News &amp; Updates

A recent study suggests that an ultrasound-based classification of thyroid nodules as either benign or malignant can improve its diagnostic accuracy by combining it with polygenic risk scores (PRS).

PRS enhances ultrasound-based assessment of thyroid nodules

Daily fruit juice consumption leads to BMI gains in kids

A single serving of 100% fruit juice per day contributes to an increase in body mass index (BMI) in children, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Daily fruit juice consumption leads to BMI gains in kids

Malaysians face increased risk of poor bone health as they grow older

24 Jan 2024 by

A nationwide mobility screening encompassing ultrasound bone scan and muscle strength test revealed that 50 percent of adults aged 45 and above were at risk of poor bone health while 1-in-3 had weak muscle strength.

Malaysians face increased risk of poor bone health as they grow older

24 Jan 2024

Isotretinoin use carries no risk of self-harm

Isotretinoin users do not appear to have an elevated risk of self-harm, with the risk of suicide attempts being lower at 2 to 4 years after treatment, according to the results of a meta-analysis.

Isotretinoin use carries no risk of self-harm

Biomarker-directed prednisolone matches up to standard care for COPD exacerbations

Testing for eosinophils during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) flare-ups to guide prednisolone treatment compares favourably with standard of care, with no increase in treatment failures, symptoms, or lung function decline, according to data from the phase III STARR2 trial.

Biomarker-directed prednisolone matches up to standard care for COPD exacerbations

Delayed postoperative radiation tied to higher recurrence, death in MCC

Delays in postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) may lead to increased locoregional recurrence (LRR), usually occurring beyond the radiation field, among patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), as shown in a recent study.

Delayed postoperative radiation tied to higher recurrence, death in MCC

Intra-, periarticular TXA equally effective in reducing blood loss in TKA

Intra-articular (IA) and periarticular (PA) tranexamic acid (TXA) are both effective in lowering blood loss, easing postoperative pain, and improving functional outcomes in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), as shown in a Singapore study.

Intra-, periarticular TXA equally effective in reducing blood loss in TKA

Trazodone, CBT for insomnia only as good as placebo in haemodialysis patients

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or trazodone appear to be no better than placebo in the treatment of insomnia among patients undergoing long-term haemodialysis, reveals a study. In addition, trazodone use is associated with a higher incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs).

Trazodone, CBT for insomnia only as good as placebo in haemodialysis patients

23 Jan 2024

Undervaccination tied to severe COVID-19 outcomes

In a meta-analysis of national cohort studies on COVID-19 vaccination across the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), undervaccination was associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes (ie, COVID-19 hospitalization or death) relative to full vaccination.

Undervaccination tied to severe COVID-19 outcomes

23 Jan 2024

Adding bevacizumab to chemo enhances antitumour activity in children with R/R neuroblastoma

Adding bevacizumab (B) to temozolomide (T)-based chemotherapy increases overall response rate (ORR) in children with relapsed/refractory (R/R) neuroblastoma, according to results of the three-by-two factorial, randomized controlled phase II BEACON-Neuroblastoma trial.

Adding bevacizumab to chemo enhances antitumour activity in children with R/R neuroblastoma