Latest Research
Accuracy of Clinic and Home BP Measurements Questioned
August 18, 2011 at 2:05 pm
A systematic review and meta-analysis in the latest BMJ has compared clinic and home-based BP measurements with daytime ambulatory readings. A mean clinic BP of >140/90 had a sensitivity of only 75% and a specificity of 75% for diagnosing hypertension, while a mean home BP of >135/85 had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 62%.
The accuracy of the clinic measurement increased as the patients aged.
Hodgkinson J, et al. BMJ 2011 Jun 24; 342: d3621
Shortening Fever Duration with Chinese Herbs
August 18, 2011 at 2:02 pm
An Annals of Internal Medicine study has shown that traditional Chinese herbal therapy resolves fever in patients with influenza as quickly as oseltamivir.
Apart from fever resolution there were no other differences in symptomatic improvement.
Wang C, et al. Ann Int Med 2011; 155(4): 217-225
A Role for Leptin in Psychiatric Disorders?
August 18, 2011 at 1:52 pm
We already know that leptin, a hormone derived from adipocytes, has a role in metabolism and homeostasis and may play a role in weight-associated psychiatric disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Recent research, which is covered in this article, looks at the role of leptin in bipolar and depressive disorders, psychotic disorders, dementia and alcohol dependence.
It will be interesting to see if future studies can define a role for leptin in the pathogenesis of these disorders, making it a possible therapeutic target.
Zupancic ML, Mahajan A. Psychosom Med 2011 Jun; 73: 407
Health deal will end funding ‘blues’, says Gillard
August 2, 2011 at 2:30 pm
The Prime Minister says she’s finalised a deal to bring about an end to the clashes between the State and Federal Governments over health funding.
Julia Gillard says it’s the biggest change to Australia’s health system since Medicare, and it’ll make sure hospitals receive proper funding into the future.
The Government made a similar claim when it first struck an agreement with the states and territories 15 months ago, but it couldn’t get all of the premiers on board.
Julia Gillard says this time it’s different, but the Opposition says she’s caved into the states and territories, and there’s no evidence that services will improve for patients.
To read a transcript of the ABC report by Eleanor Hall CLICK HERE.
Courtesy: ABC Health
Hypoallergenic baby formula no better than cows’ milk variety
July 15, 2011 at 2:11 pm
New research has found that hypoallergenic baby formula is no better than formulas based on cows milk when it comes to preventing eczema, asthma or hay fever. The researchers say that is contrary to recommendations that hypoallergenic formula be given to at high risk of allergenic disease.
Adrian Lowe is an epidemiologist who conducted the research for at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. To read a transcript of the ABC interview with Prof Lowe CLICK HERE.
Courtesy: ABC Health
AIDS drugs may work as vaccine
July 15, 2011 at 1:56 pm
There’s been a big development in AIDS research with new studies showing that AIDS drugs can significantly reduce a person’s chance of becoming infected with HIV.
Trials conducted in Africa have shown that two HIV drugs are not only safe and effective in treating AIDS sufferers but if taken on a daily basis they can also block transmission of the virus to sexual partners.
To read a full transcript of the interview CLICK HERE.
Courtesy: ABC Health
Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer
June 20, 2011 at 3:12 pm
A study published in the New England Journal Of medicine has shown the aromatase inhibitor exemestane is associated with a 65% reduction in the incidence of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women at moderately increased risk.
Compared to placebo, the annual incidence in the exemestane group was 0.19% versus 0.55%, in women with at least one major risk factor.
It would be interesting to see how this therapy compares to other preventative measures such as the SERMs – tamoxifen and raloxifene.
Goss PE, et al. NEJM June 4 2011
Patients With Severe Asthma – Tiotropium An Option?
June 20, 2011 at 3:10 pm
A recent trial in patients with asthma not controlled by low dose ICS showed that tiotropium was more effective than doubling the dose of ICS and equivalent to a LABA for improving lung function and easing asthma symptoms.
A cautionary note though – this study was small and too short to determine whether tiotropium would prevent exacerbations and, of course, tiotropium is not licensed for use in asthma in Australia, but is registered for use in COPD.
Kerstjens HAM, et al. J Clin Allergy Immunol 2011 May 31
Olive Oil May Lower Stroke Risk
June 20, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Another aspect of the Mediterranean diet seems to be beneficial, with a study published in the journal Neurology showing that regular use of olive oil confers a lower risk for ischaemic stroke.
Over seven and a half thousand subjects were followed for a median of 5 years in the study and compared with non-users, there was a 41% lower risk for stroke amongst people who used olive oil in dressings as well as for cooking.
Samieri C, et al. Neurology June 15 2011
Improved Survival With Melanoma
June 20, 2011 at 3:04 pm
A phase III trial of vemurafenib, a potent inhibitor of mutated BRAF has shown increased survival at 6 months compared to dacarbazine in patients with untreated, unresectable stage IIIc or IV melanoma and a BRAF V600E mutation.
Chapman PB, et al. NEJM June 5 2011
