News &amp; Updates

Rivaroxaban may prevent PHT-related complications in cirrhosis

Treatment with rivaroxaban appears to improve portal hypertension (PHT)-related complications without increasing the risk of major bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and moderate liver dysfunction, a study has shown.

Rivaroxaban may prevent PHT-related complications in cirrhosis

Mini implantable vagus nerve stimulator hits it big in a study

13 Nov 2025 by

A miniature externally powered implantable stimulator (MEPS) that is approximately 50 times smaller than conventional VNS devices shows significant potential for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) based on findings from a compilation of three clinical trials.

Mini implantable vagus nerve stimulator hits it big in a study

Sodium bicarbonate of no help in metabolic acidemia, acute kidney injury

Intravenous treatment with sodium bicarbonate does not appear to confer survival benefits in patients with severe metabolic acidemia and moderate to severe acute kidney injury, as shown in a study.

Sodium bicarbonate of no help in metabolic acidemia, acute kidney injury

Rescue combo therapy outshines albuterol alone for mild asthma

As-needed treatment with the combination of albuterol plus budesonide works better than albuterol alone for preventing severe exacerbations in patients with uncontrolled mild asthma, according to the phase IIIb BATURA trial.

Rescue combo therapy outshines albuterol alone for mild asthma

Perioperative RT with systemic therapy improves survival in SCLC patients

The combination of preoperative systemic therapy (PRST) with preoperative radiotherapy (PRRT) leads to significant improvements in overall survival (OS) among squamous cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients with pathologic N2, reports a study.

Perioperative RT with systemic therapy improves survival in SCLC patients

Whole milk intake linked to CVD-related, all-cause deaths

Consumption of whole milk appears to increase the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related and all-cause mortality, while low-fat milk does not, suggests a study.

Whole milk intake linked to CVD-related, all-cause deaths

12 Nov 2025

Nonintubated surgery for lung biopsy delivers better outcomes in ILD patients

A recent study has shown the benefits of nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS), which offers better preservation of respiratory function, a good diagnostic yield, and improved overall outcomes after surgical lung biopsy in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) compared with intubated VATS (IVATS).

Nonintubated surgery for lung biopsy delivers better outcomes in ILD patients

Breastfeeding may help prevent early puberty

Children who were breastfed during the first 4–6 months of life are less likely to have central precocious puberty (CPP), with the protective association being partially mediated by prepubertal adiposity, according to a retrospective study.

Breastfeeding may help prevent early puberty

Avoiding catastrophe in the festive period

As Malaysians look forward to festive gatherings and travel at year’s end, experts warn that influenza cases typically surge during this period, posing a serious risk for older adults. For them, falling ill with influenza increases the likelihood of severe complications. The Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG) is encouraging seniors to take action in conjunction with International Day of Older Persons and receive an influenza vaccination prior to the commencement of the year-end season.

Avoiding catastrophe in the festive period