In early March 2020, as it became clear the novel coronavirus was closing in on Southern California, clinical trials leaders from the Department of Research & Evaluation began assessing options for an investigational treatment that could be studied through clinical trials. With no approved medications to fight COVID-19, the need for an investigational option to
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The benefits of intensive blood pressure shown in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) also helps patients with chronic kidney disease, according to new research led by Kaiser Permanente and Stanford University. The study was published in January 2025 in JAMA Network Open. The SPRINT clinical trial included adults with hypertension and elevated cardiovascular
Read moreYoung people who frequently used electronic media, such as computers, television, and social media, had less physical activity, more stress, and modest cognitive challenges. The study was published in January 2025 in Preventive Medicine. “Our research found an association between electronic media use and a negative impact on youth,” said the study’s lead author, Deborah
Read moreA recent Kaiser Permanente study described the incidence of IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune kidney disease, nationally, as well as among people of different race and ethnicities. The study was published in the American Journal of Nephrology in November 2024. “IgA nephropathy is a rare disease. Attempts to determine its incidence in the United States have
Read moreA new study by Kaiser Permanente has shown that the ABRYSVO respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is very effective in reducing emergency room visits and hospital stays due to RSV among older adults. “This Kaiser Permanente research demonstrated the real-world effectiveness of RSV vaccination among those 60 and over,” said lead author Sara Y. Tartof, PhD,
Read moreExposure to a specific kind of air pollution, fine particulate matter, during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of spontaneous preterm birth, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby, according to a Kaiser Permanente study published in JAMA Network Open. “Consistent with other study findings, this current study has demonstrated that
Read moreJaved Sheikh, MD, was recently named 2024 Physician Researcher of the Year by the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Sheikh is the vice area research chair for the Los Angeles area on the Regional Research Committee. He is chief of the Department of Allergy and Immunology at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Read moreAfter COVID-19 vaccines became available in December 2020, several smartphone-based reporting systems were developed to monitor vaccine side effects. They included V-safe from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, like most large surveillance systems, they had imperfections. Kaiser Permanente Southern California collaborated with the CDC and others to create a new system in
Read moreKristi Reynolds, PhD, MPH, is a chronic disease epidemiologist and the director of the Division of Epidemiologic Research for the Department of Research & Evaluation. Her research focuses on the prevention and treatment of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. She also studies medication adherence, drug safety, and cardiovascular quality of care and outcomes. Dr. Reynolds has more than
Read moreResearch conducted at Kaiser Permanente has provided reassurance to the public and lawmakers by refuting claims that COVID-19 vaccines may increase the risk of cardiac-related death. “Our work reaffirms the previously established safety of COVID-19 vaccines,” said lead author Stanley Xu, PhD, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation. The study addressed
Read moreA new Kaiser Permanente study explores factors that might influence whether people with new-onset heart failure get tested for coronary artery disease. Published November 1, 2024, in JACC: Advances, it suggests that physician perceptions of the risks and benefits of testing, patient preferences, and socioeconomic challenges may all come into play. The study follows research
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