Archive for January, 2009
A study published on Wednesday 21st, in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology revealed that a formula used to measure kidney functions in children have been improved. This study was led by George Schwartz, M.D.
To know the functional accuracy of the kidneys GFR is estimated. GFR, Glomerular Filtration Rate; the volume of water filtered out of blood through Glomerular capillary walls into Bowman’s capsules. From there the waste material is taken to the urine system. It is the most reliable assessment to check kidney functions.
It is difficult to undergo this assessment procedure each time as it is time consuming and costly. Therefore, different methods have been tested and tried in the study to replace GFR successfully. These methods include Schwartz formula and Scandinavian method.
To undergo the research, both the formulas were compared using a technique of disappearing of the X-ray dye Io from serum. GFR was over estimated in the Schwarz formula, as the Io method can be used once in two years in CKiD; Chronic kidney Disease in Children.Whereas, to evaluate kidney function accurate results can only be taken.
On Thursday it was revealed in the issue of New England Journal of Medicine that new anti-psychotic drugs are similarly dangerous for heart as the older ones.
Tennessee Medicaid’s 15 years records were used to conclude the research. A number of 44,000 patients were taken using the older medicines, and 46,000 patients using the new medicines. The new drugs included drugs like Risperdal, made by New Brunswick, N.J.-based Johnson & Johnson Inc., and Zyprexa, made by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly & Co. The old drugs used included haloperidol and type.
Records of 186,600 other peoples were also used for comparative studies. These people were having similar characteristics as the patients but were not on anti-psychotic drugs.
The study results clearly showed that the patients on anti-psychotic drugs had a higher risk of heart cardiac deaths. Risk rate was equal in patients of both classes, using new and old anti-psychotics. Concluded risk was 3 deaths per annum among 1000 patients.
Two doctors treating cancer patients at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital have a very interesting story to tell. Dr. Trevor Banka used to be Dr. Michael Mott’s patient when only 12-year-old Banka with bone cancer in right knee, had come to Dr Mott for treatment in 1993. Now a 28-year-old second-year oncology resident, Dr Banka is all grateful to his now colleague and earlier life saver. “We have a very special relationship to cherish.”
Dr Mott operated upon Banka’s cancerous bone replacing it with a prosthetic alternative. The treatment went on throughout Banka’s high school, college, including some periodic checkups even while Dr Banka was studying at Michigan State University medical school.
After graduation, when Banka joined Henry Ford hospital, Dr Mott was also soon there transferred to the same. The once drowning man is now the co-captain with the savior.
