Health Archives

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients

Genetic variations contribute to depression in heart disease patients. – Individuals with heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from depression as the general population, an association the medical community has largely been unable to explain. Now, a new study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital, in conjunction with The Montr?al Heart Institute, University of Montr?al and McGill University, reveals there may be genetic variations that contribute to depression in heart disease patients.

Cataract surgery complications linked to BPH drug tamsulosin

Medication Used to Treat Urination Difficulties for Men Associated With Higher Risk of Ophthalmic Complications Following Cataract Surgery – Use of the medication tamsulosin to treat male urination difficulties within two weeks of cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of serious postoperative ophthalmic adverse events such as retinal detachment or lost lens, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA.

Substance abuse increases crime risk in schizophrenia patients

Substance Abuse Appears To Be an Important Factor in Increased Risk of Violent Crime By Persons With Schizophrenia – The increased risk of persons with schizophrenia committing violent crime may be largely mediated by co-existing substance abuse problems, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA.

Cognitive behavior therapy better for insomnia treatment

Combination Therapy Appears Helpful for Short-Term Treatment of Insomnia; Cognitive Behavior Therapy May Be Better for Long-Term – For patients with persistent insomnia, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and the medication zolpidem for 6 weeks was associated with modest improvement in sleep, although for a longer treatment period CBT alone was more beneficial, according to a study in the May 20 issue of JAMA.

Sleep aid increases CPAP adherence in sleep apnea patients

2-week course of sleep aid increases CPAP adherence in OSA patients at 6 months – New research suggests that patients newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who use a short-course of the sleep aid, eszopiclone, when beginning continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, are more adherent with therapy in six months.

Cimzia in prefilled syringe for Crohn’s disease patients

Cimzia(R) (certolizumab pegol) Now Available for Self-Administration in Adult Patients With Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease – Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), the only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) for reducing signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease is now available for self-administration in a prefilled syringe.

Risperdal Consta approved for bipolar disorder

FDA grants approval for use of RISPERDAL CONSTA as both a monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder – Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDAs) for the use of RISPERDAL? CONSTA? (risperidone) Long-Acting Treatment as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy to lithium or valproate in the maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder.

Women’s menstruation genes identified

Genes that influence start of menstruation identified for first time – Two genes clarify the genetic control of female sexual maturation, and point to regulatory mechanisms involved in human growth and development. – Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, along with collaborators from research institutions across Europe and the United States, have for the first time identified two genes that are involved in determining when girls begin menstruation.

Folic acid prevents congenital heart defects by 6%

Folic acid to prevent congenital heart defects – Researchers at the MUHC show the effectiveness of folic acid in preventing congenital heart defects. – The Canadian policy of fortifying grain products with folic acid has already proved to be effective in preventing neural tube defects. And the latest study shows that folic acid also decreases the incidence of congenital heart defects by more than 6%.

Meditation may increase gray matter of brain

How to build a bigger brain – Study shows that meditation may increase gray matter. – Push-ups, crunches, gyms, personal trainers – people have many strategies for building bigger muscles and stronger bones. But what can one do to build a bigger brain?

Frequent feeding linked to childhood obesity

Does mom know when enough is enough? Missed satiety cues from infants linked to childhood obesity. – As the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States continues, researchers are examining whether early parent and child behaviors contribute to the problem.

AMP joins ACLU to challenge BRCA gene patents

Suit charges that Myriad Genetics BRCA1 and BRCA2 patents interfere with the free flow of information and knowledge in violation of the First Amendment and that human genes are ‘products of nature’ that cannot be patented. – The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) announced that it is working with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Public Patent Foundation to bring a lawsuit charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer are unconstitutional and should be invalidated.