Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

There is approximately a three-fold increase in mortality for high-risk births at less-specialized hospitals than at level III hospitals. Level III hospitals generally have higher-level perinatal care and abide by perinatal regionalization guidelines.

Primary source: Journal of the American Medical Association
Source reference:
Perinatal Regionalization for Very Low-Birth-Weight and Very Preterm Infants

For women, the Selenium (trace mineral) may play a role in reducing the overall risk of bladder cancer. Men, on the other hand, although may also see reduced risk, it is not as strong as with women.

At this point, researchers suggest that additional studies take place before physicians begin prescribing or patients begin taking Selenium.

Primary source: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
Source reference:
Selenium and Bladder Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis

Selenium Linked to Lower Bladder Cancer Risk

Once again, the FDA is reminding healthcare professionals that the intravenous antibacterial Tygacil (tigecycline) carries a higher risk of mortality than compared to that of other drugs used to treat a variety of serious infections.
Tygacil is used for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, and community acquired pneumonia. Tygacil is not approved for the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (including ventilator-associated pneumonia) or diabetic foot infection, which is where the highest mortality risk is encountered.
To report complications with Tygacil:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
For further information, go to: Tygacil (tigecycline): Label Change - Increased Mortality Risk

Apixaban cut the rate of stroke by 50% in atrial fibrillation patients, according to data from the multinational AVERROES trial. The study concluded earlier than planned because of the astonishing results of the Apixaban.

In addition to the benefit, Apixaban also is does not increase the risk of bleeding or liver toxicity. Although not approved for market, the drug will be somewhat troublesome for patients as it requires two doses daily.

ESC: Novel Drug Beats Aspirin in Afib Patients

Recent data from a Norwegian study suggest that infants born early-term or late-term have an increased risk of cerebral palsy. Children born at 37 weeks were at the highest risk. However, preterm babies generally have a much higher risk of many different complications due to their underdevelopment. Researchers have suggested that intrauterine complications generally play a role in the timing of delivery. As such, the timing of birth really isn't the determinant, rather the underlying complication is.

Primary source: Journal of the American Medical Association
Source reference:

Cerebral Palsy Among Term and Postterm Births

Birth Late or Early Ups Chance of CP

Recent data from a study in Germany with chronic heart failure patients, indicates that ventricular function is improved after injecting the heart with bone marrow. Not only does this procedure appear to beneficial to patients, but it also has no risks associated with it.

ESC: Bone Marrow Cells May Help Heal Hearts

According to researchers, consuming one to two cups of coffee daily increases the distensibility (ability to distend/enlarge) of the aorta (the main trunk of arteries carrying blood from the left side of the heart). Aortas become stiff and do not distend easily as we age. Hypertension is also another cause of aortic stiffness. The researchers warned that drinking more than two cups daily had no effect on the aortic stiffness. So, if you want to enjoy your coffee and do good for your heart at the same time, limit your daily intake of coffee to two cups. ESC: Daily Coffee Limbers Up the Heart

According to research data from Britain's Oxford University, Vitamin D effects DNA through a vitamin D receptor (VDR) that binds to various locations of the genome. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to dementia, cancer, MS and many other diseases. Scientist also believe that vitamin D supplements should be given to pregnant women to reduce the risk of vitamin D complications for newborns.

Gene study supports link between vitamin D deficiency and disease

According to ACOG, the prevention of surgical errors is the shared responsibility of the healthcare team and should involve educating the patient. ACOG's new stance is aligned with the current trend in healthcare to enhance patient safety and enable patients so that they can make appropriate decisions and understand the options that may be available.

ACOG Issues Guidance Against Surgical Errors

Australian researchers have found that deliveries involving forceps increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse later in life. According to the data, there was almost a four-times' greater risk of avulsion of the levator ani muscles ( helps form the pelvic diaphragm; see Levator ani ). Interestingly, epidurals were found to reduce damage to the levator ani muscles.

Forceps Delivery Linked to Later Pelvic Organ Prolapse

INOMAX has been recalled after discovering that there is a potential for failure of a pressure switch. Should this occur, it may result in interruption of the nitric oxide delivery to the patient. An interruption can lead to:
• Worsening of low blood oxygen level (hypoxemia)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) and/or
• Increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension)
• Death
To contact the manufactured, Ikaria, call their Customer Care office at1-877-KNOW-INO (1-877-566-9466).
For complete information about the recall, go to: INOMAX DS Drug-Delivery System: Class I Recall - Risk of Interruption of Drug Flow

According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), patients scheduled for a c-section should receive antibiotics an hour before delivery. This new recommendation should result in fewer wound infections, lower endometriosis rates, and lower post-operative infections. ACOG also noted that fear of masking positive bacterial cultures or causing antibiotic-resistant infections from instituting this new recommendation are unsupported.

Source reference:
Committee Opinion No. 465: Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Cesarean Delivery: Timing of Administration

A recent study in China involving 300 women established that oral misoprostol was just as effective as intravenous Oxytocin. The study also found that there was no difference in adverse effects and birth complications. Because fixed-dose misoprostol can lead to higher frequency of excessive uterine contractility that results in fetal distress, the study used titrated, small doses of oral misoprostol.

Source reference:
Titrated Oral Compared With Vaginal Misoprostol for Labor Induction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

According to study data from Environmental Health Perspectives, maternal exposure to pesticides/bug sprays (Organophosphates) result in increased risk of children developing ADHD as well as other problems. The primary data was collected from several hundred Mexican-American children in Salinas Valley, California. An area with a high concentration of farming. They found that at five years' of age, children began exhibiting signs of ADHD. Earlier age groups, however, did not.

Primary source: Environmental Health Perspectives
Source reference:

PON1 and Neurodevelopment in Children from the CHAMACOS Study Exposed to Organophosphate Pesticides in Utero

Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure and Attention in Young Mexican-American Children

The FDA is recommending not to use unapproved IUDs and Intrauterine Systems (IUSs) because of potential safety and effectiveness issues. Counterfeit IUDs/IUSs have turned up in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Kentucky, according to the FDA. To avoid unnecessary risks, ask your medical provider if the IUD/IUS is approved.

FDA Cautions Against Using Unapproved IUDs