Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Research Roundup: From Dr. Fauci's Team: A Promising HIV Vaccine
ScienceDaily: Experimental MRNA HIV Vaccine Safe, Shows Promise In Animals
An experimental HIV vaccine based on mRNA -- the same platform technology used in two highly effective COVID-19 vaccines -- shows promise in mice and non-human primates, according to scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Their results, published in Nature Medicine, show that the novel vaccine was safe and prompted desired antibody and cellular immune responses against an HIV-like virus. Rhesus macaques receiving a priming vaccine followed by multiple booster inoculations had a 79% lower per-exposure risk of infection by simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) compared to unvaccinated animals. The research was led by Paolo Lusso, M.D., Ph.D., of NIAID's Laboratory of Immunoregulation, in collaboration with other NIAID scientists, investigators from Moderna, Inc. and colleagues at other institutions. (NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, 12/9)
In other research —
CIDRAP: Review Uncovers Weak COVID Clinical Practice Guidelines
A new systematic review of 32 clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for severely ill COVID-19 patients reveals that most were of poor quality, with few reporting funding sources or conflicts of interest, employing a methodologist, describing a search strategy or study selection process, or synthesizing evidence. The review, published in JAMA Network Open, was conducted by a team led by University of Toronto researchers from Dec 14, 2020, to Feb 28, 2021. (Van Beusekom, 12/13)
CIDRAP: After-Birth Hospital Stays Significantly Shorter During COVID Pandemic
A study of electronic health records in the United States shows that short hospital lengths of stay (LOS) after birth were 51% more common in the COVID-19 era, yet infant rehospitalization within a week did not increase. The study is published in Pediatrics. Short hospital stay was defined as one or two nights for vaginal births and three or fewer for cesarean births. Infant rehospitalization within 1 week of discharge was also compared from the pandemic period (Mar 1 to Aug 31, 2020) to prepandemic periods (Mar 1 to Aug 31 in 2017, 2018, 2019). (12/9)
ScienceDaily: High Blood Pressure Treatment In Pregnancy Appears Safe, Prevents Maternal Heart Risks
High blood pressure during pregnancy remains a major cause of maternal and fetal pregnancy-related complications and death, and it increases women's short- and long-term risks for cardiovascular disease. Emerging data from clinical trials and observational research support the benefits and safety of blood pressure treatment during pregnancy. Continued investigation is critical to determine which blood pressure levels, during- and post-pregnancy, both for starting therapy and as treatment goals, are beneficial for the mother and safe and beneficial for the fetus. (American Heart Association, 12/15)
CIDRAP: Flu Vaccine Uptake Low Among Those With No Regular Doctor, Minorities
A new study presented at an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) meeting finds that influenza vaccination rates are low for people without a regular healthcare provider, at just 20.5%, as well as among minority groups. Vaccine coverage among American adults with a regular provider was 44.5%, according to the research, which was presented yesterday at the society's midyear conference. (12/8)
