DR. DAVID S. EDELMAN, M.D.

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This study looked at how different racial and ethnic groups of moderately and late preterm infants in Northern California were treated for respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers found that while Black and Hispanic infants had similar hospital care during their stay, they experienced higher rates of emergency visits and hospitalizations for respiratory problems after leaving the hospital. Specifically, Black infants were 1.72 times and Hispanic infants were 2.18 times more likely to have emergency visits related to respiratory issues compared to White infants, and Hispanic infants were also 2.53 times more likely to be re-hospitalized for these issues. Who this helps: This research benefits families of Black and Hispanic infants who are at risk for ongoing health issues after hospital discharge.

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This study focused on how to identify less invasive methods of delivering surfactant, a treatment for respiratory issues in preterm infants, using real-world data. Researchers found that out of 1,263 infants who received surfactant, 462 (36.6%) were treated with the less invasive method, while 801 (63.4%) received more invasive treatments. The algorithm developed to spot these less invasive procedures showed strong accuracy, meaning it can help in future research to understand how well these methods work. Who this helps: Patients, particularly preterm infants needing surfactant therapy.

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This study looked at how involving families in therapy can help Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially those who have a lot of family issues. Researchers found that Veterans with high family strain (11 out of 16 studied) reported clearer goals and greater benefits from the therapy, such as better understanding of PTSD and improved family communication, even though they also felt more uncomfortable during the process. This research is important because it highlights the potential for tailored family support to improve care for Veterans facing significant family challenges. Who this helps: This helps Veterans with PTSD and their families.

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This study looked at a condition called provoked vulvodynia (PV), which causes chronic pain in the vulva. The researchers found that women with PV had more mast cells and changes in nerve growth in their vulvar tissue compared to women without the condition. They also discovered that inflammation can lead to long-lasting pain and increased sensitivity, but using a medication called ketotifen fumarate can help reduce these effects by regulating nerve growth and inflammation. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic vulvar pain and their doctors in managing treatment options.

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This study looked at how activating a specific channel in nerve cells, called TRPV1, can lead to serious pain conditions. Researchers discovered that when this channel is activated, it causes problems in the mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells), resulting in cell death and increased sensitivity to pain. Specifically, they found that blocking the TRPV1 channel can reduce this pain response after nerve injury, highlighting its critical role in pain development. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from neuropathic pain and their doctors seeking effective treatments.

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This study looked at a specific surgery called the MINIMALLY INVASIVE extra-articular metaphyseal distal transverse osteotomy (META), which is used to fix a foot problem known as hallux valgus, where the big toe bends towards the other toes. The results showed that after the surgery, the angles measuring the deformity significantly decreased: the distal metatarsal articular angle improved from about 9.73 degrees to 4.35 degrees, and the patients reported less pain, with scores going down from around 59 to 50. This matters because it provides strong evidence that this less invasive surgery can effectively correct the foot deformity and improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: Patients suffering from hallux valgus.

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This study looked at how a drug called Etifoxine affects pain and movement problems after nerve injuries in rats. The researchers found that rats treated with Etifoxine showed less sensitivity to pain and better motor function compared to untreated rats. Specifically, there was a significant reduction in inflammation and damage to cells in their nervous system, which helps explain how the drug works. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with nerve injuries and chronic pain.

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This study looked at how to better predict which patients might be readmitted to the hospital after suffering from sepsis, a severe infection. It found that currently, readmission rates are high, ranging from 17.5% to 32%. By considering social factors like income and access to healthcare alongside medical history, predictions about readmissions can improve significantly, helping to reduce these rates and better serve vulnerable patients. Who this helps: Patients who have had sepsis and may be at risk of readmission.

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This study looked at a new way to help patients with heart problems who also smoke or drink too much alcohol and aren’t ready to make changes. Researchers created a program called CARE-PACT, where doctors and mental health professionals meet together with the patient to discuss treatment options. Out of ten patients who tried this approach, they rated their experience as helpful and satisfying, with scores between 4.1 and 4.7 out of 5. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with heart disease and lifestyle issues like smoking and drinking.

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This study looked at a telehealth program called Advanced Comprehensive Diabetes Care (ACDC) for diabetes patients in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Over five years, it served 576 patients, preventing more than 200,000 miles of driving, saving about $20,000 in gas, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 82 metric tons compared to traditional in-person visits. This is important because it shows that healthcare can be both environmentally friendly and beneficial for patients, improving their care while cutting costs and pollution. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes, especially those using the VA healthcare system.

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This study examined the difficult experiences of asylum seekers in New York City, focusing on events like physical or sexual assault, kidnapping, and illnesses they faced during migration. Out of 530 participants, nearly 25% reported physical assault, almost 50% faced extortion, and 10.7% were diagnosed with psychiatric issues after their arrival. The research highlights how crossing dangerous areas like the Darien Gap significantly increases the risk of violence and illness, and being detained impacts mental health. Who this helps: This information benefits asylum seekers and the health professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how patients and staff felt about a telehealth program designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who have trouble managing their condition. The researchers interviewed 19 patients and 8 staff members, finding that components like telemonitoring and medication management were effective in encouraging patients and improving their diabetes control. Specifically, patients reported feeling supported and motivated, which helped them stick to their treatment plans, even though some faced challenges with mental health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those struggling to manage their condition effectively.

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This study explored a program called FAMILIAR, which involves family members in helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) engage in therapy. Out of 24 veterans and their family support partners, 16 veterans and 15 family members completed the program, and most found it valuable for discussing PTSD and mental health treatment. The researchers also noted that while there were some logistical challenges, the program showed promise for improving conversations about mental health between veterans and their families, making it easier for them to navigate therapies. Who this helps: This benefits veterans with PTSD and their family members.

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This study looked at how high blood sugar levels before and after spine surgery for injuries can affect complications and recovery. It found that patients with blood sugar levels of 200 mg/dL or higher were more likely to face serious issues, such as respiratory problems and longer hospital stays. Specifically, these patients were 2.1 times more likely to experience respiratory complications and almost 10 times more likely to stay longer in the hospital, and they also faced a higher risk of dying in the hospital (4.5 times more likely). Who this helps: This research helps doctors provide better care for patients with traumatic spine injuries.

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This study examined a simpler approach to insulin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes who have difficulty managing their blood sugar levels. Researchers found that using a streamlined insulin plan did not lead to worse blood sugar control or an increase in low blood sugar episodes. This is important because it shows that simplifying treatment can be a safe option for patients who struggle with complicated insulin routines. Who this helps: Patients with poorly-controlled type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how family support affects veterans with PTSD when they seek therapy. Researchers interviewed 18 veterans and 13 family members and found that both groups felt family involvement was crucial; veterans often sought treatment to protect their relationships and family members encouraged therapy, especially when they viewed PTSD as treatable. Engaging family members in the therapy process can improve treatment effectiveness and the overall well-being of the veteran and their family. Who this helps: This helps veterans with PTSD and their families.

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This study looked at factors that increase diabetes distress (DD) in veterans with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. It found that about 37.5% of participants experienced moderate to high levels of distress, with higher distress linked to being Hispanic/Latinx, having higher blood sugar levels (average HbA1c of 9.8%), and experiencing more depressive symptoms. Understanding these links is important because addressing them can improve the mental well-being of patients and their diabetes management. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those from Hispanic/Latinx backgrounds and those experiencing depression.

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This study looked at what encourages Veterans and their families to engage in therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers found that a Veteran's need for healthcare strongly affects whether they start and stick with treatment, while supportive family attitudes can boost their motivation. When family members value therapy, Veterans are more likely to pursue it, but those who faced inconsistent care were less satisfied with their treatment. Who this helps: This benefits Veterans with PTSD and their families, as well as healthcare providers seeking to improve engagement in therapy.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected blood sugar control and body weight in patients at a health center in New York City. Researchers found that from early 2020 to 2021, patients' average blood sugar levels worsened by over 100%, while weight changes during the pandemic showed a trend towards increase, although not strongly enough to be statistically significant. These findings highlight the negative impact of the pandemic on individuals with chronic health issues, underscoring the need for better support for managing health during challenging times. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic diseases, healthcare providers, and health policy makers.

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This study looked at how often doctors and mental health providers team up for patient visits, focusing on when these visits happen and what makes them easier or harder to do. Although 345 mental health providers felt comfortable working together in this way, over half (56.5%) rarely or never had these joint appointments. The main challenges included not having enough time, with 73.5% of providers citing this issue, while better coordination and communication made these visits more likely. Who this helps: This benefits patients with both physical and mental health needs.

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This study looked at how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) affects pain and movement issues after a sciatic nerve injury in rats. The researchers found that HBOT improved movement and reduced pain sensitivity by lowering levels of inflammation and protecting the cells' energy-producing structures, called mitochondria. Specifically, HBOT reduced inflammation markers and helped maintain healthy mitochondrial function, which is crucial for preventing nerve damage and chronic pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from nerve injuries and related pain conditions.

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This study investigated how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help improve memory and movement problems after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats. Researchers found that HBOT significantly reduced brain cell death and improved performance in tasks related to learning and movement, with treated rats showing better motor and spatial learning abilities. Specifically, the therapy helped prevent loss of brain cells and supported healthier function of energy-producing parts of the cells, which is crucial in recovery after TBI. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

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This study looked at why some people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes don't stick to their medication plans, focusing on those taking insulin and other diabetes drugs. Among 263 patients, 62% reported not following their medication, with 52% for insulin and 55% for non-insulin medications. It found that non-white patients and those with higher medication intensity were more likely to report not taking their medications, while white patients and those taking more medications were less likely to miss doses. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes by identifying barriers to medication adherence.

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This study looked at how well a telehealth program called Advanced Comprehensive Diabetes Care (ACDC) helped rural patients with difficult-to-manage type 2 diabetes. Over a 6-month period, 230 patients saw their blood sugar levels significantly improve, with average blood sugar readings (measured by hemoglobin A1c) dropping from 9.56% to 8.14%. This matters because it shows that a well-planned telehealth system can provide effective diabetes care to people in rural areas who often struggle to get treatment. Who this helps: Rural patients with type 2 diabetes struggling to manage their condition.

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Researchers conducted a national survey of training programs for individuals working in clinical and translational science, gathering information from 51 program directors. They found that 98% of these programs support a mix of students and researchers, with 50% being predoctoral students and 30% postdoctoral fellows, while also emphasizing mentorship, although only about one-third of programs require mentor training. This matters because these programs are essential for developing a skilled workforce ready to tackle medical research challenges and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits trainees in medical research and the healthcare professionals they work with.

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This study investigated how a comprehensive telehealth program compares to a simpler telemonitoring and care coordination program in helping patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The research involved 200 patients and found that those in the comprehensive telehealth group lowered their diabetes levels (measured by HbA1c) by an average of 1.59%, while the simpler group only improved by 0.98%. This matters because better diabetes control can lead to improved health outcomes for these patients at a reasonable extra cost of about $1519 per person per year. Who this helps: This benefits patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at whether a structured online education program called ACES could help surgical residents improve their scores on a challenging exam (ABSITE). The findings showed that residents who completed the online assignments in ACES had a significantly higher chance of scoring above the 30th percentile on the exam, with completion rates of assignments like TWIS at 77% for successful residents versus 53% for those who struggled (p=0.022). This matters because improving exam scores can lead to better training outcomes for surgery residents. Who this helps: This benefits surgical residents who need to improve their exam performance.

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This study focused on improving therapy for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by involving their family members. Researchers developed a program called FAMILIAR, which includes 3-4 flexible sessions designed to strengthen support from family while Veterans begin their therapy. The goal is to make it easier for Veterans to start and stick with their therapy, as many struggle to stay engaged. Who this helps: This benefits Veterans with PTSD and their families.

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This study examined how effective elbow surgery (UCL reconstruction) is for young athletes who throw, like baseball and javelin players. Out of 414 patients reviewed, 84.3% were able to return to their sport at the same level or even better, with baseball players returning at a rate of 84.4% and javelin throwers at 80%. This is important because it shows that most young athletes can successfully go back to playing their sport after surgery with only a few complications. Who this helps: This helps young athletes needing elbow surgery, as well as their coaches and families.

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Researchers at Columbia University's medical school created the COVID-19 Student Service Corps to harness the skills of students and faculty in response to the pandemic. Since March 2020, they launched over 30 projects to meet urgent needs in healthcare and education, while also providing virtual learning opportunities for students during a time when in-person classes were halted. This initiative is significant because it not only addresses immediate public health challenges but also sets a framework for future emergency responses, leading to the establishment of similar programs at nine other universities. Who this helps: This helps students, healthcare providers, and communities affected by public health crises.

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This study looked at how group medical visits and access to microfinance could help lower blood pressure in patients with diabetes or high blood pressure in Kenya. After one year, patients who attended group visits combined with microfinance had the biggest drop in blood pressure, averaging a reduction of 16.4 mm Hg, compared to 11.4 mm Hg in the usual care group. These findings show that combining healthcare support with financial resources can lead to significant health improvements for people with chronic conditions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes or hypertension, especially women and those with lower incomes.

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This study looked at how obesity affects the ability of blood vessels to function properly after severe injuries. Researchers found that red blood cells (RBCs) from people with obesity stick more to blood vessel walls, especially under stress conditions, which makes it harder for blood to flow. Specifically, RBCs from obese patients had a thinner protective layer, leading to increased adhesion by 30% during shock situations compared to normal individuals, contributing to challenges in treating trauma patients effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors treating obese trauma patients by highlighting potential issues with blood flow that may need to be addressed during resuscitation.

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This research looked at how people in rural Kenya feel about group medical visits and microfinance as options for managing chronic diseases. The study involved discussions with 205 community members and 162 patients and health workers, uncovering challenges like stigma, distrust in the health system, and economic hardship, but also highlighting potential ways to improve care through these group approaches. Understanding these factors is crucial because it can lead to better strategies for delivering healthcare to those suffering from chronic diseases in low-resource settings. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic diseases and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how social factors like housing instability, unemployment, and stress affect heart health among patients at community health centers. Researchers found that these social needs were linked to risks for obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease, although the ability to predict obesity risk with this data was low (about 58%), while it was higher for heart disease risk (about 95%). Understanding these connections can help healthcare providers identify patients who might need more support to improve their health outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps patients at community health centers who face social challenges impacting their health.

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This study looked at how different groups of patients with type 2 diabetes and high body weight responded to two types of group medical visits: one focused on both medication and weight loss, and the other focused only on medication. Among the 263 participants, those who had never tried to lose weight before showed a 1.48% better improvement in their blood sugar control (measured by hemoglobin A1c) when they participated in the weight management-focused group, while those who had tried to lose weight before did better with the regular medication-focused group, seeing a 1.51% improvement in blood sugar levels. This matters because understanding which patients benefit more from specific treatments can lead to better, more personalized care for those with diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes and their doctors by providing insights into tailored treatment options.

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This study looked at how to effectively screen patients in primary care for social needs like housing, food security, or jobs that can affect their health. Researchers found that patients generally accepted this screening, but there were barriers such as lack of resources and administrative challenges. Overall, implementing these screenings can help ensure that vulnerable patients receive better care and support for their social circumstances. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those facing social and economic challenges.

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This study looked at how primary care teams can use virtual tools like telehealth more effectively, especially after the shift caused by COVID-19. The researchers found that better organization and communication within these teams is crucial for success, suggesting ways to build trust and improve cooperation, like using regular team debriefs and sharing goals. These changes are important because they can enhance the quality of care patients receive, even when their health providers are not in the same physical location. Who this helps: This benefits patients getting care from primary care teams, particularly those needing both physical and mental health support.

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This study looked at the costs involved in setting up and running a program to assess people's social needs, like access to food and housing, in community health centers. They found that initial costs for starting these programs varied significantly, from about $6,644 to nearly $49,087 at different centers. Ongoing costs for each patient ranged from about $9.76 to $47.98, and understanding these costs is important for developing better funding strategies that support addressing social issues in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving access to necessary support services.

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This study looked at how etifoxine, a drug already used in clinics, affects brain recovery after a head injury. Researchers found that etifoxine helped restore important energy production in brain cells, leading to quicker improvement in memory tasks; for instance, animals given etifoxine were faster in navigating a maze compared to those that didn't receive it. This matters because it shows that etifoxine could play a helpful role in treating brain injuries and improving cognitive recovery. Who this helps: Patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries.

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This study examined how to improve care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural Kenya by using a method called human-centered design. Researchers created a special team that included health professionals and local community members who spent six weeks developing a model where patients could attend monthly group medical visits while also receiving financial support through microfinance. The pilot showed benefits like better access to medications and support from peers, which helps address challenges in healthcare access. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-communicable diseases and their families in rural communities.

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This study looked at how potassium chloride (KCl) supplements might affect the risk of heart disease and diabetes in people with prediabetes. After 12 weeks, participants taking KCl saw significant decreases in certain substances in their blood linked to cardiovascular risk, specifically branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which dropped significantly in those taking KCl. This finding is important because improving these levels could lessen the risk of developing serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Who this helps: Patients with prediabetes could benefit from potassium chloride supplementation to lower their health risks.

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The research focused on how to design better health interventions for non-communicable diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, in Western Kenya. The study emphasized using a human-centered approach, which takes into account the needs and preferences of the local population. This approach is important because it can lead to more effective programs that truly help people manage their health. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in Western Kenya.

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This study looked at which patients are more or less likely to stick to the rules of clinical trials designed to change behaviors related to heart disease risk. They found adherence rates varied widely, from about 57% to 88%. Key factors influencing adherence included patients' pain levels, education, and employment status, with those experiencing lower pain or lower educational levels being less likely to follow the trial protocol. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers tailor interventions to support patients who struggle to follow trial guidelines.

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This study focused on improving care for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who have not responded to traditional clinic-based treatments. Researchers tested a new telehealth program called PRACTICE-DM, which combines various forms of support including monitoring, self-management help, and mental health support. They expect this program to lower blood sugar levels by more than 0.6% over a year compared to standard telehealth methods, based on a group of 200 participants with an average age of 58 and a starting blood sugar level of 10.2%. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with poorly controlled diabetes, particularly within the Veterans Health Administration.