Following is a summary of current health news briefs.
Fatigue after early breast cancer often fades: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Many people treated for cancer
are worn out for a time, but new findings suggest that
long-lasting fatigue may be less common than thought — at
least for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study, of
218 women treated for early breast cancer, found that almost
one-third had ”cancer-related fatigue” at the end of treatment.
But far fewer — six percent — still had the problem a year
later.
Birth defects more common in IVF babies: study
2012-04-20T154349Z_3_BRE83J03N_RTROPTC_0_US-IVF.XML () –
Big regional differences in glaucoma diagnosis found
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A new analysis of Medicare
records finds dramatic differences across the U.S. in rates of
new glaucoma diagnoses, suggesting the eye disease is likely
being overdiagnosed in some regions and underdiagnosed in
others, researchers said. Looking at all Medicare claims for a
seven-year period, the team found glaucoma rates had risen
slightly overall, but that people in New England or the
Mid-Atlantic states had about 30 percent higher odds than
people in the Southeast of being diagnosed with glaucoma — and
some 70 percent higher chances of getting a suspected-glaucoma
diagnosis.
FDA says nanotech may need extra safety tests
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. health regulators said consumer
products that use nanotechnology may have unknown effects on
the human body, and advised food and cosmetic companies to
further study the safety of these tiny particles. The U.S. Food
and Drug Administration issued two draft guidelines on Friday
calling for more studies, putting, for now, much of the onus
for safety on companies.
Everest climbers in test for keys to heart treatment
KATHMANDU (Reuters) – A team of U.S. scientists departed on
Friday to conduct research on Mount Everest climbers in an
effort to further knowledge of the cardiovascular system at
extreme altitudes and help improve treatment for heart and lung
patients. Bruce Johnson, a consultant on cardiovascular
diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and leader
of the group, said the study subjects will be a U.S. team that
plans to replicate the first 1963 ascent of the mountain by a
U.S. team.
Measles cases reached 15-year high in 2011: CDC
ATLANTA (Reuters) – Measles cases in the United States hit
a 15-year high in 2011, with 90 percent of the cases traced to
other countries with lower immunization rates, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention reported. There were 222 cases
of measles in the United States last year, more than triple the
usual number, the CDC said. There had been only about 60 cases
per year between 2001 and 2010.
Statins don’t reduce melanoma risk: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Despite earlier indications
that people taking statins might have a reduced risk of
developing melanoma, a large new study of women finds the
popular cholesterol-lowering drugs do nothing to prevent the
deadly skin cancer. ”For primary prevention (of melanoma) I
think we’re putting the nail into the coffin of that theory,”
said Dr. Robert Dellavalle, chief of dermatology at the Denver
VA Medical Center, who was not involved in the new research.
Fish oil supplements don’t help MS patients: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Many people with multiple
sclerosis take fish oil pills with the hope of keeping
neurological symptoms from getting worse, but a new study
suggests the extra omega-3 fatty acids may not be doing them
any good. Because there is no effective cure for the autoimmune
disease, many patients have turned to supplements that are
known to affect the immune system and inflammation — and
therefore could theoretically slow the progression of disease
in the brain.
New warnings on Novartis MS pill in Europe and U.S
LONDON (Reuters) – European and U.S. regulators have backed
the continued use of Novartis AG’s
multiple sclerosis
pill Gilenya, one of the Swiss firm’s top new drug hopes, but
said on Friday the drug needed to carry stronger warnings on
heart risks. Novartis said the decision meant the drug remained
on-track to be a ”blockbuster” – one with annual sales above $1
billion.
University of Colorado clamps down on ”pot fest” but many
light up
BOULDER, Colo. (Reuters) – The University of Colorado
sought on Friday to clamp down on a huge annual marijuana fest,
but after initially restricting access to the school, police
later stood back and watched hundreds of people light up in a
campus field. Three protesters who crossed police lines at the
Boulder campus were arrested for trespassing and about 11
others cited, but a confrontation thought possible between
protesters and police never materialized.
