Utilizing blood thinners, such as heparin and aspirin, during pregnancy results in significant reduction in preeclampsia particularly in women with a history of preeclampsia, according to a recent study. Additional, larger studies are still necessary before fully understanding the efficacy and safety of blood thinners during pregnancy.
A number of studies have shown that cinnamon is effective in helping diabetics control their blood sugar (glucose). In addition, recent study data show that it can also reduce body fat and improve lean muscle mass. Cinnamon's Medicinal Properties
Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals will remove propoxyphene from the U.S. market due to serious toxicity to the heart.
For further information, go to: Propoxyphene: Withdrawal - Risk of Cardiac Toxicity
New data show that an elevated D-Dimer concentration are an independent predictor of increased stroke or emboli risks. AHA: D-Dimer Predicts Afib Stroke Risk
Adrian has developed the Symplicity Catheter System that sends electrical current to renal nerves and results in lower blood pressure. The system is being utilized in patients who are unable to control their hypertension with prescription drugs. A one-time procedure that may provide a lasting benefit.
According to a recent study, babies delivered during the night were at an increased risk of encephalopathy, asphyxia and seizures. Nighttime delivery and risk of neonatal encephalopathy
Merck's new cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 36% while increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels by 138%. Additionally, the drug appears to be without any significant adverse effects, like its predecessor Torcetrapib.
http://www.theheart.org/article/1151979.do
New study data show that women 35 and older who undergo a second trimester amniocentesis are more than twice as likely to experience fetal demise/loss than those who undergo an amniocentesis before their second trimester. Fetal loss associated with second trimester amniocentesis
FDA has recalled the SIGMA Spectrum Infusion Pump Model 35700 because they nits may produce altered flow conditions, such as back flow, over-infusion, including free flow without producing an alarm.
For additional information, go to: Sigma Spectrum Infusion Pump Model 35700: Class 1 Recall: Risk of Over-Infusion
The FDA has published a comprehensive list of this year's (2010) labeling changes for thirty-four prescription drugs. Go to October 2010
A recent study showed 100% accuracy in diagnosing the cause of acute abdominal/pelvic pain for pregnant women whose ultrasounds were indeterminate.
Acute abdominal and pelvic pain in pregnancy: MR imaging as a valuable adjunct to ultrasound?
Utilizing a computer model of shoulder dystocia, researchers determined that the current methods for delivering infants encountering shoulder dystocia is substantially more effective in reducing pressure and nerve stretching than dorsal lithotomy position (i.e., legs in stirrups and buttocks at edge of table).
Data show that delivering the posterior arm alone resulted in greater than 70% decrease in anterior nerve stretch and even greater decrease in delivery force.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Oct;203(4):339.e1-5. Epub 2010 Jun 26.
PMID: 20580342 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
A recent study indicates that children whose mothers took more than one antiepileptic medication (polytherapy) during pregnancy have approximately a three-fold increased risk of intellectual deficits during their teenage years. Of interest, children of pregnant mothers who took on one antiepileptic medication (monotherapy) during pregnancy did not exhibit any intellectual deficits.
Primary source: Epilepsia
Source reference: Epilepsia
El Camino Hospital has employed some rather impressive technologies to advance patient care and safety. To learn more about El Camino Hospital, go to: El Camino Hospital
A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology shows that elderly patients reporting excessive sleepiness during the day had a 49% increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction (heart attack) or heart failure.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is an independent Risk Indicator for Cardiovascular Mortality in Community Dwelling Elderly. The Three Cities Study. JP Empana, Y Dauviliers, JF Dartigues et al. Stroke 2009: 40:00-00. 1-6
Source: ESC Press Office
European Society of Cardiology
Two reports of fragments from the tissue stabilizer falling into patients' chest cavity have been received by Medtronic. It is recommended that Octopus Nuvo Tissue Stabilizer devices be returned to Medtronic and not utilized on patients.
To report issues with this device:
• 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 additional information, go to: Octopus Nuvo Tissue Stabilizer: Recall - Potential for Device Fracture
480.905.9208
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1.888.905.9208
May 17, 2012 Diabetes, Obesity & Hypertension During Pregnancy May Increase Risk of Autism (5.17.12) A recent study concluded that pregnant women who are diabetic, obese or hypertensive (high blood...
May 15, 2012 Carbonated Beverages Increase Risk of Stroke (5.15.12) Believe it or not, both diet and regular soda consumption is suspected to significantly raise...
May 10, 2012 Liberation Therapy/Procedure Used to Treat Chronic Cerebrospial Venous Insufficiency May Be Dangerous, Says FDA (5.10.12) The FDA has issued an alert regarding Liberation Therapy/Procedure saying that it is an experimental...
April 17, 2012 C-Reactive Protein May Be Reliable Indicator for Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) (4.17.12) Recent data demonstrate that elevated maternal C-reactive protein in the early stage of pregnancy suggests...
April 10, 2012 Synthetic Progesterone (Drospirenone) Contained in Birth Control Pills Possibly Linked to Increased Risk of Clotting (4.10.12) The FDA warns that birth control pills containing drospirenone may increase the risk of blood...
April 10, 2012 Honey and Yogurt Mixture Proves Effective in Treating Vulvovaginal Candidiasis During Pregnancy (4.10.12) A recent small study demonstrated that honey mixed with yogurt was effective in treating vulvovaginal...