Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

According to WHO, recent study data indicate that the radio frequencies from cell phones may cause certain forms of cancer in humans and result in gliomas (type of tumor the originates in the brain or spine) for those using cell phones for longer periods. These new findings are contrary to what the National Cancer Institute has reported.

Cell Phones and Cancer Risk

IARC CLASSIFIES RADIOFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ASPOSSIBLY CARCINOGENIC TO HUMANS

A recent study establishes that eating fish two or three times a week reduces the risk of preterm labor for women less than 22 weeks into their pregnancy. However, eating more than three servings a week did not further decrease the risk of preterm labor.

Fish Consumption, Erythrocyte Fatty Acids, and Preterm Birth

The FDA has issued a warning that SimplyThick increases risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious bowel complication that can lead to death of intestinal tissue.

For additional information, go to: SimplyThick: Public Health Notification - Risk of Life-Threatening Bowel Condition

New evidence indicate that there is a strong correlation between maternal thyroid autoantibodies and an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery. Fortunately levothyroxine can reduce the risks if taken during pregnancy.

Association between thyroid autoantibodies and miscarriage and preterm birth: meta-analysis of evidence

A young man who was render paralyzed from a neck injury is now able to stand for several minutes after undergoing electrical stimulation of his spinal cord.

Paralyzed Man Stands, Moves With Epidural Stimulation

According to the FDA, Plavix (clopidogrel) is less effective for patients who are unable to metabolize the drug. As such, these patients remain at risk of developing blood clots, myocardial infarcts (heart attacks), strokes and other cardiovascular complications.

FDA Announces New Boxed Warning on Plavix
Alerts patients, health care professionals to potential for reduced effectiveness

A recent European study has shown that low sodium concentration in urine is associated with significantly higher cardiovascular risks. As such, salt in moderation is good for your heart. Although some cardiologists as early as 1948, noted that a significant reduction in sodium intake resulted in a minute reduction in blood pressure, others argued that low sodium was imperative to cardiovascular health. This new study raises a very intriguing question as to why our medical profession has encouraged the public to reduce sodium intake for so many years.

Fatal and Nonfatal Outcomes, Incidence of Hypertension, and Blood Pressure Changes in Relation to Urinary Sodium Excretion

Study Evaluates Relationship of Urinary Sodium With Health Outcomes

With our ever increasing usage of imaging technology as diagnostic tools, patients are being exposed to ionizing radiation that has a cumulative impact on the body over time. It is well known that ionizing radiation increases the risk of solid cancers and leukemia. As such, it is important to only undergo diagnostic imaging when necessary.

Original Article

Exposure to Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation from Medical Imaging Procedures

The same bitter taste receptors found on our tongue are also in the smooth muscle airway. Study data show that bitter tasting compounds inhaled into the lung relax the airway muscle (bronchodilator) nearly 100%, far better than any bronchodilator on the market today.

Primary source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Source reference:
Robinett KS, et al "Bitter taste receptor signaling on airway smooth muscle: A highly efficacious pathway for treating obstructive airway disease" Am J Respir Crit Care Med 183; 2011: A1270.

COPD sufferers fair better in rehabilitation when receiving higher doses of vitamin D according to a recent small study.

Primary source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Source reference:
Hornikx M, et al "Vitamin D supplementation during rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An intervention study" Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 183: A2533.

Researchers have determined that Leptin plays an important role in the development of the hippocampus during gestation and serves to enhance cognitive functions. Because Leptin resistance generally occurs in GDM pregnancies and decreases the Leptin receptors, this impacts the neonate's brain development.

Leptin withdrawal after birth: A neglected factor account for cognitive deficit in offspring of GDM mother

Recent study data indicated that young women taking oral contraceptives are at an increased risk of large artery stiffness. The study, however, cautions that long-term data need to be analyzed before understanding the true significance of these findings.
Use of the oral contraceptive pill is associated with increased large artery stiffness in young women: The ENIGMA Study

Utilizing recommended medications (e.g., statins, aspirin and anti-hypertension) has been shown to be as effective as PCI and carry far less morbidity for the patient. Additionally, the cost of PCI exceed the cost of medication therapy by more than $10,000.00.
Patterns and Intensity of Medical Therapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

It is well known that during pregnancy women are at an increased risk of developing gallstones (i.e., small cholesterol crystals that develop into gallstones) due to increased insulin resistance brought about by pregnancy. However, new data show that this risk is even higher if excessive carbohydrates are consumed during pregnancy.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/DDW/26377?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mobile&utm_campaign=medpage%2Biphone%20app

Source reference:
Wong A, Ko C "Carbohydrate intake: a risk factor for biliary sludge and stones during pregnancy" DDW 2011; Abstract 322.

The American Heart Association in 2005 reported that NSAIDs increased the risk of myocardial infarct (heart attack) in patients who had heart disease or had suffered an MI. Since that time additional studies have reaffirmed and strengthened these findings. In fact, it is now considered unsafe to prescribe NSAIDs for even a short period to patients who have suffered an MI or have heart disease. Just one week of NSAIDs can increase the risk of an MI by 45%.

Use of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs

A new blood test that can quickly determine if a patient has methicillin resistant or susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA/MSSA) bacteria has received approval from the FDA. http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/FDAGeneral/26353

Over 20% of gastroenterologist questioned were unable to name the sole criterion for Barrett's esophagus set forth in the American College of Gastroenterology's practice guideline. As such, many patients without Barrett's are being diagnosed and treated for the disease unnecessarily.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/DDW/26345?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mobile&utm_campaign=medpage%2Biphone%20app
Source reference:
Tharakan M, et al "Poor compliance with guidelines in the diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus" DDW 2011; Abstract Sa1064.

A small study suggest that an episiotomies may not offer any relief for shoulder dystocia despite their common use in these situations. The study relies on data from last two decades that show episiotomies dropped nearly 40% during this time and BPIs associated with shoulder dystocia did not change. Is An Episiotomy Necessary With A Shoulder Dystocia?

New study data show that increased urterine EMG and shortened cervical length during the second trimester provide a strong indicator of an increased risk of preterm labor and delivery. Raised electrical uterine activity and shortened cervical length could predict preterm delivery in a low-risk population

Recent study data demonstrate a significant fifty-fold increase in the risk of femur fracture in patients using bisphosphonates.

Osteoporosis Drugs Hike Femur Fracture Risk

Primary source: New England Journal of Medicine
Bisphosphonate Use and Atypical Fractures of the Femoral Shaft

Adhering to a regular exercise program can lower your blood glucose according to a recent meta-analysis. Aerobic and anaerobic regimen were both proven to reduce glucose levels. Those that exercised at least 150 minutes per week experienced the highest reduction in blood glucose.

Strict Exercise Regimen Beats Back Blood Sugar

chung rhee - May 05, 2011
Vigorous nationwide campaign for walking would be most cost effective measure. Since weather and other factors may prohibit consistency, policy makers may consider measures such as tax benefit to encourage open business for fitness in areas where such facilities are lacking.