Survival and Functional Outcomes Good After Surgery for Ebstein Anomaly
Most patients who undergo surgery for Ebstein anomaly have good long-term survival and functional outcomes, according to a report in the August 5th issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Many patients require operation for Ebstein anomaly, a spectrum of tricuspid valvular and right ventricular dysplasia, in order to improve their quality […]
First Heart Transplants in Children Following Donor Cardiac Death
US doctors have reported the first experiences of heart transplant in three infants after cardiocirculatory death, rather than brain death, in the donors [1]. Lead author Dr Mark M Boucek (Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, FL) told heartwire this was, to his knowledge, the first published account of heart transplant in children after donor cardiac […]
Delayed Axillary Node Dissection Not Detrimental in Breast CA Patients With Positive Sentinel Nodes
Delaying axillary node dissection for a few weeks does not appear to be detrimental in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel nodes, according to a report in the July 20th Journal of Clinical Oncology. “Increasingly, women with breast cancer are able to make choices about their treatment,” Dr. John A. Olson, Jr. from Duke University […]
Older Donor Grafts Suitable for Liver Transplant Recipients With Hepatitis C Virus
New research suggests that use of older donor grafts does not compromise outcomes in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV cirrhosis is the main reason for liver transplantation in the United States, but it is linked to HCV recurrence, an increased risk of graft loss, and reduced survival, Dr. William C. Chapman, […]
Tibolone Decreases Fracture, Breast Cancer, but Doubles Stroke Risk
Results of a randomized trial show that tibolone (Livial, Organon), approved for treatment of menopausal symptoms, has positive effects on fracture, breast cancer, and possibly colon cancer in women with osteoporosis over the age of 60 years but more than doubled the risk for stroke. The drug is not currently approved in the United States […]
High HBV Viral Load at Surgery Tied to Liver Cancer Return
In patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, viral load at the time of surgery is predictive of hepatoma recurrence, according to Chinese researchers. “High hepatitis B viral load,” senior investigator Dr. Man-Fung Yuen told Reuters Health, “is associated with a higher chance of HCC recurrence after surgical […]
Russian Navy Blockades Humanitarian Wheat Shipment to Georgia
The Navy of the Russian Federation today appeared to have taken a further escalatory step in its aggressive war against Georgia. “The Russian Navy is imposing an illegal blockade on Georgia,” said Alexander Lomaia, Secretary of National Security Council of Georgia, late on Saturday. Over the last 48 hours, Russian naval vessels have turned back […]
Almost All Articles On Cancer Prognostic Markers Report Statistically Significant Results: Commentary from F1000
Kyzas PA, Denaxa-Kyza D, Ioannidis JP Eur J Cancer 2007 Nov 43(17):2559-79 Commentary from Faculty Member Willi Sauerbrei This is a landmark review illustrating the severity of reporting bias in prognostic marker research. The article impressively illustrates one of the most severe weaknesses of cancer prognostic marker research. Altogether more than 1900 articles were assessed, […]
Keeping Patients Awake During Surgery?
Anesthesiologists’ Vital Roles in All Anesthetic Procedures Think anesthesiologists only keep patients “asleep” during surgical procedures? An “awake craniotomy” performed on Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy on June 2, 2008 should challenge that notion. In awake craniotomy and similar procedures, patients are anesthetized but are not always under general anesthesia, making them active participants in their […]
Report From the Front Lines: Study Probes Anesthesia Providers’ Role in Improving Combat-Related Outcomes
A study published in the July issue of the Journal Anesthesiology could be the impetus behind future prospective research exploring the hugely untapped potential of anesthesia providers (i.e., anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists) to improve outcomes in wounded military personnel. Specifically, it is one of the first studies to evaluate how anesthetic techniques influence the outcomes […]