>> Another option for treating severe depression
>> Paralyzed man walks
>> An overlooked screening in pregnancy
The Med & Mic™ 05.25.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Ketamine vs. ECT for Treatment-Resistant Depression
A study shows the anesthetic ketamine works just as well as the gold standard electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depression that persists despite antidepressant medication. Both options have downsides: potential addiction with ketamine and cognitive loss with ECT. In a study of 403 participants, 55% of those who received ketamine twice a week for three weeks responded, compared to 41% of those who had ECT three times a week for three weeks. Ketamine is easier to administer. The findings suggest that ketamine deserves consideration as a frontline therapy for treatment-resistant depression. (Source: STAT News, O. Goldhill, 5.24.23)
Paralyzed Man Walks with Brain-Spine Device
A 40-year-old man who was paralyzed after a motorbike accident ten years ago is able to walk naturally again with the help of a “brain-spine interface” that creates a link between the brain and spinal cord, bypassing the injured spinal cord segment. The study participant, the first in the trial, is able to walk about 300 feet with the device. He was taking steps within a day of training. (Source: CNN, J. Gumbrecht, 5.24.23)
Pregnant Patients Not Getting Screened
Less than 50% of pregnant patients at risk for thyroid disease by American Thyroid Association criteria are getting appropriately screened. Those with risk factors who did get screened had significantly higher live birth rates. Pregnancy affects the thyroid gland, and both excessive and inadequate thyroid function are associated with adverse outcomes and can impact the developing fetus. The ATA recommends screening for anyone over 30, with autoimmune disorders, with a body mass index greater than 40, with a history of head or neck radiation, and with a history of pregnancy loss or preterm delivery. (Source: MedPage Today, R. Robertson, 5.24.23)
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
[Editor’s note: CME for these posts will be expiring at the end of August. Be sure to click on the CME links for the posts you want credit for before they become inactive.
Also, The Med & Mic™ will be on summer break from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
When we resume in the fall, I’d like to make this blog and newsletter more helpful to YOU. What kind of content would help YOU with presentations, podcast interviews, and media appearances? Drop me a line at DrMaria@DrMariaOnSpeaking.com and let me know. Have a great summer!]