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. […]
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 […]
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.
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 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 […]
Risk for Second Nonlymphoid Neoplasms in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Constantin A. Dasanu, MD, PhD; Doru T. Alexandrescu, MDAbstract Major advances have occurred in understanding the biology, immunology, and modalities of treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the last decade. B-cell CLL is the most common type of leukemia occurring in the US and Western nations. B-cell CLL is characterized by progressive defects in […]
Science and Sensibility: An Interview With Professor Rolf M. Zinkernagel
Science and Sensibility: An Interview With Professor Rolf M. Zinkernagel, Nobel Prize Winner for Medicine 1996 Interviewers: Hrishikesh Satish Kulkarni; Ajit H. Goenka, MBBSInterviewee: Rolf M. Zinkernagel, MD, PhDIntroduction Science is perceived to be the panacea to many of the world's problems. No wonder then that scores of brilliant minds are busy applying time-tested scientific […]
