While much of the research on spinal muscular atrophy has focused on children, adults make up more than one-third of all SMA cases.
Federal Funds Are Critical to Advances in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research
For decades, federal grants have provided critical support for research on the causes and potential cures for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), with ongoing funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the DoD.
Quality of Life Remains Extremely Low for SMA Patients, Caregivers
With new drugs approved for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy, patients and caregivers of patients now have reason to measure progress and to assess quality of life.
New Discoveries Dramatically Alter Understanding of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Kanaan and Kari Merriken had never heard of spinal muscular atrophy until their son was diagnosed with the disease in 2010. At the time, Kanaan was a staff sergeant with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning.
VA Completes Key Milestone in Launch of New EHR System
Last month, VA hit one of the largest, long-awaited milestones in the development of its new electronic health record (EHR) system—the launching of the system at its initial pilot site at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane, WA.
Surgical Mask Use Not Dangerous, Even in Veterans With COPD
Medical advice urging the use of face masks to help bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control has become a political flashpoint in the United States, but a new VA study refuted some of the arguments against the strategy.
Legislators Decry Veterans’ More Than 40-Day Wait for Community Care
Both houses of Congress held hearings last month focusing on concerns about the rollout of the MISSION Act, which consolidates VA’s community healthcare services.
DoD, VA Explore Link Between COVID-19 Pandemic, Suicide in U.S.
COVID-19, which as of last month had killed 225,000 people in the United States, “has exacerbated mental and behavioral health conditions as a result of stress from prolonged lockdown orders, lost employment and social isolation,” Trump said
That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.
“That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” – Jake Tapper, CNN
On Sept. 29, 2020, the first presidential debate was hosted in Cleveland by Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic. Like millions of other Americans who believe the upcoming election is one of the most consequential in our 244-year history, I settled in with a beer to watch. I have been consuming the historical fiction series, “Vikings,” on Hulu that involves considerable hacking and slashing battle scenes. During the course of the debate, I was tempted to turn back to “Vikings” for something a little less traumatic and disturbing.
BH3 Mimetics Combos Targeting MCL1, BCL2 Might Help Treat Melanoma
AURORA, CO – Patients with melanoma who are refractory to or ineligible for immune checkpoint blockade have an urgent need for effective treatments. A report in the journal Cancers (Basel) noted that includes patients who lack BRAF-V600E/K mutations and is often the...
Prognosis Beginning to Improve for T-cell Lymphoma Patients
LONG BEACH, CA – Among hematological malignancies, T-cell lymphomas have an extremely poor prognosis. A new review suggested that might be changing with unusual paths to cure. An article in the Lancet Haematology pointed out that, over the last three decades, little...
Discovery Explains Neurotoxicity With Certain CAR T Cell Immunotherapy
PHILADELPHIA — A new discovery might help explain the cause of neurotoxicity in patients undergoing CD19 directed CAR T cell immunotherapy. A report in the journal Cell discussed how new research uncovered the previously unknown presence of CD19 — a B cell molecule...
IT Modernization Might Not Fix VA’s Medical Supply Chain Problems
A recent Government Accountability Office report calls into question VA’s belief that upcoming IT modernization projects will fix long-standing problems in its medical supply chain.
Program Falls Short of Easing Servicemembers Return to Civilian Life
The Transition Assistance Program (TAP)—the joint effort by DoD, VA and DHS to help servicemembers transition to civilian life—is falling short of its goal, according to legislators and veterans’ advocates.
Academic Detailing Pharmacists Add Pandemic Role: Telehealth Champions
For academic detailers, acting as change agents is nothing new. It’s central to their work as clinical pharmacy specialists and educators. This year, the academic detailers at the VA found their transformative role included a new and urgent responsibility—increasing provider comfort with telehealth technology.
Death Rates Higher for Veterans Getting CV Procedure at Community Hospitals
Veterans who received a common cardiovascular procedure at VA facilities had a significantly lower risk of death than those being treated at a community hospital.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Reduces Veterans’ Opioid Usage
Spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation has shown some effectiveness for chronic pain, including painful musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Who Is More Likely to Have Phantom Limb Pain?
Phantom limb pain persists for veterans who undergo major upper limb amputation, according to a new study.