Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

A recent study established that women with short cervix in mid-trimester reduced their risk of preterm delivery (<33wks) by as much as 45% when using vaginal progesterone gel. Vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Data indicate that diets rich in Omega 3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, tuna) generally result in better memory and slower aging of the brain. Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels and markers of accelerated brain aging

Arizona ranks 26th on Well-Being Index. The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metro area ranked 69th among cities. The poll examined people's self-evaluation of physical health, emotional health, healthy behaviors, work environment and basic access (police, fire, hospital, insurance). State of well-being

The FDA now requires statin labels to address the potential for mild and reversible cognitive side effects and reports of elevated blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

For additional information, go to: Statin Drugs - Drug Safety Communication: Class Labeling Change

Recent data indicate that hypnotic sleeping pills (e.g., Zolpidem and Temazepam) may be linked to a substantially increased risk of cancer and death. Additional studies are underway to establish the validity of these findings.

Kripke DF, et al "Hypnotics' association with mortality or cancer: A matched cohort study" BMJ Open 2012; 2: e000850. Sleeping Pill Death Toll May Top 500,000

According to a recent study middle-aged patients exhibiting stronger grip strength were approximately 40% less likely to experience a stroke. Those with slower gait speeds were found to 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia. Simple Tests May Help Predict Dementia, Stroke in Middle-Aged People

PFCs are prolific in our society and can be found in many places such as fast-food packaging and non-stick cookware. A recent study now implicates PFCs with reduced efficacy of childhood vaccinations. It is believed that children are exposed to PFCs before and after birth. PFCs, Chemicals Widespread in Environment, Linked to Lowered Immune Response to Childhood Vaccinations

Studies have found that rice grown in the U.S. contains concerning levels of arsenic. The arsenic is found in U.S. grown rice because years ago arsenic-based poisons were used in many farms as pesticides. Since that time the arsenic has settled in the soil and now shows up in the rice that is now grown in those fields. Arsenic is detrimental to developing fetuses. As such, pregnant women should limit or avoid consumption of U.S.-grown rice. Food Safety: U.S. Rice Serves Up Arsenic

The FDA has issued a warning that counterfeit Avastin 400mg/16mL, may be circulating in the market. The counterfeit Avastin, lacks, bevacizumab, the primary component of the Avastin. According to the FDA, Avastin labeled with Roche as the manufacturer and displaying batch numbers starting with B6010, B6011 or B86017 may be counterfeit.
For further information, go to: Avastin (bevacizumab): Counterfeit Product - FDA Issues Letters to 19 Medical Practices

A small study shows that women found with fibroids at their first ultrasound are at a higher risk of suffering preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

From the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
2011 Elsevier Inc.