R esearchers from Auburn University and North Carolina State University have uncovered a potential goldmine for human medicine hidden right beneath our feet: the common ant. While humans have struggled with antibiotic resistance  and "superbugs" after less than a century of drug use, ants have successfully utilized antimicrobial compounds for tens of millions of years. A Natural Medicine Cabinet  A team led by Assistant Professor Clint Penick found that certain species, including common backyard pests like fire ants and thief ants , produce remarkably potent antibiotics. In laboratory tests, extracts from thief ants completely halted bacterial growth. The study reveals that ants employ a "medicine cabinet" strategy, producing multiple classes of antimicrobials. If one compound fails to work against a pathogen, they have others to try. Furthermore, ants produce targeted compounds  specific to different types of threats, such as fungi or specific bacteria, rather than using a "one-size-fits-all" approach that can encourage drug resistance. Combatting Superbugs  The research offers immediate hope for modern healthcare. Extracts from nearly all ant species tested proved highly effective against Candida auris , an emerging human superbug currently spreading in hospitals with limited treatment options. The Missing Link  Surprisingly, the researchers found that 40% of the species tested—8 out of 20—did not appear to produce antibiotics on their exoskeletons at all. This discovery challenges the "conventional wisdom" that all ants rely on chemical defenses, suggesting that some species have evolved alternative, yet-to-be-identified ways to prevent infection. As scientists continue to refine their search, these tiny insects represent a vast, untapped resource. Understanding how ants have managed their chemical defenses over evolutionary time may provide the blueprint for the next generation of human antibiotics. 🔖 Sources   Ants show new promise as a source of powerful antibiotics     New antibiotics could come from ants Study sheds new light on antibiotics produced by ants Keywords: Ants as antibiotic sources Ants as antibiotic sources

R esearchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)  have discovered a revolutionary potential cancer treatment hidden within the digestive tract of the Japanese tree frog  ( Hyla japonica ). The bacterium, known as Ewingella americana , has demonstrated a remarkable ability to completely eliminate colorectal cancer tumors  in mice with just a single intravenous dose. The study, led by Professor Eijiro Miyako and published in the journal Gut Microbes , initially screened 45 bacterial strains from various amphibians and reptiles. These animals were chosen because they naturally endure extreme cellular stress and inhabit pathogen-rich environments, yet rarely develop spontaneous tumors. Among the nine strains that showed anti-tumor effects, E. americana  was the most potent, achieving a 100% complete response rate  in lab mice, significantly outperforming current standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments. This "living medicine" functions through a dual-action mechanism . First, the bacterium is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it naturally seeks out the low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments  found inside solid tumors. Within 24 hours of administration, the bacterial count within the tumor increases approximately 3,000-fold , where it secretes toxins to destroy cancer cells directly. Second, the bacterial invasion triggers a massive host immune response , flooding the tumor site with T cells, B cells, and neutrophils that further dismantle the malignancy. One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is its tumor-specific precision . E. americana  targets only the tumor environment, ignoring healthy organs and tissues. This selectivity is attributed to the tumor's unique metabolism, leaky blood vessels, and suppressed local immunity. Safety evaluations showed the bacterium is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream and causes only transient, mild inflammation that resolves within 72 hours. Furthermore, the bacterium is sensitive to antibiotics , providing a safety "off-switch" if needed. While these results are currently limited to preclinical models, the research team plans to expand testing to breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma . This discovery suggests that unexplored microbial biodiversity may hold the key to the next generation of precision oncology. 🔖 Sources   Gut bacteria from amphibians and reptiles achieve complete tumor elimination in preclinical model     Frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer tumors in mice with a single dose Scientists discover an amphibian gut bacterium 100% effective in destroying cancer cells in rats Keywords: frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer frog gut bacterium eliminates cancer

R ising health-care expenses, fueled by an overall increase in the cost of living, are compelling Americans—including those with higher incomes—to make difficult financial decisions. Recent surveys indicate that the average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance is projected to climb by 6.7% next year, pushing the total average benefit cost per employee above $18,500. Global consulting firm Mercer calls this the steepest jump in 15 years. For many, these costs are inescapable. Premiums for families using employer-sponsored plans rose 6% this year, outpacing both wage growth (4%) and inflation (2.7%). Furthermore, consumers are using more medical services and prescriptions, a trend experts attribute partly to an aging population experiencing higher rates of ailments such as heart disease and diabetes. The financial burden is palpable: The 2026 KeyBank Financial Mobility Survey found that 21% of all adults cited health care and insurance as the expenses that have increased the most for them. Among higher earners (making $100,000 annually or more), that number rises to 30%. These costs are forcing significant financial trade-offs . Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed in 2025 reported having less money in their savings than the previous year. As a direct result of rising costs, 26% of adults have drawn from their emergency savings, and 12% have reduced contributions to their retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs. Among higher earners, 19% have reduced retirement contributions. The ACA Marketplace is facing a particular crisis, with private insurance premiums set to rise sharply in 2026. Estimates suggest that if the enhanced premium tax credits—which expanded financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic—are allowed to expire at the end of 2025, 7.3 million people will lose their subsidies. The average monthly premium for remaining enrollees could increase by 114%, according to KFF estimates. In the face of these headwinds, experts urge consumers to prioritize understanding their coverage. Financial advisors note that many people, regardless of education or income, do not fully grasp their health care plan details until a significant event occurs, leading to unexpected bills. Consumers are advised to review terms like copayments, deductibles (which averaged $4,063 for family coverage last year), co-insurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. One strategy is optimizing health-related accounts like Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs, which require enrollment in a qualified high-deductible plan, offer triple tax savings and can grow into a "meaningful source of health-care coverage down the road" if left untouched for current expenses. For individuals who must purchase private insurance, options outside the ACA Marketplace may offer lower premiums but require extreme caution. Non-ACA compliant plans, such as short-term insurance plans or healthshares, often lack essential consumer protections, do not have to cover pre-existing conditions, or may impose annual and lifetime caps on benefits. Within the ACA Marketplace, consumers seeking lower premiums can look at Bronze or Catastrophic plans, but they must be prepared for high deductibles. For Bronze plans, deductibles average nearly $7,500 nationally. Ultimately, advisors recommend evaluating budgets holistically before cutting retirement savings. However, some experts acknowledge that without systemic change, many individuals will be "completely priced out of insurance" and should persistently contact elected officials to convey how policies are impacting their lives. 🔖 Sources   Private health insurance costs are going up. A complete guide to your coverage options     Higher health-care costs force financial trade-offs: Investors ‘worry about all these moving pieces,’ top advisor says Worried about health insurance costs? There may be cheaper options — but with trade-offs Keywords:Financial trade-offs Financial trade-offs

T he decline of the immune system with age leaves older individuals more susceptible to various infections, as T cell populations become smaller and react more slowly to pathogens. This weakening is primarily due to the involution of the thymus, a small organ in front of the heart crucial for T cell maturation. Starting in early adulthood, the thymus shrinks, becoming essentially nonfunctional by around age 75, leading to a decline in new T cell production. To counteract this age-related decay, researchers from MIT and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) developed an innovative approach: using the liver as a temporary "factory" to generate the T-cell-stimulating signals that the aging thymus fails to produce. This synthetic approach essentially engineers the body to mimic thymic factor secretion. The liver was selected as the ideal location because it maintains a high capacity for producing proteins even in old age, is easily accessible for mRNA delivery, and all circulating blood, including T cells, flows through it. The team identified three key factors that decline with age and are important for T cell maturation: DLL1, FLT-3 (or FLT3L), and IL-7 . They encoded these three factors into mRNA sequences and packaged them within lipid nanoparticles. Once injected into the bloodstream, these particles accumulate in the liver, where hepatocytes take up the mRNA and begin manufacturing the therapeutic proteins. Tests in 18-month-old mice, roughly equivalent to humans in their 50s, showed remarkable beneficial effects. The treatment, administered through multiple injections over four weeks, successfully increased the size and function of T cell populations. The rejuvenated immune system showed enhanced responses to external challenges : Vaccination:  Aged mice that received the mRNA treatment before vaccination showed a doubling  in the population of cytotoxic T cells specific to the vaccine antigen (ovalbumin) compared to untreated mice of the same age. Cancer Immunotherapy:  The treatment also boosted the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitor drugs (which stimulate T cells to attack tumors). Mice that received the mRNA treatment alongside the checkpoint inhibitor showed much higher survival rates and longer lifespans  than those receiving the drug alone. In aggressive melanoma models, tumors were even completely suppressed in treated old mice. The researchers emphasized that all three factors (DLL1, FLT-3, and IL-7) were necessary to induce this comprehensive immune enhancement. The researchers intentionally designed the mRNA effect to be temporary, minimizing the risk of unintended long-term changes and avoiding evidence of autoimmunity or liver toxicity. This novel approach demonstrates the potential of mRNA technology far beyond vaccines, offering a tool to restore biological functions precisely and temporarily. If developed for patients, this type of treatment could help people "stay free of disease for a longer span of their life". 🔖 Sources   Liver cell reprogramming boosts T cell function in aging immune systems     T Cell Populations in Aged Mice Rejuvenated by mRNA Delivery to Liver mRNA rejuvenates aging immune system - the liver as a fountain of youth Keywords: mRNA Liver Reprogramming mRNA Liver Reprogramming

U nitedHealthcare (UHC), one of the nation's largest health insurers, has temporarily delayed the implementation of sweeping changes aimed at restricting coverage for Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) services. The policy change, originally slated to take effect on January 1, 2026, was intended to significantly narrow coverage, impacting millions of members across commercial, individual exchange, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Under the initial proposal, UHC asserted that remote monitoring for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes (specifically Type 2), and hypertension (unrelated to pregnancy) was “unproven, and not medically necessary,” and would therefore no longer be covered. The policy stated that coverage would only continue for patients diagnosed with heart failure or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, where research demonstrates clear clinical value. The announcement of these planned cuts triggered a fierce groundswell of criticism from healthcare providers, advocates, and legal experts. Providers argued that UHC was ignoring clinical research showing that RPM improves patient outcomes and lowers costs for a spectrum of chronic conditions. A major point of contention centered on Medicare Advantage  plans. Legal experts asserted that applying the new restrictions to MA enrollees was a seemingly clear violation of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) policy. Federal regulations require that MA organizations must cover all services covered by traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B), and traditional Medicare currently covers remote patient monitoring. The sources indicate that UHC may have recognized this clear violation, as the online link for the MA policy within UHC’s documentation yielded a “404 page not found” error. On December 17, 2025, UHC notified its members via email that the new policy’s effective date would be delayed, and a future effective date would be communicated later. This pause offers a critical, short-term reprieve, allowing practices to continue billing UHC for RPM for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes under current policies. However, stakeholders are cautioned that the delay is merely a postponement of coverage removal, not a revival of full coverage, meaning the underlying restrictions could still be implemented at a future date. The industry pressure must continue to ensure the best outcome for the millions of patients who rely on these services. 🔖 Sources   UnitedHealthcare's Remote Patient Monitoring Policy Change: What It Means for Patients and Providers     UHC Seems to Realize Its Pending Restrictions on Remote Patient Monitoring Payment Won’t Fly UnitedHealthcare Delays RPM Coverage Changes While Industry Pushback Is Intensifying Keywords: UnitedHealthcare Postpones RPM Coverage Limits UnitedHealthcare Postpones RPM Coverage Limits

Image Credit: Amazon. Fair Use. S eason 9 of ER  is defined by a shift from the personal tragedy of Season 8 to large-scale, high-stakes medical crises. The season opens with a chaotic hospital evacuation due to a Monkeypox outbreak and transitions into complex ethical dilemmas in the Congo. Domestically, the team manages catastrophic trauma cases, including the amputation of Dr. Romano's arm and mass casualty events like a cyanide suicide pact. The medicine is gritty and resource-intensive, often highlighting the disparity between first-world care and field medicine in conflict zones. Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode review of the medical cases, diagnoses, and treatments presented in Season 9. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ Episode 1 2️⃣ Episode 2 3️⃣ Episode 3 4️⃣ Episode 4 5️⃣ Episode 5 6️⃣ Episode 6 7️⃣ Episode 7 8️⃣ Episode 8 9️⃣ Episode 9 🔟 Episode 10 1️⃣1️⃣ Episode 11 1️⃣2️⃣ Episode 12 1️⃣3️⃣ Episode 13 1️⃣4️⃣ Episode 14 1️⃣5️⃣ Episode 15 1️⃣6️⃣ Episode 16 1️⃣7️⃣ Episode 17 1️⃣8️⃣ Episode 18 1️⃣9️⃣ Episode 19 2️⃣0️⃣ Episode 20 2️⃣1️⃣ Episode 21 2️⃣2️⃣ Episode 22 🔖 Key Takeaways Episode 1 Monkeypox Variant and Mass Quarantine I ndex Cases.  An outbreak initially suspected to be smallpox was identified as a mutated Monkeypox Variant  originating from the Congo. Response:  The hospital was evacuated and quarantined for two weeks. Prevention:  Staff and patients underwent smallpox vaccination (scarification technique) prior to release. Traumatic Amputation (Dr. Romano) Dr. Robert Romano.  During the evacuation, Dr. Romano backed into a helicopter tail rotor. Injury:  Complete Traumatic Amputation  of the arm at the distal humerus. Complication:  Hemorrhagic shock (Hematocrit 18). Treatment:  Emergency re-implantation surgery in a field OR, requiring massive transfusion (6 units). Post-op perfusion to the hand remained poor. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Broken Pelvis:  Complicating evacuation. Tuberculosis:  Differential diagnosis for cough. Pneumococcal Pneumonia:  Cause of bloody sputum. Delirium Tremens:  Severe alcohol withdrawal. Bilateral Pulmonary Contusions:  Worsening trauma. Gram-Negative Sepsis:  From cholecystitis. Bradycardia:  Requiring atropine. Aortic Dissection:  Confirmed by CT. Episode 2 Acute Inferior MI and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy M r. Royston.  A patient with chest pain showed "tombstone" ST elevations. Diagnosis:   Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction . Treatment:  Thrombolytics (Tenecteplase) resolved the clot after 42 minutes of CPR. Outcome:  Although the heart rhythm returned, the prolonged arrest caused severe Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy  (Brain Death), leading to withdrawal of care. Aortic Dissection Frank Chambers.  A demolition worker suffered blunt chest trauma. Diagnosis:  Flail chest and hypotension led to imaging confirming Aortic Dissection . Treatment:  Immediate surgical repair. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Hypothyroidism:  TSH >100 causing "hypochondriac" symptoms. Heat Exhaustion:  Environmental exposure. Smoke Inhalation:  Barbecue accident. Urosepsis:  From UTI. Nitroglycerin Overdose:  Causing hypotension. Spinal Cord Injury:  From neck GSW. Ureteral Stone:  Causing hydronephrosis. Vascular Occlusion:  No pedal pulse after tib-fib fracture. Episode 3 End-Stage Huntington's Disease P hillip Berk.  A patient with advanced Huntington's Disease  presented with a hip fracture and a massive decubitus ulcer. Complication:  Sepsis and aspiration pneumonia. Outcome:  Died despite intubation and antibiotics. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (TOA) Tina Jones.  A 12-year-old sex trafficking victim presented with pelvic pain. Diagnosis:   Tubo-Ovarian Abscess (TOA)  secondary to PID. Outcome:  Eloped before admission. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Foreign Body:  10-inch vibrator requiring removal. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):  Positive Homan's sign. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA):  Mini-stroke. Cholelithiasis:  Positive Murphy's sign. Ruptured Aneurysm:  Hypotension and back pain. Delirium Tremens:  Alcohol withdrawal. Episode 4 Unstable Angina and Cardiac Arrest S tella Willits.  A "frequent flyer" with chest pain was dismissed with costochondritis. Diagnosis:   Unstable Angina . Outcome:  The patient suffered a fatal V-fib arrest in the hallway due to missed symptomatic ischemia. Chronic Renal Failure (Vesicoureteral Reflux) Marlene.  An 11-year-old with recurrent UTIs presented with high creatinine. Diagnosis:   Chronic Renal Failure  secondary to bilateral renal scarring from Vesicoureteral Reflux. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Quinine Toxicity:  Suicide attempt causing blindness. Cholelithiasis:  Gallstones. Splenic Laceration:  Traumatic injury. Valium Overdose:  Requiring monitoring. Ventilator Dependency:  Post-operative complication. Episode 5 Necrotizing Fasciitis M ale Patient.  A bug bite progressed rapidly to "flesh-eating bacteria." Diagnosis:   Necrotizing Fasciitis  with subcutaneous air. Treatment:  Emergency Above-Knee Amputation (AKA) to prevent fatal sepsis. Sialidosis (Newborn) Infant Phillip.  A home-birth newborn presented with respiratory distress. Diagnosis:   Sialidosis , a fatal genetic enzyme deficiency. Outcome:  DNR signed; care withdrawn. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Mandrake Intoxication:  Herbal toxicity causing priapism. Parkinson's Disease:  Tremor in a medical student. Rhabdomyolysis:  From crush injury causing hyperkalemia. Boerhaave's Syndrome:  Esophageal rupture. Mallory-Weiss Tear:  Esophageal laceration. Episode 6 Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency A llison.  A 26-year-old with emphysema and liver failure. Diagnosis:   Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency , causing panacinar emphysema. Status:  Listed for heart-lung transplant after reversing DNR. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Ketamine Overdose:  "Special K" causing seizures. Pericardial Tamponade:  GSW complication requiring decompression. Sexual Assault:  Forensic exam performed. Metastatic Cancer:  Abdominal carcinomatosis. Episode 7 Pancreatic Cancer (Whipple Procedure) J oel Seaton.  A patient with pancreatic cancer and biliary stents presented with failure to thrive. Treatment:  Elected for a high-risk Whipple Procedure  to extend life expectancy. Bipolar Disorder Eric Wyczenski.  An AWOL soldier presented with mania. Diagnosis:   Bipolar Disorder , previously misdiagnosed as PTSD. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Lyme Disease:  Erythema migrans rash. Traumatic Asphyxia:  Crush injury with facial petechiae. Ruptured Globe:  Shotgun pellet in the eye. Tension Pneumothorax:  Pediatric trauma. Ectopic Pregnancy:  Ruled out in overdose patient. Episode 8 Traumatic Brain Death and Heart Transplant M att and Toby.  Brothers hit by a drunk driver. Diagnosis:  Toby suffered Brain Death  from diffuse cerebral edema. Matt suffered a lacerated coronary artery and heart failure. Treatment:  Toby's heart was transplanted into Matt in an emergency procedure. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Bipolar Disorder:  Medicated with Depakote. Parkinson's Disease:  Left-sided tremor. Flail Chest:  Trauma complication. Appendicitis:  Ruled out in pediatric patient. Episode 9 Fatal Blunt Trauma (Exsanguination) G il Brenner.  A trauma victim presented with fluid in Morrison's pouch. Diagnosis:  Massive internal hemorrhage from splenic/bowel injury. Outcome:  Died from Exsanguination  in the OR. Salicylate Toxicity (Domestic Abuse) Melody Cranston.  A nurse presented with vomiting and high anion gap. Diagnosis:   Salicylate (Aspirin) Toxicity . Underlying Cause:  Chronic domestic abuse by her son; admitted under a pretext for safety. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Hyperosmolar Coma:  Glucose 576. Concussion:  Non-accidental trauma in a child. Diabetic Ulcer:  Chronic wound. Pulmonary Embolism:  Cause of cardiac arrest in elderly patient. Episode 10 Acute Leukemia Masquerading as Flu R ick Kendrick.  A student with "flu-like" symptoms rapidly deteriorated. Diagnosis:   Acute Leukemia  (WBC 85k, 60% blasts). Complication:  Pulmonary edema and cerebral hypoxia leading to brain damage due to delayed diagnosis. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Liver Laceration:  Grade 3 injury. Tension Pneumothorax:  Decompressed with angiocath. Depressed Clavicle Fracture:  Airway compromise. Bullous Myringitis:  Ear infection. Episode 11 Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Mortality R ick Kendrick.  Review of the fatal leukemia case. Cause of Death:  Airway mismanagement (tube in pre-tracheal space) during hemorrhage. Urosepsis Rosemary Bell.  A teenager with high fever and hypotension. Diagnosis:   Urosepsis  secondary to Pyelonephritis. Treatment:  Fluids and Cefotaxime. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Ritalin Misuse:  In a student. Dilated Cardiomyopathy:  Poor prognosis. Uncontrolled Diabetes:  Glucose 435. Spontaneous Abortion:  Miscarriage at 14 weeks. Episode 12 Gram-Negative Pneumonia M rs. Hawkes.  A patient with "flu" developed sepsis. Diagnosis:   Gram-Negative Pneumonia  (Klebsiella/Pseudomonas). Treatment:  Intubation and ICU admission. Syphilis Alderman Bright.  A trauma patient found to have a chancre. Diagnosis:   Primary Syphilis . Treatment:  Penicillin G Benzathine. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage:  Fatal bleeding. Tension Pneumothorax:  Trauma complication. Hemarthrosis:  Knee injury. Embryonic Loss:  Post-IVF miscarriage. Episode 13 Hyperosmolar Coma D r. McNulty.  A diabetic physician presented with altered mental status. Diagnosis:   Hyperosmolar Non-Ketotic Coma  (Glucose >400, no ketones). Cause:  Gave his insulin to a patient. Gluteal Abscess Aidan Fenwick.  A steroid user presented with a deep abscess. Treatment:  Surgical drainage, complicated by sciatic nerve involvement. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Small-Cell Lung Cancer:  Metastatic. Bullet Embolization:  Occluding femoral artery. Eating Disorder:  Binge-purging. Alzheimer's:  Wandering patient. Episode 14 Wilson's Disease H elen Broznich.  A teen driver with psychiatric symptoms and liver issues. Diagnosis:   Wilson's Disease  (Copper metabolism disorder), confirmed by Kayser-Fleischer rings in the cornea. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed LeFort III Fracture:  Facial dissociation. Pernicious Anemia:  Ruled out. Neutropenia:  Chemotherapy complication. Hepatic Encephalopathy:  Liver failure symptom. Episode 15 Neutropenic Pneumonia S ean.  A testicular cancer patient presented with fever. Diagnosis:   Neutropenic Pneumonia . Treatment:  Imipenem. Methamphetamine Toxicity (Malignant Hyperthermia) Zeki.  A meth user presented seizing with a temperature of 107.3°F. Diagnosis:   Malignant Hyperthermia . Treatment:  Aggressive cooling (gastric lavage). Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Brain Death:  Pediatric head injury. Profound Alcohol Intoxication:  Mimicking death. Neutropenia:  Immune suppression. Episode 16 Cardiac Contusion O fficer Palnick.  A trauma patient with chest pain and ST depression. Diagnosis:   Cardiac Contusion  (bruised heart), initially mistaken for pneumothorax. Treatment:  Monitoring and Lidocaine for arrhythmia. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Tension Pneumothorax:  Tracheal shift. Meningitis:  Suspected in altered patient. Ischemia:  From hypotension. Episode 17 Fatal Anaphylaxis and Gastric Rupture K eith Mitchell.  A syphilis patient self-medicating with penicillin collapsed. Diagnosis:   Anaphylactic Shock . Complication:  Bag-mask ventilation caused Gastric Rupture  (free air under diaphragm). Outcome:  Death. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Arsenic Poisoning:  Mees' lines on nails. Retrobulbar Hematoma:  Eye emergency. Sepsis:  Dry surgical field. Foreign Body Airway Obstruction:  Aspiration of a balloon. Episode 18 Renal Cell Carcinoma in Pregnancy D ebra Strickland.  A pregnant woman presented with flank mass and bleeding. Diagnosis:   Renal Cell Carcinoma (Stage IV) . Treatment:  Immediate radical nephrectomy and termination of pregnancy to allow for chemotherapy. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Tetralogy of Fallot:  Congenital heart defect. Diabetic Ketoacidosis:  Respiratory compromise. Alkali Keratitis:  Chemical eye burn. Aspergilloma:  Fungal lung infection. Episode 19 Epiglottitis A ndrew.  A patient discharged with pharyngitis returned in respiratory arrest. Diagnosis:   Epiglottitis  with airway obstruction. Treatment:  Emergency Cricothyroidotomy. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Subphrenic Abscess:  Septic shock source. Tension Pneumothorax:  Trauma. Ruptured Baker Cyst:  Mimicking DVT. Mellaril Overdose:  Psychosis. Episode 20 Long QT Syndrome B aseball Player.  A young athlete syncope. Diagnosis:   Long QT Syndrome  (QTc 0.49). Treatment:  Refused ICD implantation to continue playing. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Spinal Shock:  Complete loss of function below injury. Tetralogy of Fallot:  Surgical repair. Compartment Syndrome:  Burn complication. Botox Complication:  Dysphagia. Episode 21 Cyanide Toxicity (Mass Casualty) C ult Members.  Mass suicide attempt using poisoned Kool-Aid. Diagnosis:   Cyanide Toxicity  causing lactic acidosis. Treatment:  Amyl nitrate and sodium nitrate (Methemoglobinemia induction). Ethical Conflict:  Rationing limited antidote between a mother and daughter. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Traumatic Glaucoma:  Eye explosion injury. Fat Embolus:  Post-trauma complication. Hypotensive Encephalopathy:  Brain injury from low BP. Cholera:  Refugee camp epidemic. Episode 22 Poliomyelitis and War Trauma (Congo) Saidi / Mai Mai.   Diagnosis 1:   Poliomyelitis  diagnosed clinically (tripod sign, bladder paresis). Diagnosis 2:   Transthoracic GSW  causing multi-organ damage. Outcome:  Triage decision to cease care due to lack of resources ("waste of resources"). Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Resistant Malaria:  Failed Fansidar, required Quinine. Pertussis:  Whooping cough. DIC:  Bleeding disorder in trauma. Traumatic Amputation:  Landmine injury. 🔖 Key Takeaways 🗝️ Global Health Focus:  The season expanded its scope to include tropical medicine (Monkeypox, Malaria, Polio) and the ethical challenges of resource-poor settings in the Congo. 🗝️ Diagnostic Catastrophes:  Fatal outcomes resulted from missed diagnoses, including the aortic dissection in a Marfan patient and the failure to recognize epiglottitis or leukemia early. 🗝️ Trauma Innovation:  The team handled extreme trauma, from Dr. Romano's arm amputation to field surgeries and mass casualty cyanide poisonings. 🗝️ Chronic Disease Progression:  The show detailed the grim realities of end-stage genetic conditions like Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency and Huntington's Disease. 🗝️ Public Health Emergencies:  Protocols for smallpox/monkeypox quarantine and meningococcemia outbreaks highlighted the ER's role in biodefense. Keywords: Medical Diagnoses ER Season 9 Medical Diagnoses ER Season 9

Image Credit: Prime Video. Fair Use. S eason 10 of ER  marks a transition, moving away from the large-scale bioterrorism arcs of the previous season to refocus on intimate, complex medical mysteries and the grinding reality of trauma care. The season explores the intersection of social issues and medicine, featuring cases of international humanitarian crises, domestic abuse disguised as accidental trauma, and the devastating impact of poverty on pediatric health. From the rare diagnosis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in a trauma victim to the tragic loss of a newborn due to Necrotizing Enterocolitis, the medicine remains as compelling and heartbreaking as ever. Below is a comprehensive, episode-by-episode review of the medical cases, diagnoses, and treatments presented in Season 10. Content ⁉️ 1️⃣ Episode 1 2️⃣ Episode 2 3️⃣ Episode 3 4️⃣ Episode 4 5️⃣ Episode 5 6️⃣ Episode 6 7️⃣ Episode 7 8️⃣ Episode 8 9️⃣ Episode 9 🔟 Episode 10 1️⃣1️⃣ Episode 11 1️⃣2️⃣ Episode 12 1️⃣3️⃣ Episode 13 1️⃣4️⃣ Episode 14 1️⃣5️⃣ Episode 15 1️⃣6️⃣ Episode 16 1️⃣7️⃣ Episode 17 1️⃣8️⃣ Episode 18 1️⃣9️⃣ Episode 19 2️⃣0️⃣ Episode 20 2️⃣1️⃣ Episode 21 2️⃣2️⃣ Episode 22 🔖 Key Takeaways Episode 1 Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) and Trauma D enise Johnson.  A driver in a rollover MVA presented with profound anemia (HemoCue 8.1) and hypotension (60/40) disproportionate to her injuries. Diagnosis:  Laboratory analysis revealed microspherocytes and a high reticulocyte count, confirming Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia . The anemia likely caused her to syncopize while driving. Treatment:  Stabilized with O-negative blood transfusions, avoiding type-specific blood to prevent renal failure. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Femur Fractures:  Requiring traction. Flail Chest:  Rib fractures with paradoxical movement. Hyperkalemia:  Potassium 8.3 treated with insulin/glucose. Candidal Esophagitis:  AIDS-defining illness. Infected AV Graft:  Dialysis complication requiring I&D. Colon Cancer:  Differential diagnosis for constipation in the elderly. Episode 2 Malaria (Congo) D r. Luka Kovac.  Presumed dead in the Congo, Dr. Kovac was found alive but critically ill. Diagnosis:   Malaria , characterized by high fevers despite prophylactic Fansidar. Treatment:  IV Quinine was indicated but initially refused by the patient to save supplies for a child. He was eventually evacuated via medical transport. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Gross Hematuria:  Sign of renal or bladder trauma. Pertussis:  Whooping cough outbreak in the clinic. Abdominal GSW:  Penetrating trauma requiring surgery. Episode 3 Primary Pulmonary Hypertension E lle Ryser.  A young patient presented with shortness of breath and heart failure. Diagnosis:   Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) . Prognosis:  Fatal without transplant; unlikely to survive to adulthood. Treatment:  Nitric oxide and Isoproterenol drip. Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Forest Herman.  A patient waiting for back pain medication arrested. Diagnosis:   Ruptured AAA . Treatment:  Emergency thoracotomy and aortic cross-clamping in the ER. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Premature Labor:  Rupture of membranes at 36 weeks. Spider Bite:  Suspected Black Widow envenomation. Unstable Mandible Fracture:  Trauma requiring plastic surgery. Fecal Impaction:  Requiring manual disimpaction. Episode 4 Carotid Dissection (Stroke) E d Gamble.  A 28-year-old male presented with expressive aphasia, initially dismissed as psychosomatic. Diagnosis:  A syncopal episode led to the discovery of a Carotid Artery Dissection  via ultrasound. Treatment:  Anticoagulation to allow the tear to heal; TPA considered. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Gram-Negative Osteomyelitis:  Complication of open fracture. Ureteral Colic:  Kidney stones. Scombroid Poisoning:  Histamine toxicity from spoiled fish. Thrombosed Hemorrhoid:  Painful rectal mass. Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak:  Indicating skull base fracture. Episode 5 Digoxin Toxicity B en Hollander.  An elderly patient with macular degeneration presented with vomiting and arrhythmias (scooped ST segments). Diagnosis:   Digoxin Toxicity  secondary to an intentional overdose (suicide attempt) due to depression over failing vision. Treatment:  Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind) and psychiatric intervention. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Anserine Bursitis:  Mimicking knee trauma. Ileus:  Non-mechanical bowel obstruction. Smoke Inhalation:  Airway injury from fire. Bullous Myringitis:  Ear infection caused by Mycoplasma. Rhabdomyolysis:  Complication of crush injury. Episode 6 Preterm Labor and Uterine Atony D enny.  A 27-year-old presented at 24 weeks gestation. Outcome:  Delivered a 506g micro-preemie in a taxi. Complication:  Severe Postpartum Hemorrhage  due to Uterine Atony , exacerbated by prior tocolytics. Treatment:  Massage, Pitocin, Methergine, and massive transfusion. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Diffuse Axonal Injury:  Fatal brain injury from MVA. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA):  Hyperglycemia and ketosis in a child. Digoxin Overdose:  Suspected in a blind patient. Scaphoid Fracture:  Wrist injury requiring snuffbox check. Episode 7 Perforated Appendix M r. Persky.  A patient with abdominal pain was discharged but returned febrile. Diagnosis:   Perforated Appendix  (rupture masked pain initially). Treatment:  Emergent open laparotomy and washout. SVT (Methamphetamine) Franny Meyers.  A mother presented with palpitations. Diagnosis:   Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)  caused by crystal meth use. Treatment:  Adenosine. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Subdural Hematoma:  Non-accidental trauma in an infant. Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML):  Septic neutropenia in a child. Rectal Fissure:  Trauma from sexual assault. Croup:  Pediatric respiratory infection. Episode 8 Uterine Fibroids and Hysterectomy L oren.  An HIV-positive pregnant patient presented with massive hemorrhage. Diagnosis:   Uterine Fibroids  involving the uterine artery, causing uncontrollable bleeding. Treatment:  Emergency hysterectomy after myomectomy failed. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Delusional Parasitosis:  Belief of bugs under skin (Scabies). Rhabdomyolysis:  Muscle breakdown from trauma. Occult Splenic Injury:  Slow bleed requiring surgery. Ruptured Globe:  Severe eye trauma. Episode 9 Fatal Anaphylaxis (Contrast Dye) H ank Benitez.  A patient with suspected PE underwent a pulmonary angiogram. Complication:  Severe Anaphylactic Reaction  to the contrast dye. Outcome:  Cardiac arrest (PEA) and death, sparking debate over the necessity of the test versus empiric heparin. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed 17a-Hydroxylase Deficiency:  Rare congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Hypothermia:  Pediatric core temp 86.7°F. Aortic Dissection:  Hypotension and back pain. Multiple Sclerosis:  Neurological history. Episode 10 Pneumocystis Pneumonia (AIDS) L amia.  A 5-year-old child of an HIV-positive mother presented with hypoxia. Diagnosis:   Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) . Outcome:  Death due to lack of pediatric ARVs and oxygen in a resource-poor setting (Congo). Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Cholera/Dysentery:  Risks of contaminated water for formula. Toxoplasmosis:  CNS infection causing weakness. Foreign Body:  Ingested Christmas ornament. Episode 11 Iatrogenic Cervical Cord Injury M artin Brodie.  A driver with Ankylosing Spondylitis  ("bamboo spine") required intubation. Complication:  The procedure caused a fracture of the fused spine, resulting in Quadriplegia  (C-5 cord contusion). Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Larry Brodie.  The passenger in the same crash. Diagnosis:   8cm AAA  found on trauma scan. Treatment:  Surgical repair. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Cardiomyopathy:  Requiring Swan-Ganz monitoring. AIDS-Related Lymphoma:  Mass in a young female. Valvular Heart Disease:  Mitral regurgitation. Malnutrition:  Starvation signs in a family. Episode 12 Critical Coarctation of the Aorta and NEC J acob Kolber.  A newborn presented with shock and acidosis. Diagnosis:   Critical Coarctation of the Aorta . Treatment:  Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal patency. Complication:  Developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)  with total bowel infarction. Outcome:  Fatal. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome:  Withdrawal from meth/heroin. Intracranial Hemorrhage:  ECMO complication. Meconium Aspiration:  Respiratory distress. Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM):  Lung lesion. Episode 13 Bullet Embolism to the Heart M ale Patient.  A patient with a leg GSW had no exit wound. Diagnosis:  The bullet embolized through the venous system to the Right Ventricle . Treatment:  Endovascular retrieval using a snare, avoiding open-heart surgery. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Wegener's Granulomatosis:  Vasculitis causing lung issues. Pertussis:  Community outbreak. Bilateral Calcaneal Fractures:  Fall from height. Frostbite:  Toe injury. Episode 14 Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) M iguel Rivas.  A patient with a swollen knee. Diagnosis:   MDR-TB  (skeletal and pulmonary relapse). Public Health:  Mandatory isolation and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). Ventricular Tachycardia (MVA Cause) Gus Loomer.  A driver in a mass casualty event. Diagnosis:  Cardiac monitor interrogation revealed Ventricular Tachycardia  caused syncope leading to the crash. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Gonococcal Arthritis:  Monoarticular joint pain. Scalping Injury:  Severe head trauma. Pregnancy:  Incidental finding in trauma. Episode 15 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (Fetal Protection) B ennett Family.  A family found unconscious. Diagnosis:   Carbon Monoxide Poisoning . Pathophysiology:  The pregnant mother was conscious because the fetus (with higher hemoglobin affinity) absorbed the CO, protecting her but critically poisoning the baby. Treatment:  Hyperbaric oxygen for the newborn. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Methamphetamine Psychosis:  Agitation and delusions. Subcutaneous Emphysema:  Hyperbaric complication. Prostate Cancer:  Back pain and weakness. Episode 16 Myocardial Infarction and Tamponade F rank Martin.  An ER clerk collapsed. Diagnosis:  Anterior MI. Complication:  Coronary artery rupture during angioplasty caused Cardiac Tamponade . Treatment:  Emergency pericardiocentesis and CABG. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Testicular Torsion:  Surgical emergency. Epididymitis:  Differential for testicular pain. Bleeding Esophageal Varices:  Liver disease complication. Episode 17 Serotonin Syndrome L uis Sanchez.  A trauma patient on MAOIs (Phenelzine) was given Demerol. Diagnosis:   Serotonin Syndrome  (Hyperthermia, rigidity, instability). Outcome:  Fatal cardiac arrest due to drug interaction. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Sickle Cell Splenic Sequestration:  Pediatric shock. New-Onset Diabetes:  Polydipsia and hyperglycemia. Laryngeal Cancer:  History in a trauma patient. Episode 18 Fatal Trauma and DIC S andy Lopez.  A firefighter with crush injuries. Diagnosis:  Liver laceration and pelvic fractures leading to Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) . Outcome:  Died from uncontrollable hemorrhage intra-operatively. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Shingles:  Herpes Zoster rash. Diabetic Foot Ulcer:  Peripheral neuropathy complication. Retrohepatic Caval Injury:  Suspected source of bleeding. Episode 19 Splenic Injury R ena Carlson.  MVA victim with hypotension. Diagnosis:   Splenic Laceration . Treatment:  Emergency Splenectomy. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Elbow Dislocation:  Reduced with sedation. Pseudo-Seizure:  Conversion disorder. Anosmia:  Loss of smell from trauma. Episode 20 Conversion Disorder (Psychogenic Seizures) J ordan Dunn.  A pregnant patient presented with seizures. Diagnosis:   Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)  confirmed by negative EEG. Treatment:  Sodium Amytal interview revealed repressed trauma regarding a prior SIDS death. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome:  Complicating SVT. White Coat Hypertension:  Anxiety-induced BP spike. Thermal Burns:  Hand injury. Episode 21 Hypertensive Heart Failure E lgin.  A teen with untreated hypertension presented in distress. Diagnosis:   Congestive Heart Failure  secondary to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH). Treatment:  Diuretics and nitrates. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed True Knot:  Umbilical cord accident causing stillbirth. Mesenteric Occlusion:  Ischemic bowel. Dementia:  Behavioral disturbance in elderly. Episode 22 Catastrophic Trauma (Bronchial Tear) M ichael.  A 7-year-old MVA victim with persistent air leak. Diagnosis:   Transected Left Mainstem Bronchus . Treatment:  Surgical repair. Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed Bilateral Amputation:  Outcome for the mother with crush injuries. Opiate Overdose:  Driver treated with Narcan. End-Stage Colon Cancer:  Metastatic disease. 🔖 Key Takeaways 🗝️ Iatrogenic Tragedies:  The season highlights fatal errors, such as the serotonin syndrome death from a drug interaction and the quadriplegia caused by intubating a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 🗝️ Global Medicine:  The disparity in care is starkly portrayed through Dr. Kovac's malaria and the death of a child from opportunistic AIDS infections in the Congo due to lack of basic supplies. 🗝️ Pediatric Critical Care:  High-stakes pediatric cases were prominent, including the fatal NEC in a newborn, congenital heart defects, and non-accidental trauma investigations. 🗝️ Chronic Disease Management:  The consequences of non-compliance were evident in cases of hypertensive heart failure in a teen and diabetic complications like DKA and hyperosmolar coma. 🗝️ Diagnostic Zebras:  Rare conditions like Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia and Wilson's Disease (diagnosed via Kayser-Fleischer rings) showcased the importance of broad differential diagnoses. Keywords: Medical Diagnoses ER Season 10 Medical Diagnoses ER Season 10

A n international collaboration involving researchers from institutions including the University of Louvain, Imperial College London, and the Ottawa Heart Institute, has identified a natural molecule produced by gut bacteria that could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The discovery is significant, as type 2 diabetes affects approximately 529 million individuals globally and is driven by insulin resistance, a condition often fueled by inflammation. The molecule, known as trimethylamine (TMA), is a metabolite that gut bacteria produce when they break down dietary choline, which is found in foods like eggs, fish, and legumes. The study, published in Nature , revealed that TMA possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The key finding is that TMA can directly bind to and inhibit IRAK4, a protein switch that triggers inflammation, particularly in response to high-fat diets. When IRAK4 is overstimulated due to chronic exposure to high-fat intake, it drives chronic inflammation, which directly contributes to insulin resistance. By blocking IRAK4 activity, TMA was shown to reduce diet-induced inflammation and restore insulin sensitivity in experiments using human cell models and mouse studies. This research challenges earlier perceptions and "flips the narrative," showing that a molecule from gut microbes can actively protect against the harmful effects of a poor diet through a new mechanism. These results highlight a direct link between gut microbial metabolism, immune regulation, and metabolic health. The findings suggest that IRAK4 is a promising target for future treatments for diabetes or obesity. Experiments confirmed that genetically deleting IRAK4 or blocking it pharmacologically produced the same beneficial effects observed with TMA. Identifying TMA’s mechanism may pave the way for new nutritional or drug-based approaches, such as designing drugs to block this enzyme or boost TMA production. For now, health experts recommend following high-fiber, minimally processed, plant-forward eating patterns—such as the Mediterranean, AHEI, or DASH diets—while aiming for adequate choline from whole foods for diabetes management. These dietary plans are known to modulate the gut microbiota and support metabolic health. 🔖 Sources   Gut molecule discovered that may help protect against type 2 diabetes     Gut molecule shows remarkable anti-diabetes power Diabetes-fighting gut molecule may help lower insulin resistance Keywords: Diabetes-fighting gut molecule Diabetes-fighting gut molecule

S tanford Medicine investigators have successfully identified the biological process responsible for rare cases of myocarditis, or inflamed heart tissue, following vaccination with mRNA-based COVID-19 shots. Published in Science Translational Medicine , the study identifies a two-step immune reaction driven by specific signaling substances, while also proposing a strategy to potentially mitigate this rare effect. While the mRNA vaccines have been administered billions of times globally and are credited with doing a “tremendous job mitigating the COVID pandemic,” a rare but real risk is myocarditis. This condition involves heart tissue inflammation, with symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath typically appearing within one to three days after a shot. Cases are concentrated primarily among adolescent males and young men, peaking in those age 30 or below at roughly one in 16,750 vaccinees. The Stanford team, led by Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, sought to answer why this rare reaction occurs. By analyzing blood data from vaccinated individuals, they identified heightened levels of two specific proteins, which they believe are the "major drivers of myocarditis". These proteins, both cytokines (signaling substances used by immune cells), were identified as CXCL10 and IFN-gamma. The reaction begins when macrophages—the immune system's first-responder cells—are activated by the mRNA vaccines and pump out substantial amounts of CXCL10. This initial burst then prompts T cells to significantly increase their output of IFN-gamma. Together, this tag team of CXCL10 and IFN-gamma amplifies inflammation and draws additional immune cells, such as neutrophils, into the heart tissue. This infiltration of warrior immune cells can cause "collateral damage to healthy tissue," including the heart muscle, resulting in injury markers like elevated cardiac troponin. It is crucial to note that the absolute risk of vaccine-associated myocarditis is extremely low—about one in every 140,000 after a first dose, rising to one in 32,000 after a second dose. Furthermore, a case of COVID-19 is about 10 times more likely to induce myocarditis than an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. Fortunately, most vaccine-associated myocarditis cases resolve quickly, with full heart function generally restored. Wu noted that this is "not a heart attack in the traditional sense" as there is no blood vessel blockage. Given the discovery of the inflammatory pathway, researchers investigated potential mitigation strategies. They found that blocking the activity of CXCL10 and IFN-gamma largely preserved the protective immune response while reducing cardiac damage in mouse models. Drawing on the condition's skew toward males and the known anti-inflammatory properties of estrogen, the team revisited genistein, a mild estrogen-like compound derived from soybeans. In experiments using human cardiac tissue models, pre-treating the cells and mice with genistein prevented many of the negative effects caused by the vaccine or the combined CXCL10/IFN-gamma cytokine exposure. While genistein used in the study was a pure, concentrated form, the findings raise the question of whether naturally occurring soy compounds could theoretically soften the inflammatory response. As Wu put it, "Nobody ever overdosed on tofu," emphasizing that the study’s main purpose was explanation, not alarm, regarding the mechanism affecting a very small subset of patients. 🔖 Sources   Stanford Medicine study shows why mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines can cause myocarditis     Real risk from Covid vaccine after study revealed outcome for people who took the jab Researchers identify immune trigger behind myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination Keywords: Immune trigger behind myocarditis Immune trigger behind myocarditis

N ew research published in JAMA  from the Women Informed to Screen Depending on Measures of Risk (WISDOM) study is poised to ignite a change in clinical breast cancer screening guidelines. The study, led by Dr. Laura Esserman, found that stratifying screening intensity, modality, and age to start screening by individual risk is safe  and acceptable. The WISDOM trial compared a risk-based screening cohort (14,212 women) against an annual screening cohort (14,160 women). Researchers found that the rate of stage IIB cancers—advanced cancers where mortality risk sharply rises—was noninferior in the risk-based group. Crucially, women undergoing personalized screening had approximately 30 cases of advanced cancer per 100,000 person-years, significantly lower than the 48 cases per 100,000 person-years seen in the annual screening group. This represents a nearly one-third reduction in advanced cancers. The personalized approach used by the WISDOM team incorporates detailed risk assessment, including sequencing nine susceptibility genes, polygenic risk scoring, lifestyle factors, and breast density. Proponents argue this approach can shift resources from low-risk women to high-risk women, guiding screening frequency and the use of supplemental imaging like MRI. The study also highlighted the shortcomings of relying solely on family history: 30% of women who tested positive for high-risk genetics did not report a family history of breast cancer. This supports the argument for routine genetic testing, potentially beginning at earlier ages. Esserman emphasized that “More screening isn’t better; smarter screening is” . Despite the positive findings, major associations caution against immediate changes to current guidelines. The American College of Radiology (ACR) responded, asserting that the study's design and results “do not provide adequate information to support changes to present screening policies”. The ACR pointed to several concerns, including "substantial nonadherence" to screening among participants and that the trial only recorded outcomes for stage IIB or higher cancers. Furthermore, the ACR stated that the trial's methods, which required "intense breast health specialist intervention," may be difficult to replicate in many clinical settings. The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) issued a separate, stronger critique, calling the WISDOM trial "contaminated and underpowered" due to "significant methodological flaws," concluding the trial’s findings are “unsupported”. Researchers plan to continue the work with WISDOM 2.0, focusing on refining risk models and predicting risk to improve breast cancer prevention efforts. 🔖 Sources   Study highlights risk-based breast cancer screening; ACR responds     A New Study Challenges the Way We Screen for Breast Cancer Experts: Risk-based breast cancer screenings beat annual mammograms Keywords: Risk-based breast cancer screening Risk-based breast cancer screening