Paras Health Celebrates National Surgeons Day with Heartfelt Tributes

New Delhi: To mark National Surgeons’ Day, Paras Health celebrated the selfless commitment of its surgical teams with a heartfelt event, held simultaneously across all its hospital units. 

Themed ‘More than Hands: The Heart Behind Every Surgery’, the initiative recognised the important role of surgeons in transforming lives and reinforced Paras Health’s position as a centre of surgical excellence.

The celebrations took place across all Paras Health hospitals. During the ceremony, the surgeons were honoured with certificates and mementos to recognise their medical skill, leadership, and dedicated service in the operating theatre.

Also Read:Paras Health expands footprint in Punjab, opens 10th hospital in Ludhiana

Senior surgeons also led brief scientific sessions showcasing complex cases, medical advancements, and innovative approaches to care, highlighting the depth of surgical expertise within Paras Health. These were followed by moving patient testimonials, shared both in person and through video, underscoring the life-changing impact of timely surgical intervention.

Vineet Aggarwal, Group Chief Operating Officer, Paras Health, on the initiative said, “Surgeons are the backbone of any hospital, yet their contributions often go unseen outside the operating room. At Paras Health, we believe it’s important to not only recognise their skill but also acknowledge the emotional strength, long hours, and high-stakes decisions they handle every day.

This Surgeons’ Day, we celebrated the people behind the procedures, those who carry out life-saving work with dedication, precision, and heart. Honouring them across all our units is a reflection of the culture we are building, one that values excellence and empathy equally.”

Through this initiative, Paras Health reaffirmed its commitment to creating a healthcare ecosystem that supports not only patient outcomes but also the well-being of the doctors. As it continues to grow and strengthen its patient-first philosophy, the organisation remains dedicated to empowering the people who make healing possible, especially its surgeons.

Also Read:Paras Healthcare lays foundation stone of 300-bed Hospital in Gurugram

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One-Hour Plasma Glucose Better at Predicting Prediabetes Than Standard Tests: Study

USA: Researchers have found in a new study that one-hour plasma glucose (1-h PG) levels may be a more accurate predictor of future prediabetes than fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and two-hour PG, highlighting a potential gap in current ADA diagnostic criteria. The study has been published in Diabetes Care.

Led by Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Ghani from the Diabetes Division at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, the research analysed data from the long-running San Antonio Heart Study to explore how well 1-h PG concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) can predict the onset of prediabetes among individuals with initially normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

The analysis included 1,557 adults who were free of type 2 diabetes at the beginning of the study. Each participant underwent an OGTT at baseline and a follow-up OGTT after an average of 7.5 years. Using American Diabetes Association criteria, the researchers evaluated how well the 1-h PG values could forecast the likelihood of progression to prediabetes.

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • At a 7.5-year follow-up, nearly 25% of individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) at baseline progressed to prediabetes.
  • 22.5% of participants with 1-hour plasma glucose (1-h PG) levels below 155 mg/dL progressed to prediabetes, compared to 42.5% of those with 1-h PG levels above 155 mg/dL.
  • The 1-h PG level was the strongest predictor of future prediabetes risk among all glucose measures.
  • A 1-h PG threshold of 120 mg/dL showed 61% sensitivity and 67% specificity in identifying individuals at high risk of developing prediabetes.
  • Participants with 1-h PG levels between 120–155 mg/dL who developed prediabetes exhibited significant insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities typical of insulin resistance syndrome.
  • The authors suggested using the term “pre-prediabetes” to describe individuals with 1-h PG in the 120–155 mg/dL range, due to their higher risk of glucose deterioration.
  • Elevated 1-h PG levels may serve as an early marker of metabolic dysregulation, appearing well before the onset of clinically defined prediabetes.
  • Early identification of individuals with elevated 1-h PG levels could enable targeted interventions to prevent disease progression.

The authors concluded that a rise in 1-hour plasma glucose (1-h PG) levels occurs before the onset of prediabetes and can help identify individuals with 1-h PG between 120–155 mg/dL who are at a higher risk of developing prediabetes. They suggest referring to this group as “pre-prediabetes” to emphasize their elevated risk of worsening blood sugar levels.

The authors recommend incorporating 1-h PG measurements into clinical practice to improve risk assessment and guide targeted preventive strategies.

Reference:

Muhammad Abdul-Ghani, Mohamed Abu-Farha, Tamam Abdul-Ghani, Alberto Chavez-Velazquez, Auora Merovci, Ralph A. DeFronzo, Fahad Alajmi, Michael Stern, Fahd Al-Mulla; One-Hour Plasma Glucose Predicts the Progression From Normal Glucose Tolerance to Prediabetes. Diabetes Care 2025; dc242832. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-2832

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Higher Protein Intake May Benefit Bone and Muscle Health in Rheumatic Disease: Study

New research emphasizes the importance of adequate—and possibly higher than currently recommended—protein intake for individuals with rheumatic diseases (RD) such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. Increased protein consumption has been linked to improvements in both lean and bone mass, suggesting that current dietary guidelines may need to be adjusted to better support musculoskeletal health in this population. This study was conducted by Gabriel P. and colleagues published in The Journal of Nutritional Physiology.

In a comprehensive analysis of 3,972 individuals with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the results indicate that ingesting greater than 0.8 g/kgBM/day of protein can have positive implications for musculoskeletal health. The research highlights the significance of specific nutritional measures in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, which are notorious for leading to muscle loss and decreased bone mineral density (BMD).

People with rheumatic diseases are at increased risk of losing both muscle and bone mass because of chronic inflammation and decreased mobility. In earlier studies, there was a suggestion of a protective effect of dietary protein, but the exact associations of protein consumption and musculoskeletal outcomes within RD populations were unknown. The present research focused on filling this gap by analyzing both absolute (grams/day) and relative (grams per kg body mass per day) protein consumption and their relationships with lean and bone mass.

Results

  • The outcomes showed a statistically significant linear relationship between absolute protein consumption and lean mass, and an increment of 50 g/day in the intake of protein was associated with an increase in lean mass by 1.54 kg (95% CI: 0.78 to 2.30, p < 0.001).

  • There was a non-linear relationship between relative protein consumption, and lean mass gain decreased with increasing intakes above about 1.6 g/kgBM/day (p < 0.001).

  • For BMD at the femoral neck, absolute and relative protein intakes had non-linear correlations.

  • Protein consumption exceeding 150 g/day or 1.2 g/kgBM/day did not provide additional increases in BMD (absolute protein consumption: p < 0.001; relative: p = 0.005).

  • Neither was any significant relationship observed between protein consumption and whole-body or lumbar spine BMD.

  • These results imply that moderately increased protein intake—above the generally advised 0.8 g/kgBM/day—will be adequate to enhance lean mass and possibly bone health in patients with RD.

Protein intakes greater than 0.8 g/kgBM/day are found to be useful in enhancing lean and bone mass in patients of rheumatic diseases. The results suggest the importance of testing and providing enough protein as one of the chief nutritional objectives in the management of RD. Although greater intake levels have positive effects, very high intakes do not generate further enhancement, focusing on the benefits of balanced meal planning in this susceptible group.

Reference

Esteves, G. P., Swinton, P., Sale, C., Gualano, B., Roschel, H., & Dolan, E. (2025). Non-linear associations between protein intake and lean and femur bone mass in individuals with rheumatic diseases: findings from the NHANES 2007–2018. The Journal of Nutritional Physiology, 100004, 100004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnphys.2025.100004

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Targeting SBP Below 130 mmHg May Lower Hospitalizations in HFpEF Without Increasing Serious Risks: Meta-analysis

Japan – Targeting a systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 130 mmHg may significantly reduce hospitalizations in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in Hypertension Research has revealed. The study, led by Dr. Chisa Matsumoto from the Department of Cardiology at Tokyo Medical University in Fukuoka, Japan, offers important guidance for clinicians ahead of the upcoming Japanese Society of Hypertension 2025 (JSH2025) guidelines.

HFpEF accounts for approximately half of all heart failure cases and remains a clinical challenge, particularly when it comes to optimal blood pressure management. To address this, Dr. Matsumoto and her team systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published since 2012 that examined the impact of tight BP control, specifically targeting SBP <130 mmHg, on clinical outcomes in HFpEF patients.

The analysis included six RCTs that collectively assessed various interventions such as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), intensive BP control strategies, and comprehensive heart failure management approaches. These studies had follow-up periods of at least six months and demonstrated significant BP reduction in intervention groups, achieving SBP below 130 mmHg.

The study led to the following findings:

  • Maintaining systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 130 mmHg was associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of heart failure-related hospitalizations (RR: 0.80).
  • There was a trend toward reduced all-cause mortality, though it did not reach statistical significance.
  • There was a 35% increased risk of hypotension reported (RR: 1.35).
  • There was no significant increase in serious adverse events or renal dysfunction, suggesting overall safety was not compromised despite the lower SBP target.

Even though none of the trials were specifically designed to use SBP <130 mmHg as the primary intervention target, the consistent benefits observed across different treatment modalities support the adoption of this threshold in clinical practice for HFpEF patients.

“Based on our findings, we advocate aiming for an SBP under 130 mmHg in HFpEF management, provided that patients are carefully monitored for hypotension,” said Dr. Matsumoto. “Given the heterogeneity of HFpEF, personalized treatment strategies and close clinical observation remain essential.”

The authors call for future trials that directly assess SBP targets and investigate how different antihypertensive agents might be tailored to the complex needs of HFpEF patients.

The study provides timely evidence to inform treatment decisions and guideline development, emphasizing a cautious yet proactive approach to blood pressure control in heart failure care.

Reference:

Matsumoto, C., Nagai, M., Shinohara, K., Morikawa, N., Kai, H., & Arima, H. (2025). Systolic blood pressure lower than 130 mmHg in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes. Hypertension Research, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-025-02240-w

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Cool Drinks Linked to Afib Episodes: Survey Finds Lifestyle Impact

USA: Researchers have found in a cross-sectional survey that many individuals with atrial fibrillation (AFib) experienced fewer episodes by avoiding cold drinks and foods like ice water, smoothies, and ice cream. Strategies included letting beverages reach room temperature and avoiding straws. Despite patient-reported improvements, healthcare providers often dismissed the “cold drink heart” (CDH) phenomenon.

The study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology and led by Dr. Daniel D. DiLena from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, sheds light on a relatively under-recognized AFib trigger. The research focused on the “cold drink heart” phenomenon, a term used to describe atrial fibrillation episodes that are triggered specifically by the intake of cold consumables.

The investigators conducted a mixed-methods study involving a detailed patient survey supplemented by chart reviews. Participants were either approached during emergency department visits for AFib or reached out to the study team directly. The survey collected data on demographics, clinical history, and the nature of AFib episodes, particularly those linked to cold consumption.

The key findings were as follows:

  • A total of 101 patients participated in the study, with 75% being male.
  • The median age at onset of cold drink-triggered atrial fibrillation (CDH) was 44.5 years.
  • 51.5% of respondents reported that their AFib episodes occurred exclusively after consuming cold drinks or foods.
  • Many patients experienced a rapid onset of arrhythmia following cold ingestion.
  • A significant number of episodes were associated with recent physical exertion.
  • 86.4% of participants reported a reduction or complete elimination of AFib episodes after avoiding cold consumables.
  • Among patients with only CDH-triggered episodes, 100% experienced prevention of recurrence through lifestyle modifications.

Despite these clear patterns observed by patients, the medical community appears to have limited awareness of the phenomenon. According to the survey, more than half of the participants (52.4%) felt that their experiences with CDH were dismissed or not taken seriously by healthcare providers. This disconnect underscores the need for increased clinician awareness and a more patient-centered approach to managing AFib.

The findings point toward a potential non-pharmacological strategy for certain AFib patients. Avoiding specific triggers, such as cold drinks, could offer a simple and effective way to manage arrhythmia recurrence in affected individuals.

While these observations are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation to establish definitive clinical guidance. Controlled studies are warranted to validate CDH as a recognized trigger and to develop tailored management approaches.

The authors concluded, “The study brings attention to a unique but impactful trigger of AFib and highlights the importance of listening to patient-reported experiences in shaping personalized care strategies.”

Reference:

DiLena, D. D., Zhang, J. Y., Rauchwerger, A. S., Reed, M. E., Marcus, G. M., Warton, E. M., & Vinson, D. R. Characterizing Patients With Cold Drink-Triggered Atrial Fibrillation. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.16753

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Full-zirconia implant Restorations Show High Survival but Frequent Technical Complications, suggests study

Researchers have found in a new study that Full-zirconia implant-supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments demonstrated a 97% survival rate over 5 years in posterior maxillary and mandibular regions, but were associated with a high rate of technical complications.

Implant-supported restorations in the posterior region are subjected to various complications that could be prevented by changing either the design or the material. The aim of this prospective case series study was to evaluate full-zirconia implant-supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region of the maxilla and mandible and their effect on hard and soft peri-implant tissues, during a 1-year follow-up period. Thirty consecutive patients with a single missing molar, sufficient bone height, and implant site free of infection were included. Each patient was to receive a parallel-walled implant with conical connection according to a two-staged surgical protocol. After 3 months, a full-contour screw-retained zirconia restoration with angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 and 12 months after placement of the restoration. Patients’ satisfaction was scored prior to treatment and after 12 months with the restoration in function. Primary outcome measure was success of the restoration. Results: All patients could be evaluated after 12 months. Success of the restorations was 100%. From loading to the 12-month follow-up, the mean marginal bone loss was 0.16 mm (SD: 0.26). Mean scores for plaque, calculus, peri-implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth were low, depicting healthy peri-implant conditions. Patients’ satisfaction was high and had improved after treatment. Full-contour zirconia implant-supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments in the molar region have an excellent clinical performance after 1 year of function.

Reference:

Pol CWP, Raghoebar GM, Maragkou Z, Cune MS, Meijer HJA. Full-zirconia single-tooth molar implant-supported restorations with angulated screw channel abutments: A 1-year prospective case series study. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res. 2020 Feb;22(1):138-144. doi: 10.1111/cid.12872. Epub 2019 Dec 3. PMID: 31793193; PMCID: PMC7064919.

Keywords:

Full-zirconia, implant, Restorations, Show, High, Survival, Frequent, Technical, Complications, Pol CWP, Raghoebar GM, Maragkou Z, Cune MS, Meijer HJA, angulated screw channel; dental implants; posterior; restoration; zirconia.

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Decoding Doppler: How Fetal Heart Monitoring Shapes Perinatal Health?

Recent systematic review evaluated the association between peripartum fetal Doppler sonography findings and perinatal outcomes in term pregnancies (37-42 weeks). The review included studies focusing on Doppler assessments of selected fetal blood vessels conducted at labor admission or during labor, excluding high-risk pregnancies. Following PRISMA guidelines, the study selection process was detailed, with a total of 37 studies evaluated, primarily prospective, involving 11,505 pregnancies.

Key Findings on Doppler Parameters

Key findings highlighted a strong association between Doppler parameters and adverse perinatal outcomes. Specifically, the presence of umbilical vein (UV) pulsations indicated a high likelihood of fetal distress (FD) with an odds ratio (OR) of 28. Low corrected UV blood flow rates were linked to increased odds of fetal distress (OR 1.64) and NICU admission (OR 3.61) but did not correlate with meconium-stained amniotic fluid or low Apgar scores. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) emerged as a predictive factor, showing abnormal CPR associated with fetal distress (OR 3.19) and adverse outcomes such as low Apgar scores. Methodological quality assessment revealed that 29.7% of included studies had a low risk of bias, with many studies affected by selection and confounding biases. The review utilized random-effects meta-analyses to address the anticipated heterogeneity across studies, reflecting differences in study designs, populations, and Doppler assessment protocols.

Study Limitations and Future Research Needs

The analysis found that abnormal Doppler findings are consistently linked to poor perinatal outcomes, yet most included studies had low methodological quality and small sample sizes, particularly for rare outcomes such as perinatal mortality. This emphasizes the need for future research to determine whether incorporating fetal Doppler sonography into labor management can lead to enhanced perinatal care outcomes compared to existing monitoring methods. Significantly, the review calls for well-designed, randomized controlled trials to ascertain the efficacy of intrapartum Doppler assessments in improving perinatal outcomes, especially given the inherent challenges in conducting such studies in settings with low incidences of severe morbidity. Overall, while the findings underscore the potential utility of Doppler sonography in identifying at-risk fetuses, the need for rigorous, high-quality research to confirm these associations and inform clinical practice is apparent.

Major Points

– A systematic review evaluated the relationship between peripartum fetal Doppler sonography findings and perinatal outcomes specifically in term pregnancies (37-42 weeks), analyzing a total of 37 studies which included 11,505 pregnancies and complied with PRISMA guidelines.

– Key Doppler parameters, including the presence of umbilical vein (UV) pulsations and low corrected UV blood flow rates, were identified as significant indicators of fetal distress (FD), with odds ratios (OR) of 28 and 1.64 respectively. Additionally, low UV blood flow rates were associated with increased NICU admissions (OR 3.61), while no correlation was found with meconium-stained amniotic fluid or low Apgar scores.

– The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was highlighted as a critical predictive factor; abnormal CPR values were associated with a heightened likelihood of fetal distress (OR 3.19) and negative outcomes, including low Apgar scores.

– Methodological quality assessment of the included studies indicated that 29.7% had a low risk of bias, with many studies exhibiting selection and confounding biases, signaling the need for caution in interpreting the findings.

– While abnormal Doppler findings were consistently related to adverse perinatal outcomes, the majority of studies suffered from low methodological quality and small sample sizes, particularly concerning rarer outcomes like perinatal mortality, which indicates a gap for further investigation.

– The review calls for well-structured, randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of intrapartum Doppler assessments in enhancing perinatal outcomes and addresses the challenges of conducting such studies in low morbidity settings, underscoring the necessity for high-quality research to validate these findings and guide clinical practices.

Reference –

B. Packet et al. (2025). Peripartum Fetal Doppler Sonography And Perinatal Outcome: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. *BMC Pregnancy And Childbirth*, 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07586-0.

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Intermittent sodium zirconium cyclosilicate Treatment May Prevent Hyperkalemia in CKD Patients: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that Intermittent use of sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) may help prevent hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, additional studies are needed to determine whether this translates into better long-term clinical outcomes.

Hyperkalemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that often requires urgent dialysis and increases healthcare costs. Daily sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) is a safe and effective treatment for the control of serum potassium levels in CKD patients. We studied the efficacy and safety of intermittent SZC therapy for the prevention of hyperkalemia in CKD patients.

In a retrospective study, we analyzed patients in the Hospital Authority Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) receiving sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma®) therapy once to thrice weekly for at least 3 months from January 2021 to June 2023. Outcome measures included plasma potassium levels, hyperkalemia episodes, hospital admissions, and renal function changes, which were compared to the 6 months period before the initiation of SZC treatment. Results: They studied 36 adult CKD patients. SZC treatment significantly reduced plasma potassium levels from 5.10 (inter-quartile range [IQR] 4.91–5.40) to 4.73 (IQR 4.50–5.10) mmol/l (p = 0.0003). The median incidence of any hyperkalemia reduced from 5.0 (IQR 2.0–8.0) to 1.9 (IQR 0.0–4.7) episode per patient-year (p = 0.0001), and the incidence of urgent treatment for hyperkalemia decreased from 2.0 (IQR 0.0–4.0) to 0.0 (IQR 0.0–1.5) episode per patient-year (p = 0.007). The number of emergency room attendance and hospitalization were not significantly reduced. Intermittent SZC treatment may help prevent hyperkalemia in CKD patients. Further research is necessary to ascertain if this benefit translates into impro

Reference:

Ng, J.KC., Fung, WS., Chan, GK. et al. Intermittent sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for the prevention of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease. BMC Nephrol 26, 260 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04194-0

Keywords:

Intermittent , SZC Treatment, May, Prevent, Hyperkalemia, CKD Patients, Ng, J.KC., Fung, WS., Chan, GK, Potassium, Renal failure, Dialysis

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New classification system for nasal deformity in cleft lip and palate reported

A proposed classification system appears highly accurate in evaluating nasal deformities in infants with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), reports a study in the May/June issue of The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.

“This new tool offers a reliable and practice tool for categorizing the severity of nasal deformities in CLP patients,” comments lead author Martha Mejia, DDS, of Nicklaus Children’s Health System, Miami. “With ongoing evaluation, it may promote more consistent diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and standardized approaches to enhance outcomes for infants with CLP.”

Standardized approach to evaluating CLP-related nasal deformities

Cleft lip and/or palate is one of the most common congenital deformities. Many infants with CLP have accompanying nasal deformities, but these are generally not included in standard CLP classification systems. Deformities of the nose may seem like a secondary concern at birth, but often become more prominent over time.

If a person cannot speak or hear due to nasal deformities secondary to orofacial clefts, it can significantly impact their ability to communicate. Effective communication skills are essential for achieving social acceptance and leading a normal life.

In their study, Dr. Mejia and colleagues report the development and initial evaluation of a new standardized tool to guide evaluation of CLP-related nasal deformities. The proposed classification focuses on factors readily assessed by clinicians treating infants with facial deformities – for example, symmetry of the septum, projection of the nasal tip, and the shape of the nostrils. Users rate each feature as moderate to severe, guided by patient photographs. The proposed system includes separate classifications for unilateral (one side) and bilateral (both sides) clefts.

To evaluate its accuracy, the researchers sent the classification system and instructions to an international panel of plastic surgeons and orthodontists with varying levels of experience in managing infants with CLP. Each clinician was sent a random sample of close-up patient photographs and asked to rate each factor as mild to severe, based on their understanding of the classification system. The reliability of the experts’ ratings was compared using a statistical technique called intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

‘Excellent’ agreement in classifying CLP-related nasal deformities

The findings “demonstrate[d] strong consistency among specialists applying the classification system to photographs,” the researchers write. Survey results suggested “excellent” agreement between the panel members’ ratings of the severity of nasal deformities. Although ICC values were higher for unilateral versus bilateral clefts (0.816 versus 0.743), both sets of ratings showed high reliability.

The proposed classification system provides a user-friendly tool for evaluating nasal deformities in in infants with CLP. “Prioritizing easily identifiable features bridges the gap between novice and experienced clinicians, promoting consistent diagnosis and treatment planning for CLP patients,” Dr Mejia and colleagues write. Their article includes figures illustrating the proposed classification system and explaining its use.

An important next step will be assessing the new tool’s use in evaluating improvement of nasal deformities after cleft repair surgery and orthodontic treatment. Dr. Mejia and coauthors conclude: “By tracking changes in nasal classification scores over time, clinicians can evaluate the efficacy of different treatment approaches and identify potential areas for refinement.”

Reference:

Mejia M, Bernal I, Cordero JP, Bercu C, Policherla R, Steinberg JP. A Proposed Nasal Deformity Classification System for Infants With Cleft Lip and Palate. J Craniofac Surg. 2025 May 27. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000011151.

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Personalized Inhaled Bacteriophage Therapy Shows Promise for Cystic Fibrosis: Study

A small study published in Nature Medicine reported encouraging results for personalized inhaled bacteriophage therapy in treating cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with drug-resistant pulmonary infections. Individualized nebulized bacteriophage (phage) therapy has been found to decrease bacterial load and enhance lung function in CF patients with drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The research identifies phage therapy as a promising approach to tackle antimicrobial resistance, especially in chronic lung infections of CF. The study was conducted by Benjamin K.C. and colleagues.

Phage therapy, where lytic viruses are used to infect and kill targeted bacteria, is being considered as a solution to the worldwide antimicrobial resistance problem. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease frequently complicated by chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections that become more resistant to standard antibiotics with time. In this trial, an individualized phage therapy approach was tested in which the phages were chosen not only for their ability to kill the bacteria but also to cause bacterial vulnerabilities—like decreased antibiotic resistance or decreased virulence.

Nine adult CF patients (eight female, one male; median age 32 years, range 22–46 years) with MDR or PDR Pseudomonas infection were enrolled in a compassionate-use treatment protocol. The infections had failed multiple previous antibiotic regimens. Either a nebulized phage cocktail or a single-phage therapy was administered to each patient, chosen on the basis of anticipated evolutionary trade-offs that would compel the bacteria into becoming either less virulent or more antibiotic-sensitive.

Notably, both patients tolerated the phage therapy with no occurrence of adverse effects. The phages were administered via inhalation, which is where the infection was present.

Results

  • Patients enrolled: 9 (8 women, 1 man)

  • Median age: 32 years (range 22–46)

Type of infection: MDR or PDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to conventional antibiotics

  • Method of delivery: Nebulized cocktail or single phage therapy

  • Safety: No adverse effects reported

Reduction of bacteria:

  • Median: Reduction in Pseudomonas of 10⁴ CFU/ml

  • Mean: Reduction of 10² CFU/ml (P = 0.006)

Improvement of lung function:

  • Median FEV1: +6%

  • Mean FEV1: +8% (P = 0.004)

  • Sputum microbiome: Remains unchanged

  • Trade-offs: Compromise loss of antibiotic resistance or virulence of bacteria

Personalized nebulized phage therapy is shown to be a safe and effective method of decreasing bacterial load and enhancing lung function in cystic fibrosis patients with drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The novel therapy not only reduces bacterial numbers but also imposes genetic trade-offs on bacteria that can decrease their resistance and virulence.

Reference:

Chan, B.K., Stanley, G.L., Kortright, K.E. et al. Personalized inhaled bacteriophage therapy for treatment of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-03678-8

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