Faculty Bibliography

There is a lot of confusion about this year's flu vaccine, in part because last year's novel H1N1 mild flu pandemic broke the usual mold on flu. The flu season came very early last year, in keeping with pandemic strains, and it had a predilection for younger patients, also typical of new flu viruses. This year the US is anticipating a more typical flu season, with the novel H1N1 receding into the background. Though there appears to be an early surplus of vaccine, the author is reluctant to vaccinate early

A doctor can assess cardiac risk factors and help establish safe and realistic goals, including making 'recommendations regarding the appropriate mode of exercise and the gradual implementation of the program,' says Dr. John P. DiFiori, chief of the division of sports medicine at UCLA.

Big C [Television Program] -- Melanomas on the back and chest tend to be more of a problem than those on the extremities because they often go unnoticed due to coverage by hair or clothes and (in the case of the back) the inability to directly inspect them, Pavlick says. [...] they often are found at a later stage

[...] there are literally thousands of influenzas that never make the jump to humans. Thanks in part to flu vaccines and other public health measures to prevent the transfer of flu, the last three flu pandemics have been progressively milder- from more than 50 million dead worldwide in the worst flu pandemic in 1918 (Spanish flu), to two million dead in 1957 (Asian flu), to one million fatalities in 1968 (Hong Kong flu).

The authors of a London study published in the American Journal of Cardiology analyzed study data from 42,800 patients and determined that while a 7-oz fast food cheeseburger and a small milkshake increases the risk of developing heart disease by 23%, on the other hand taking most statin drugs decreases the risk by 29%. Lipitor is the world's top selling branded drug, with almost $13 billion per year in sales. The widely publicized 2008 JUPITER trial would seem to confirm this widespread use. This study gave a lot of credence to what doctors call 'primary prevention,' a justification for giving statin drugs to patients before they develop heart disease

Royal Pains [Television Program] -- Because such an infection can quickly spread and become life-threatening, it should always be treated in the hospital, says Dr. Shawn Skerrett, professor of infectious diseases and pulmonary medicine at the University of Washington

HawthoRNe [Television Program] -- The malformation is almost never life-threatening except in rare cases when it causes apnea (suspension of breathing), aspiration pneumonia (from breathing in foreign material) or a drop attack (sudden loss of muscle tone), says Dr. David Frim, chief of neurosurgery at Comer Children's Hospital of the University of Chicago

Avandia is in trouble. A key drug for diabetes, one of just two left on the market in its class, it is under increasing scrutiny by the FDA because of concern about its safety and risk for strokes, heart disease, and death. An ongoing prospective study comparing Avandia to Actos, a similar drug in the same class which hasn't been found to have the same risks, is expected to answer the safety question once and for all. Expect the controversy to be resolved soon -- either by restriction or removal

[...] tackle the doctor shortage. [...] we need strategies to make medicine more efficient so patients get better, rather than rushed, care

The surgeons also learn that Ben had been experiencing tingling and numbness in his hands and feet prior to the accident due to a cyst in his spine (syringomyelia).