Genes and age studied as markers for higher death rate in those with atrial fibrillation

Younger patients with atrial fibrillation who had rare genetic variants associated with inherited cardiomyopathy and arrythmia syndromes were associated with a significantly higher rate of death than those without the variants, a Vanderbilt-led study has shown.

Research probes cause of acute flaccid myelitis in children

Research that began at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has found evidence that a viral infection followed by a “robust” immune response is the cause of a polio-like paralyzing illness in children called acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).

Pediatric acute care use by ZIP code

Children with complex chronic conditions who live in low opportunity areas utilize more acute care and could benefit from hospital- and community-based interventions aimed at improving child health outcomes.

Tracking the aging brain

The macrostructure — volume, area and length — of the brain’s white matter is useful for studying aging and could be a sensitive marker for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Vanderbilt researchers reported.

Food allergy linked to lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Sex & race & door-to-ECG time

More than a third of patients presenting at the emergency department with a suspected heart attack have a “delayed” ECG measure of heart function, with Black patients, females and non-English speakers more likely to experience delays.