Press Releases

Boston Medical Center Press Releases

COVID-19 Pandemic Responsible for Decrease in Hepatitis C Testing

BOSTON – New research from Boston Medical Center finds that the COVID-19 emergency systemic changes made to decrease in-person visits during the pandemic have led to a decrease in hospital-wide Hepatitis C (HCV) testing by 50 percent, and a reduction in new HCV diagnoses by more than 60 percent. Published in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, this new research highlights the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on hospital-wide and ambulatory HCV testing, and the ramifications of this decrease in identification of the virus.

New Cause of Inflammation in People with HIV Identified

Boston – While current antiretroviral treatments for HIV are highly effective, data has shown that people living with HIV appear to experience accelerated aging and have shorter lifespans - by up to five to 10 years – compared to people without HIV. These outcomes have been associated with chronic inflammation, which could lead to the earlier onset of age-associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancers, or neurocognitive decline. A new study led by researchers at Boston Medical Center examined what factors could be contributing to this inflammation, and they identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of inflammation. Published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, the results underscore the need to develop new treatments targeting the persistent inflammation in people living with HIV in order to improve outcomes.

Black Hispanic Individuals Hardest Hit by COVID-19

Boston – Results from a new study led by Boston Medical Center (BMC) demonstrate the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Hispanic groups within the US, with the most severe outcomes, including death and intensive care, among Hispanic Black individuals. Analyzing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found differences between Hispanic groups, with higher rates of hospitalization and increased risk of death for Hispanic Black compared to Hispanic multiracial individuals. Published online in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, the results highlight that Hispanic populations as a whole have worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to the Hispanic white population, demonstrating the need for more accurate demographic data collection efforts in order to better address the disparities among Hispanic individuals impacted by COVID-19.

Prevalence of Racial, Insurance and Other Socioeconomic Disparities in Chemotherapy Treatment for Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

BOSTON – A new study shows that Black individuals with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer are less likely to receive chemotherapy for their disease compared to white and other racial groups. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center, the results indicate that individuals who are Black, elderly, uninsured, or have non-private health insurance and lower education levels, were less likely to be treated with chemotherapy for this type of lung cancer. Published in JTO Clinical and Research Reports, the official journal of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, this study is one of the largest to investigate the racial and health disparities in treating patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, and highlights the impact that race and insurance status have on cancer care in the U.S.

Researchers Create Human Airway Stem Cells from Patients’ Cells, Advancing Regenerative Research for Lung Diseases

BOSTON – For the first time, researchers have successfully created airway basal stem cells in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells by reprogramming blood cells taken from patients. Given that airway basal cells are defined as stem cells of the airways because they can regenerate the airway epithelium in response to injury, this study may help accelerate research on diseases impacting the airway, including COVID-19, influenza, asthma and cystic fibrosis. Led by researchers at the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University (CReM), in collaboration with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), these findings represent a critical first step towards airway regeneration, which will advance the field of regenerative medicine as it relates to airway and lung diseases.

Common Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema Not Effective in Black Individuals

A medication frequently used to treat diabetic macular edema, which is the most common cause of blindness in people with diabetes, is less effective when used to treat the condition in Black patients, new study results show. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center, the study demonstrated that Black patients were significantly less likely than white patients to show short-term visual improvement after both a single injection and a series of three injections with the drug bevacizumab (Avastin), the most common treatment in the U.S. for diabetic macular edema. Published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the results underscore the need to increase diversity in participation in clinical trials for the treatment of diabetic macular edema in order to develop treatments that are effective for all patients.

Tax Credits as a National Prescription for Health - Alleviating Poverty and Improving Maternal Child Health Outcomes 

In a perspective published in Pediatrics, a Boston Medical Center pediatrician advocates for tax credit policy changes to expand access to cash refunds as a means to alleviate poverty, improve maternal-child health and increase equity. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic recession has amplified the need for cash-transfer policies and economic relief; current estimates show that 13 million children are experiencing the health impacts of living in poverty.

Previous infection with other types of coronaviruses may lessen severity of COVID-19

(Boston) – Being previously infected with a coronaviruses that cause the “common cold” may decrease the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infections, according to results of a new study. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, the study also demonstrates that the immunity built up from previous non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infections does not prevent individuals from getting COVID-19. Published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the findings provide important insight into the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, which could have significant implications on COVID-19 vaccine development.

CODA Appendicitis Trial Shows the Risks and Benefits of Treating Appendicitis with Antibiotics Instead of Surgery

Antibiotics may be a good choice for some, but not all, patients with appendicitis, according to results from the Comparing Outcomes of antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) Trial reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine. The findings indicated that antibiotics were not worse than surgery when measuring overall health status, allowing most people to avoid an operation in the short term. Boston Medical Center, one of 25 hospitals nationwide where the CODA Trial was conducted, recruited the greatest number of patients among the three New England CODA sites and was in the top third for patient recruitment overall.

Grayken Center for Addiction Launches First Addiction Nursing Fellowship for Registered Nurses

Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center for Addiction has launched the first addiction nursing fellowship of its kind in the United States. This six-month program will provide registered nurses at Boston Medical Center (BMC) with specialized training to care for patients with substance use disorders and their co-occurring conditions. Kerri Fernandes, RN and James Evans, RN, are the inaugural Grayken Addiction Nursing fellows, who began their training on Sept. 24, 2020.

Managing Minimally Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Test Results, Following New Guidelines

New guidance for managing further testing for individuals with minimal abnormalities detected during cervical cancer screenings have been issued. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco and published in JAMA Insights, these guidelines introduce a reduction to invasive procedures. If patients with common abnormal results have a history of negative screening using human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, they no longer require a colposcopy (a magnified view of the cervix, typically done with a biopsy). The new guidelines, which follow new ASCCP-led national consensus guidelines for managing abnormal cervical cancer screening tests, estimate risk based on an individual patient's risk factors, allowing for more personalized care management.

Biomarker Indicating Neurodegeneration Identified in the Eye

A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers indicates a well-known biomarker that serves as a marker for earlier diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases is now detectable in the eye. Neurofilament light chain, a protein previously detected in cerebrospinal fluid and blood that is being explored as a biomarker to detect neurodegeneration, has now been identified in the vitreous humor, or fluid within the eye. Published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, these results set a foundation for future studies to investigate the potential of this biomarker to accelerate the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Boston Medical Center and Proof Alliance Collaborate to Reduce Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, Support Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders 

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is the recipient of a Health Resources and Services Administration cooperative agreement to fund a program aimed at reducing the incidence of prenatal alcohol exposure and improving the outcomes in children with suspected or diagnosed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In collaboration with a key partner, Minnesota-based Proof Alliance, they will use a virtual education platform where primary care providers will learn from experts about FASD and how to screen for and counsel women about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy. Pediatric providers will receive training on identifying and caring for children and adolescents with suspected or diagnosed FASD.

Researchers Identify Proteins that Prevent COVID-19 Transmission through the Placenta

Researchers from Boston Medical Center’s Maxwell Finland Laboratory for Infectious Diseases have identified properties in placenta tissue that may play an important role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 from a mother with the virus to her fetus. The study results demonstrate that the COVID-19 virus universally invades the placenta in cases with and without evidence of fetal infection, highlighting the protection that the placenta may offer against COVID-19 infection as current data indicates a less than five percent COVID-19 transmission rate in newborns from their mothers. Published in Placenta, these results underscore the importance of using placenta tissue in COVID-19 research studies aimed at developing novel ways to diagnose, treat and prevent COVID-19 virus transmission.

Rapid HIV, HCV Testing at Drug Detoxification Centers Associated with Higher Rate of Test Result Delivery

With an increase in HIV and HCV infections as a consequence of the ongoing opioid epidemic, Boston Medical Center researchers found that only a small number of those who test positive for those infections at a drug detoxification center followed up for a clinical visit after their test. The study results showed that only 6 percent of those tested for HIV and HCV followed up with testing care, despite accessing healthcare multiple times. These data demonstrate the need for more coordinated approaches to help patients access testing and treatment, especially as these rates are likely to worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SNAP Needed to Treat Increasing Epidemic of Food Insecurity Among Children and Their Families

A new perspective published in Pediatrics warns of the detrimental consequences food insecurity can have on children and families. Written by pediatric health experts from Children’s HealthWatch, based at Boston Medical Center, the perspective highlights the importance of protecting and enhancing SNAP benefits given the financial challenges facing millions of families, particularly as a result of COVID19.

Health Information Technology Improves Engagement in Preconception Health to Reduce Racial Disparities

New research from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care in an effort to close the gap on racial disparities in birth outcomes and maternal mortality. Published in The Lancet Digital Health, findings showed that using Gabby, an online health technology system that delivers simulated care, increased the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent after six months, compared to patients receiving a letter listing risks and suggesting a follow-up with a clinician. The results were maintained after 12 months.

Urine Sediment Test Results, Diagnoses Vary Significantly Across Nephrologists

Boston – A new study shows that nephrologists do not always agree on their interpretation of images from urine sediment tests, which are frequently ordered to evaluate a variety of kidney diseases. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center and published in JAMA Network Open, the findings indicate the need to standardize education and training around evaluating urine sediment tests to improve the test’s reliability, and help prevent misinterpretation and potential patient harm.

Boston Medical Center Receives HRSA Grant to Expand Addiction Fellowship Programs

Boston Medical Center’s Grayken Center for Addiction has received a five-year, $3.7 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to expand its fellowship programs in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry. Effective July 1, this grant supports the training of 48 fellows to specialize in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, who will then provide evidence-based, high-quality prevention and treatment services for people with substance use disorders who are vulnerable to health inequities.

Decreased Intubation, Reduced Mortality, Increased Discharge in Severe COVID-19 Patients When Administered Interleukin-6 Inhibitors Early

New research from Boston Medical Center found that patients experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms had improved outcomes when administered an Interleukin-6 (IL6ri) inhibitor, sarilumab or tocilizumab, given to mediate severe systemic inflammatory responses. The treatment was more effective when administered earlier in the disease course and reduced mortality rates and the need for intubation. Published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, the results show Interleukin-6 inhibitors appear to be a more effective treatment compared to other options, including remedesvir and dexamethasone, which are recommended and currently used in the pandemic.

Boston Medical Center Joins Aspen Institute Initiative to Advance Innovative Strategies for Families’ Health and Economic Prosperity

BOSTON, MA – Boston Medical Center’s StreetCred program has been named to the second cohort of the Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community, an Aspen Institute initiative for breakthrough innovations and collaborations that position families to reach educational success, economic prosperity, and health and well-being. The launch of this community, Ascend, could not come at a more crucial time, as businesses and communities reimagine how we support families as we navigate and respond to the coronavirus pandemic, racial injustice, and economic upheaval.

Patients with Substance Use Disorder Discriminated Against by Post-Acute Care Facilities

Boston – A new study shows that 29 percent of private post-acute care facilities in Massachusetts explicitly discriminated against hospitalized individuals with opioid use disorder, rejecting their referral for admission. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center’s (BMC’s) Grayken Center for Addiction, the study showed that 15 percent of the rejections among patients with substance use disorders were denied due to a substance use disorder diagnosis or because they were being treated for opioid use disorder with buprenorphine or methadone. These denials included documented and explicit discrimination. Published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, the results demonstrate the urgent need to eliminate discrimination in order to ensure patients taking a medication to treat opioid use disorder get access to the ongoing medical care they need.

Factors that Maximize Impact of Yoga, Physical Therapy on Back Pain in an Underserved Population

BOSTON – New research shows that people with chronic low back pain (cLBP) have better results from yoga and physical therapy compared to reading evidence-based self-help materials. While this finding was consistent across many patient characteristics, a much larger effect was observed among those already taking pain medication to treat their condition and those who did not fear that exercise would make their back pain worse. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center and published in Pain Medicine, the findings also showed that individuals who expected to do well with yoga were more likely to have a meaningful improvement in their function if they received yoga compared to receiving physical therapy.

Multilevel Interventions Improve HPV Vaccination Rates of Series Initiation and Completionation and Completion

BOSTON - New research from Boston Medical Center shows that providing education and training to pediatric and family medicine providers about the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, in tandem with healthcare systems changes including starting an HPV vaccination series before the age of 11, improves the overall rate of HPV vaccinations among adolescent patients. HPV vaccinations can help reduce rates of HPV-related cancers, as well as play a role in reducing race- and income-related disparities in these diagnoses. Published in Pediatrics, the study results show improvements at each stage in the HPV vaccination series. Importantly, improvements were sustained beyond the conclusion of the intervention period, demonstrating that these types of programs could be used to help produce long term increases in HPV vaccination rates.

BMCHS Receives Multiple Awards from Mass. Society for Health-System Pharmacists

The Department of Pharmacy at Boston Medical Center Health System (BMCHS) is being recognized by the Massachusetts Society for Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) for its success in industry-leading initiatives to combat the opioid crisis and improve patient care. Two individual leaders and one pharmacy team at BMC have been chosen to receive awards from MSHP in 2020, highlighting their efforts and leadership in the field of pharmacy in Massachusetts.

Housing Prescriptions Improve Health Outcomes in Children, Reduce Anxiety and Depression in Adults

BOSTON - Results of a study show that enrollment in a program that supports housing and health needs of medically complex families was associated with improved child health and parent mental health within six months. The program, Housing Prescription as Health Care (HPHC), helps families experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Boston and uses a multi-dimensional approach to address families’ specific needs. Led by Children’s HealthWatch at Boston Medical Center, the intervention reduced the share of children with fair or poor health by 32 percentage points in the first six months of the study.

Appendicitis Incidence Not Random Across Geographic Regions, Study Shows

Boston – Socioeconomic status and where you live may impact your risk of developing acute appendicitis, according a new study. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center, the study data showed that appendicitis was not evenly or randomly distributed across a large geographic region. In fact, there were clusters of high and low incidences in the area studied. Published in JAMA Surgery, the results indicate the need to further investigate whether there are specific risk factors for the development of appendicitis, which would help surgeons and researchers learn more about the causes of the disease and potentially point to strategies to reduce the risk of appendicitis.

Mortality Decreased among People with Opioid Use Disorder who Receive Further Treatment After Detox

Boston – A new study shows that people with opioid use disorder who enter inpatient medically managed withdrawal treatment (detox) do not usually receive further treatment, including medication for opioid use disorder or additional inpatient treatment. Those who did receive further treatment with medication (methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone) or residential treatment were more likely to survive to 12 months. Published in Addiction, this study emphasizes the importance of keeping people with opioid use disorder engaged in treatment in order to increase their chances of survival.

Social Determinants of Health Screening Not Enough to Capture Patients at Risk of Utility Shut-Off

BOSTON- Researchers at Boston Medical Center have found that only a fraction of patients at risk of having their utilities shut off were identified through social determinants of health (SDOH) screening. Published in The Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, the research showed that among the patients who received a utility protection letter in 2018, 70 percent were screened for SDOH and only 16 percent screened positive for difficulty paying their utility bills.

Study: Pharmaceutical Companies Marketing Stimulants to Physicians

Boston – Results of a new study show that a large number of physicians in the US may have received marketing payments from pharmaceutical companies that produce stimulant medications. Led by researchers at Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Grayken Center for Addiction, the first of its kind study found that one in 18 physicians received some form of pharmaceutical marketing about stimulants, most often in the form of food or beverage. Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the results indicate the potential role that the subtle, low-cost marketing can have on increasing physician prescribing of stimulants, which could be associated with the recent increase in prescribing and misuse of these medications.

Researchers Develop New Protocol to Generate Intestinal Organoids In Vitro

(Boston) - Boston researchers have developed a new way to generate groups of intestinal cells that can be used, among others, to make disease models in the lab to test treatments for diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system. Using human induced pluripotent stem cells, this novel approach combined a variety of techniques that enabled the development of three-dimensional groups of intestinal cells called organoids in vitro, which can expand disease treatment testing in the lab using human cells.

Lack of Insurance Cause of Survivorship Gap in Minorities with Cancer, Study Shows

Lack of insurance coverage is a major cause of delayed breast cancer screening and treatment among minority women, which could lead to a decrease in a patient’s chance of survival. Nearly half of the disparity in later-stage diagnosis between non-Hispanic white women and black, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander women was mediated by being uninsured or underinsured, according to a new study conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Boston Medical Center/Boston University School of Medicine.