Blood Transfusion Does Not Increase Prostate Cancer Recurrence Risk
Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) does not increase the risk of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP), according to a report in the December issue of BJU International.
Risks of Transfusion
Bruce D. Spiess, MD, FAHAIntroductionBlood transfusion has evolved into a mainstay medical therapy. It has never undergone efficacy and safety testing the way in which a drug would be tested for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.[1,2] Today, some 107 years after Karl Landsteiner discovered the ABO histocompatibility antigens, we are still learning […]
Models Predict Success With Growth Hormone Treatment
Mathematical models, particularly those incorporating both growth and endocrine data, can predict which short children will benefit from treatment with growth hormone (GH), according to a new study.
Patients With Alpha1-Antitrypsin Deficiency May Not Need Flu Vaccine
Despite guidelines that recommend influenza vaccination for patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), new research suggests that such vaccination has little impact on disease outcomes in those patients.
Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation Improves Hypercapnia in Cystic Fibrosis
Nocturnal noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIV) reduces hypercapnia, improves symptoms, and increases exercise capacity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), according to a report in the January issue of Thorax.
Characteristics of Patients Prescribed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Characteristics of Patients Prescribed Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, or the Combination at an Urban Medical CenterGhania Masri, MD; Kristi Bledsoe, PharmD; Carlos Palacio, MD Abstract Background: The realization that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not provide complete blockade of angiotensin II synthesis has resulted in an increased use of combinations of ACE inhibitors […]
FDA Safety Changes: Pexeva, Vfend, Suprane
News Author: Yael WaknineCME Author: Yael Waknine The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved safety labeling revisions to advise of the risk for serotonin syndrome in patients receiving concomitant treatment with paroxetine mesylate and triptans, drug interactions between voriconazole and efavirenz requiring dose adjustments for both drugs when used concomitantly, and the risk […]
FDA Warns of Counterfeit Prescription Drugs Purchased Online
Yael WaknineThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers and healthcare professionals of the risk for obtaining counterfeit drugs when purchasing prescription medications online, according to a news release.
ACP Addresses Potential Outcomes of Pay for Performance
News Author: Laurie Barclay, MDCME Author: Charles Vega, MD The American College of Physicians has issued recommendations to offset the potential adverse effects of pay-for-performance programs and to redirect the focus to the patient. Their position paper, which highlights the ethical implications of pay for performance and potential effects on the clinician-patient relationship, is published […]
Guidelines Updated for Antiretroviral Therapy in Teens and Adults With HIV-1 Infection
News Author: Laurie Barclay, MDCME Author: Hien T. Nghiem, MD On December 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued updated guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in teens and adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
