MARK ELLIS GINSBURG, MD

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This study looked at the effects of a gene therapy called Onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi (OA) on 25 young children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in Israel. After receiving the therapy, the children's motor skills improved significantly, with a median increase of 13 points on a key test. Remarkably, none of the children lost any motor function after treatment, demonstrating that the therapy is safe and effective, especially for very young patients who show no prior symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits young patients with spinal muscular atrophy and their families.

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This study looked at who is performing bone marrow biopsies in the U.S. between 2005 and 2016, analyzing data by different types of doctors and where the procedures are done. Overall, about 11,400 bone marrow biopsies were done each year, but the share done by internal medicine doctors dropped from 60% to 37%, while radiologists increased their share from 4% to 16%. It's important because these shifts can impact how efficiently patients receive these procedures and may influence their overall care. Who this helps: This helps patients needing bone marrow biopsies and the doctors providing their care.

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The study looked at how the number of procedures for treating spinal fractures in older adults changed from 2005 to 2015. During this time, the total number of procedures increased significantly, from about 37,000 to 77,000, but there was a decrease in a specific procedure called vertebroplasty, which dropped by nearly 62%. This matters because it shows that while spinal treatments are becoming more common, doctors are shifting towards using kyphoplasty instead of vertebroplasty, responding to changing medical advice and reimbursement rates. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal fractures, providing them with better treatment options.

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This study looked at how Californians value different strategies to reduce unnecessary medical care that can be harmful or wasteful. It found that people strongly support doctors taking a lead role in this effort, have mixed feelings about charging patients more to discourage unnecessary care, and generally oppose paying doctors based on the number of procedures they perform. Understanding these views is crucial as health-care leaders develop plans to encourage more effective care and limit waste. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare policymakers.

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This study looked at how safely and effectively patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be transported during busy periods when many patients need this service. Researchers reviewed the cases of 222 patients transported from 2008 to 2016, finding that 70% of patients transported during peak times (when at least 8 patients were moved) survived to leave the hospital, compared to 63% during quieter times. The findings highlight that with proper planning and protocols, patient safety can be ensured even during rushed periods. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving ECMO and the medical teams managing their transport.

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This study looked at how often certain procedures to maintain access for patients on hemodialysis (a type of kidney treatment) were performed on Medicare patients from 2005 to 2015. It found that the number of dialysis access angiograms increased by nearly 75%, rising from about 211,000 to 369,000 procedures. The research also revealed that more procedures were done outside of hospitals, particularly by specialists in medicine, who increased their volume by over 249%, which is significant since they were reimbursed more for these services. Who this helps: This benefits Medicare patients who require hemodialysis by improving access to necessary treatment options.

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The study looked at how best to diagnose a suspected thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is a ballooning of the aorta in the chest that is becoming more common. It found that CT angiography and MR angiography are the best imaging methods for this condition because they provide valuable information while using less invasive techniques. This is important because getting the right diagnosis quickly can save lives and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with suspected thoracic aortic aneurysms and the doctors treating them.

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This paper examines the best imaging methods for diagnosing mesenteric ischemia, a condition where blood flow to the intestines is reduced, leading to potential serious health problems. The research concludes that for both acute and chronic cases, a CT angiogram (CTA) of the abdomen and pelvis is the most suitable imaging option. This is important because timely and accurate diagnosis can significantly impact treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Who this helps: This supports doctors in making better decisions for patients with mesenteric ischemia.

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This study focused on how to effectively diagnose suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, which can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if left untreated. Researchers found that untreated DVT carries a 50% to 60% risk of causing a pulmonary embolism, with a mortality rate between 25% and 30%. The findings are important because they help healthcare providers choose the best imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, to confidently diagnose DVT and determine the safest treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with suspected DVT and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on vascular claudication, which causes pain and weakness in muscles due to poor blood flow from artery blockages. Researchers reviewed different imaging tests, like ultrasound and CT scans, to determine how effective they are at diagnosing these blockages and deciding the best treatment options. They found that while invasive catheter angiography is the most accurate, combining it with noninvasive tests can still reliably identify the condition, helping doctors decide the appropriate treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with vascular claudication by providing clearer diagnosis and better treatment options.

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The study explored how over 900 citizens feel about the rights patients and doctors have to make health care decisions on their own. Most participants wanted to keep this freedom intact, but they agreed that some limits are acceptable when it comes to keeping people safe or fairly distributing limited medical resources. Finding a balance between individual freedom and the greater good can help create better health care policies. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by ensuring their decisions are respected while also considering community needs.

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This study focused on how to best use imaging techniques to identify and measure the deep inferior epigastric arteries in patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery after cancer. The researchers highlighted that these guidelines help surgeons select the best blood vessels to use, potentially improving patient outcomes. This is crucial because the right surgical planning can lead to better recovery and fewer complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

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This study focused on how to best evaluate patients with penetrating neck injuries, particularly when signs of injury are present. It found that for patients with soft signs of injury, and those with clear signs who don't need immediate surgery, CT angiography is the best imaging method to assess the damage. This is important because it helps doctors make better decisions about treatment based on clear guidelines derived from the latest research. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neck injuries and the doctors caring for them.

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This study explored how the public views the importance of medical evidence in health care decisions by gathering opinions from 907 people across 76 group discussions. Most participants acknowledged that medical evidence is crucial for high-quality care, but they also felt personal choice and doctor judgment are sometimes more important; they found evidence about potential harm to be more convincing than evidence showing treatment effectiveness. Understanding these views can help shape health policies that align more closely with what the public values and needs. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how to effectively diagnose pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are abnormal blood vessel connections in the lungs that can cause serious health issues like low oxygen levels and strokes. Researchers found that while certain imaging tests, like echocardiography, are commonly used for initial screenings, they do not provide enough detail for treatment planning. The study concluded that pulmonary angiography is the best option for planning interventions, while MR angiography may help in monitoring younger patients over time. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) by improving diagnosis and treatment planning for pulmonary AVMs.

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This study looked at two treatments for liver cancer patients waiting for a liver transplant. Researchers compared the effectiveness of two methods—radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA)—when used alongside a specific chemotherapy technique. They found that both treatments led to similar levels of tumor destruction, with RFA achieving an average of 88.9% coagulation and MWA 90.5%, showing that both options work equally well. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer who are awaiting transplant and their doctors in deciding on treatment options.

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This study looked at complications from a type of medical device called Celect vena cava filters, which help prevent blood clots from traveling to the lungs. Out of 595 filters placed, 28.5% showed strut penetration outside the blood vessel walls, but only one patient had a serious complication from this. Notably, having the filter in place for over 100 days increased the chance of penetration, but this penetration was not linked to a significant risk of blood clots or difficulties in retrieving the filter. Who this helps: Patients with venous blood clots and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well a combination of two imaging techniques—four-dimensional CT (4D CT) and parathyroid venous sampling (PVS)—could help find parathyroid adenomas in patients with ongoing high parathyroid hormone levels after previous negative scans. Researchers found that using both methods together increased the ability to accurately locate these adenomas from 50% to 95%, meaning they were much more successful in identifying the problem areas. This is important because accurate localization can lead to better surgical outcomes for patients with a challenging diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with recurrent hyperparathyroidism who need surgery.

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This study examined two treatments for liver cancer: one using radiofrequency ablation and the other using microwave ablation, both combined with a procedure that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor. Among 89 patients treated, both methods effectively shrank tumors, with about 80% success in both groups, and while the median survival times were 23.3 months for radiofrequency and 42.6 months for microwave, the difference wasn't significant. This research matters because it shows that both treatments are safe and effective options for managing liver cancer without a clear advantage for one method over the other. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer by providing them with effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how effective different group discussions, or public deliberation methods, are in gathering informed opinions about the role of medical evidence in U.S. healthcare. Out of 1,774 people recruited, 961 participated in various discussion methods, and those who did showed a significant increase in their knowledge and changed their attitudes about the importance of evidence in healthcare decisions. This matters because informed public input can lead to better healthcare policies that reflect the values of diverse communities. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the transport of 100 patients who needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life-saving treatment for severe heart and lung failure. The researchers found that all patients were successfully placed on ECMO and transferred to a specialized center, with a median distance of 16 miles for transport. This matters because it shows that with a dedicated transport team and proper procedures, patients can be moved safely even over long distances, improving their chances of recovery. Who this helps: Patients suffering from severe respiratory or cardiac issues.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of barbed sutures compared to conventional sutures for closing incisions made during the placement of chest ports. Out of 715 chest ports examined, it was found that those closed with barbed sutures had no cases of wound dehiscence (where the wound reopens), while 1.6% of those closed with traditional sutures experienced this problem. Additionally, infections were less common with barbed sutures (5.1% of cases) compared to traditional sutures (9.5%), making barbed sutures a safer option for this type of surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing chest port placement benefit from lower complication rates with barbed sutures.

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This study looked at a treatment called collateral vein embolization (CVE) to help patients with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) that weren't developing properly for dialysis. Out of 42 patients who received CVE, 76% (32 patients) were able to use their AVF for dialysis successfully within about 38 days, and there were no major complications. This is important because it shows that CVE is an effective option for improving AVFs, which are crucial for patients needing hemodialysis. Who this helps: This helps patients who require hemodialysis and may have issues with their arteriovenous fistulas.

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This study looked at a serious bleeding problem that can happen after surgery to remove part of the pancreas and nearby structures. Researchers treated a rare case of bleeding from veins using a new method of placing a special stent through the skin, instead of traditional methods, which had not been previously reported. This approach not only addresses a critical complication but also opens up new possibilities for treating similar cases in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from pancreatic surgery and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on a rare condition called ectopic pancreas, where pancreatic tissue appears in atypical locations in the body. Researchers reported a 15-year-old girl who had severe abdominal pain and high levels of certain enzymes, which are signs of pancreatitis. After surgery, it was discovered that her symptoms were due to ectopic pancreas and not the usual pancreatic tissue, highlighting the need to consider this unusual diagnosis in young patients with similar symptoms. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers when diagnosing abdominal pain in children.

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This study looked at how strong social support services, like transportation help and caregiver assistance, can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. For instance, a program in Massachusetts reported that patients receiving these services had only 55% of the hospital visits compared to similar patients without the support. Finding ways to combine social support with healthcare can significantly benefit both patients and the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic conditions and adults with disabilities.

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This study looked at how body mass index (BMI) affects image quality during CT colonography, a type of medical imaging used to check for colon issues. Researchers found that they could safely reduce the radiation dose by 40% for overweight patients and 70% for normal-weight patients without compromising image quality; however, image quality dropped for obese patients when lower doses were used. This is important because it shows that adjusting radiation doses based on BMI can protect patients from unnecessary radiation while still providing clear images for diagnosis. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing CT colonography, especially those who are overweight or have a normal BMI.

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This study looked at mice without a specific receptor (the β2 adrenergic receptor) and how they were affected by a type of stroke. The researchers found that these mice had smaller brain damage compared to normal mice, and their brain showed less inflammation and cell death after the stroke. This matters because it helps us understand how different biological pathways affect brain injury after a stroke, which could lead to better treatments. Who this helps: Patients who suffer from strokes.

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This study looked at lysyl oxidase (LOX) in lung adenocarcinoma, a type of lung cancer, to see how it relates to tumor invasion and patient survival. Researchers found that high levels of LOX were linked to more extensive invasion of tumors and a lower chance of surviving for five years, with a 2.55 times higher risk of death in all patients studied, and a 3.51 times higher risk for those with early-stage disease. This is important because it shows that measuring LOX levels can help predict which patients may have a worse outcome and could guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma, especially those in the early stages of the disease.

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This study examined a program called "CHAT," which stands for "Choosing Healthplans All Together." It allows small groups of people to share their opinions on what should be included in basic health insurance plans, especially for those who are uninsured. The findings showed that while setting up the program takes time and effort, participants found it easy to use and understand, helping to express their priorities for health insurance coverage. Who this helps: This benefits uninsured individuals and policymakers who need to understand public priorities for health care.

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This study examined how people feel about paying more for expensive medical care that doesn't actually provide much benefit. The findings showed that many individuals are open to the idea of increased costs for low-value treatments if it helps keep overall healthcare costs manageable. This matters because it highlights a shift towards more rational healthcare spending, where people consider the effectiveness of treatments as well as their costs. Who this helps: This helps employers, insurance companies, and public health programs like Medicare in designing better insurance plans.

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This study looked at how the size of invasive growth in lung adenocarcinoma affects patient survival. Researchers analyzed 178 lung cancer surgeries and found that tumors with less than 0.6 cm of invasion had no lymph node spread and better survival rates compared to more invasive tumors. This finding is important because it indicates that measuring the extent of tumor invasion can help doctors predict patient outcomes more accurately. Who this helps: Patients with lung adenocarcinoma and their doctors.

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This study examined two flexible imaging systems, fiber optic (FO) and distal chip (DC), to see how well they diagnose laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), a condition where stomach acid irritates the throat. Researchers looked at 34 patients using both flexible systems and a rigid endoscope, which is considered the best method. They found that the FO system correctly identified symptoms of LPR 95% of the time, while the DC system was correct only 73% of the time, highlighting that the FO technology was more reliable. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors, particularly otolaryngologists, in choosing the best tools for diagnosing LPR.

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This study looked at two types of flexible imaging tools, fiber optic (FO) and distal chip (DC), to see how well they diagnose problems with the vocal folds compared to the traditional rigid examination. They found that both FO and DC technology were similar in accuracy, but the rigid examination provided better information in about 27% to 32% of cases. This is important because it highlights that while flexible tools are useful, the rigid exam is still best for getting clear images for diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with voice disorders and doctors who need accurate diagnoses.

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This study focused on improving the process of freezing in vitro eggs (oocytes) to enhance the chances of pregnancy. Researchers found that when they used a specific freezing method on 111 high-quality (euploid) oocytes, 96% survived the thawing process, and 75% of the pregnancies ended with healthy babies—four times better than in previous studies. This advancement is significant because it could greatly increase the success rates of pregnancies for women using frozen eggs, providing more options for family planning. Who this helps: Women looking to preserve their fertility through egg freezing.

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This study examined the role of a protein called HLA-G in protecting embryos during early development. Researchers found that measuring HLA-G levels is important because its presence is linked to how quickly embryos grow and develop. Understanding HLA-G can help improve the chances of successful pregnancies. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing fertility treatments or experiencing pregnancy complications.

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This study looked at how using a special scoring system (Graduated Embryo Score) and measuring a specific protein (sHLA-G) in embryos can improve outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), like in vitro fertilization. The researchers found that when women had two or more embryos that tested positive for sHLA-G, the chance of becoming pregnant was significantly higher, especially in women under 37 years old (odds increased by 59% compared to those with fewer than two positive embryos). This is important because it suggests better embryo selection can lead to more successful pregnancies and may encourage couples to consider transferring just one embryo to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.

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This study looked at how a method called comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) can help identify viable embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF) by analyzing egg and embryo cells. Researchers found that 39% of the eggs were normal before fertilization, and after fertilization, the success rates were high: 74% of embryo transfers resulted in pregnancy, and 82% led to successful implantation. This is important because it shows that selecting healthy embryos can significantly improve the chances of successful pregnancies in IVF. Who this helps: Patients undergoing IVF treatment.

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This study looked at how employees can better understand and prioritize their health insurance benefits, especially as costs rise. Almost 750 employees participated in a group exercise that helped them recognize the need to limit benefits for affordability. After the exercise, the number of participants who agreed it was reasonable to reduce health insurance coverage increased from 47% to 72%, showing that structured discussions can make a real difference in decision-making about health benefits. Who this helps: This helps employees who depend on workplace health insurance.

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This study looked at what disabled adults on Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, prioritize when it comes to their healthcare benefits. Most participants wanted to keep a broad range of services and access to many healthcare providers, but they were more open to limiting pharmacy benefits. This information is important for lawmakers who are considering changes to Medi-Cal, ensuring that the needs of disabled adults are taken into account. Who this helps: Disabled adults relying on Medi-Cal.

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This paper discusses how employers and health plans are encouraging consumer-directed health care as a way to lower insurance costs and improve quality. However, the author argues that this approach fails to recognize that healthcare providers often do not deliver value, and it wrongly assumes that patients can make wise decisions about their care. This is important because it highlights the need for a fair and effective healthcare system that allows everyone to take responsibility for its quality and affordability. Who this helps: This helps patients by addressing their need for accessible and affordable healthcare options.

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This research studied how nearly 800 community members in northern California define basic health care coverage. Participants agreed on what should and should not be included in this coverage, favoring essential health services while rejecting expensive treatments that offer little value. Their insights highlight the need for policymakers to consider community opinions when deciding on health care coverage. Who this helps: This helps patients and health care policymakers in creating fair coverage options.

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This study looked at how the presence of a protein called soluble HLA-G in the culture media after fertilization affects pregnancy success rates. The researchers found that when embryos with higher levels of this protein were selected, the pregnancy rate was 75% compared to 23% for embryos without it, and the implantation rate was 44% versus 14%. This matters because it shows a simple way to choose better embryos for transfer, potentially leading to more successful pregnancies. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing fertility treatments.

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This study looked at how a group called the California Coalition for Compassionate Care worked to improve end-of-life care in nursing facilities. They trained nearly 300 staff members from 109 nursing homes, helping them enhance their care practices, especially in assessing and managing pain. The training led to noticeable improvements, but the extent of implemented changes varied, highlighting the need for strong leadership and ongoing support to make real progress. Who this helps: This benefits patients nearing the end of life and their families, as well as the staff in nursing facilities.