Risk Factors Identified for Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury in Critically Ill Patients
By Will Boggs, MDTransfusion factors and patient characteristics contribute to the risk of acute lung injury (ALI) following blood transfusions in critically ill patients, according to a report in the November 1st issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. "Critically ill patients, their families, and physicians need to be aware that […]
Expert Viewpoint: William J. Gradishar, MD
Professor, Division of Hematology and Medical OncologyNorthwestern UniversityThe Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL William J. Gradishar, MD, is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, and a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. […]
HIV Infection Increases Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Risk
By Will Boggs, MDPatients infected with HIV have an increased risk of developing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), according to a report in the November 15th issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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.
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.
