Ruxolitinib and tofacitinib restore hair in patients with alopecia areata

FDA-approved drug restores hair in patients with alopecia areata — Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that causes disfiguring hair loss – Researchers have identified the immune cells responsible for destroying hair follicles in people with alopecia areata, a common autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, and have tested an FDA-approved drug that eliminated these immune cells and restored hair growth in a small number of patients.

COPD patients at higher risk of heart failure

COPD patients at significantly higher risk of heart failure – Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a complication to worry about is heart failure. A new study found the prevalence of heart failure is significantly higher in patients with COPD compared to the rest of the study population. They also found that the risk was especially high among African-American patients with COPD.

Vitamin E may slow functional decline in Alzheimer’s Disease patients

Vitamin E May Delay Decline in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease — Study Shows Benefit in Activities of Daily Living and Savings in Caregiver Time with Vitamin E – A new research suggests that alpha tocepherol, fat-soluble Vitamin E and antioxidant, may slow functional decline (problems with daily activities such as shopping, preparing meals, planning, and traveling) in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease and decrease caregiver burden.

SMS reminders about heart medication improved patient adherence

Texting heart medication reminders improved patient adherence – Getting reminder texts helped patients take their heart medicines (anti-platelet and cholesterol-lowering drugs) more regularly, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2013.

Cancer patients vulnerable to financial stress and bankruptcy

Cancer diagnosis puts people at greater risk for bankruptcy — Study also shows younger cancer patients are most vulnerable to financial stress – People diagnosed with cancer are more than two-and-a-half times more likely to declare bankruptcy than those without cancer. Younger cancer patients had two- to five-fold higher bankruptcy rates compared to older patients, and that overall bankruptcy filings increased as time passed following diagnosis.

Health Newstrack