News &amp; Updates

Administration of booster doses of mRNA-based vaccines provide protection against COVID-19 and its adverse outcomes in patients with cancer who are actively receiving treatment as well as in cancer survivors, as shown in a study from Singapore.

SG data: Booster mRNA vax shots shield cancer-affected individuals from COVID-19

25 Jul 2023

Immature defense mechanisms, psychological suffering limit capacity to love

Dysfunctional aspects of psychological functioning, such as distress and immature defense mechanisms, are associated with limitations in the capacity to love, suggests a study. These factors tend to cause problematic sexuality such as hypersexual behavior or sexual addiction.

Immature defense mechanisms, psychological suffering limit capacity to love

Ηeparan sulphate elevated in acute exacerbations of COPD

Circulating levels of heparan sulphate (HS) are higher in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), a study has found. This increase appears to be associated with the aetiology of AECOPD.

Ηeparan sulphate elevated in acute exacerbations of COPD

25 Jul 2023

Vedolizumab lowers risk of severe CDI in patients with ulcerative colitis

Treatment with vedolizumab is associated with a reduced adjusted risk of severe Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), but not total CDI, in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), reports a study. Additionally, cytomegalovirus colitis (CMVC) is not seen in those who initiated vedolizumab.

Vedolizumab lowers risk of severe CDI in patients with ulcerative colitis

25 Jul 2023

Gilteritinib as post-HCT maintenance for FLT3-ITD AML: Yay or nay?

The BMT CTN* 1506 (MORPHO) trial narrowly missed its primary outcome, but it did show that the potent oral FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib conferred benefit for a subset of individuals with FLT3-ITD** acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Gilteritinib as post-HCT maintenance for FLT3-ITD AML: Yay or nay?

Valacyclovir cuts mom-to-baby cytomegalovirus transmission

Treatment with oral valacyclovir appears to reduce the rates of vertical transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, with a low frequency of side effects, as shown in a study.

Valacyclovir cuts mom-to-baby cytomegalovirus transmission

Levonorgestrel-piroxicam combo prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex

The use of levonorgestrel (LNG) plus piroxicam, as oral emergency contraception (EC) after unprotected sexual intercourse (UPSI), resulted in a significantly greater number of pregnancies prevented compared with LNG plus placebo, according to a study presented at RCOG 2023.

Levonorgestrel-piroxicam combo prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex

Study: Older COVID-19 patients with epilepsy, multimorbidity highly vulnerable

Factors such as older age (>65 years), ventilator use, and higher comorbidity all contribute to increased mortality risk with COVID-19 among patients with epilepsy, as reported in a study.

Study: Older COVID-19 patients with epilepsy, multimorbidity highly vulnerable

24 Jul 2023

Unhealthy lifestyle plus genetic predisposition ups risk of mild cognitive impairment

In a cohort of older Chinese adults, unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to a heightened risk of mild cognitive impairment and produce a synergistic effect with genetic risk, according to a study.

Unhealthy lifestyle plus genetic predisposition ups risk of mild cognitive impairment

Ketogenic diet improves gas exchange, sleep apnoea in obesity hypoventilation syndrome

Adherence to a ketogenic diet helps manage hypercapnia and sleep apnoea in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), claims a nonrandomized crossover study.

Ketogenic diet improves gas exchange, sleep apnoea in obesity hypoventilation syndrome