Trends
Experimental blood test predicts risk for developing COPD, other severe respiratory diseases
A scientific team supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has created a preclinical blood test to identify adults most likely to develop severe respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The blood test analyzes 32 proteins that scientists determined accurately predicted an adult with an increased likelihood for requiring medical care for or dying from severe respiratory illness. The risk score was based on lung health data collected from nearly 2,500 U.S. adults over a 30-year period. The findings were published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
“We are still not ready for this test to be used in practice, but it's a promising advance,” said James P. Kiley, PhD, director of the Division of Lung Diseases at NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), which funded the study. “It consolidates insights from decades of breathing tests and medical evaluations into a single tool that has the potential to identify patients at risk for severe disease and complications.”
To create the risk score, investigators first reviewed lung health data collected from 2,470 adults, ages 18-30, who participated in a 30-year cardiovascular health study. They then screened thousands of proteins from blood samples provided by participants at the 25-year mark and selected 32 that best predicted which participants were having a rapid decline in lung function. These 32 proteins were then compiled in a score to predict how likely a person would either need medical treatment for or die from a lung condition or severe respiratory event. Adults with higher scores had a 17% increased chance of requiring hospital care for respiratory illness, an 84% increased chance of developing COPD, and at least an 81% increased chance of dying from a respiratory disease, such as COPD or pneumonia. Adults with higher scores also had a 10% increased chance of experiencing respiratory exacerbations, such as a cough, mucus, or shortness of breath, that required treatment.
Source: asamonitor.pub/3MNip0M
Adult obesity prevalence remains high, CDC data says
New Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) population data from 2023 show that in 23 states more than one in three adults (35%) has obesity. Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%. Currently, at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state is living with obesity.
Obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race and ethnicity, as shown by combined BRFSS data from 2021-23.
Asian adults do not have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% in any state (among 37 states, 1 territory, and D.C.).
In 16 states, White adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 47 states, 2 territories, and D.C.).
In 30 states, American Indian or Alaska Native adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 44 states).
In 34 states, Hispanic adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 47 states, 3 territories, and D.C.).
In 38 states, Black adults have an obesity prevalence at or above 35% (among 46 states, 1 territory, and D.C.).
Source: asamonitor.pub/3XKA2of
FDA authorizes first over-the-counter hearing aid software
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid software device, Hearing Aid Feature, intended to be used with compatible versions of the Apple AirPods Pro headphones. Once installed and customized to the user's hearing needs, the Hearing Aid Feature enables compatible versions of the AirPods Pro to serve as an OTC hearing aid, intended to amplify sounds for individuals 18 years or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment.
The FDA's OTC hearing aid regulation, established in October 2022, represented a significant step toward enabling consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription or seeing an audiologist.
The Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) is a software-only mobile medical application that is intended to be used with compatible versions of the AirPods Pro. The HAF utilizes a self-fitting strategy, and users may adjust it to meet their hearing needs without the assistance of a hearing professional. The HAF is set up using an iOS device (e.g., iPhone, iPad), and the user's hearing levels are accessed from the iOS HealthKit to customize the HAF. Users can refine the volume, tone and balance settings after setting up the HAF.
The HAF evaluation results demonstrated that subjects who used its self-fitting strategy achieved similar perceived benefit as subjects who received professional fitting of the same device.
The FDA granted marketing authorization of the HAF to Apple Inc.
Source: asamonitor.pub/47wqTDi
Technology
DePuy Synthes launches MatrixSTERNUM™ fixation system for enhanced chest stability following cardiac surgery
DePuy Synthes, The Orthopaedics Company of Johnson & Johnson and part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech, announced the launch of the MatrixSTERNUM™ Fixation System, a plate and screw fixation system to help stabilize and secure the front part of the chest wall after procedures like open-heart surgery and chest surgery. This advanced system is designed to meet patients' needs in the OR by providing stronger locking strength, faster chest fixation, and thinner, low-profile plates as compared to competitive offerings.
Recent research indicates that using rigid plates for chest fixation can help lower complications for patients who are at high risk, improve survival rates both during and after surgery, and shorten hospital stays.
MatrixSTERNUM™ Fixation System improves fixation of the sternum during the critical healing period after surgery. Its multi-hole screw guides allow for a more rapid and precise plate fixation process, significantly reducing procedure time.
Source: asamonitor.pub/3ZliO26
Mindray's new Nerve Block educational series focuses on nerve blocks and POCUS
Mindray, a developer of health care technologies and solutions specializing in patient monitoring, anesthesia, and ultrasound, has announced that it is partnering with anesthesiologist and educator Richard Teames, MD, BSN, to release an educational video series on regional anesthesia and nerve blocks using its revolutionary TE X Ultrasound System.
The Block Show video series offers tips and tricks for the upper extremity, thorax and abdomen, and lower extremity using ultrasound imaging over the course of several videos and downloadable best practice guides in partnership with Dr. Teames.
This medical education series is aimed at anyone in the anesthesiology community interested in integrating ultrasound and AI technology at the bedside.
With over 20 years of experience in trauma and critical care environments, Dr. Teames has cultivated regional skills and ultrasound techniques in multiple nerve block modalities.
Source: asamonitor.pub/4doNwuJ
Think Surgical collects clearances for its handheld knee replacement robot
The orthopedic robotics developer Think Surgical has collected its third FDA clearance in as many months, with a specialized version of its knee replacement system designed to be paired with an implant from Zimmer Biomet.
The company's TMINI platform first received an agency green light in May 2023, featuring a wireless, handheld tool that relies on a three-dimensional model built from a CT scan to help guide surgeons in the accurate placement of bone pins and cutting guides.
Think Surgical obtained an updated 510(k) for version 1.1 of the system in July, which it said added the ability to refine the position and soft-tissue balance of the replacement joint.
The company has been developing its robotic approach on two different tracks: one with an open platform capable of being used with a range of hardware, and one that can be used exclusively with a single implant brand or manufacturer.
Source: asamonitor.pub/3ZpTbNs
