FDA OKs Another Option for Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer

September 27, 2007

In approving Evista (raloxifene) for breast cancer prevention, the FDA offers a wonderful choice to women with osteoporosis and a high risk of breast cancer. For others (and their doctors) it may be a challenge to sort out the risks and benefits.

To refresh your memory: In June 2006, results from the STAR trial showed that raloxifene prevented most breast cancer with fewer side effects than tamoxifen, while reducing the risk of fracture. But tamoxifen scored better against noninvasive breast cancers.

Two months ago, the RUTH trial linked raloxifene to an increased risk of fatal stroke.

Results Organized by Category:

Clinical Trials for Patients
For sisters of breast cancer patients, a new clinical trial examining risk factors may provide a sense of contributing to a solution.

Patient Education Materials
Quickly find reliable information about raloxifene side effects to give a concerned patient.

No Comments » | Breast | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Mediterranean diet prolongs life of Alzheimer’s patients

September 20, 2007

A prospective community-based study from Columbia University shows an apparent dose-response relationship between mortality and adherence to a Mediterranean diet among Alzheimer’s patients.

Numerous prior studies have suggested that the low-fat, high-fiber diet may also prevent cognitive decline. (These researchers previously found the Mediterranean diet associated with lower incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.)

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Patient Education Materials
Show patients (or their caregivers) how the Mediterranean diet is healthy for the heart.

Practical Articles and News
Find what you can do to help the caregiver of a patient with dementia.

No Comments » | Dementia | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Study Reveals ADHD Underdiagnosed in Girls

September 17, 2007

A nationwide study has shown that ADHD is under-diagnosed in girls. The researchers used a DSM-based instrument to interview caregivers of children already participating in the large National Health and Nutrition Examination survey.

African-Americans were no more likely to have ADHD than non-Hispanic whites. ADHD was less common among Mexican-Americans (in the first large-scale assessment of this ethnic group).

Previous research reveals that girls show more and different consequences of ADHD than boys, and these persist.

Research Reviews and Editorials
A recent review suggests that ADHD treatments work equally well in girls as in boys.

No Comments » | ADHD, Pediatrics, Women | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Most Kids Well-Immunized When They Start School, Not at Graduation

September 13, 2007

The CDC has results from its first national survey of adolescent immunizations. While 80% have had the updated measles, mumps, and rubella booster for teens, only 12% are getting the new meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

A different survey shows that more than three in four younger children are getting all their vaccines as recommended. This varies by locale: In Boston, the rate is 84%.

A study published last March suggests that family doctors are not at fault for low teen vaccination rates. During adolescence, visits for preventative care decline sharply. While older teen girls visit gynecologists; older boys just stop going. The authors counsel providing the final scheduled vaccinations during the early teen years.

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Patient Education Materials
Find good information for parents about the meningitis vaccines for teenagers.

Practice Guidelines
Fish out the latest recommended immunization schedule for adolescents (and plan to beat those deadlines).

No Comments » | Family Medicine | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama

Intensive Behavior Therapy Yields Long-Term Results for Severely Obese

September 6, 2007

By limiting their menu to nutrient shakes, salads, and meal bars for 44 months and attending regular counseling, Kentucky residents weighing an average of 352 pounds were able to lose more than half of their weight. And they kept most of it off for five years.

Along the way, two-thirds stopped needing medication for their comorbidities.

A new national survey documents the “epidemic”: In 19 states, primarily in the South, one-fourth of all adults are obese.

Another new study reported this week shows that treating gestational diabetes can reduce obesity risk for the offspring.

Results Organized by Category:

Continuing Medical Education
Brush up on how to manage childhood obesity.

Clinical Trials for Patients
Is your patient considering bariatric surgery? A multicenter clinical trial is assessing the risks.

No Comments » | Internal Medicine | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Cranky Aged Mama