Hepatitis C In The News

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Hepatitis C In The News

VA to test 535 dental patients for infections

By Ben Sutherly, Staff Writer Updated 10:57 AM Tuesday, February 8, 2011 DAYTON — At least 535 veterans who received care at the Dayton VA Medical Center’s dental clinic from 1992 to July 2010 will be offered free screening to see if they were infected when a dentist failed to change his Latex gloves between patients. The veterans will be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV, Dayton VA Director Guy said Tuesday. .

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Hep C: 'Everyday was painful' Sultan Mahmood was born in Pakistan and came to live in Bradford in 1993. He was married and had two healthy children, but he started to feel ill in 2001. He had flu-like symptoms, suffered from nausea, started losing weight and then had jaundice. "I did not know what was happening to me. Every week another new problem started and I was getting worried." After months of tests he was diagnosed as having hepatitis C. Treating Hepatic Hydatid Cysts Using Non-Surgical Approach 08 February 2011 A treatment of Concern, until recently the only definitive treatment for hydatid disease, had been surgery. Different surgical techniques and procedures have been carried out and

even in some cases, a liver transplant has been required... The Link Between Macular Degeneration and Liver Health Learn why preserving vision and maintaining liver health share several commonalities. by Cutler, L.Ac. As one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, macular degeneration becomes more of a concern with advancing age. Consequently, this disease is often referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although the eyes are physically located quite a distance from the liver, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory describes a definitive association between the two. In addition, certain natural supplements that help those with chronic liver disease

also help prevent or slow down AMD. Hepatitis C Cirrhosis;Comparison of Fibroscan, King's Score and Liver Biopsy Historically, liver biopsy (LB) was the sole method to evaluate the severity of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. However, LB is expensive and associated with a risk of severe complications. Therefore, noninvasive tests have been developed to assess the severity of liver fibrosis. ....Keep Reading... Fatty Liver Nonalcoholic Liver Disease Rate Exceeds Past EstimatesLast Updated:

February 07, 2011. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is higher than previously estimated, with Hispanics and those with diabetes at the highest risk, according to a study published in the January issue of Gastroenterology. MONDAY, Feb. 7 (HealthDay News) -- The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is higher than previously estimated, with Hispanics and those with diabetes at the highest risk, according to a study published in the January issue of Gastroenterology. D. , M.D., of the Army Medical Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and colleagues studied 328 outpatients aged 18 to 70 years to determine the prevalence of NAFLD and NASH. Participants completed a questionnaire and ultrasound. If fatty liver was identified, lab data and a liver biopsy were obtained. The researchers found the prevalence

of NAFLD to be 46 percent, and NASH was confirmed in 12.2 percent of the total cohort. The researchers note that these numbers are higher than previously estimated. Hispanics were found to have the highest prevalence of NAFLD (58.3 percent) and NASH (19.4 percent). NAFLD patients were more likely to be male or older or have hypertension or diabetes. They also had a higher body mass index, ate fast food more often (P = .049), and exercised less than their non-NAFLD counterparts. Evidence of advanced NASH was found in 2.7 percent of patients. "Although all ethnicities are affected and patients have varying degrees of insulin sensitivity, Hispanics and diabetic patients appear to be at the greatest risk for both NAFLD and NASH," the authors write. Abstract Cancer

Novel Cancer Surgery; LESSOnc "The new technique – termed LESSOnc ( Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Oncologic surgery ) by the team – promises to be a new surgical option for patients with certain liver cancers"(Media-Newswire.com) - Surgeons at UC San Diego Health System have identified a new application for “scarless†surgery tools that are normally used for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery ( NOTES ). VA DOCS ZAP TUMORS IN HARD TO REACH PLACES USING NEW TECHNOLOGY Published 02/08/2011 - 8:12 a.m. CST HOUSTON, TX - Always on the forefront of innovative

treatments and technologies, the E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) now provides Veterans a targeted, painless alternative to open surgery and a medical option for certain inoperable tumors. The CyberKnife®, an impressive-looking machine resembling a giant robot with a multi-jointed arm that pivots, twists, and turns, can treat tumors anywhere in the body with radiosurgery. New research shows what a lousy job local TV news does with cancer topics By: Schwitzer Tom s, on the -McCune Smart Journalism site, summarizes two recent studies. Excerpts: "By focusing on shocking new studies that reveal a "novel or controversial" potential cause of the disease, local television

news tends "to cultivate the belief that everything causes cancer," a research team led by Cornell University's Jeff Niederdeppe writes in the Journal of Communication. ... (The researchers) conclude by suggesting scientists and educators might want to give local newscasters a nudge. Legal ramifications for doctors of patients who drive with hepatic encephalopathy February's issue of Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology reports on the legal ramifications for physicians of patients who drive with hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy, a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities that can occur in patients with liver dysfunction, negatively affects driving performance, but no study has examined legal ramifications. Dr Stanley Cohen and colleagues from Illinois, USA studied state requirements for reporting hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, the

team investigated whether lawsuits have been completed against physicians or patients for motor vehicle accidents that were related to hepatic encephalopathy. The researchers contacted motor vehicle departments from all 50 states and examined motor vehicle codes, and legal databases to search for hepatic encephalopathy–related lawsuits. Definitions of a medically impaired driver varied considerably. 6 of the states had mandatory reporting laws for drivers with medical impairment Clinical Gastroenterology & Hepatology The research team observed that no state specifically mentioned hepatic encephalopathy or patients with advanced liver disease. Only 6 of the states had mandatory reporting laws for drivers who have medical impairment, and 25 of the remaining 44 states provided legal immunity to physicians for reporting such patients. The research team found that the legal databases did not

contain any cases against physicians for failure to warn against driving or diagnose hepatic encephalopathy that resulted in an accident. The team identified no lawsuits against an encephalopathic patient for causing a motor vehicle accident. "Hepatic encephalopathy is not specifically addressed in any state vehicle code." "There are no completed lawsuits against physicians or patients for motor vehicle accidents associated with driving impairment from hepatic encephalopathy." "In the absence of definitive laws, the onus of responsibility for identifying potentially hazardous drivers might still lie with the physician." "Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for driving abilities." Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011: 9(2): 156-60 08 February 2011 HIV Blood testing bungle puts 55 at risk of AIDS Noone From: The Daily Telegraph February 09, 2011 12:00AM AN error with a blood testing machine has exposed 55 people to the risk of HIV and hepatitis. The 53 patients and two staff were told on Monday by the Gosford clinic of PRP Diagnostic Imaging, Australia's largest private radiology company, that they had all been tested with the same needle. It recommended they undergo hepatitis B and C and HIV blood tests. "I sincerely apologise that this has occurred and for any concern this may cause you," the clinic's director Dr Uday Ahluwalia said in a letter sent

to patients. From Medscape Medical News HIV-Infected Men at Ongoing Risk for HCV Seroconversion, Study Finds Norra MacReady Authors and Disclosures

February 7, 2011 — Even with conscientious care and state-of-the-art medication, HIV-infected men are at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion and should have access to ongoing HCV surveillance, the authors of a new study say. Their findings were published online January 31 and appear in the February print issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. From NATAP Associations between microalbuminuria and animal foods, plant foods, and dietary patterns in the Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis - pdf attached - (02/06/11) HIV Infection, Inflammation, Immunosenescence, and Aging - pdf attached - (02/06/11) Treatment interruptions explain higher HIV viral

load in patients with depression and those who use stimulants Published: 08 February 2011 Inconsistent use of antiretroviral therapy is the main explanation for the higher viral loads observed in HIV-positive patients who are depressed or who use stimulant drugs, US investigators report in the February 1st edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. “Inconsistent patterns of ART [antiretroviral therapy] utilization account for the effects of depression and stimulant use on higher HIV viral load,†comment the investigators. Transplant Royal Society Backs Technology To Increase Number Of Livers Available For Transplant 08 February 2011The Royal Society Enterprise Fund announced

yesterday that it has participated in a £2.75m Series B investment round for OrganOx Ltd which is developing a medical device that will significantly increase the number of human... Healthy You Cannabis Use Linked to Earlier Psychosis Psychotic illness occurs significantly earlier among marijuana users, results of a meta-analysis suggest. Gene Linked To Major Depression Written by Catharine Paddock, PhDGene variants that cause low expression of the brain chemical NPY are linked to negative emotional processing and higher risk of developing some major depressive disorders said US scientists in a new study

published this week... Public Release: 8-Feb-2011 Eggs are now naturally lower in cholesterol According to new nutrition data from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, eggs are lower in cholesterol than previously thought. The USDA-ARS recently reviewed the nutrient composition of standard large eggs, and results show the average amount of cholesterol in one large egg is 185 mg, 14 percent lower than previously recorded. The analysis also revealed that large eggs now contain 41 IU of vitamin D, an increase of 64 percent. FDA Recall 02/04/2011 Trelstar ’s Trelstar (triptorelin pamoate for injectable suspension) product, containing alcohol prep pads Contain alcohol prep pads that were recently recalled by the Triad Group due to potential contamination with Bacillus cereus [uPDATED 02/07/2011] Triad Alcohol Prep Pads are a component of Extavia (interferon beta 1- packaging marketed by Novartis. The Triad alcohol prep pads should not be used.

February 05, 2011 Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Recalls Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets and Phenobarbital Tablets Off The Cuff Lawsuit Says Gluco-Ease Supplement Dangerous Plaintiff says supplement caused hepatitis, liver disease A Pennsylvania plaintiff is suing Penn Herb Co., claiming that the company's Gluco-Ease plus supplement caused cholestatic hepatitis and liver disease. Isaac Shaw, of Philadelphia, blames Uva Ursi, or bearberry, leaves for his illness. According to the suit, Uva Ursi is “listed on the FDA Poisonous Plant Database†and “contains Hydroquinone, a chemical which is known to be toxic and and

a cause of serious liver damage.†State Will Stop Paying For Some Hospital Re-Admissions By Martha Bebinger Feb 8, 2011, 6:47 AM UPDATED 7:07 AM Listen Now BOSTON — Medicaid is one of the fastest growing parts of the state budget. To tackle rising health care costs, Gov. Deval ’s administration plans to stop paying hospitals with high rates of re-admissions when low-income patients return within 30 days. It could be a man who

leaves the hospital with new prescriptions and takes the wrong pill four times a day. Or a woman with depression who skips a critical follow-up appointment after surgery. Perhaps it’s a child who goes back to the same activities and has another severe asthma attack. These are all reasons patients return to the hospital shortly after release. They might all be prevented with better instruction inside the hospital, a better hand-off to our doctor outside or more active patient follow-up. “We are paying for the wrong things,†said Dr. Judy Ann Bigby, secretary for Health and Human Services in Massachusetts. Bigby said it’s not just that the state doesn’t want to pay. Repeat hospitalizations carry risk, “either a hospital-acquired infection or some other type of outcome that demonstrates that the quality of care is not as good as it could be, and it’s costly to the system,†Bigby said..... Risk of Cancer Increases With Exposure to Low-Dose Radiation from Cardiac Imaging, Study Finds Exposure to low-dose radiation from cardiac imaging and other procedures after a heart attack is associated with an increased risk of cancer, a new study ...

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