Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

After reviewing data on saline and silicone gel breast implants, the FDA has determined that they may be associated with a rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The cancer tends to form in the scar capsule near the implant.
The FDA is requesting that health care professionals report any confirmed cases of ALCL in women with breast implants.

If you have been diagnosed with ALCL after receiving breast implants then you should:
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: Breast Implants: FDA Review Indicates Possible Association With A Rare Cancer

Study data show that women who gave birth to preterm or SGA babies were at a higher risk of experiencing metabolic syndrome eight years post-delivery. Current thinking is that appropriate screening and intervention should take place with women in this segment so metabolic syndrome can be better controlled or prevented.

Prior Preterm or Small-for-Gestational-Age Birth Related to Maternal Metabolic Syndrome

Because there is a higher risk of vacuum-assisted delivery or c-section associated with induced labor, patients need to be fully aware of these risks before proceeding.
Induction of labor

Study data show that RG7204 stabilizes or reduces melanoma tumor size by over 80%. The drug may be available on the market by as early as 2012.
RG7204, a BRAF Inhibitor, Demonstrates Promising Results in Metastatic Melanoma

Although still considered safe, Fluzone has recently been associated with febrile seizures in some infants receiving the vaccination. To report an incident with this or any other vaccine, go to: The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

Fluzone considered safe for children despite increased reports in VAERS of febrile seizures

Many patients in hospitals and nursing homes become victims to C. difficile and experiencing severe, chronic diarrhea, or worse colitis or death. Because C. difficile usually results from antibiotics that tend deplete the helpful bacteria in the intestines replacing the depleted bacteria is the goal. Researchers have established that by taking a donor's feces and transplanting it into the C. difficile patient they can effectively restore the good bacteria. Scientists Treat Hospital Infection With 'Fecal Transplant'

John Hopkins University School of Medicine recently found that Nitroxoline can effectively inhibit the growth of bladder and breast cancer cells by blocking the formation of blood vessels that stimulate tumor growth. Antibiotic Slows Bladder, Breast Cancer Cell Growth

Ensuring that all cardiac surgery patients received appropriate antibiotics before surgery resulted in a significant reduction in MRSA wound infections. Sustained Reduction in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Wound Infections After Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Recent study data shows that those eating at least eight servings of fruit and vegetables daily experienced a 22% reduction in ischemic heart disease. It is suspected that the fruits and vegetables lower inflammation which is a known factor in cardiovascular disease.

Primary source: European Heart Journal
Source reference: Fruit and vegetable intake and mortality from ischaemic heart disease: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Heart study

Fruit and vegetable intake reduces risk of fatal coronary heart disease

Multaq is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Recent findings now show that Multaq can result in acute liver failure.

For further information from the FDA, go to: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Severe liver injury associated with the use of dronedarone (marketed as Multaq)

Data from Columbia University indicates that babies born shortly after their siblings have a higher risk of autism. According to the researchers, children born more than two years apart have a reduced risk of autism. Although uncertain as the cause of this increased risk, it is thought that the mother does not have sufficient time to replace all the nutrients, particularly folate, that are depleted during pregnancy and that the lack of nutrients impacts the fetus development.

Shorter time between pregnancies linked with increased autism risk

According to the Institute of Medicine's new weight guidelines women pregnant women at normal weight should not gain more than 6.2% of their total pre-pregnancy weight during pregnancy. Gaining more than this can result in increased risk of PRH.

The Effect of New Antepartum Weight Gain Guidelines and Prepregnancy Body Mass Index on the Development of Pregnancy-Related Hypertension

Updated data from various studies show that women of reproductive age exposed to Benzodiazepines have a twofold increased risk of having children with oral cleft.

DRUGS IN PREGNANCY

Although study data back in 2009 showed that prescription-strength NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drug) increased the risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack), new data now suggest that over-the-counter NSAIDs if taken in higher doses pose the same risk as prescription-strength. New data also show that Naproxen appears to carry the least risk of cardiovascular events, while Ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) had the highest.

Cause-Specific Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Among Healthy Individuals

Risks of NSAIDs backed in new study

According to recent data, Resveratrol combined with Rapamycin (cancer treatment drug) improves the anti-tumor properties of Rapamycin.

Resveratrol enhances the anti-tumor activity of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in multiple breast cancer cell lines mainly by suppressing rapamycin-induced AKT signaling

A study involving Scottish volunteers has demonstrated that individuals who sit four or more hours a day have a two-fold increased risk of cardiovascular complications (e.g., heart attack) over those that sit two or less hours a day.

Sitting Too Much May Have Serious Consequences

Dr. Patrick Duff has created a check list that he believes will reduce significant complications (i.e., endometritis, wound infection, wound disruption, thrombophlebitis, and subsequent pregnancy uterine wound-scar dehiscence) associated with cesarean deliveries. The list consist of eight simple items, such as removing hair at the surgical site with clippers instead of a razor.

A Simple Checklist for Preventing Major Complications Associated With Cesarean Delivery

According to data from a ten-year study, women who were routinely exposed to higher-intensity light during sleep experienced more than a 20% increased risk of breast cancer. Scientist speculate that the light may compromise melatonin production that is responsible for regulating estrogen levels.

Primary source: Chronobiology International
Source reference: Does the Modern Urbanized Sleeping Habitat Pose a Breast Cancer Risk?

The new guidelines cover a the management of various clinical syndromes common with MRSA infections and are intended for adult and pediatric patients.
Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious
Diseases Society of America for the Treatment of
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Infections in Adults and Children

Albuterol 0.083% inhalation solution, 3ml in the 25, 30, and 60 unit dose vials is being recalled because they incorrectly note their concentration as 0.5mg per 3ml when it is actually 2.5 mg. This error could lead to overdose or toxicity.

• If you have experienced an adverse event from this mislabeled product, please file a complaint with the FDA at

For further information, go to: Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution 0.083%, 3 mL Unit Dose Vials: Recall - Mislabeled Unit Dose Vials

According to the March of Dimes, elective deliveries should be postponed until 39 weeks to improve birth outcomes. Cease the practice of early elective delivery, says March of Dimes