Home-monitoring during IVF equally safe and successful Home monitoring of ovulation prior to placing frozen embryos during an IVF process works just as well as hospital checks to determine the best time. In addition, it is more pleasant for women to undergo this in their own environment, and it places less burden on the hospital facilities. "Monitoring ovulation at home means a hospital visit once for the placement of these embryos instead of 3 to 4 times for hospital monitoring. This is more sustainable and reduces the cost of treatment by up to 80%," says Tijtske Zaat, researcher at Amsterdam UMC. The study was published today in The Lancet.
Building models to enable greater use of AI in the health care system 80% of all patient data is unstructured. Notes from a conversation with a GP, the evaluation of a specialist in a university medical centre or even a recommendation from a pharmacist. While this 'unstructured’ data is no problem for the human eye, it presents an unsurmountable challenge to an AI-algorithm. One that is "preventing AI from reaching its full potential," in the view of Amsterdam UMC, Assistant Professor Iacer Calixto. To give AI the helping hand that it needs, Calixto is set to lead a project that will "tackle the important challenges that hinder its use in clinical practice,” thanks to funding from the NWO.
Turn up the heat: Amsterdam UMC wins sustainability prices Eight of Amsterdam UMC's departments and laboratories participated in the international Freezer Challenge this year. Combined they have saved enough energy to power 381 households. An impressive result that is rewarded with the 'Top Clinical Organization Award' and illustrates just how valuable sustainability is, in health care.
Signing off with the Gold: ESC honour for Arthur Wilde After an impressive career, cardiologist and professor Arthur Wilde is retiring. He was at the cradle of cardiogenetics and left his mark on cardiac care in Amsterdam UMC as head of the Cardiology department (location AMC). Today he receives the Gold Medal, the European Cardiology Society's highest award. A crowning achievement, but the pioneer does not want to talk about quitting: "We are not there yet."
Athletes have no reason to be concerned by their COVID-19 vaccine this winter but timing matters It is now almost a rule of thumb: As soon as an athlete falls to the ground with a sudden cardiac arrest, social media is awash with claims that COVID-19 vaccinations are to blame. This was the case with English footballer Charlie Wyke, cyclist Sonny Colbrelli and, most recently, with college basketballer, and son of LeBron, Bronny James. In the view of Harald Jorstad, Sports Cardiologist at Amsterdam UMC, there is no evidence to support these claims, but timing of the vaccination can be structured to not negatively influence performance. This article is, today, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Using radiotherapy to treat cardiac arrhythmia Targeted irradiation of scar tissue in the heart can help patients with life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias by removing their symptoms for a longer period in comparison with the current treatment. Amsterdam UMC's Heart Center is one of Europe's only centres where this innovative treatment is practised.
Alzheimer's diagnosis shortly based on biomarkers At the International Alzheimer's Congress (AAIC) 2023 in Amsterdam, new guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease developed by clinicians and researchers from around the world were presented. In these criteria, the disease is diagnosed in the clinic through the use of blood biomarkers, just as with other major diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Health problems don't recognise borders A land border can't stop a virus. That was clear for everyone as the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly across the globe. Only international cooperation can lead to better global healthcare worldwide, something which in the interest of us all. The Global Health department of Amsterdam UMC has spent years trying to drive this forward.
Keyhole surgery safe and less invasive for patients with pancreatic cancer Thanks to a large international study, keyhole surgery has been shown to be a safe and less invasive option for pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgery. These results are published today in The Lancet Regional Health Europe. Professor Mohammad Abu Hilal, from the University of Southampton and a surgeon in Brescia, Italy: “the biggest news is that we now have strong scientific evidence that keyhole surgery is safe for left-sided pancreatic cancer.”
Amsterdam UMC led eHealth app ensures faster recovery after major abdominal operations Through the use of eHealth application ikHerstel, patients recover from major abdominal operations 30% faster than patients who do not use the app. That is the main conclusion of research led by Amsterdam UMC across eleven Dutch hospitals. The app aims to empower patients to feel more in control of their recovery process. The results were published today in Lancet Digital Health.
