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Findings cast doubt on sepsis drug withdrawal

A meta-analysis of clinical trial and real-world data suggests that drotrecogin alfa may in fact reduce mortality in patients with severe sepsis.

24 Jul 2012

Central mechanism would remove physician from assisted-dying process

The development of a central state or federal mechanism in the USA that would confirm the authenticity and eligibility of terminally ill patients’ requests for death, dispense medication, and monitor demand and use, could remove physicians from the assisted dying process, say researchers.

24 Jul 2012

Coagulation history ‘should be taken before tonsillectomy’

Adults scheduled for tonsillectomy should be asked about their coagulation history before the procedure, researchers warn.

24 Jul 2012

FDA approves Forest Laboratories’ Tudorza Pressair to treat COPD

Forest Laboratories, Inc. and Almirall, S.A. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Tudorza Pressair (aclidinium bromide inhalation powder) for the long-term maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

24 Jul 2012

Oral immunotherapy hope for egg allergy in children

Oral immunotherapy for the treatment of egg allergy results in desensitization with long-lasting results in three-quarters of children, show study findings.

23 Jul 2012

Herbal therapy no alternative in HCV infection

The commonly used herbal remedy, silymarin, offers no benefit to patients with treatment-resistant hepatitis C virus infection, a study shows.

23 Jul 2012

AF deaths more likely on the weekend

In-hospital mortality rates for patients who have atrial fibrillation are significantly higher on the weekend than on weekdays, show US study results.

23 Jul 2012

Fat grafts ‘safe’ following breast reconstruction

Autologous fat grafting following breast reconstruction does not increase the long-term risk for tumor recurrence, US research shows.

23 Jul 2012

Research roundup: Gastric bypass costs, paying for psychotherapy

Health Expenditures Among High-Risk Patients After Gastric Bypass and Matched Controls -- A few studies have shown that bariatric surgery can help reduce health care spending by obese patients, particularly those with conditions such as diabetes. This latest study looked at 847 patients who received bariatric surgery through the Veterans Affairs medical system. Inpatient and outpatient spending both before and after surgery were compared to 847 obese patients who did not have the operation.

21 Jul 2012

Pfizer receives positive opinion from EMA CHMP for crizotinib to treat ALK-positive NSCLC

Pfizer announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion recommending that crizotinib be granted conditional marketing authorization in the European Union (EU), for the treatment of adults with previously treated anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

21 Jul 2012

Vitamin D might modify damaging effects of smoking on lung function

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with worse lung function and more rapid decline in lung function over time in smokers, suggesting that vitamin D may have a protective effect against the effects of smoking on lung function, according to a new study from researchers in Boston.

21 Jul 2012

Choir participation improves quality of life factors for cancer survivors and their carers

The Welsh cancer charity Tenovus and Cardiff University, both based in the UK, have reported that participation in a choir improves a number of quality of life factors for cancer survivors and their carers.

20 Jul 2012

Study describes 2010 whooping cough epidemic and details strategies to reduce infection incidence

Because whooping cough (pertussis) is almost as contagious as measles (affecting ~12-17 individuals with each case), clinicians are required to report cases of this bacterial respiratory tract infection to the state's department of public health. In 2010, California had the highest number of cases of whooping cough in 60 years. A new study scheduled for publication in The Journal of Pediatrics describes the 2010 whooping cough epidemic and details strategies to decrease the incidence of this infection.

20 Jul 2012