Dr. DeHaan studies a variety of medical conditions and their treatments. One area of his research involves sickle cell disease in children, specifically looking at how a medication called montelukast can help improve thinking speed and sleep quality in young patients who experience breathing problems during sleep. He also investigates atrial fibrillation, a heart condition, using a specialized technique called pressure-guided cryoablation to provide a safer and faster treatment option. Moreover, he examines the occurrence of blood clots in patients with ALS and the long-term effectiveness of treatments for liver cancer, helping patients and doctors navigate challenging health issues.
Key findings
In the SMILES study, results from 200 children are being evaluated to see if montelukast can enhance cognitive function and health over 12 weeks.
The study on opioid and benzodiazepine co-prescription found no measurable decrease in co-prescribing despite benzodiazepines being linked to 30% of opioid overdoses.
Pressure-guided cryoablation was successful in isolating pulmonary veins in 99.5% of patients with atrial fibrillation, using less dye and imaging than traditional methods.
In the ALS study, 4 out of 50 patients developed blood clots, showing an 11.2% occurrence overall, rising to 35.8% among those with leg weakness.
The long-term follow-up for patients treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy showed a 5% survival rate at five years, with a better outlook for those with a single liver tumor.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. DeHaan study sickle cell disease?
Yes, he investigates treatments for sickle cell disease, specifically how montelukast can help improve brain function and sleep in children.
What treatment for atrial fibrillation has Dr. DeHaan researched?
He has researched pressure-guided cryoablation, a technique that effectively isolates pulmonary veins while reducing risks for patients.
Is Dr. DeHaan's work relevant to patients with ALS?
Yes, he studies blood clots in ALS patients, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients for complications.
What are the findings regarding liver cancer treatments in Dr. DeHaan's research?
His research on iodine-125 brachytherapy indicates a 5% survival rate at five years for patients, with better outcomes for those with fewer tumors.
Has Dr. DeHaan researched the opioid crisis?
Yes, he explored the effectiveness of educational interventions to reduce co-prescription of opioids and benzodiazepines, which pose a high overdose risk.
Publications in plain English
Study of montelukast in children with sickle cell disease (SMILES): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
2021
Trials
Hood AM, Stotesbury H, Kölbel M, DeHaan M, Downes M +19 more
Plain English The SMILES study investigates whether montelukast, a medication typically used to treat airway problems, can improve thinking speed and sleep quality in young children with sickle cell disease who have breathing issues during sleep. The researchers are testing 200 children aged 3 to 8, comparing those who receive montelukast to those who get a placebo over 12 weeks. The results will help determine if this safe treatment can boost cognitive function and improve overall health for these children.
Who this helps: This benefits young patients with sickle cell disease and their families.
Determining Efficacy of Intervention in the Limitation of Opioid and Benzodiazepine Co-Prescription.
2020
South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association
DeHaan M, Radtke L, Hensley C, Hogue A
Plain English This study looked at how effective a simple presentation and handouts were in reducing the number of patients prescribed both opioids and benzodiazepines, which greatly increase the risk of overdose. Although benzodiazepines are involved in 30% of opioid overdoses and the death rate is ten times higher when both are used together, the intervention did not lead to a measurable decrease in their co-prescription. It highlights the need for more research into how to better address the ongoing opioid crisis by possibly using different methods to educate healthcare providers.
Who this helps: Patients at risk for overdose due to combined prescriptions.
Pressure-Guided cryoablation of pulmonary veins in atrial fibrillation: A fast and effective strategy.
2017
Indian heart journal
Raizada A, Gedela M, Shaikh KA, Apte N, DeHaan M +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a new method for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) by using a technique called pressure-guided cryoablation of the pulmonary veins. The researchers found that this method successfully isolated the pulmonary veins in 99.5% of patients, while using much less dye and requiring significantly less imaging time compared to the traditional approach. This is important because it means patients can undergo treatment with fewer risks associated with dye exposure and radiation, without sacrificing effectiveness.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with atrial fibrillation seeking effective and safer treatment options.
Venous thromboembolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a prospective study.
2014
Neurology
Gladman M, Dehaan M, Pinto H, Geerts W, Zinman L
Plain English This study looked at blood clots in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Over a year, 4 out of 50 patients developed blood clots, which is an 11.2% rate. Notably, patients with leg weakness or who started with leg symptoms had a much higher rate of 35.8%. This is important because it shows that blood clots are common in ALS patients who have difficulty moving their legs, suggesting that doctors should consider checking for clots in these patients regularly.
Who this helps: Patients with ALS, especially those with leg weakness.
Long-term follow-up of patients of intrahepatic malignancies treated with iodine-125 brachytherapy.
2006
International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
Nag S, DeHaan M, Scruggs G, Mayr N, Martin EW
Plain English Researchers studied the effectiveness of a treatment called iodine-125 (125I) brachytherapy for patients with liver tumors that cannot be surgically removed. Among 64 patients treated between 1989 and 2002, the likelihood of controlling the cancer in the liver was 44% in the first year and dropped to 22% by the third and fifth years. Over the long term, about 5% of patients were alive five years later, with those having a single tumor doing better (38% survival) compared to those with multiple tumors (6% survival).
Who this helps: This research assists patients with hard-to-treat liver cancers and their doctors in exploring effective treatment options.