Latest Research
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
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
Selenium for Mild Grave’s Disease Ophthalmopathy?
May 26, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Severe ophthalmopathy (orbitopathy) in Graves disease is usually treated with corticosteroids, while mild levels of the condition are often left untreated even though it can be annoying for patients.
A small study published in the NEJM supports the use of selenium supplements in patients with mild disease with an improvement in related quality of life and several ophthalmological endpoints as assessed by blinded ophthalmologists.
The benefits were found to persist at 12 months and no adverse effects were recorded.
Marcocci C, et al. N Engl j med 2011; 364: 1920
Technology helps tame ‘black dog’
April 6, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Two new trials have found online and email-based support are effective at reducing the incidence of developing anxiety or depression, a conference will hear today.
Professor Helen Christensen will discuss the results of the two ‘e-mental’ health programs at the 5th International Society for Research on Internet Interventions Conferencebeing held today in Sydney.
To read a full transcript of the interview CLICK HERE.
Courtesy: ABC Health
Australia holds record for food allergies
April 6, 2011 at 11:51 am
An allergy expert says Australia could be facing a wave of allergic illnesses such as asthma because of the number of children who have food allergies
An Australian study involving 5,000 infants has found one in 10 has a food allergy. Melbourne is the city that suffers the most.
Immunologist Professor Katie Allen from the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute is worried that the allergies could evolve into a wave of chronic disease.
To read a full transcript of the interview CLICK HERE.
Courtesy: ABC Health
Good News for Coffee Drinkers
April 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm
The debate rages on about coffee – antioxidant properties that improve endothelial function versus possible detrimental effects of caffeine.
A large study in Sweden (over 34,000 women) has shown that daily consumption of one or more cups of coffee was associated with 25% lower risk of total stroke, cerebral infarction and subarachnoid haemorrhage.
One are of confusion with this study was the lack of dose-response effect.
Larsson SC, et al. Stroke 2011 Mar10
Cardiac Screening of Athletes - A Lifesaver?
April 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Sudden death on the field tends to make the news and has led calls from some quarters for mandatory screening procedures such as ECGs and stress testing for participants in sporting activities.
A study has compared the incidence of sudden cardiac death in athletes in Israel during the 12 years before mandatory screening with the incidence during the 12 years afterward.
The researchers found no significant difference in sudden cardiac death between the two periods.
Steinvil A, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2011; 57: 1291
Risk of Pneumonia Associated with ICS
March 28, 2011 at 2:17 pm
In some trials involving COPD patients, increased risk for pneumonia has been observed among patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS).
The question as to whether this applies to patients with asthma seems to have been answered by a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
The trials involved 15,000 children and adults with asthma and no excess risk for pneumonia was observed among those treated with budesonide compared with placebo or other drugs.
There was also no difference according to the dose of budesonide, nor was there any difference between budesonide or fluticasone with respect to the risk of pneumonia.
O’Byrne PM, et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011; 183: 589
Bob Hawke offers personal perspective on Glaucoma
March 2, 2011 at 10:42 am
Former Prime Minster, the Hon. Bob Hawke AC, talks with Broadcast GP Medical Editor, Dr Michael Johnston about the impact that glaucoma has had upon both his personal and professional life.
