Research Roundup: Food Allergy Prediction; Covid; Syphillis
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
ScienceDaily:
Genetic Biomarker May Predict Severity Of Food Allergy
Researchers reported for the first time that a genetic biomarker may be able to help predict the severity of food allergy reactions. (Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 9/20)
CIDRAP:
Paxlovid, Molnupiravir 'Probably' Improve Covid Outcomes
Researchers identified two randomized, controlled trials and six retrospective studies involving patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The antiviral combination nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid) was tied to lower rates of COVID-19 hospitalization (eg, 0.7% vs 1.2%; moderate certainty of evidence [COE]) and all-cause death (eg, <0.1% vs 0.2%; moderate COE). Molnupiravir, an antiviral, was linked to a higher recovery rate (31.8% vs 22.6%; moderate COE) and faster recovery (9 vs 15 median days; moderate COE) but didn't affect all-cause death or serious adverse events. (Van Beusekom, 9/19)
CIDRAP:
Genomic Analysis Uncovers Syphilis Transmission Networks In England
A study by scientists in the United Kingdom provides some new insight into how syphilis—including antibiotic-resistant strains—is spreading in England. (Dall, 9/18)
