of these tumor oncostreams. Image courtesy of Pedro Lowenstein Tumors are made up of many types of cells, […]
U-M grad prepares for medical school 17 years after lifesaving surgery
Blake Hardin at a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital patient Christmas Party with Paws4Patients therapy dog. Photo courtesy of Hardin While walking outside in the University of Michigan Hospital courtyard on a scorching summer afternoon, Blake Hardin described feeling deja vu. He pointed to the small, blue, and pink playhouse underneath the shade of trees and […]
Antibiotic use and sepsis make recent improvements
In 152 hospitals, efforts to treat sepsis faster have not resulted in antibiotic overuse. Hospitals and policymakers alike have banded together to improve recognition and treatment of sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection, which by some estimates, accounts for 30-50% of all deaths in hospitalized patients. Lessening sepsis’ deadly effects means clinicians need to move […]
Telehealth flexibilities didn’t send Medicare visits soaring, despite worries
Preliminary report of data shows steady level of virtual visits substituting for in-person visits. Older Americans and their health care providers have settled into a steady pattern of using telehealth technology for nearly 1 in 10 outpatient appointments , a new analysis of Medicare data shows. That level of virtual visits persisted throughout the entire […]
How MRI and CT predict flap failure after head and neck reconstructive cancer surgery
The findings could help shorten hospital stays for cancer patients. A composite picture from MR perfusion of a free flap demonstrating measurements made within the flap. Credit: Michigan Medicine When a patient with head and neck cancer has surgery to remove it, they often need reconstructive surgery in the form of a “free flap”, which […]
Reducing stroke risk in children with severe heart failure
Hospitals across the country are teaming up to improve outcomes in kids who need mechanical heart pumps for congenital heart disease or heart failure. Children who experience severe heart failure, including those waiting for a heart transplant, often need a mechanical heart pump to help their bodies circulate blood. While this surgically implanted ventricular assist […]
Cost of brand-name epilepsy drugs increased by 277% over 8 years
Generic anti-seizure drugs’ costs went down during the same time, study shows This article was adapted from the American Academy of Neurology. The cost of all brand-name drugs for epilepsy paid by the Medicare system increased by 277% from 2010 to 2018, according to a new study from a University of Michigan team. During that […]
Protecting children from firework-related injuries, burns
1 in 5 parents would allow kids to help set off fireworks; some don’t consistently enforce sparkler safety rules, or keep a safe distance. As communities prepare for Fourth of July festivities, some parents may be overlooking burn and injury risks for children, a national poll suggests. Fireworks and sparklers are often part of […]
COVID vaccine for kids under 5: What to know
Elizabeth Lloyd, M.D., has been closely tracking news about COVID-19 vaccines for children under five. Not only as a pediatric infectious disease expert – but as a mom. Her son Lucas, two, was born three months after the pandemic began and is among an estimated 18 million children who will soon be eligible to get […]
Thyroid hormone treatment intensity linked to increased risk of cardiovascular mortality
The findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of thyroid function and prompt correction of over- and under-treatment with thyroid hormone to reduce patient harm. One synthetic thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, lands itself on the United State’s list of top three prescribed medications in the country over the last decade. Simultaneously, despite all efforts to reduce […]