Medical Bulletin 1/November/2023

Here are the top medical news of the day:

Global study reveals alarming antibiotic resistance in childhood infections

A recent study led by the University of Sydney has uncovered a concerning rise in antibiotic resistance, rendering many antibiotics recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) less than 50 percent effective in treating childhood infections. Conditions like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis in children are becoming increasingly challenging to manage due to antibiotic resistance.

This revelation highlights the urgent need to update global antibiotic guidelines, as the existing recommendations are no longer adequate to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The study further emphasizes the need for global health efforts to address this issue, as regions such as South-East Asia and the Pacific, including Indonesia and the Philippines, are experiencing thousands of unnecessary child deaths each year due to antibiotic resistance.

Reference: Coverage gaps in empiric antibiotic regimens used to treat serious bacterial infections in neonates and children in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, DOI 10.1016/j.lansea.2023.100291

Air pollution linked to higher Parkinson's disease risk: Study

A recent study conducted by researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute has revealed a concerning link between air pollution and Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the medical journal Neurology, found that individuals living in regions with median levels of air pollution face a 56 percent higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those residing in areas with lower air pollution levels.

The findings suggest that fine particulate matter can induce brain inflammation, a known mechanism contributing to the development of Parkinson's disease.

Reference: Fine Particulate Matter and Parkinson Disease Risk Among Medicare Beneficiaries, Journal of Neurology, DOI 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207871

Covid-19 vaccines safe for couples planning pregnancy, study finds

A recent study led by researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health provides valuable insights into the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals planning to become pregnant. Published in the journal Human Reproduction, the study revealed that there is no increased risk of early or late miscarriage when either male or female partners receive a COVID-19 vaccine before conception.

For this research, the team analyzed survey data on COVID-19 vaccination and miscarriage from participants in the Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO). The study focuses on women trying to conceive and follows them from preconception through six months after delivery.

Reference: A prospective cohort study of preconception COVID-19 vaccination and miscarriage Get access Arrow, Human Reproduction, DOI 10.1093/humrep/dead211