Medical Bulletin 24/December/2021

Here are Top Medical stories of the day

Statins reduces risk of ischemic, hemorrhagic stroke

A significant association exists between statin adherence and ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk, hence it is necessary to stick to statin therapy, according to a recent study published in the Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

The effectiveness of statins commonly used to prevent a stroke may depend on adherence to treatment. The researchers examined the association between statin adherence and stroke risk among South Korean adults with hyperlipidemia.

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Statin Adherence Reduces Risk Of Ischemic And Hemorrhagic Stroke: Study

Diverse food within 1 year of life reduces allergy risk

A more diversified diet during the first year of life was connected with a lower risk of allergy illnesses at 1-2 years of age, according to a recent study. Introducing a greater variety of foods to babies between the ages of 6 and 12 months may be a useful strategy for improving allergy results later in life. This study was conducted by Chunrong Zhong and the team and the findings were published in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology.

The data on the association between early-life food variety and allergy outcomes was limited and inconsistent. As a result, researchers tried to examine the relationship between dietary diversity in the first year of life and allergy outcomes in the second year.

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Introducing Diverse Food Within 1 Year Of Infancy Tied To Reduced Risk Of Allergies In Later Life: Study

Oral tofacitinib helps in alopecia areata in children

A recent study in the journal Pediatric Dermatology showed oral tofacitinib to be clinically effective and well-tolerated in the majority of pediatric patients with alopecia areata (AA).

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the loss of hair, often in well-demarcated areas. While its pathogenesis is not well understood, it is known that CD8 T cell-mediated destruction of the hair follicle occurs. Several therapies have been utilized with variable results but there is no definitive therapy for AA. Oral tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of AA in adults. However, few studies have examined the clinical efficacy and tolerability of oral tofacitinib for the treatment of pediatric AA.

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Oral Tofacitinib Effective For Treating Alopecia Areata In Children: Study

Antiseizure medication tied to lower vitamin D levels

Treatment with the antiseizure medication (ASM) carbamazepine is related to a reduction in vitamin D levels, shows a recent study. The findings from the meta-analysis, published in the journal Epilepsy Research, support the use of alternative ASMs as first-line agents. Also, the researchers strongly stress considering vitamin D supplementation for patients who are prescribed carbamazepine.

There have been concerns regarding the impact of enzyme-inducing ASMs on vitamin D -- an important molecule in both inflammation and bone metabolism pathways. Though there have been studies evaluating the relationship between chronic use of carbamazepine and vitamin D levels, there is no availability of comprehensive review to inform practitioners and policymakers.

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Commonly Used Antiseizure Medication Tied To Lower Vitamin D Levels: Study

Type 2 DM children at high risk of developing retinopathy

Diabetes is a common chronic disease of childhood characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with end-organ damage that often results in the microvascular triad of nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

Although the ocular sequelae of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and adult onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been well described, little is known concerning the progression of diabetic retinopathy among children with T2D, despite its increasing prevalence in recent year.

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Children With T2D Have A Higher Risk Of Developing Retinopathy Than Those With T1D: JAMA