Group-Randomized Trials Often Analyzed Incorrectly, Study Finds
A disturbing number of trials lack rigorous statistical methods in both their design and analysis, researchers demonstrate in a thought-provoking new study. The work, which appears in the April 2 issue of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, shows that a large number of published trials are coming to erroneous conclusions.
Low Socioeconomic Status a Risk Factor for Heart Graft Failure
Children from families with low socioeconomic status who undergo heart transplantation have twice the risk for graft failure as pediatric heart recipients from wealthier families, reported investigators here at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation 28th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions.
Cochlear Dysfunction Apparent in Migraineurs
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Apr 11 – Otoacoustic emission testing, which allows monitoring of minute changes in cochlear status, shows dysfunction of cochlea and cochlear efferents in patients with migraine, Turkish researchers report in the April issue of Cephalalgia.
Physician-Directed Home Care Reduces COPD Exacerbations in Elderly
A system employing hospital levels of care delivered at home to elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations provides results superior to those with inpatient treatment, according to Italian and US researchers.
HIV Co-Infection Speeds HCV-Induced Liver Fibrosis
Although HIV does not directly infect the liver, HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is associated with more severe HCV-induced liver fibrosis than is HCV infection alone.
Heparin Contaminant Identified
The contaminant found in samples of heparin that had been linked to an increase in adverse reactions has now been identified as oversulfated chondroitin sulfate.
Community-Associated MRSA Strains May Be Supplanting Traditional Nosocomial Strains
Community-associated strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were responsible for an increasing proportion of all nosocomial MRSA cases over a 7-year period at a large inner-city hospital, according to a retrospective study reported in the March 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.
FDA Goes After ‘Natural’ HRT Claims
Todd ZwillichFederal regulators warned several pharmacy companies Wednesday to stop marketing so-called "natural" hormone replacement therapy, calling their sales to women "false and misleading." The FDA took aim at seven compounding pharmacy companies that it says use a product called estriol in reformulated hormone replacement therapy for women.
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 […]
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.
