Evidence-Based Medicine

A newly published study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed a promising diagnostic tool capable of accurately predicting which seemingly healed diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are at high risk of reopening. By measuring trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)—an indicator of skin barrier function—researchers found that wounds with elevated TEWL were substantially more likely to recur. The results, which will be published in the journal Diabetes Care, suggest that incorporating TEWL measurements into standard wound-care protocols could greatly enhance clinicians’ ability to ensure truly complete wound closure and reduce life-long risks associated with DFUs, including lower-limb amputations and premature mortality.

Hypersensitivity to cold—especially ice-cold feet—and a sensation of heaviness in the legs may be important, yet under-recognized indicators of varicose veins, according to a new large-scale study published in the journal Open Heart.

A new study out of Sweden has found that initiating combination cholesterol-lowering therapy early after a heart attack can significantly reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and death. The findings, published by researchers at Lund University and based on data from over 36,000 patients, challenge existing global treatment guidelines and could prompt a shift in how post-heart attack care is delivered.

Dietary changes could reduce the pain of endometriosis for half of those living with the disease, a major new international study suggests.

Patients with active cancer who experienced blood clots, known medically as venous thromboembolism (VTE), showed favorable outcomes with a lower dose of apixaban. This was demonstrated by the recent API-CAT trial, which found that a reduced dose effectively prevented recurrence of VTE while substantially lowering the risk of bleeding, compared to the standard higher dose.

A recent analysis of Australian clinical guidelines has revealed a significant gap in the consideration of sex and gender in medical practice, raising concerns about equity in healthcare. The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, assessed 80 guidelines from 51 organizations, covering 27 areas of practice between 2014 and 2024. The findings highlight critical deficiencies in how medical guidelines address the impact of sex and gender on healthcare outcomes, reinforcing calls for more inclusive medical policies and research.