Medical Editor
Dr. Sofia Müller, MD
Lifespan & Whole-Person Care — Population health, longitudinal cohorts, care-delivery and goals-of-care research.
Dr. Sofia Müller is a freelance medical writer and physician based in Basel, Switzerland, specializing in Lifespan & Whole-Person Care with over 9+ years of combined clinical and medical writing experience. She holds an MD from the University of Zurich and is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. She also holds additional training in public health, palliative care, and clinical epidemiology.
Sofia focuses on population health research, longitudinal cohort studies, and care delivery models across pediatrics, women's health, geriatrics, palliative care, and primary care medicine. She has extensive experience working on studies related to aging populations, chronic disease management, and integrated care systems.
Before transitioning into medical writing, she practiced as a hospital-based internist and geriatrician, where she developed a strong interest in health systems research and patient-centered care frameworks. She is known for her ability to translate complex clinical and population-level data into clear, actionable scientific communication for diverse audiences.
Articles in this group — last 14 days
Physical activity is associated with higher probability of ADL maintenance in older adults with persistent pain
Physical Activity Linked to Better Independence for Seniors with Pain
This meta-analysis of observational studies examined factors associated with maintaining independence in activities of daily living (ADL) am…
Staying active may help older adults with persistent pain maintain their independence in daily activities like dressing and eating.
Multi-omics technologies and Artificial Intelligence facilitate biomarker screening and target prediction in aging research
AI and multi-omics tools may help target aging processes
This systematic review examines the integration of multi-omics technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance anti-aging research.…
New technology combines complex biological data with artificial intelligence to identify new targets for personalized anti-aging treatments.
Moderate-intensity resistance training improves cognitive performance and brain health markers in older adults
Resistance Training May Boost Brain Health in Older Adults
This narrative review of 28 peer-reviewed publications synthesizes evidence on the effects of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity resistance…
Lifting weights, especially at moderate intensity, may improve memory and thinking in older adults, a review finds.
Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics do not provide clinically important benefits on hemoglobin or ferritin in children
Review of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Treating Anemia in Children
This meta-analysis of 4188 children found that prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics (alone or with iron) did not produce significant effec…
New research looks at whether healthy bacteria can help children with low blood iron. Results show these supplements do not significantly im…
Evidence does not support prolonged maintenance ritodrine as routine care for threatened preterm labor
New Guidelines Address Safety Concerns for Preterm Labor Medication
This clinical guideline addresses the management of threatened preterm labor in Japan. The authors synthesize evidence regarding tocolysis a…
New clinical guidelines in Japan address the risks of using ritodrine for preterm labor to improve safety for both mothers and newborns.
PRP growth factors converge on PI3K–AKT and MAPK pathways in ovarian follicular development
PRP may boost ovarian signaling pathways, study finds
A systematic mechanistic review and computational pathway analysis found that growth factors in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) converge on PI3K–…
A computational analysis suggests PRP may activate key ovarian signaling pathways, but does not replace natural follicle development.
Abdominal ultrasound detects portal venous gas more frequently than conventional radiography in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Ultrasound may help detect early signs of infant intestinal disease
This meta-analysis of 1,793 neonates compared abdominal ultrasound to conventional radiography for detecting necrotizing enterocolitis featu…
New data suggests abdominal ultrasounds can find certain indicators of necrotizing enterocolitis more often than traditional X-rays in newbo…
PA-VLLF ChatGPT architecture achieves 86.36% accuracy in pediatric pain assessment comparable to senior experts
AI Model Matches Senior Experts in Assessing Children's Pain
This guideline presents a proof-of-concept study evaluating the Pain Assessment Vision-Large Language Framework (PA-VLLF) for pediatric veni…
A new AI tool shows accuracy comparable to senior experts when assessing pain levels in children during needle procedures.
New 15-item scale reliably measures parental agency in Chinese NICUs
New tool measures parent agency in the NICU
This multicenter cross-sectional study psychometrically validated the 15-item NICU Parental Agency Scale (NICU-PAS) among 350 caregivers in …
A new 15-item scale helps NICU parents feel heard and involved in their baby's care.
Plyometric Training Boosts Jump, Sprint, Agility in Teens
Plyometric training improves jumping, sprinting, and agility in adolescents
Meta-analysis of 63 studies shows plyometric training significantly improves jumping, sprinting, and agility in healthy adolescents aged 10-…
Plyometric training helps teenagers improve their jumping, sprinting, and agility performance when practiced consistently for at least 10 we…
28% recurrence rate after antiseizure medication withdrawal in children with epilepsy
Stopping seizure meds in children: 28% recurrence risk
This meta-analysis of 3,226 children with epilepsy found a pooled recurrence rate of 28% (95% CI: 23%–33%) after antiseizure medication with…
About 28% of children with epilepsy who stop antiseizure medications will have a seizure return. Several factors can increase this risk.
Metagenomic sequencing identifies Rickettsia felis encephalitis in a child who fully recovered
Rare Cat Flea Bacteria Causes Encephalitis in Child
This case report and literature review describes a 9-year-old boy with R. felis encephalitis diagnosed via metagenomic next-generation seque…
A 9-year-old boy's severe brain infection was caused by a rare cat flea bacteria, not a virus. He recovered after targeted treatment.
Cumulative gamification delivery increases daily step count by 2,326 steps in young adults
Cumulative gamification helps young adults walk more every day
This randomized controlled trial of 246 healthy university students found that cumulative delivery of gamified elements resulted in the larg…
A new way of using game-like features can significantly boost daily step counts for people struggling with physical inactivity.
Online patient education materials for breast reconstruction show low usability and high reading levels
Online Breast Reconstruction Resources Often Hard for Patients to Read
This systematic review and meta-analysis of 1634 online patient education materials (OPEMs) found that content is often difficult to read an…
Most online materials about breast reconstruction are written at a college level, making it difficult for many patients to find clear inform…
Group support models may improve PrEP uptake and adherence for adolescent girls and young women
Group support models improve HIV prevention for young women
This scoping review of 11 studies examined group support models for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings suggest these interve…
Peer support and education can help young women in Africa feel more confident and stay on their HIV prevention medication.
Compound heterozygous mutations in NPHP4 gene identified in a patient with nephronophthisis and proteinuria
Genetic Testing Reveals New Mutations in Kidney Disease
This case report describes the genetic analysis of a single Chinese patient with nephronophthisis. Sequencing identified compound heterozygo…
A single patient's genetic analysis uncovered two new mutations linked to a rare kidney disease, highlighting the power of DNA testing.
Echocardiographic Measures Predict Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants
Heart measurements help predict lung disease in preterm infants
A meta-analysis of 1316 preterm infants found that echocardiographic measures of right heart function significantly predict bronchopulmonary…
Specific heart measurements can help doctors predict if a premature baby will develop a serious lung condition called bronchopulmonary dyspl…
VR-based exercise improves executive function in children with autism, meta-analysis finds
VR Exercise Shows Promise for Executive Function in Children with Autism
A meta-analysis of 9 studies involving 439 children and adolescents with ASD found that VR-based physical exercise interventions improved ex…
Virtual reality exercise programs may improve executive function and motor skills in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Mistletoe extract plus standard treatment shows no quality of life benefit in advanced pancreatic cancer
Trial shows mistletoe extract does not improve pancreatic cancer care
This Phase III randomized controlled trial evaluated mistletoe extract combined with standard care in 290 patients with advanced pancreatic …
A large trial found that adding mistletoe extract to standard treatment did not improve quality of life or weight for patients with advanced…
Nurse-led telehealth interventions significantly improve psychosocial outcomes and quality of life in palliative cancer care
Nurse led telehealth helps cancer patients and their family caregivers
This meta-analysis of 3177 patients and caregivers evaluated nurse-led telehealth interventions for palliative cancer care. The analysis fou…
Nurse-led telehealth programs can reduce anxiety and improve quality of life for both cancer patients and the families caring for them.
Combined exercise modalities show highest probability of effectiveness for adolescent sleep disorders
Combined exercises may improve sleep disorders in Chinese adolescents
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 1,375 Chinese adolescents indicates that combined aerobic and mind-body exercise (AE + M…
Combining aerobic and mind-body exercises could offer a more effective way to help teenagers struggling with sleep disorders.
KOKU digital programme improves Berg Balance Score by mean difference of 6.35 in older adults
Digital Program Improves Balance and Reduces Costs for Older Adults
This randomized controlled trial of 202 community-dwelling older adults (>=60 years) found that the KOKU digital programme significantly imp…
A new digital program helps older adults improve their balance significantly compared to standard care while potentially lowering the costs …
Physical abuse prevalence is 61.7% among children and youth experiencing homelessness
High rates of childhood abuse found among homeless youth
This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in children and youth experiencing …
A large review shows that over 60% of children experiencing homelessness have faced physical abuse, highlighting a massive need for better s…
Recipe 4 Success improves parenting and toddler outcomes based on working alliance strength
Structured food curriculum helps toddlers and parents in home visits
This randomized controlled trial involved 242 parents and toddlers in the United States, primarily living in poverty. The study found that R…
A new structured food program shows different benefits for toddlers depending on how well the parent and visitor work together.
Unstable resistance training reduces fear of falling and improves mobility in older adults
Unstable resistance training reduces fear of falling in older adults
This meta-analysis of 7 RCTs compared unstable resistance training (URT) to stable resistance training (SRT) in older adults. Findings indic…
A new analysis finds unstable resistance training may help older adults feel less afraid of falling, with better mobility gains over time.
Neuroinflammation as an interconnected network process regulates synaptic integrity and neuronal survival in cognitive aging
Neuroinflammation as a Network Process in Cognitive Decline
This mini-review explores neuroinflammation as a complex, interconnected network process influencing brain health. The authors synthesize ho…
A new mini-review suggests neuroinflammation acts as an interconnected network that can either protect or harm the brain, influencing cognit…
Discordant treatment responses between primary and metastatic sites occur in 25.1% of stage IV breast cancer
Treatment response differences between primary and metastatic sites impact survival
This exploratory analysis of a Phase III trial involved 271 patients with de novo stage IV breast cancer receiving primary systemic therapy.…
New data shows that when breast cancer responds differently at the original site versus other areas, it can affect patient outcomes.
Impact of Physical Activity Interventions on Exercise Levels in Breast Cancer Patients
Physical activity programs show promise for women with breast cancer
Meta-analysis reveals that structured physical activity programs significantly increase exercise levels in women with breast cancer over sho…
New research shows that exercise programs can increase physical activity levels for women living with or beyond a breast cancer diagnosis.
Axillary lymph node dissection increases risk of arm swelling and lymphoedema in breast cancer patients
Trial Shows Axillary Surgery Predicts Long Term Arm Swelling
This randomized controlled trial of 469 patients undergoing surgery and radiotherapy for node-positive breast cancer found that axillary lym…
New research shows that axillary lymph node dissection is a primary predictor of long-term arm swelling for patients after breast cancer tre…
Shorter rifamycin-containing regimens show comparable efficacy to longer isoniazid monotherapy for latent tuberculosis infection
Shorter drug plans may help children finish tuberculosis treatments
This meta-analysis evaluated shorter rifamycin-containing regimens against a nine-month isoniazid course in children with latent tuberculosi…
New data suggests shorter treatment plans for latent tuberculosis can help children complete their medication without increasing the risk of…
ERAS protocols may optimize clinical outcomes and rehabilitation for pediatric patients with fractures
ERAS Protocols Show Potential for Better Pediatric Fracture Recovery
This systematic review examines the application of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols for pediatric orthopedic trauma. The aut…
Newer surgical recovery methods like ERAS may help children recover faster from fractures and sports injuries while improving their overall …
Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses improve visual acuity and show low complication rates in pediatric eyes
Different types of scleral lens fixation improve vision for children
This meta-analysis of 1531 eyes evaluates various scleral-fixated intraocular lenses (SFIOLs) for use in a pediatric population. The analysi…
New data shows that different ways to secure eye lenses all help improve vision and stability in children with complex eye needs.
Propranolol and propafenone provide stable management for CALM2 mutation related LQTS/CPVT overlap in children
New findings on managing heart rhythm issues in children
This case report describes the clinical outcomes of two Chinese children with CALM2 mutation-related LQTS/CPVT overlap. One patient remained…
Two cases of rare genetic heart conditions show how different medications can have very different effects on a child's safety.
Pediatric delirium affects 38% of critically ill children in meta-analysis
Delirium affects 4 in 10 critically ill children
This meta-analysis of 18,875 critically ill children found a pooled pediatric delirium prevalence of 38.1% (95% CI: 32.5–43.8%). However, ex…
A new analysis of 18,875 children finds that 38% of critically ill kids experience delirium, a serious brain condition often missed.
FDA Approves Augmentin Es-600 (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) for Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children
FDA approves new antibiotic for ear infections in young children
The FDA approved Augmentin Es-600 (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) oral suspension for pediatric patients with recurrent or persistent ac…
The FDA approved Augmentin Es-600, a liquid antibiotic for children with recurring ear infections. It is for kids under 2 or in daycare who …
Multimodal lung-protective strategies reduce BPD risk in preterm infants
New insights into managing lung damage in preterm infants
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants, highlighting its multifactorial pathophys…
Doctors are identifying key risk factors and treatment paths for bronchopulmonary dysplasia to better protect the lungs of premature babies.
Conservative management leads to improvement in Chinese children with Ménétrier disease
Conservative management shows promise for children with Ménétrier disease
A systematic review and case report of 16 Chinese children with Ménétrier disease found that conservative management led to improvement or r…
Children with Ménétrier disease can see significant improvement and remission through conservative treatment plans.
Adjunctive steroids reduce mortality in adult TB meningitis patients but not in children
Steroids may lower death rates for adults with TB meningitis
This meta-analysis of 2028 patients found that adjunctive steroid therapy significantly reduced mortality in adults with TB meningitis (RR =…
Adding steroids to treatment can reduce deaths in adults with TB meningitis, but the results are not as clear for children.
Nalmefene reduces sufentanil-induced cough incidence to 11.3% at 0.1 μg/kg in children
Nalmefene reduces cough from sufentanil in children
This randomized controlled trial of 249 children aged 1–6 years undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery found that nalmefene significantly …
A low dose of nalmefene cut cough rates from 46% to 11% in young children getting sufentanil for surgery.
Imatinib achieves complete cytogenetic response in a pediatric patient with suspected chronic myeloid leukemia
Imatinib works for CML in child with high platelets
This case report describes a pediatric patient with isolated thrombocytosis who achieved a complete cytogenetic response to imatinib after f…
A child with high platelets and no response to standard therapy was found to have CML and responded to imatinib.
Benzodiazepines increase delirium and sleep fragmentation risk while dexmedetomidine shows mixed evidence in pediatric ICU
Sedation Choices May Impact Brain Health in Critically Ill Children
This narrative review examines sedation practices and neurocognitive outcomes in critically ill infants and children. It suggests benzodiaze…
Choosing different sedative medications for children in intensive care may impact their sleep quality and long-term brain health.
Blood product removal reduces permanent shunting risk and mortality in infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Blood Product Removal Shows Lower Risks for Preterm Infants
This meta-analysis of 256 preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus found that blood product remova…
A meta-analysis suggests blood product removal may lower mortality and infection rates in preterm infants with specific brain conditions.
Predictors of Polysomnography Progression in Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Certain risk factors may signal when children need surgery sooner
Identifying specific risk factors like ADHD and asthma can help clinicians determine which children with mild sleep-disordered breathing req…
New data shows that conditions like asthma and ADHD can make it more likely that a child's snoring and breathing issues will worsen over tim…
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Affects Nearly Half of Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Nearly half of people with cystic fibrosis have sleep apnea
A meta-analysis finds that 48% of cystic fibrosis patients have obstructive sleep apnea, linked to worse lung function and oxygen levels.
Almost half of all people with cystic fibrosis also live with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that can impact oxygen and lung function.
Trained general practitioners achieve substantial agreement with radiologists in abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening
General practitioners can accurately screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms
This multiregional pilot study evaluates the feasibility of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening performed by general practitioners in primar…
A new pilot study shows that general doctors can reliably use ultrasound to find abdominal aortic aneurysms in a primary care setting.
Meta-analysis reveals significant disparities in childhood anthropometric failure across global regions
Childhood Undernutrition Rates Show Progress in Low and Middle Income Countries
A large-scale meta-analysis identifies high rates of nutritional failure in children under five, highlighting severe inequalities based on w…
While childhood undernutrition rates are declining globally, many children in rural areas and poorer households still face significant nutri…
Identifying volatile organic compounds and olfactory receptors provides a framework for novel malodor management strategies
New ways to manage and treat bad smells from chronic wounds
This systematic review synthesizes knowledge on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and olfactory receptors (ORs) in chronic and malignant wou…
Doctors are looking at how the nose detects smells from long-term wounds to find better ways to treat patients.
Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube improves audiological outcomes in pediatric patients with ETD
Balloon Dilation May Improve Outcomes for Children with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
This meta-analysis of 1,175 children (1,868 ears) found that balloon dilation of the eustachian tube significantly improves air-bone gap and…
A review of data suggests balloon dilation can improve hearing and function in children with blocked Eustachian tubes.
Arthroscopy-assisted physeal bar resection restores knee motion in toddler
Arthroscopy and Imaging Help Treat Tibial Physeal Bar Lesions
This case report and narrative review describes a 2-year-old female with a proximal tibial physeal bar from a neonatal infection. Arthroscop…
A new surgical approach using arthroscopy and C-arm imaging may help remove bone lesions while protecting healthy cartilage in children with…
High-dose IVIG with phototherapy reduces exchange transfusion rates by 76% in neonatal hemolytic disease
High Dose IVIG Reduces Exchange Transfusions in Neonatal Hemolytic Disease
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 690 neonates found that high-dose IVIG combined with phototherapy significantly…
High-dose IVIG combined with phototherapy may reduce the need for exchange transfusions and shorten hospital stays for infants with hemolyti…
Coronal fragment treatment with calcium silicate bioceramic sealer maintains aesthetic stability in dental trauma
Bioceramic Sealer Shows Promise for Repairing Traumatized Teeth
This case report describes the management of pulpal necrosis following dental trauma in a 33-year-old female. Treatment involved endodontic …
A new treatment method using bioceramic sealers may help repair and stabilize teeth damaged by physical trauma.
Early postnatal antibiotic exposure increases BPD risk in very preterm infants across 11 studies
Early Antibiotic Exposure Linked to Risks for Very Preterm Infants
This meta-analysis of 11 studies indicates that early postnatal antibiotic exposure is associated with an increased risk of bronchopulmonary…
Early antibiotic use in very preterm infants is linked to higher risks of lung issues, intestinal damage, and mortality.
Infliximab treatment achieved clinical remission in a pediatric patient with autoinflammation with infantile enterocolitis
Infliximab Shows Promise for Rare Infantile Bowel Disease
This case report and literature review describes a 2-year-and-4-month-old female with autoinflammation with infantile enterocolitis who achi…
A toddler with a rare genetic bowel disease achieved remission after treatment with infliximab, a drug used for other inflammatory condition…
Single-stage reconstruction shows no significant difference compared to staged reconstruction for bowel continence
Single and staged surgery show similar results for bowel control
This meta-analysis of 746 neonates with anorectal malformations found no significant difference in bowel continence between single-stage and…
New analysis of 746 infants shows that both one-stage and multi-stage surgeries result in similar levels of bowel control.
WDR26 gene variants are associated with Skraban-Deardorff syndrome and delayed language development
New gene variant linked to Skraban-Deardorff syndrome and speech delays
This case report and literature review examines the association between WDR26 mutations and Skraban-Deardorff syndrome. The authors identify…
A new genetic finding helps clarify why children with Skraban-Deardorff syndrome often face significant challenges with language development…
Behavioral therapy produces sustained improvements in tic symptoms for children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome
Behavioral therapy eases tics in children with Tourette syndrome
This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving 942 participants found that behavioral therapy significantly improves tic sympt…
A new analysis shows behavioral therapy reduces tic symptoms in kids with Tourette syndrome, and the benefits last.
Sarcopenic obesity may impair bone formation and reduce mineral content in children and adolescents
Sarcopenic Obesity May Impact Bone Health in Children
This narrative review explores the relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and bone mass in pediatric populations. The authors suggest …
New research suggests that the combination of muscle loss and excess weight may affect bone mineral content in children and adolescents.
Oxytocin use and high newborn weight are associated with increased episiotomy risk during vaginal birth
Oxytocin use and newborn weight linked to higher episiotomy risk
This meta-analysis of 17,502 individuals undergoing vaginal birth identifies oxytocin use and newborn weight as significant risk factors for…
New data shows that oxytocin use and heavier newborn weights are linked to a higher risk of an episiotomy during vaginal birth.
Individuals with developmental dyslexia exhibit medium magnitude impairments in fine motor skills compared to neurotypical peers
Children with dyslexia often struggle with fine motor skills
This meta-analysis of 100 studies and 366 effects examines fine motor skills in individuals with developmental dyslexia. The analysis found …
New data shows that children with dyslexia frequently have more difficulty with tasks like handwriting and manual dexterity compared to thei…
Short-course antibiotics cut complication risk by half in pediatric osteoarticular infections
Short Antibiotic Courses May Lower Risks for Children with Bone Infections
This meta-analysis of 2240 pediatric patients found that short-course antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated osteoarticular infections was a…
Children with uncomplicated bone infections may face fewer complications when treated with a shorter course of antibiotics instead of long-t…