Impact of Tourniquet Use on Cefazolin Efficacy in Total Knee Arthroplasty
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 30th, 2024
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Surgical site infections are a significant complication often seen in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. To prevent infections caused by bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, cefazolin is commonly administered intravenously before surgery. However, the use of a tourniquet, which helps improve bone cementing during the procedure, can restrict blood flow and potentially reduce the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis. To investigate the impact of tourniquet application on the efficacy of antibiotics, a team of researchers from McGill University conducted a study.
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Higher Dietary Protein Intake Associated with Reduced Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Topic: UROLOGY
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 27th, 2024
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Older adults require higher protein intake to maintain good health due to factors like reduced physical activity, appetite, and increased insulin/protein resistance. However, for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), high protein intake can worsen their condition. As a result, it is recommended that patients with stage 3 to 5 CKD limit their daily protein consumption to less than 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. While it's well-established that restricted protein intake helps slow CKD progression, the broader impact of such a diet on overall health and mortality remains unclear.
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Efficacy of Osimertinib in EGFR-Mutated, Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 25th, 2024
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Due to the nature of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most cases are not suitable for surgical resection, making chemoradiotherapy combined with durvalumab the standard treatment. Previous research has shown that NSCLC patients with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tend to have poorer prognosis. Osimertinib, an EGFR inhibitor, was recently evaluated for its effectiveness in treating EGFR-mutated NSCLC in a study sponsored by AstraZeneca.
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Olanzapine for the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Topic: ONCOLOGY
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 23rd, 2024
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Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, particularly with regimens involving oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and carboplatin, making antiemetic prophylaxis crucial for enhancing patients' quality of life. Olanzapine, an antipsychotic often used to treat schizophrenia, was recently evaluated in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association to determine whether its antiemetic properties could aid in the prevention of these side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus on Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 20th, 2024
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Previous epidemiological studies have shown that respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza can elevate the risk of acute cardiovascular disease and mortality, particularly in older adults. While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of seasonal respiratory infections, its impact on cardiovascular health has not been thoroughly investigated. To address this gap, the Centers for Disease Control funded a study to assess the risk of cardiac complications in older adults hospitalized due to RSV infection.
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Prenatal Marijuana Use & Risk of Preeclampsia and Gestational Hypertension
Topic: OBGYN
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 18th, 2024
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Cannabinoids in marijuana can interfere with placental development by disrupting endogenous cannabinoid and estrogen signaling. Additionally, marijuana use can lead to peripheral vasoconstriction, causing tachycardia and hypertension. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined the impact of prenatal marijuana consumption on maternal health.
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Crinecerfont's Potential in Reducing Androgen Levels in Pediatric Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 16th, 2024
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that impairs the synthesis of cortisol and aldosterone, leading to excessive androgen production. The Endocrine Society recommends hydrocortisone as a standard treatment, but prolonged glucocorticoid use can elevate the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular complications. To address these concerns, Neurocrine Biosciences sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of crinecerfont, a corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist, in managing congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
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Oral TYK2 Inhibitor Zasocitinib Shows Promising Efficacy in Plaque Psoriasis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 13th, 2024
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Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition primarily driven by interleukin 17 and T-helper 17 cells. While there are several effective treatments targeting these pathways, the options for oral administration are limited. Zasocitinib is an orally bioavailable agent that inhibits TYK2, a key component of the intracellular signaling pathway in immune cells, by interfering with JAK protein transduction. A study, sponsored by Nimbus Discovery and Takeda, was conducted to investigate the efficacy of zasocitinib in managing plaque psoriasis.
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Efficacy of Survodutide in Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 11th, 2024
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Given the role of obesity as a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as promising therapies due to their glucose control and appetite suppression effects. However, since hepatocytes lack GLP-1 receptors, targeting additional pathways, such as glucagon receptors, could enhance treatment effectiveness by promoting lipolysis and mobilizing hepatic fat. Survodutide, a dual agonist targeting both GLP-1 and glucagon receptors, is currently under investigation in a study funded by Boehringer Ingelheim for its potential to manage MASH.
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Comparing the Effectiveness of Belantamab and Daratumumab in Treating Multiple Myeloma
Topic: ONCOLOGY
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Reviewed & translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A
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Posted on September 9th, 2024
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To maximize disease clearance and prevent resistance, multiple myeloma is often treated with a combination of therapies, including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulators like bortezomib and dexamethasone. Monoclonal antibodies are also employed to specifically target tumor cells; for instance, CD38 and BCMA are highly expressed on myeloma cells and can be targeted by daratumumab and belantamab, respectively. A recent study funded by GlaxoSmithKline compared the effectiveness of daratumumab and belantamab in treating multiple myeloma and has now published its findings.
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Evaluating the Impact of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation on Parkinson’s Disease
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 6th, 2024
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Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been observed in patients with premotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and may accelerate disease progression. Previous animal studies have indicated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could offer neuroprotective benefits in Parkinson’s. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association investigated whether FMT could improve outcomes in Parkinson’s disease.
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Tirzepatide’s Potential in Reducing Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 4th, 2024
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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular and liver-related complications. Obesity is a significant risk factor for MASH, and previous studies have shown that weight reduction can help resolve the condition. Tirzepatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly used for diabetes management, also aids in weight loss. To explore its potential in treating MASH, Eli Lilly sponsored a study to investigate the effects of tirzepatide in managing this condition.
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Evaluation of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19
Topic: COVID-19
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on September 2nd, 2024
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Given the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and declining vaccine uptake for the latest strains, COVID-19 continues to pose a public health risk. Since most SARS-CoV-2 transmissions occur before symptoms appear, individuals who have not received the most recent vaccines can unknowingly spread the virus. The nirmatrelvir-ritonavir combination has been shown to be an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2. As a result, Pfizer sponsored a study to investigate whether this combination could be used for postexposure prophylaxis.
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Comparing the Effectiveness of Risankizumab and Ustekinumab in Managing Crohn’s Disease
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 30th, 2024
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Due to the toxic effects and only moderate effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, alternative treatments like risankizumab and ustekinumab are often used for Crohn’s disease. Both of these monoclonal antibodies target interleukin 23 (IL-23), though in different ways: risankizumab specifically targets the p19 subunit of IL-23, while ustekinumab binds to the p40 subunit, which is shared by both interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-23, thereby reducing levels of both cytokines. To compare the efficacy of risankizumab and ustekinumab in managing Crohn’s disease, a study was conducted with funding by AbbVie.
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Real Life Effectiveness of Nirsevimab in Preventing Bronchiolitis Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Infants
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 28th, 2024
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, in children. With its extended in vivo half-life and strong neutralizing ability, Nirsevimab was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency in early 2023 for use as a pre-exposure prophylaxis against RSV. A study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, evaluated the real-world effectiveness of nirsevimab in preventing hospitalizations due to RSV-associated bronchiolitis in children.
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Tisotumab Vedotin Shows Promise in Prolonging Survival in Recurrent Cervical Cancer
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 26th, 2024
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Despite the use of anti–programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and ligand (PD-L1) therapies, the prognosis for cervical cancer remains bleak, with a 5-year survival rate of just 19%. This highlights the urgent need for new treatments, such as tisotumab vedotin. Tisotumab vedotin is a novel agent composed of monomethyl auristatin E, a microtubule-disrupting compound, conjugated to an antibody that targets tissue factor, which is highly expressed in cervical tumors. In response to this need, pharmaceutical companies Genmab and Pfizer sponsored a study to investigate the effectiveness of tisotumab vedotin in treating recurrent cervical cancer.
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The Effect of Anti-Interleukin-5 Benralizumab on Eosinophilic Esophagitis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 23rd, 2024
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Eosinophilic esophagitis, an inflammatory condition driven by Th2 cells, can be treated with proton pump inhibitors, glucocorticoids, and monoclonal antibodies targeting associated cells and signaling pathways. Interleukin 5 plays a key role in eosinophil activation, making its receptor a potential therapeutic target. Benralizumab, which targets IL-5 receptors, may help alleviate the condition. To explore this potential, AstraZeneca sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of benralizumab in managing eosinophilic esophagitis.
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Managing Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis with Dupilumab
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 21st, 2024
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Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition driven by type 2 Helper T-cells and its associated cytokines such as Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-13. In children, the inflammation can lead to fibrosis and stricture that can result in dysphagia and impact development. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that can be used to treat asthma and atopic dermatitis by blocking the signaling pathway of IL-4 and IL-13. As a result, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals had sponsored a study to assess the effect of dupilumab in managing eosinophilic esophagitis in pediatric patients.
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Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Reteplase Versus Alteplase in Ischemic Stroke
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 19th, 2024
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Thrombolytic agents like tenecteplase and alteplase are standard treatments for ischemic stroke. Reteplase, another plasminogen activator known for its double-bolus administration, has been approved in many countries for treating myocardial infarction. A study sponsored by China Resources Angde Biotech Pharma compared the effectiveness of reteplase with alteplase in treating ischemic stroke.
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Promising Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis D: Bulevirtide and Pegylated Interferon Alpha
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 16th, 2024
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Recently, many European countries have approved bulevirtide for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis D infection. This medication exerts its antiviral effects by inhibiting the entry of the virus into hepatocytes through the sodium/bile acid cotransporter. Prior to the approval of bulevirtide, pegylated interferon alpha was commonly used off-label for this condition. Consequently, a study sponsored by Gilead Sciences was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of bulevirtide and pegylated interferon alpha.
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Efficacy of Tenecteplase Administered Between 4.5 and 24 Hours Post-Ischemic Stroke Onset
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 14th, 2024
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Thrombolytic therapy with plasminogen activators such as alteplase and tenecteplase is recommended within 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke symptom onset. However, many ischemic stroke cases reach the hospital after this window. While alteplase remains highly effective when administered within the first 9 hours, the effectiveness of tenecteplase beyond 4.5 hours is less understood. Therefore, the National Natural Science Foundation of China funded a study to evaluate the efficacy of tenecteplase when administered between 4.5 and 24 hours after ischemic stroke onset.
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Managing Type 2 Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder with Dupilumab
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 12th, 2024
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The current standard treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder include glucocorticoids, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and long-acting beta agonist (LABA). In certain cases, disease extraction exacerbation happens even when the maximum dose of the two standard therapy has been administered. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that can dampen type 2 inflammation by interfering with the interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 pathways. Because COPD is driven by type 2 inflammation, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals had sponsored a study to assess the effectiveness of dupilumab in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
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Felzartamab's Potential in Reducing Antibody-Mediated Kidney Allograft Rejection
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 9th, 2024
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Currently, no approved treatment exists for antibody-mediated rejection of kidney allografts. CD38, a glycoprotein abundantly expressed on plasma cells and natural killer cells, presents a promising therapeutic target. Inhibiting CD38 can neutralize these immune cells and reduce inflammation. Felzartamab, an antibody targeting CD38, was studied in a trial sponsored by MorphoSys to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing the risk of kidney allograft rejection.
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Evaluating the Efficacy of Semaglutide in Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease Among Type 2 Diabetics
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 7th, 2024
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The risk of chronic kidney disease is significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have shown that those treated with renin–angiotensin system inhibitors and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors have a reduced risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Given the growing popularity of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide, a study was conducted to evaluate its impact on the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Comparing Baricitinib to Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on August 5th, 2024
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Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; however, TNF inhibitors are often preferred due to their greater availability and lower cost. Consequently, the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology endorses the use of TNFi before considering JAK inhibitors. Despite this, JAK inhibitors like baricitinib offer clinical advantages, including a shorter half-life and more convenient administration. To explore these benefits, Eli Lilly sponsored a study comparing baricitinib to TNF inhibitors in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Comparing the Effectiveness of Long-Lasting Injected Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine to the Current Daily Oral Antiretroviral in Managing HIV
Topic: INFECTIOUS DISEASE
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 12th, 2024
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According to the current recommendations of the World Health Organization, daily oral antiretroviral therapy, which includes tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine, and dolutegravir, is used to manage HIV infection. This method has been effective in controlling HIV in resource-poor countries, although it requires strict adherence to the medication schedule. Long-acting therapy with cabotegravir and rilpivirine has shown high efficacy in trials conducted in Europe and North America. A recent article published in The Lancet compared the effectiveness of long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine therapy with the standard oral therapy in managing HIV.
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Efficacy of a 9-Month Oral Treatment Regimen for Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 10th, 2024
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Vietnam is classified by the World Health Organization as a country significantly impacted by tuberculosis, with 5% of cases exhibiting multidrug resistance. Before 2019, the standard treatment for multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis involved a 24-month course of injectable medications. In 2020, recommendations shifted to a 9-month oral regimen. A recent study published in The Lancet evaluated the efficacy of this shorter oral treatment regimen.
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Durvalumab Combined with Chemotherapy in Advanced Biliary Tract and Gallbladder Cancer
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 8th, 2024
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The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is commonly used to treat advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancer, but the median survival rate with this regimen is less than 12 months. Durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody, enhances the immune system's antitumor activity by disrupting the immunosuppressive interaction between PD-1 and PD-1L. AstraZeneca sponsored a study to evaluate the effectiveness of Durvalumab in treating advanced biliary tract and gallbladder cancer.
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Effectiveness of Nivolumab as an Addition to Standard Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Treatment
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 5th, 2024
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In many Asian countries, the current standard therapy for resectable gastric cancer involves post-surgery chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, oxaliplatin, and tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil, to minimize disease recurrence. A recent article published in The Lancet investigated the effect of adding the PD-1 receptor inhibitor, nivolumab, to this chemotherapy regimen for treating gastric cancer.
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Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy with Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Shows Promise for Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colon Cancer
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 3rd, 2024
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Defects in the mismatch repair cellular machinery are present in 15% of nonmetastatic colon cancer cases. Currently, these patients are treated similarly to those with competent mismatch repair mechanisms, receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil plus oxaliplatin after surgery. Recent data, however, have shown that this approach has limited efficacy. As a result, a study was conducted to evaluate the potential of using neoadjuvant immunotherapy, specifically nivolumab plus ipilimumab, in colon cancer patients with mismatch repair deficiency.
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Managing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Aficamten
Topic: CARDIOLOGY
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Reviewed & translated by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
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Posted on July 1st, 2024
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Cardiac hypercontractility associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can obstruct blood flow. While surgical intervention can address this condition, it is often non-ideal due to its invasiveness and limited availability at specialized hospitals. Aficamten, a medication that reduces cardiac contractility by interfering with the actin-myosin cross-bridge, presents a potential alternative treatment. Consequently, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of aficamten in managing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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