Your dose of health news

MorningMed is the best way to keep up with the world of health and medicine through curated round-ups, useful insights and other practical resources.

The increase in measles cases in the U.S. in 2024 can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the disease remains prevalent in many parts of the world, leading to importation of measles by unvaccinated travelers. Most of the recent importations involved unvaccinated Americans who acquired the infection in regions such as the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, outbreaks within the U.S., particularly in areas with lower vaccination rates, have contributed to the spread of the virus. Despite the availability of the measles vaccine, vaccination rates have fallen below the recommended threshold of 95%, leaving certain communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

Hospitals are reevaluating their approach to babies born exposed to drugs, shifting away from automatic reporting to welfare services and instead focusing on a more nuanced evaluation of the infant's situation. This new approach aims to determine whether the newborn is at risk of physical or emotional harm, rather than solely focusing on substance exposure. By involving multidisciplinary care teams who are familiar with the family's situation, hospitals can better assess whether the child's basic needs are being met and whether there are concerns about their wellbeing.

The study found that a majority of cancer drugs granted accelerated approval did not demonstrate significant benefits within five years, yet many were converted to regular approval status despite this. This raises concerns about patients potentially receiving medications with uncertain efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers and patients regarding the evidence supporting drugs with accelerated approval.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced national limits for six types of PFAS in drinking water, marking the first time such restrictions have been implemented on a federal level. PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are notorious for their persistence in the environment and association with various health issues, including cancer. While the new regulations represent a significant step forward, activists emphasize the need for continued efforts to address the broader array of PFAS compounds and their impact on public health and the environment.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented new regulations targeting over 200 chemical manufacturing facilities releasing airborne toxins such as ethylene oxide, chloroprene, benzene, and others. These rules aim to protect communities residing near these facilities, particularly those disproportionately affected by hazardous pollutants, often low-income and Black or brown populations. By reducing allowable emissions and requiring fence line air monitoring, the EPA anticipates a significant reduction in cancer risk and better transparency regarding chemical exposure for affected communities.

The study conducted by Mayo Clinic, though still awaiting peer review, unveils concerning implications regarding the long-term effects of puberty blockers on boys, particularly in relation to fertility and overall health.

Read More

In an era where cardiovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of death globally, recent research has unearthed a disturbing connection between environmental pollutants and heart health. A groundbreaking study has shown that microplastics, which pervade almost every corner of our environment, are now found in human arteries and are linked to a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Arizona’s abortion ban overview

Arizona's 1864 abortion ban, recently ruled enforceable by the state Supreme Court, has been a major topic of discussion across the country this week. Today, we will dive into varying angles of the abortion decision and the fallout.

• Trump says Arizona's abortion ban goes too far while defending the overturning of Roe v. Wade
  Read More
  
  
• Arizona's 1864 abortion ban was mostly a result of power struggles, historians say
  Read More
  
  
• Arizona’s abortion ban is likely to cause a scramble for services in states where it’s still legal
  Read More
  
  

Is There a Doctor in the House?

A 38-year-old man comes to the office because of a 2-month history of intermittent episodes of hot flushes, chest discomfort, and excessive sweating, with associated panic. The episodes have been increasing in frequency and now are occurring daily. The patient says there is no specific precipitating cause of the episodes, but he has noticed that the episodes occur most frequently in the afternoon. He does not have any new stressors in his life. Medical history is significant for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Medications are lisinopril and metformin. Family history is significant for hyperparathyroidism in an aunt and the death of an uncle from medullary thyroid cancer. The patient's BMI is 33 kg/m2 . Vital signs are temperature 36.9°C (98.4°F), pulse 74/min, respirations 18/min, and blood pressure 138/92 mm Hg. Physical examination discloses no abnormalities. Results of serum laboratory studies are shown:



ECG shows no abnormalities. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic study at this time?

For years, the origin of toxic proteins triggering Parkinson's disease has sparked debate within the scientific community, with theories pointing to either the brain or the body's intestinal tract as the starting point. However, a new hypothesis, published on World Parkinson's Day in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, suggests that environmental factors, such as pesticides and air pollution, play a pivotal role in either scenario. The hypothesis unites brain-first and body-first models, proposing that toxicants inhaled through the nose or ingested through contaminated food and water initiate the disease process.

Early detection of pancreatic cancer remains a challenge due to the absence of a standard screening test like mammograms for breast cancer or colonoscopies for colon cancer. However, researchers are actively pursuing the development of such tests, with many focusing on blood-based liquid biopsy approaches. These tests aim to detect markers in the blood associated with pancreatic cancer, potentially allowing for early diagnosis before symptoms appear. One recent study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting showcased a liquid biopsy test that detected 97% of stage I and II pancreatic cancers in participants.

The emergence of a promising chlamydia vaccine presents hope in combating the surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, particularly given the lack of a preventive vaccine for this common bacterial STI. The early-stage clinical trial, detailed in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, demonstrated the safety of the experimental vaccine and its ability to elicit an immune response. While questions remain regarding its efficacy in preventing chlamydia infection and its potential impact on asymptomatic cases, researchers are optimistic about advancing to larger phase 2 trials. If successful, this vaccine could address a significant health concern, potentially reducing infertility in women and preventing vision loss due to chlamydial eye infections.

The study linking accelerated biological aging to increased cancer risk in younger adults underscores the importance of understanding non-chronological factors in cancer development. By identifying individuals with faster biological aging, interventions and screenings could be tailored to mitigate cancer risk at an earlier stage, potentially leading to improved outcomes and reduced cancer incidence in this demographic. Further research into the mechanisms underlying accelerated aging and its impact on cancer risk holds promise for advancing personalized approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.

Thank you for reading! More next week,

My best wishes for a productive and idea-filled week ahead. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the patients we all serve. Please send any news, comments, suggestions and ideas to hello@morningmed.email.

Quiz answer: The correct answer is C) "Serum free metanephrine concentration"

New Jersey, 66023, US