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What does it mean if your ESR is high?

What does it mean if your ESR is high?

The ESR test measures the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a blood sample. Doctors cannot use the results of the test to diagnose a specific disease because many different health conditions can cause the ESR to be high or low. Doctors call the ESR test […]

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Using the body clock to make drugs more effective

Using the body clock to make drugs more effective

Researchers created a database for the daily circadian rhythms of genetic activity. The findings may help physicians time the delivery of drugs in accordance with a person’s body clock, boosting treatment for cardiovascular disease and other conditions. Our body clock can influence how effective drugs are — especially for treating cardiovascular problems. Our circadian rhythm, […]

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Skin cancer: Common IBD, arthritis drug may raise risk

Skin cancer: Common IBD, arthritis drug may raise risk

New research, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveals a “strong case for an association” between azathioprine and the genetic mutations found in a common skin cancer type. A common immunosuppressant drug may bring about squamous cell carcinoma. Every year, squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) will affect over 1 million people in the United States. Approximately […]

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Psoriasis and breastfeeding: What to know

Some women find that pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce their psoriasis symptoms, while others experience worse or more frequent flare-ups. Here, learn to treat psoriasis while breastfeeding, without risking the baby’s health. Also, discover why breastfeeding may trigger flare-ups, and get some tips for managing them.

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Autism prognosis: Parental genes ‘incredibly useful’

Autism prognosis: Parental genes ‘incredibly useful’

While one main risk gene may make an individual susceptible to autism or another neurodevelopmental disorder, it is the whole collection of associated changes in their DNA that decides whether they develop it and how severe it becomes. Researchers now know the importance of a family’s genetic background in predicting how a person’s ASD will […]

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How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the ankles?

How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the ankles?

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the ankle joints in a similar way to other joints, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. Most often, rheumatoid arthritis or RA affects the hands and feet, but, less commonly, it can also affect the ankles. The condition typically impacts on smaller joints first, such as the toe joints in the foot. […]