July 2008 brought promising news in the fight against meningitis. A Novartis AG biologist named Rino Rappuoli may have discovered a vaccine that will eradicate meningitis B. Rappuloi has been working on the vaccine for a decade and a half and in July 2008, Novartis announced that they are entering the final stages of clinical testing.
If the testing proves that the vaccine is safe, and there is every indication that it will, then the vaccine will be provided to infants and it will protect them against most of the more than 200 strains of bacteria that cause meningitis. “Catch up” vaccines are also likely to be available for those who are beyond infancy when the vaccine becomes available. It is predicted that the vaccine will be available in 2010.
Meningitis B is a dangerous infection that can quickly turn fatal, especially in children. Children who are diagnosed are treated with antibiotics, however, the disease is difficult to diagnose and the World Health Organization has found that many people are not appropriately diagnosed or treated until the disease has progressed. As a result, a large percentage of people who have the disease die or suffer permanent disabilities.
Bloomberg reports that the New Jersey based pharmaceutical company Wyeth is also working on a vaccine because of the promise of Rappuloi’s research and the current market which is economically favorable for vaccine manufacturers.
Whether this vaccine comes to fruition and provides the necessary protection remains to be seen. However, it is promising research that is important to keep track of and may save many lives.
In the meantime, it is important that people and physicians be aware of the warning signs of meningitis and take steps to quickly and accurately diagnose the infection so that antibiotics can be administered and lives can be saved.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Are Vaccines Safe? Mercury Danger and Autism
If you are a parent then you have likely sat through your share of your child’s vaccines. They are plentiful, especially in the first years of life. The vaccines prevent previously serious and sometimes fatal conditions such as polio, measles, and mumps. They also protect against common and less serious ailments such as the flu and chicken pox.
As a parent, you have also likely heard about the controversy surrounding some of the vaccines and you might worry about what vaccinations to allow and when to allow them. Your doctor may advise you based on his or her professional opinion.
However, there is so much conflicting information that many parents want to do their own research. For example, does the mercury in immunizations really cause autism? Does getting a vaccine when your child has a fever or is otherwise ill increase his or her chances of getting sick? Will your child get an uncomfortable rash or fever as a result of the vaccine? Can your child die?
Some parents argue that even if the risk is very low, it is too high. They argue that the chance of getting sick, developing autism or dying is not worth the immunity provided by the vaccine. They argue that mumps and polio are all but nonexistent in the United States and, therefore, any risk of illness is too high.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has created a web page with information about vaccine safety. The page includes how vaccine safety is tested and monitored. It also answers some specific concerns such as the link to autism.
When making a decision as important as whether to vaccinate your child, it is important to be as well informed as possible about the benefits and risks of each vaccination.
As a parent, you have also likely heard about the controversy surrounding some of the vaccines and you might worry about what vaccinations to allow and when to allow them. Your doctor may advise you based on his or her professional opinion.
However, there is so much conflicting information that many parents want to do their own research. For example, does the mercury in immunizations really cause autism? Does getting a vaccine when your child has a fever or is otherwise ill increase his or her chances of getting sick? Will your child get an uncomfortable rash or fever as a result of the vaccine? Can your child die?
Some parents argue that even if the risk is very low, it is too high. They argue that the chance of getting sick, developing autism or dying is not worth the immunity provided by the vaccine. They argue that mumps and polio are all but nonexistent in the United States and, therefore, any risk of illness is too high.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has created a web page with information about vaccine safety. The page includes how vaccine safety is tested and monitored. It also answers some specific concerns such as the link to autism.
When making a decision as important as whether to vaccinate your child, it is important to be as well informed as possible about the benefits and risks of each vaccination.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Accutane Danger: Congenital Birth Defects, Suicide
Accutane is a drug used to treat acne. It is often called a miracle drug for its effectiveness in treating acne. Acne, while an unpleasant medical condition, is not a life threatening condition. However, Accutane carries a high risk of side effects for its users and birth defects for unborn children whose mothers are using the drug.
In March 2002, Julia Green called Accutane, “one of the most dangerous products on the market today” in a article for Harvard Law School.
About one quarter of babies who have been exposed to Accutane while in uterus are born with serious congenital birth defects. Many others have serious learning disabilities and as many as 40% of fetuses that are exposed to Accutane, miscarry. According to the article by Ms. Green, there is no other medication, not even cancer treatments, which pose a risk that is anywhere close to what Accutane poses to unborn children.
Accutane is not only dangerous to fetuses during pregnancy but it is also dangerous for its direct users. Users may suffer from depression and even try to commit suicide. Other severe mental illnesses such as psychosis may develop in Accutane users.
Accutane users may also suffer from serious physical conditions such as liver, colon, and kidney damage. Stroke, heart trouble, and brain damage are also possible side effects of the drug.
The FDA is well aware of the risks associated with Accutane and has revised its label. However, should the drug have ever been approved or was it a failure of the FDA that allowed such a dangerous drug to enter the market?
It is important that all users, especially young adults who suffer from acne and turn to Accutane, be aware of the potential serious side effects of the drug and question any doctor who prescribes about warning signs to look for when taking the drug.
In March 2002, Julia Green called Accutane, “one of the most dangerous products on the market today” in a article for Harvard Law School.
About one quarter of babies who have been exposed to Accutane while in uterus are born with serious congenital birth defects. Many others have serious learning disabilities and as many as 40% of fetuses that are exposed to Accutane, miscarry. According to the article by Ms. Green, there is no other medication, not even cancer treatments, which pose a risk that is anywhere close to what Accutane poses to unborn children.
Accutane is not only dangerous to fetuses during pregnancy but it is also dangerous for its direct users. Users may suffer from depression and even try to commit suicide. Other severe mental illnesses such as psychosis may develop in Accutane users.
Accutane users may also suffer from serious physical conditions such as liver, colon, and kidney damage. Stroke, heart trouble, and brain damage are also possible side effects of the drug.
The FDA is well aware of the risks associated with Accutane and has revised its label. However, should the drug have ever been approved or was it a failure of the FDA that allowed such a dangerous drug to enter the market?
It is important that all users, especially young adults who suffer from acne and turn to Accutane, be aware of the potential serious side effects of the drug and question any doctor who prescribes about warning signs to look for when taking the drug.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gastric Bypass Surgery and Medical Malpractice
Gastric bypass surgery is often a last resort for obese people who need to lose weight. Many patients seek this treatment because they need to lose weight in order to be healthy or in order to maintain a decent quality of life. It is a serious surgery and not one that is typically undertaken for cosmetic reasons.
The surgery, also known as Bariatric Surgery, is a process by which the stomach is made smaller. The stomach holds less food, patients do not eat as much food and the weight comes off a person’s body.
For some patients, the surgery is a Godsend. After years of failed diets and exercise programs they are suddenly starting to drop the extra pounds and the chronic health conditions that often go along with obesity.
The surgery is not without risks. Because of the risks, many hospitals employ a team of gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, internists, dieticians, nutritionists, and psychologists to treat their patients.
The risks of gastric bypass surgery are well documented and patients are well informed prior to the surgery. However, what most patients do not know is that, there is also a high risk of medical malpractice associated with gastric bypass surgery because doctors are seeing a demand for this surgery and they are jumping on board to fill that demand without getting the proper training for this complex surgery.
A new alternative to gastric bypass known as the lap band surgery is also becoming popular. Some doctors are comparing lap band surgery to cosmetic surgery in order to encourage patients to have the procedure. This procedure is relatively new and all of the risks are not yet known.
It is important for patients considering either gastric bypass or lap band surgery to seek out a qualified physician and to consider all of the risks prior to surgery.
The surgery, also known as Bariatric Surgery, is a process by which the stomach is made smaller. The stomach holds less food, patients do not eat as much food and the weight comes off a person’s body.
For some patients, the surgery is a Godsend. After years of failed diets and exercise programs they are suddenly starting to drop the extra pounds and the chronic health conditions that often go along with obesity.
The surgery is not without risks. Because of the risks, many hospitals employ a team of gastroenterologists, nurse practitioners, internists, dieticians, nutritionists, and psychologists to treat their patients.
The risks of gastric bypass surgery are well documented and patients are well informed prior to the surgery. However, what most patients do not know is that, there is also a high risk of medical malpractice associated with gastric bypass surgery because doctors are seeing a demand for this surgery and they are jumping on board to fill that demand without getting the proper training for this complex surgery.
A new alternative to gastric bypass known as the lap band surgery is also becoming popular. Some doctors are comparing lap band surgery to cosmetic surgery in order to encourage patients to have the procedure. This procedure is relatively new and all of the risks are not yet known.
It is important for patients considering either gastric bypass or lap band surgery to seek out a qualified physician and to consider all of the risks prior to surgery.
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