Medical Bulletin 17/June/2023 - Video

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Sickle cell disease is 11 times more deadly than previously recorded

A new study suggests the number of deaths due to sickle cell disease is 11 times higher than what is indicated from mortality data sources alone. Sickle cell disease is not just underdiagnosed, but it also increases the risk of infection and of death from conditions like stroke, heart problems, kidney problems, and pregnancy complications.

The study analyzed global health data from 2000 to 2021 and is published today in The Lancet Haematology journal. The research is part of the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine.

Reference: Sickle cell disease is 11 times more deadly than previously recorded, JOURNAL: The Lancet Haematology; DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(23)00118-7.

New treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer prolongs survival

A new therapy is on the horizon for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have run out of treatment options.

Results from an international clinical trial, published June 15 in The Lancet, show that the selective targeted therapy, Fruquintinib, resulted in a statistically significant improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival.

The FRESCO-2 clinical trial for fruquintinib was conducted at 124 sites across 14 countries. The study recruited patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had not responded to other treatments and who had received a median of four prior lines of therapy.

Reference: New treatment option for metastatic colorectal cancer prolongs survival; JOURNALThe Lancet

Low-Carb Breakfast improves blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Diabetes has become a growing concern and lifestyle changes might help in improvement of the progression of the metabolic disease.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition mentions a recent study that in T2D patients advising low carbohydrate diet reduces energy and carbohydrate intake and improves continuous glucose monitoring.

Explaining the study background, they said in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, consuming carbohydrates causes rapid and large increases in blood glucose, especially during morning hours when glucose intolerance is highest

In the present study, researchers investigated if a low-carbohydrate (LC) breakfast improves glucose control in T2D patients than those with low-fat control (CTL) breakfast. They enrolled 121 participants with a mean age of 64 years, and a change in HbA1c was the prespecified primary outcome.

Reference:Low-Carb Breakfast improves blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes Patients,Journal:The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition