Immune System Response Discovery in Newborns Could Lead to Earlier Vaccine Administration
Researchers at the TCD School ofMedicine and the National Children’sResearch Centre in Ireland have discovered a distinct immune response in newborns that could lead to both earlier vaccine administration and reduced need for multiple booster shots.
Current Pertussis Vaccine Mounts a Weaker Recall Response with Booster Shots
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology have found individuals who had been inoculated with the newer pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine as part of their initial series of shots mount a weaker recall response when receiving booster shots later on.
FDA Approves First Treatment for High-Risk Prostate Cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Erleada (apalutamide) to treat men with prostate cancer that has not yet spread but has a quickly rising PSA level while on treatment with hormone therapy, which causes concern for cancer growth and spread.
CDC Expects Shortage of New Shingles Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention is warning about a shortage of Shringrix, the newest shingles vaccine recommended for individuals 50 years and older, due to greater-than-expected demand.
Zika Virus Blood Screening Guidelines Revised by FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has revised its recommendations for testing blood donations for the Zika virus.
Updated C. Diff Guidelines Reflect New Treatment Options and Recommendations
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated guidelines for diagnosis and management of Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
Frequency-Escalated Prophylaxis for Severe Hemophilia A Reduces Clotting Factor Usage with Minimal Long-Term Arthropathy
A longitudinal study of Canadian boys with severe hemophilia showed that tailored frequency-escalated prophylaxis results in minimal long-term arthropathy and very good health outcomes, while reducing the quantity of costly clotting factor as compared with standard prophylaxis protocols.
Chronic Human Albumin Therapy Prolongs Survival in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis
Results from a clinical trial have led investigators to conclude adding longterm administration of human albumin to conventional treatment inpatients with decompensated cirrhosis appears to prolong survival.
Redfield Named Head of CDC
HIV/AIDS researcher Robert Redfield, MD, has been named the next head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CMS Issues Final 2019 Payment Notice Rule
The Health and Human Services Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2019 aims to increase state flexibility, improve affordability, strengthen program integrity, empower consumers, promote stability and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.