JOSEPH ALAN CORRADO, MD, FACS

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This study looked at how parents and pediatric therapists view the use of infant containers like car seats and swings. It found that therapists are generally more concerned about the negative effects of these containers, suggesting parents limit use to shorter periods, while parents reported using them more than twice as long as recommended. This is important because prolonged use of these containers may impact a child's development, and better communication between parents and therapists can help ensure healthier practices for infants. Who this helps: This helps parents and pediatric therapists.

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This study explored a breathing technique called Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-B) in people suffering from Long COVID, a condition where symptoms like fatigue and dizziness persist long after COVID-19 infection. After four weeks of practicing this technique for just 10 minutes twice a day, 13 participants showed significant improvements in their symptoms, with scores reflecting better health and less disability. For example, there was a notable improvement in overall health scores (EQ5D, p=0.009) and fewer autonomic symptoms (COMPASS-31, p=0.007). Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing Long COVID symptoms.

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This study looked at how common orthostatic intolerance (OI) is among patients with long COVID compared to healthy people. Among 277 long COVID patients, 52% experienced symptoms during testing, with 15% showing abnormal results that indicated conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) or orthostatic hypotension (OH). This matters because it highlights that a significant number of long COVID patients have OI, and many may not have recognized symptoms before testing, suggesting that routine screening should be done for better management. Who this helps: This helps long COVID patients who may be experiencing OI symptoms.

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Researchers studied patients with Long COVID to see how often they experience orthostatic intolerance (OI), which can cause dizziness and heart rate issues when standing. Out of 100 patients, 38 showed symptoms of OI during a specific test, with 13 diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and 9 with Orthostatic Hypotension. Most patients also reported problems with dizziness and palpitations, but these reports didn’t match the test results, suggesting the tests should be done for all Long COVID patients, no matter their symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Long COVID and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at 20 patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome and 10 healthy individuals to see if there were any issues with their heart structure, function, and energy use. The researchers found that most patients showed no significant problems compared to healthy controls, with only one patient showing a possible indication of previous heart inflammation but no ongoing issues. This is important because it helps clarify that long-COVID-19 may not lead to heart damage in individuals without prior heart conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome and their doctors by providing insights into their heart health.

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This study looked at how a breathing technique called heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B) could help people suffering from long COVID symptoms, like dizziness and palpitations, which affect around one in seven people who had COVID-19. Researchers will work with 30 adults over four weeks to see if daily breathing exercises using a special device can improve their symptoms and overall quality of life. The results will help determine if this technique is a practical option for managing long COVID symptoms. Who this helps: Patients with long COVID.

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This study looked at symptoms and rehabilitation needs in 100 people who survived COVID-19 and were discharged from a hospital. It found that 72% of those who were in intensive care experienced new fatigue, while 66% reported difficulty breathing. Additionally, nearly 69% of ICU patients showed a significant decline in quality of life, compared to 46% from the ward group. This research is crucial for informing proper rehabilitation services to help COVID-19 survivors recover and regain their daily function. Who this helps: Patients recovering from COVID-19.

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The study focused on improving the timely administration of Parkinson's disease medications in hospitals. Researchers found that the average delay from admission to the first dose of medication dropped from over 7 hours to under 1 hour, and the number of missed doses decreased from 15.1% to just 0.6%. This is important because timely medication can prevent serious complications for patients with Parkinson's disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how to speed up the process of discharging elderly patients from the hospital by improving communication among staff. They found that after implementing daily briefings and better teamwork, the time to complete discharge papers (called eDANs) dropped from 138 minutes to about 77 minutes, allowing patients to get their discharge medications earlier and leaving the hospital sooner. This matters because it reduces the risks associated with longer hospital stays and helps with hospital bed availability. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients and hospital staff improve discharge efficiency and safety.

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This study looked at how well elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can use a type of inhaler called a Turbuhaler. Researchers found that many patients struggled with the required inhalation rates—14 out of 74 could not reach the necessary rate before counseling, but after receiving assistance, their rates improved significantly. This matters because knowing how well patients can use inhalers can help ensure they get the correct dose of medication they need. Who this helps: This helps patients with COPD and their doctors.

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This study looked at parathyroid carcinoma, a rare form of cancer affecting the parathyroid glands, by analyzing the experiences of nine patients from a larger group who had surgery for hyperparathyroidism between 1942 and 1984. They found that patients with parathyroid carcinoma had higher average calcium levels (14.0 mg/dl) compared to those with benign hyperparathyroidism (12.0 mg/dl). Effective surgical methods, including complete removal of the affected areas, were highlighted as crucial for preventing recurrences and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with parathyroid carcinoma and the doctors treating them.