Maternal Disability Linked to Higher Infant ED Use
Infants born to mothers with disabilities had higher rates of emergency department (ED) visits in their first year of life than those born to mothers without disabilities.
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers conducted a population-based study of 1,596,932 live-born infants from April 1, 2008, to March 31, 2021, in Canada.
A total of 139,698 infants (8.7%) were born to women with a physical disability; among them, 48,112 infants were born to women with a sensory disability, 2547 were born to women with an intellectual or developmental disability, and 10,312 were born to women with multiple disabilities.
The primary outcome was any ED visit within the first year of life.
TAKEAWAY:
ED visits were more common among infants born to mothers with physical (46.9%), sensory (45.2%), intellectual or developmental (55.4%), or multiple (51.0%) disabilities than among those born to mothers without disabilities (40.0%). These differences corresponded to 12%, 7%, 17%, and 14% higher odds of ED use, respectively.
Infants of mothers with disabilities had more ED visits both before 28 days of life and between 28 and 365 days, with the highest risks seen among infants of mothers with intellectual or developmental disabilities (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.58 and 1.41 for the respective time periods).
Similar patterns were observed for ED visits for high-acuity, moderate-acuity, and low-acuity cases.
ED visit characteristics (timing, diagnosis, discharge destination, and rates of follow-up with the primary care physician) were similar regardless of maternal disability status.
IN PRACTICE:
"This cohort study found that infants of women with a disability were more likely than infants of women without disabilities to have an ED visit and repeat ED visits, although the timing, diagnosis, discharge disposition, and rates of follow-up with the primary care physician within 7 days were similar," the authors wrote. "These findings suggest that more could be done for infants of women with a disability to prevent nonurgent ED visits, reduce risk factors for urgent ED visits, and support families when ED visits occur," they added.
SOURCE:
The study was led by Hilary K. Brown, PhD, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and was published online on May 5, 2025, in JAMA Network Open .
LIMITATIONS:
Misclassification of disability status was a limitation. Additionally, the study lacked information on the severity of disability, the preventability of ED visits in outpatient settings, and the circumstances surrounding the decision to seek ED care, such as the quality of the relationship with the primary care physician, transportation issues, or distance to care.
DISCLOSURES:
The study was supported by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. The authors reported receiving grants from various sources, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
an hour ago
- Medscape
ADA 2025
Please confirm that you would like to log out of Medscape. If you log out, you will be required to enter your username and password the next time you visit. Log out
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Migraine Drug Atogepant
AbbVie recently announced positive results from its Phase 3 TEMPLE study, marking significant progress in migraine treatment. Over the last month, AbbVie's stock price remained relatively flat, mirroring broader market trends. While the positive study results for Atogepant might have added slight upward pressure, this was tempered by overall market volatility influenced by geopolitical tensions and interest rate speculations. Additionally, other developments, such as the promising FDA label expansion for MAVYRET, might have reinforced investor confidence, but these factors were balanced by an overall stable market performance during the period. AbbVie has 5 possible red flags we think you should know about. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 26 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. The recent positive results from the Phase 3 TEMPLE study on Atogepant indicate potential revenue growth for AbbVie, as the company advances its pipeline in migraine treatment. This aligns with the company's strategic focus on expanding into areas like obesity and oncology. These therapeutic expansions, alongside promising developments like the FDA label expansion for MAVYRET, are designed to strengthen future earnings. While the stock price remained relatively flat in the short term, largely due to market volatility, these advances could positively influence future revenue and earnings forecasts. Over the past five years, AbbVie's total shareholder return, including dividends, reached 133.93%, demonstrating substantial long-term value for investors. Despite this strong growth, AbbVie's recent one-year performance underperformed the US market's return of 9.8%. Within the biotech sector specifically, AbbVie surpassed the industry average, which experienced a decline of 9.8% over the same period. Given AbbVie's current share price of US$187.15 and the consensus analyst price target of US$210.68, the stock appears to reflect potential upside. However, considering the revenue and margin pressures from biosimilar competition, particularly with key drugs like Humira facing competition, these forecast improvements are crucial. Investors should weigh these elements against the expected revenue growth rate and projected earnings of US$19 billion by 2028. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of AbbVie stock in this financial health report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:ABBV. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Colorectal cancer isn't an 'old person's disease,' advocates warn. A stage 4 cancer survivor shares 5 things you should never do if you want to avoid the disease
Colorectal cancer is a serious health risk for many Canadians — including people under age 50. More than 25,200 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024, making it the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada last year. Now, advocates want all provinces and territories to lower the screening age for the disease to 45. "Our objective is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms just because of their age and that they are aware of their family medical history and risk level, as we call on our provincial and territorial health ministries to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer throughout the country to 45," Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, explains in a press release on Tuesday. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. The non-profit adds that colorectal cancer might be perceived as an "old person's disease," but shares that early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise and that cancer doesn't care about your age. Most new cases still occur in people age 50 and above, but Canadians born after 1980 are two to two-and-a-half times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to earlier generations. According Colorectal Cancer Canada, 26 people die from the illness everyday on average, with around 69 people receiving a diagnosis daily. For 2024, it was estimated that 9,400 Canadians died from colorectal cancer, making up 11 per cent of all cancer deaths last year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colorectal Cancer Canada (@coloncanada) Colorectal cancer cancer grows more slowly than some other cancer and can stay in the colon or rectum for months or even years. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, but if found early, colorectal cancer can often be cured. This is why Stein points out that colorectal cancer can be preventable through lifestyle choices, awareness of symptoms and early screening. In 1995, while juggling the demands of his legal career, Stein began noticing various concerning symptoms. Those included blood in his stool, migraines, abdominal pain and nausea, which he dismissed as related to stress. "I was turning 41 at the time and had no idea what cancer even was," Stein recalls in a previous interview with Yahoo Canada. "People didn't say that word so much in 1995, let alone colorectal cancer. These were symptoms that came and went, so I ignored them." It wasn't until he finally had a fecal occult blood test and colonoscopies that the diagnosis hit: Stage IV colorectal cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs. Still, Stein stresses a person's health doesn't have to get to this point; he shares five things Canadians should and shouldn't do to help prevent colorectal cancer. Unexplained changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should never be symptoms you ignore. These signs might also be linked to other gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcers, Crohn's disease or hemorrhoids, according to the Colorectal Cancer Canada website. That means "just because you have these symptoms doesn't mean you have colon cancer," Stein adds. "But they are a reason to be checked out." Regular screenings are important because colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, or growths in the colon or rectum. Catching and removing these polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous. Starting at age 50, you should undergo routine fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Even though everybody has the right to get screened starting at age 50, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer states the "screening participation rate across the country is still below the national target of 60 per cent." Despite this, Colorectal Cancer Canada highlights that the screening guidelines have effectively reduced cancer rates in those over age 50, demonstrating their life-saving potential. However, there is a rise in cases among younger adults, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, Stein notes. These individuals are often diagnosed at a later stage because they are not getting screened and health-care professionals may not suspect cancer at a young age. If you're under 50 and experiencing related symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to start screening early. "Speak to your doctor about your personal testing plan," the organization advises. The Foods That Fight Cancer program by Colorectal Cancer Canada recommends eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fibre, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and can lower the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition to these foods, the program advises limiting the intake of processed meats and red meat, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It also recommends reducing the amount of alcohol and sugary beverages you drink. Highly processed foods should be minimized as well. By making these dietary changes, the risk of developing colorectal cancer can be minimized, Stein points out. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Stein highlights, "Having a sedentary lifestyle, in other words, being a couch potato, is a risk factor." Staying active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, regular physical activity can lower the risk by improving bowel function and reducing inflammation. Discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with a health-care provider so you understand the risk. If you have a first-degree relative — such as a parent, sibling or child — who's had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Shared genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this increased risk, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada. Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can elevate your risk further. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, often at a younger age. Other inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, also heighten the risk. "Your age and generic history of your family are risk factors that you can't control," Stein says, adding the goal is to focus on what can be controlled, like eating healthier foods and exercising. Prevention is often more straightforward than treatment, which can be invasive and challenging. As Stein states, "it's so much easier to prevent something (than to treat it)." "All you have to do is get a kit, poop in your toilet, send it to the lab with a little stick and you find out if it's positive," Stein explains. If it does turn out positive, you would then go for a colonoscopy so that the polyp can be located. "If there is a polyp, they remove it and you catch the cancer early. Otherwise, you go through what I went through, which is quite challenging, to say the least. And at worst, people die." By focusing on early screening and prevention, potential issues can be caught early before developing into cancer, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment.
