Category: 8. Health

  • Endometriosis can take years to diagnose. A ‘smart’ sanitary pad could speed up the process.

    Endometriosis can take years to diagnose. A ‘smart’ sanitary pad could speed up the process.

    Imagine spending years with painful cramps, heavy bleeding, fatigue and fertility struggles, all while bouncing from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what’s causing them. That’s the stark reality for the more than 6 million women in the U.S. living with endometriosis.

    There’s a reason it often goes underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed for so long: There’s no simple test for it and symptoms can manifest differently for different women or overlap with other health problems. The only way to know for sure that you have it is to go through laparoscopic surgery, which allows doctors to see if there’s endometrial tissue growing where it shouldn’t be. “The gold standard in diagnosis is surgical pathology,” Dr. Christine Greves, an ob-gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Orlando, Fla., tells Yahoo. But surgery is invasive and time-consuming, and for many women, it isn’t an option they can afford.

    But what if there was an easier, less invasive way? Thanks to advancements in technology, that’s becoming an option. Innovative diagnostic tests — some newly developed, others currently in the works — are using menstrual blood to look for biomarkers of endometriosis, as well as other reproductive conditions like uterine fibroids. These tests are as simple as inserting a tampon or putting a smart pad in underwear, allowing women to get answers quickly and painlessly.

    While these tests aren’t mainstream just yet, doctors say they hold a lot of promise for the future.

    The problem: Women with endometriosis and other reproductive health conditions can spend years in pain and discomfort before finding out what the problem is. Even once these conditions are suspected, surgery may be needed to get a definitive diagnosis.

    By the numbers: It can take four to 11 years to get an endometriosis diagnosis. Many see four or five doctors (or more) before their pain is taken seriously, according to Yale Medicine.

    The solution: Two newer, cutting-edge products are aiming to take the guesswork and long waits out of diagnosing endometriosis and similar reproductive health conditions.

    Qvin’s Q-Pad, which is FDA-cleared and has been dubbed “a pad with a purpose,” features an embedded and removable strip to collect and analyze period blood. Once a sample has been collected, the strip is removed and sent to a lab for testing. The process of using Q-Pad is easy: A doctor orders the test, the patient uses it at home and results are delivered through the Qvin app.

    “The Q-Pad is a non-invasive way to get access to endometrial tissue, which comes naturally and regularly,” Dr. Sara Naseri, chief executive officer and cofounder of Qvin, tells Yahoo. “This will enable women to get diagnosed faster and non-invasively. Because the Q-Pad is a modified menstrual pad, women can self-collect in the comfort of their own homes, which also means more women can get access to early diagnosis.”

    In a similar vein, the NextGen Jane Smart Tampon, which is not yet cleared by the FDA, is a diagnostic tampon that collects menstrual blood to look for biomarkers of reproductive health conditions. “Our tampon-based system looks at molecular signals in tissue you naturally shed during your period and evaluates whether you might have endometriosis,” Ridhi Tariyal, chief executive officer of NextGen Jane, tells Yahoo. “We are trying to make diagnosis as simple as mailing in your tampon.”

    NextGen Jane is still in development and currently has several clinical trials that are open for enrollment. “This product could change how people interact with their health,” Tariyal says. “It is hard to chase down symptoms you are having when you and your doctor are underpowered — meaning we collectively don’t have the tools to answer questions easily.” Tariyal says that women “intuitively know” when their monthly cycles may be a sign that something is off. “We are amplifying that intuition by going deeper and looking for actual molecular signals in a tampon,” she says.

    Ob-gyns applaud the tests. “I love that people are thinking of ways to diagnose endometriosis and other conditions that don’t require surgery,” Greves says. Women’s health expert Dr. Jennifer Wider, cohost of the Open Wider podcast, tells Yahoo that the tests are a “pretty smart idea.”

    “The shedding of the uterine lining provides the chance for people to collect on their own and send it to a lab,” Wider says. “The scientists can then look at cell markers and molecular signals and potentially speed a diagnosis of endometriosis and other diseases.”

    There’s no getting around the fact that surgery is invasive, but Greves says the procedure can allow doctors to remove endometrial adhesions that form with endometriosis and ultimately help to reduce pain. “Finding out by tampon or pad will let someone know if they have a condition, but it won’t help with the pain,” she says.

    Wider encourages checking in with your health care provider if you’re dealing with pain or other symptoms of endometriosis. They can give you a proper evaluation, as well as next steps to help you get relief.

    Naseri urges women to think of their menstrual blood as an important tool. “Women should know that their period isn’t a waste product, but in fact a unique opportunity to get insights about their own health non-invasively and regularly,” she says. “These insights allow women to stay on top of what is going on in their bodies, which will ultimately prevent late-stage disease.”

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  • How to reverse diabetes? Nutritionist combines scientific strategies with practical food planning. Check early signs

    How to reverse diabetes? Nutritionist combines scientific strategies with practical food planning. Check early signs

    In recent years, growing awareness around type 2 diabetes has led to new conversations about its management—and in some cases, even reversal. Celebrity nutritionist Ryan Fernando is among the health professionals challenging the belief that diabetes is always a lifelong condition. On Dr. Pal’s podcast, Fernando emphasized that with the right combination of diet, exercise, and consistent routines, reversing type 2 diabetes is possible for many individuals, particularly in its early stages.

    Scientific Approach to Blood Sugar Control

    Fernando advocates a “carbohydrate flatline” approach, focusing on stabilizing carbohydrate intake across meals. According to him, irregular eating patterns—like switching from traditional Indian breakfasts one day to high-carb meals the next—can lead to insulin overload and poor blood sugar control. He recommends maintaining a consistent carb intake, particularly at breakfast, ideally around 60 grams. This steady approach, he says, helps prevent insulin spikes and supports better long-term glucose regulation.

    In his experience, patients who follow this structured meal plan often see significant improvements. His own father, previously dependent on insulin, managed to bring his blood sugar under control and reduce his medication by following a disciplined food routine and exercise regimen.

    Resistance Training: More Than Just Fitness

    Exercise plays a crucial role in Fernando’s strategy. But instead of only focusing on cardio, he recommends resistance training as a key to improving insulin sensitivity. Increased muscle mass allows the body to use glucose more efficiently. He encourages incorporating strength-based workouts, such as bodyweight exercises or weightlifting, several times a week.

    This focus on building lean muscle can help the body absorb more glucose, making it a critical component of diabetes reversal strategies.

    While Fernando and others promote lifestyle changes as a powerful tool, many medical professionals stress that not all diabetes cases can be reversed. Experts caution that the term “reversal” might not be accurate in every situation, especially for individuals who have had diabetes for a long time or rely heavily on insulin. Instead, doctors prefer the term “remission” for early-stage patients who can maintain normal blood sugar levels without medication for an extended period.

    Spotting the Early Signs

    Understanding early symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. According to WebMD, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes share common early warning signs. These include:

    • Increased thirst and frequent urination
    • Fatigue and persistent tiredness
    • Blurred vision
    • Increased hunger
    • Dry mouth and itchy skin
    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Headaches caused by low blood sugar

    In type 1 diabetes, symptoms appear quickly and are often more severe, while type 2 diabetes may develop slowly over time, making it harder to detect in the early stages.

    For children, especially those with type 1 diabetes, warning signs might include crankiness, bedwetting, or diaper rash in infants. In children developing type 2 diabetes, symptoms such as skin darkening around the neck and repeated infections are common. Women may also experience more frequent urinary tract or yeast infections.

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  • Machine learning algorithms for risk factor selection with application to 60-day sepsis morbidity risk for a geriatric hip fracture cohort | BMC Geriatrics

    Machine learning algorithms for risk factor selection with application to 60-day sepsis morbidity risk for a geriatric hip fracture cohort | BMC Geriatrics

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  • Regional differences in antibiotic use in newborns

    Regional differences in antibiotic use in newborns

    image: 

    Johan Gyllensvärd, University of Gothenburg.


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    Credit: Photo: Mikael Bergström

    There are relatively large regional differences in Sweden in the proportion of newborns receiving antibiotics for suspected sepsis, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg. The researchers want to call attention to overuse as well as highlight good examples.

    When newborns receive antibiotics, it is almost always for suspected sepsis. Despite Sweden’s low antibiotic use compared to other countries, last year researchers found unjustifiably high usage levels in newborns. The gradual decline in sepsis prevalence over time has not affected antibiotic use.

    This new study provides an overview of antibiotic use in six major regions in Sweden. The dataset also includes the corresponding data from individual hospitals with neonatal units where newborns are treated, a total of 37 hospitals.

    The study is based on data from more than one million infants born in Sweden between 2012 and 2020. The infants encompassed were born at 34 weeks’ gestation or later. The results are presented in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal & Neonatal Edition.

    Considerable differences

    The study presents the proportion of newborns receiving antibiotics during the first week of life, an internationally dominant metric. In the western world, where sepsis rates are low, the goal is to treat no more than one percent of infants while maintaining low sepsis prevalence and mortality rates.

    In the study, western Sweden ranked highest in antibiotic use, followed by northern Sweden, south-eastern Sweden, southern Sweden, central Sweden, and eastern Sweden. The figures for western Sweden and eastern Sweden were 3.0 percent and 1.3 percent, respectively. Sepsis prevalence in all Swedish regions was below one per thousand live births.

    At hospital level, the lowest antibiotic use of newborns during the first week of life was 0.9 percent, and the highest 4.3 percent.

    Greater awareness key

    One of the driving forces behind the study is Johan Gyllensvärd, a PhD student in pediatrics at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and a practicing pediatrician at Ryhov County Hospital in Jönköping.

    “The threshold for antibiotic intervention varies, explained in part by prevalence levels, but it’s also down to local practices. It’s very much a matter of the policies and traditions seen at the different hospitals,” he says.

    Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the immune system’s reaction to an infection. Treatment must be started immediately. At the same time, antibiotics disrupt the bacterial flora, which is sensitive in newborns. Overuse also increases the risk of becoming a carrier of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

    “Antibiotics are essential in the treatment of sepsis in newborns, and if you have a sicker population, then it’s reasonable for antibiotic use to be higher. However, we need to increase awareness of the overuse of antibiotics and improve at distinguishing infected and uninfected infants. This study helps highlight good examples and demonstrates that it’s possible to have a treatment rate of one percent or less of all newborns while maintaining low sepsis and mortality rates,” Johan Gyllensvärd explains.

    Fact box:

    Proportion of newborns receiving antibiotics during the first week of life 

    Major regions

    Southern Sweden: 1.7 percent (Ystad, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Karlskrona, Kristianstad, Malmö, Växjö, Lund)

    South-eastern Sweden: 2.1 percent (Västervik, Jönköping, Kalmar, Norrköping, Linköping)

    Eastern Sweden: 1.3 percent (Visby, Danderyd, Södersjukhuset, Huddinge, Solna)

    Western Sweden: 3.0 percent (Borås, Trollhättan, Skövde, Gothenburg)

    Central Sweden: 1.6 percent (Hudiksvall, Eskilstuna, Falun, Gävle, Karlstad, Västerås, Örebro, Uppsala)

    Northern Sweden: 2.2 percent (Gällivare, Skellefteå, Örnsköldsvik, Luleå, Sundsvall, Östersund, Umeå)

    Hospitals

    The five hospitals with the lowest proportions: Västerås 0.9 percent, Örebro 1.0 percent, Södersjukhuset 1.0 percent, Visby 1.1 percent, and Norrköping 1.2 percent.

    The five hospitals with the highest proportions: Luleå, 2.6 percent, Umeå 2.6 percent, Skövde 2.9 percent, Borås 3.7 percent, and Trollhättan 4.3 percent. 

    Sources: University of Gothenburg, Swedish Medical Birth Register, Swedish Neonatal Quality Register

    Journal

    Archives of Disease in Childhood – Fetal and Neonatal Edition

    Method of Research

    Observational study

    Subject of Research

    People

    Article Title

    Variations in antibiotic use in late preterm and term newborns from 2012 to 2020: a nationwide population-based observational study

    Article Publication Date

    18-Jul-2025

    Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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  • Mammography has role in diagnosing pregnancy-associated breast cancer

    Mammography has role in diagnosing pregnancy-associated breast cancer

    Mammography may have a diagnostic role in evaluating pregnancy-associated breast cancer, researchers have found.

    Mammography found about four out of five of these breast cancers and shows calcifications in more than half of pregnancy-associated breast cancer cases, wrote a team led by Noam Nissan, MD, PhD, from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The results were published July 31 in Clinical Imaging. 

    “Despite the high proportions of increased mammographic density, mammography successfully demonstrated most pregnancy-associated breast cancers and frequently provided valuable additional information for their evaluation,” the Nissan team wrote. 

    Pregnancy-associated breast cancer is uncommon, occurring in about one in 3,000 pregnancies. However, previous reports suggest that incidence rate is rising in developed countries due to the trend of delayed childbirth. Radiological diagnosis can be challenging due to physiologic changes in breast tissue that pregnant women experience, which can mask abnormalities.  

    Ultrasound is the go-to modality for these cases, but the researchers noted that mammography’s role in this area remains unclear due to the increased fibroglandular tissue during pregnancy and lactation. 

    Nissan and colleagues implemented a mammography strategy at their institution, evaluating its role in the diagnostic workup of pregnancy-associated breast cancer. 

    Final analysis included data from 167 women with newly diagnosed pregnancy-associated breast cancer and an average age of 37 years. The women were diagnosed between 2009 and 2024. Of the total, 30 women were pregnant and 137 were lactating at the time they were diagnosed. In the study, 163 women (97.6%) had dense breasts and 135 (80.8%) had extremely dense breasts. 

    Mammography showed 137 (82%) of the total pregnancy-associated breast cancers. This also included 21 cases where mammography was the only detection method, 17 cases that had additional positive stereotactic biopsy, 35 cases that showed changes in lesion size by ≥1 cm (p < 0.001), and 35 cases where T-staging was changed. 

    And compared with ultrasound alone, excluding cases with duplicate contributions, mammography added value in 64 patients (38.3%). 

    The study authors highlighted that, however these cancers present, mammography and ultrasound “must serve as complementary tools in the diagnostic evaluation of pregnancy-associated breast cancers.” They also stressed that there are safety concerns regarding the use of mammography in this population. 

    “Mammography is considered safe when clinically indicated, as the fetal radiation dose from a standard four-view mammogram is extremely low, typically counting for less than 0.03 mGy, and well below the threshold associated with deterministic effects such as teratogenesis, which require exposures of at least 50 mGy,” the authors wrote. 

    The full study can be accessed here.

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  • You May Not Need a Blood Test With New Biomedical Technology

    You May Not Need a Blood Test With New Biomedical Technology

    People with diabetes need to check their blood glucose multiple times a day. It’s not uncommon for patients with diabetes to monitor glucose levels at least five times a day. Discrete, on-demand testing requires pricking your finger for a blood sample or inserting a microfilament sensor in the body for continuous glucose monitoring.

    The daily routine of glucose testing is often a major inconvenience for most people with diabetes, and there are always risks, said Makarand Paranjape, an associate professor of physics and director of the Georgetown Nanoscience and Microfabrication Cleanroom Lab (GNuLab) in the College of Arts & Sciences.

    Makarand Paranjape is an associate professor of physics and director of the Georgetown Nanoscience and Microfabrication Cleanroom Lab (GNuLab) in the College of Arts & Sciences.

    “You’re inserting a needle into your arm or abdomen and putting a sensor inside the body to detect blood glucose. Anytime you put something in your body, it’s going to be attacked by your own immune system,” Paranjape said. 

    Paranjape hopes to decrease those risks with his new non-invasive technology, a transdermal patch that can detect biomarkers typically found in the bloodstream without drawing blood or inserting any device into the body.

    What started as a project initially funded by the Department of Defense 25 years ago has since become one of Paranjape’s passionate pursuits. Over the last two decades, the physics professor has refined his biomedical technology and developed a family of patents through Georgetown’s Office of Technology Commercialization that he hopes will positively impact the quality of life for patients suffering from a wide variety of chronic disease conditions.

    A Better Way to Detect Biomarkers

    Blood tests help detect biomarkers that physicians use to treat patients, from diabetes to heart disease and even some forms of cancer.

    While these biomarkers exist in the bloodstream, they also permeate through the capillaries and into the liquid surrounding cells in body tissue known as interstitial fluid. Detecting biomarkers in this fluid is even easier than in the blood because the larger components of blood, like platelets, white and red blood cells, can’t pass through the natural filtration mechanism provided by capillaries.

    Paranjape with two students in the lab
    Paranjape with two of his graduate students, Karma Dema (G’29) (left) and Darrian Mills (G’26) (right).

    “The interstitial fluid, sometimes also called extracellular fluid, bathes every living cell in your body,” Paranjape said. “It’s like a pre-filtered sample. When you draw blood, you have to filter down all the other stuff you don’t need. We don’t have to do that, so the interstitial fluid is ideal for detecting blood-borne biomarkers or biomolecules.”

    Paranjape engineered a patch that non-invasively samples interstitial fluid.

    Paranjape says his invention is akin to a Band-Aid. Each patch contains an array of microheaters, each of which is about the diameter of a single strand of human hair. For just a few milliseconds, these microheaters reach 100 degrees Celsius to create a temporary micropore in only the top-most layer of skin to access and collect interstitial fluid.

    “That highly-controlled thermal pulse effectively removes only a microscopic portion of the top-most layer of dead skin. It’s essentially exfoliating that small area of skin to an extent that you’re creating a hair-sized micropore from the top of the skin extending to the living tissue,” he said. “Once you get through that layer, there is plenty of  interstitial fluid that actually comes up and out of the micropore since your heartbeat is providing pressure.”

    Two blue gloved hands handle a circular disc
    Paranjape’s patch technology (pictured on a silicon handle wafer) consists of flexible polymers on an adhesive using gold metal microheaters to create micropores in the skin that allow for the collection of interstitial fluid.

    Whereas existing solutions that sample interstitial fluid require a sensor inserted into the body, Paranjape’s device allows the interstitial fluid to exude naturally from the pores after the microheaters activate, making it noninvasive. His device is also pain-free, verified in a pilot clinical trial, since the temperatures applied and micropores generated are both shallow and don’t reach the skin’s nerve endings.

    It will also require less maintenance from patients. Whereas some patients with diabetes may not monitor their blood glucose enough during the day because they forget or are apprehensive of the pain from a pinprick, the patch can potentially monitor biomarkers on its own, Paranjape said. Patients would only have to change the patch once a day.

    While Paranjape has primarily developed the patch in the context of diabetes, he’s testing his patch to draw biomarkers for other disease conditions, such as traumatic brain injury.

    Transforming Drug Delivery

    Paranjape is now working on the next step of his biomedical patch: drug delivery.

    Transdermal patches that deliver drugs already exist, such as nicotine patches that people use to wean themselves off of smoking. However, current patches are less efficient because they require existing drugs to be modified, Paranjape said.

    Mak Paranjape in a lab coat with two students looking at a lab device“Most of these patches require the drug in question to be tailored chemically to allow it to penetrate through intact skin. Ours does not,” he said. “We can use off-the-shelf drugs. We are creating tiny pores through the skin so the drug can easily enter and diffuse to the circulatory system.”

    Paranjape’s lab is experimenting with loading drugs into his patch that can be administered after the microheaters activate. The patch could also allow patients to schedule release times and determine the correct dosing.

    Paranjape also said his patch is promising because transdermal drug delivery could reduce the dosages patients need and reduce medical waste.

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  • Why Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are so common in Indians and what to do about them

    Why Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are so common in Indians and what to do about them

    A recent social media post highlighting the widespread issue of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficiencies in Indian populations has gone viral. The post on X has sparked important conversations about these often-overlooked health issues.

    The user urged for a ‘polio-like drive’ to raise awareness and address these deficiencies.

    “India desperately needs another polio-like drive but for adults with Vitamin D + B12 deficiency,” the post read. Several studies suggest that a large portion of the Indian population, across age groups and lifestyles, is affected by these deficiencies.
    Symptoms

    Symptoms of Vitamin D insufficiency include weakness, lethargy, tiredness, bone issues such as osteoporosis, which can cause fractures, and rickets in children.

    Similarly, Vitamin B12 is vital for the growth and function of our nervous system, as well as the generation of blood cells.

    Its deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia and a variety of neurological system problems, including imbalance, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and memory problems.

    Why are Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies so common in Indians

    According to the National Library of Medicine, Vitamin D insufficiency is widespread across India, with prevalence rates ranging from 70% to 100% in the general population. In India, commonly consumed foods like dairy products are rarely fortified with vitamin D. Indian socioreligious and cultural practices do not promote proper sun exposure, undermining the potential benefits of abundant sunshine.

    As a result, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is common in both urban and rural areas, as well as among all socioeconomic and geographic strata. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India is also linked to the infrequent fortification of commonly consumed foods with vitamin D.

    According to Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, medical superintendent, Peerless Hospital, Kolkata, “Vitamin D deficiency is rapidly gaining epidemic proportions, yet it is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated nutritional deficiency in the world.”

    “Vitamin D, which can be synthesised in the body on sun exposure, is essential to maintain calcium homeostasis in the body for good bone health,” reported The Times of India (2015).

    Vitamin B12 insufficiency is thought to be common in the Indian population. Vitamin B12 insufficiency is prevalent in the north Indian population, accounting for 47%, according to the National Library of Medicine.

    People with diabetes have higher vitamin B12 levels than the general population, although the prevalence of insufficiency remains significant.

    “Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are alarmingly prevalent in India, impacting a large proportion of adults,” Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, was quoted as saying by The Financial Express.

    “Urbanised, indoor-centric lifestyles, cultural clothing that covers most of the skin, and sunscreen use all limit natural Vitamin D synthesis,” he added.

    According to Dr Gupta, B12 is mostly found in animal-based diets, making India’s vast vegetarian population particularly vulnerable. “Malabsorption due to conditions like celiac disease or gastrointestinal infections also contributes to the problem.”

    How to prevent and manage vitamin deficiencies:

    To address vitamin deficiencies, focus on dietary changes, supplementation, and addressing underlying medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

    Here are a few of the most common treatment approaches:

    Eat things recommended by your healthcare provider to get more of the vitamins you need.

    Fortified foods contain additional nutrients. Enriched foods contain additional nutrients to compensate for those lost during processing. Milk containing vitamins A, B2, or D is an example of a fortified food. Enriched foods include flour, sugar and certain food oils with added A or B vitamins.

    Sunlight is a natural and efficient way for your body to produce vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.

    Oral supplements are widely available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores. For individuals experiencing vitamin deficiencies, higher doses may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

    When vitamin levels are severely low, a healthcare provider can prescribe vitamin injections or intravenous (IV) infusions to quickly replenish the body’s supply.

    Additionally, some vitamins are available in patch form, allowing for slow absorption through the skin.

    Are vitamin deficiencies preventable?

    Vitamin deficiencies are normally avoided, although they do occur for causes beyond your control. That is especially true with your genetic diseases or other circumstances. You can still develop them even if you eat healthy foods. However, eating a wide range of food rich in vitamins and other critical nutrients is the most effective method to avoid or lower your chances of acquiring these conditions.

    Vegetables, fruits, and lean protein are some of these examples. Another important measure you may take is to visit your primary care provider at least once a year.

    Regular checkups typically include blood testing, which can detect vitamin deficiencies before you experience or notice a symptom.

    “Early detection and awareness can prevent immense suffering. Just as India eradicated polio through a mass movement, we need a similar drive against Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies,” Dr Gupta added.

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  • Multiple sclerosis could affect health years before classic symptoms

    Multiple sclerosis could affect health years before classic symptoms

    New research from Canada’s University of British Columbia found patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis started to experience new health issues up to 15 years before showing the classic symptoms of the condition. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay

    Aug. 4 (UPI) — People with multiple sclerosis, or MS, begin experiencing new health issues up to 15 years before the classic signs of the illness appear, Canadian research shows.

    “MS can be difficult to recognize as many of the earliest signs — like fatigue, headache, pain and mental health concerns — can be quite general and easily mistaken for other conditions,” study senior author Helen Tremlett noted.

    “Our findings dramatically shift the timeline for when these early warning signs are thought to begin, potentially opening the door to opportunities for earlier detection and intervention,” said Tremlett, a professor of neurology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

    Her team published its findings Friday in JAMA Network Open.

    MS is an autoimmune illness in which the body’s immune system goes awry, attacking the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerves within the brain and along the spinal cord.

    Communication breaks down between the brain and the body, leading to progressive disability.

    The new study that suggests MS may begin more than a decade before a clinical diagnosis.

    Tremlett’s group combed through British Columbia health data for 12,000 people with or without MS. Records went back as far as 25 years prior to an MS patient’s diagnosis.

    That’s far longer than the five to 10 years covered in earlier studies looking at disease onset.

    The main findings:

    Fifteen years before the onset of classic MS symptoms, there was a noticeable uptick in patient visits to their general practitioner, or in visits to specialists for issues like fatigue, pain and dizziness, as well as mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

    Twelve years before symptom onset, visits to psychiatrists began to rise.

    Eight to nine years before, visits to neurologists and eye specialists rose, perhaps linked to issues such as blurred vision or eye pain.

    Three to five years before, researchers noted a rise in visits to emergency departments and/or radiology facilities.

    One year before, visits peaked for a wide range of different physician types, such as neurologists, radiologists and emergency doctors.

    “These patterns suggest that MS has a long and complex prodromal phase — where something is happening beneath the surface but hasn’t yet declared itself as MS,” said study first author Dr. Marta Ruiz-Algueró, a postdoctoral fellow at UBC.

    “We’re only now starting to understand what these early warning signs are, with mental health-related issues appearing to be among the earliest indicators,” she added in a news release.

    The researchers stressed that the early issues that drove MS patients to seek out care can be caused by a myriad of health conditions. Simply experiencing these conditions does not mean a person will go on to develop MS.

    Nevertheless, “By identifying these earlier red flags, we may eventually be able to intervene sooner — whether that’s through monitoring, support or preventive strategies,” Tremlett said a university news release. “It opens new avenues for research into early biomarkers, lifestyle factors and other potential triggers that may be at play during this previously overlooked phase of the disease.”

    More information

    Find out more about multiple sclerosis at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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  • STEC Illnesses in England Rose by 26 Percent in 2024, Non-O157 STEC Cases Tripled Since 2019

    STEC Illnesses in England Rose by 26 Percent in 2024, Non-O157 STEC Cases Tripled Since 2019

    England saw a 26 percent rise in Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections from 2023 to 2024, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The rise in cases may be attributable to one foodborne illness outbreak involving contaminated salad leaves, officials say.

    Of the 2,544 laboratory confirmed STEC cases seen in England in 2024, 564 were STEC O157 and 1,980 were non-O157 serotypes. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) developed in 2.1 percent of STEC O157 patients and 1.7 percent of non-O157 patients. Among STEC O157 cases, two people died, and among non-O157 cases, five people died. The highest incidence of STEC cases in 2024 was in children between one and four years of age.

    In 2024, UKHSA and partner agencies investigated five STEC outbreaks—all of which were non-O157—comprising 467 cases (348 in England specifically). The sources for three of the outbreaks were contaminated beef, fresh fruit, and salad leaves. The largest outbreak was linked to contaminated leafy greens which resulted in 293 cases (196 cases in England). Of the 293 cases, 126 people were hospitalized, 11 developed HUS, and two died.

    STEC non-O157 cases in 2024 increased nearly three times since 2019, while O157 cases have returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The increase in STEC non-O157 seen in 2024 is due to the outbreak linked to salad leaves. Additionally, more cases of illness are being detected due to the growing use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing technology in laboratories.

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