docTLDR

A large real-world study of over 70,000 adults found obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity rises significantly on weekends, with odds of moderate-to-severe OSA 18% higher on Saturdays versus Wednesdays. The effect, termed 'social apnea,' is most pronounced in men and those under 60. Weekend catch-up sleep and social jetlag further increase OSA risk by 47% and 38%, respectively. These findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider weekly sleep pattern variability when diagnosing and m...

The American Heart Association’s 2025 revised blood pressure guidelines emphasize that losing at least 5% body weight is a crucial intervention for adults with hypertension, especially diabetics. Experts highlight that this degree of weight reduction can significantly lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control, recommending it alongside lifestyle changes such as sodium restriction, increased physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet. These updates aim to support clinicians in tail...

The Karnataka High Court has ordered Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education, led by Home Minister G Parameshwara, to pay Rs 15 lakh compensation to a student denied MBBS admission in 2017 despite fulfilling all requirements. The court found the college’s demand for a bank guarantee illegal and rejected its claims of document forgery. The bench held the institution responsible for failing to honour its assurances and directed compensation within two months.

A Mumbai consumer court has dismissed a complaint alleging post-operative negligence against a city hospital, ruling that the patient failed to provide sufficient evidence of substandard care. The court emphasized that mere dissatisfaction with outcomes does not constitute medical negligence and highlighted the need for expert testimony and clear proof of deviation from standard protocols in such cases.

A 52-year-old patient became a half-marathoner just two years after a heart attack and 100% arterial blockage, thanks to a structured cardiac rehabilitation plan. The regimen emphasizes gradual, supervised exercise progression—starting with indoor activity, then outdoor sessions, and eventually running or other aerobic activities—always under medical guidance. Setting a target heart rate and regular monitoring are crucial to safe recovery and improved fitness post-cardiac event.

Sheba Medical Centre, in partnership with Tel Aviv University, has developed synthetic 3D kidney organoids that survived over 34 weeks in the lab—a major leap in regenerative medicine. This breakthrough enables advanced modeling of kidney diseases and drug testing on human-like tissues, potentially transforming treatment for kidney failure and paving the way for future clinical applications.

A landmark 7-year study across 54 Indian hospitals reveals persistently high rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in ICUs, with 8.7 per 1000 central line days in adults, 6.7 in paediatrics, and 13.9 in neonates. The findings, published in The Lancet Global Health, highlight a critical prevalence of antibiotic resistance, underscoring urgent need for improved infection control and stewardship in Indian critical care settings.

A recent study reveals that patients with type 1 diabetes exhibit elevated coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores—a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis—even when glycemic control is optimal. This suggests that traditional risk factor management may not fully mitigate cardiovascular risk in these patients, highlighting the need for more aggressive or alternative preventive strategies. The findings underscore the importance of CAC screening and comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment in ty...

A Harvard-led randomized trial (VITAL) found that daily vitamin D3 supplementation (2,000 IU) significantly slowed telomere shortening, a marker of biological aging, over four years. Participants taking vitamin D lost nearly three years less telomere length versus placebo, suggesting a protective effect on DNA. Experts caution against exceeding 4,000 IU daily due to risk of hypercalcemia. The study calls for longer, more diverse trials before recommending vitamin D as an anti-aging strategy.

A forensic pathologist’s autopsies in India have uncovered a disturbing rise in sudden cardiac deaths among young adults, many without prior symptoms or known risk factors. The findings highlight a hidden epidemic, with lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and undiagnosed heart conditions contributing to early mortality. This underscores the urgent need for routine cardiac screening and greater awareness of heart health risks in India’s youth.

A stray dog was seen carrying the severed head of an unidentified baby at Patiala's Rajindra Hospital, sparking outrage and an official inquiry. Hospital authorities confirmed no baby was missing from any ward, suggesting the remains may have been dumped from outside. The incident has raised concerns about hospital security, stray dog management, and possible infanticide. The remains were sent for forensic examination, and the health minister ordered a comprehensive investigation.

Dr Praveen Chandra highlights that nearly 25% of Indians have high blood pressure, with many cases resistant to conventional treatment. Renal denervation, a minimally invasive one-time procedure, is now available at Medanta for patients whose hypertension remains uncontrolled despite maximal medication. The therapy can normalize blood pressure in 50% of cases, halve drug doses for 30%, and eliminate the need for medication in 20%. Early screening and lifestyle changes remain crucial, but rena...

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched Colozo (linaclotide), India’s first guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) and IBS-C in adults. Approved by the USFDA and now available in 72 mcg and 145 mcg strengths, Colozo offers a differentiated, evidence-backed therapy for patients unresponsive to conventional laxatives, marking a significant advance in GI care.

A man in Uttar Pradesh carried his stillborn child to the district collectorate, alleging that escalating fees and delayed treatment at Goldar Hospital led to the newborn's death and left his wife critically ill. The district magistrate ordered the hospital sealed, shifted all patients, and pledged full medical support for the mother. An official probe into medical negligence and extortion is underway.

PGIMER Chandigarh nephrology team has introduced a minimally invasive banding technique for high-flow AV fistulae in dialysis patients. The outpatient procedure costs just Rs 5,000 (vs Rs 50,000 for traditional methods), requires no anaesthesia or advanced imaging, and dramatically reduces cardiac strain and hospital stay. Internationally recognized, this innovation promises wider access and improved outcomes for Indian renal patients.