Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Various lots of Heparin sold by B. Braun Medical Inc., manufactured in2008, have been recalled because of a trace amount of oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) contaminant.
To file a report regarding adverse reactions to this Heparin:
• 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: Heparin Sodium (B. Braun): Recall - Trace Contaminant

According to BMJ, a low GFR indicates an increased risk of stroke. The increased risk appears to associated with an estimated GFR (eGFR) of 59 or less.

Low glomerular filtration rate and risk of stroke: meta-analysis

Recent data involving more than 1,200 patients with MRSA pneumonia show that treatment with Linezolid resulted in resolution of MRSA over 57%. This was 11% higher than patients treated with the standard antibiotic treatment, Vancomycin.

IDSA: Linezolid Wins Battle on MRSA Pneumonia

Primary source: Infectious Diseases Society of America
Source reference:
Kunkel M, et al "Linezolid vs vancomycin in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia proven due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus" IDSA 2010; Abstract LB-49.

According to the FDA teething tablets manufactured by Hyland are being recalled because they contain varying amounts of belladonna, a herb that can cause serious harm at larger doses.
For further information:
• 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

Hyland's Teething Tablets: Recall - Risk of Harm to Children

A 20-year study establishes that individuals taking low-dose aspirin for six or more years reduced their risk of colon cancer by twenty-five percent. Additionally, these same individuals reduced their risk of death from colon cancer by thirty-three percent.

Primary source: The Lancet
Source reference:
Long-term effect of aspirin on colorectal cancer incidence and mortality: 20-year follow-up of five randomised trials

According to the FDA, there is an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular complications in men receiving GnRHts for prostate cancer. The FDA recommends patients receiving GnRHts undergo periodic testing for elevated blood glucose.

For more information, go to: GnRH Agonists: Label Change - Increased Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease (Update)

A new osteoporosis drug developed by Eli Lilly and Company has proven effective in regnerating jaw bone in patients who suffer from "dead jaw" or osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Study: Osteoporosis Drug Regrows Jaw Bone

Banyan, a Florida-based, biotechnology company has developed a simple blood test to determine if a individual has suffered a TBI. According to researchers at Banyan, a specific protein is found in the blood of a TBI victim.

Banyan Gets $26.3M to Develop Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Brain Injury

According to the FDA consumers should not use any OTC products marketed for "chelation" due to serious complications and risks associated with them. The FDA also warns that these OTC chelation products are not safe even when used under medical supervision because they can still result in dehydration, kidney failure, and death.
For additional information, go to:

Chelation Products: Unapproved Over-the-Counter Drugs - Consumer Warning

Prior evidence established that gum disease during pregnancy increased the risk of premature labor. However, treatment was not provided because it involved the use of antibiotics. Now, however, data indicate that treatment of gum disease without the use of antibiotics can safely control gum disease while decreasing the risk of premature labor.

Gum Disease Treatment Recommended During Pregnancy

According to recent study data, pregnant women with Vitamin D deficiency were at a higher risk of experiencing bacterial vaginosis. Although additional data is needed to confirm the link, with all the benefits associated with vitamin D, it would behoove pregnant women to ensure that their vitamin D intake is sufficient.

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Sep 29. [Epub ahead of print]
Pregnancy-specific association of vitamin D deficiency and bacterial vaginosis.
Hensel KJ, Randis TM, Gelber SE, Ratner AJ.

Department of Pediatrics, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY.

As of today (10.9.10) Abbott Laboratories and FDA Meridia has been withdrawn from the U.S. market based on study data demonstrating an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
For additional information, go to:

Meridia (sibutramine): Market Withdrawal Due to Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events

New data show a link between an APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration; quick test for assessing a newborn's health) score of 3 or less at 5 minutes and cerebral palsy.

Association of cerebral palsy with Apgar score in low and normal birthweight infants: population based cohort study

Data from a two-decade study establishes that women experiencing preeclampsia (elevated blood pressure during pregnancy) had a 1:2 ratio of angiotensinogen I and II, compared to the normal 2:3 ratio. Because angiotensinogen II constricts blood vessels, this results in elevated blood pressure. As such, any increase in angiotensinogen II results in an increase in blood pressure.

Primary source: Nature
Source reference:

A redox switch in angiotensinogen modulates angiotensin release

Patients awaiting liver transplants experienced longer post-transplant survival than their counterparts lacking faith (e.g., belief in a superior being, religious belief). So keep your faith and stay healthy!

Primary source: Liver Transplantation
Source reference:
Religiosity associated with prolonged survival in liver transplant recipients†

Patients suffering from partial seizures and experiencing poor control with other antiepileptics were able to reduce their seizures by over 23% as reported by the American Academy of Neurology earlier this year.

Primary source: Epilepsia
Source reference:

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of rufinamide as adjunctive therapy for refractory partial-onset seizures

Recent study data indicate that pregnant women were more than ten times more likely to have elevated blood pressure during pregnancy if they received five or less hours of sleep. According to the study, the ideal sleeping period is seven to nine hours each night.

Primary source: SLEEP
Source reference:

Associations of Early Pregnancy Sleep Duration with Trimester-Specific Blood Pressures and Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy

A new study involving nearly 300,000 participants demonstrates that a GFR of 60 or less results in a greater than 40% increased risk of future vascular disease (e.g. stroke). For Asians, the risk is even greater.

Low glomerular filtration rate and risk of stroke: meta-analysis