El método POSE (Primary Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal), practicado por el doctor Adelardo Caballero, director del Instituto de Obesidad, permite alcanzar una progresiva reducción en el peso de los pacientes a través de una paulatina pérdida de volumen. Se trata de una novedosa técnica aplicada recientemente en nuestro país y en la que el doctor Caballero se encuentra entre los pioneros. La aplicación de dicho método permite, en primer lugar, una reducción de estómago sin necesidad de realizar ningún tipo de escisión quirúrgica, evitando, de este modo, las cicatrices. La intervención se realiza enteramente por vía endoscópica, sin incisiones, y consiste en realizar una serie de pliegues en la zona del fundus y del antro para reducir el tamaño y la capacidad del estómago, provocando, asimismo, un vaciado más lento.
Así, y como constatan diferentes resultados arrojados por los pacientes del Instituto de Obesidad, se logran importantes reducciones de peso gracias a la pérdida de volumen. En este sentido, si consideramos que el peso es igual a la masa libre de grasa, y ésta se corresponde con el agua y la masa muscular, el método POSE muestra, tras su aplicación, un mantenimiento de los volúmenes de agua en el organismo así como una paulatina reducción de la masa grasa. De este modo, lo que disminuye es el volumen, alcanzando una pérdida de peso mucho más proporcional y eficaz, sin el riesgo de los posteriores efectos rebote que provocan otro tipo de opciones. Además, dicha pérdida de peso alcanza los cuatro kilos al mes durante los primeros meses, garantizándose una disminución cercana a los 30 kilogramos tras el primer año después de la intervención.
29 April 2011
PARA LAS SITUACIONES QUE TE PONEN DE LOS NERVIOS Relájate con Nervikán®
¿Sufres Adultitis? Recientemente ha nacido un nuevo concepto que se concibe como un factor clave en el estrés, la llamada Adultitis. A partir de cierta edad el trabajo y las deudas pesan, nos preocupamos demasiado por lo que piensa la sociedad, ignoramos nuestros sueños, nos lo tomamos todo demasiado en serio… Esta epidemia silenciosa va erosionando nuestro espíritu infantil, matando nuestros sueños, curiosidad, felicidad y esperanzas, hasta envolvernos en un estado de constante nerviosismo.
Si no se controla, la Adultitis puede llegar a elevar el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas, o desembocar en estrés, depresión, o el abuso de alcohol y otras drogas. Es importante aprender de los niños, mantener entusiasmo por las cosas y expresar nuestros deseos y necesidades.
Lo primero que suponemos los adultos es que ¡la vida es dura! Por eso no es de extrañar que el estrés y sus síntomas como la tensión y alteración nerviosa sean tan comunes en la sociedad actual. Hay muchas situaciones que pueden provocarnos estrés: el miedo a volar, a equivocarnos, los atascos en la carretera, las presiones relacionadas con el trabajo o los estudios, los problemas de pareja o familiares, enfermedades graves, el miedo a la pérdida, intentar dejar de fumar y la tendencia a la Adultitis, entre otras.
El estrés agudo es el más común y surge de las exigencias y presiones del pasado reciente y de las presiones anticipadas del futuro próximo. Este tipo de estrés es excitante en pequeñas dosis, pero una cantidad excesiva lleva a alteraciones psicológicas expresadas como ira, irritabilidad, ansiedad, depresión, cefaleas, presión sanguínea elevada y otros síntomas. Cuando el estrés agudo nos afecta de manera regular, su impacto puede ser peor: dolores de cabeza persistentes, migrañas, hipertensión, dolores en el pecho y enfermedades del corazón.
La tensión nerviosa puede mostrarse con signos como: manos sudorosas, latidos de corazón acelerados, sofocos de calor o frío, falta de concentración, agitación, mareo, y malestar estomacal. Esto lleva con frecuencia al insomnio. El estrés es considerado, para la mayoría de expertos, como la primera causa de las dificultades del sueño a corto plazo1. Normalmente el problema del sueño desaparece cuando la situación de estrés acaba, aunque si no se trata correctamente puede persistir después de que la situación que nos lo provoca haya desaparecido.
Un producto como Nervikán®, que combina por un lado propiedades calmantes y relajantes y por el otro propiedades inductoras del sueño, es una opción muy valiosa para los médicos. Reducir el nerviosismo e inquietud durante el día, puede ser el primer paso para mejorar las habilidades para relajarnos y dormir mejor por la noche.
Los medicamentos tranquilizantes e hipnóticos más recetados pertenecen a la clase de las benzodiacepinas. La principal diferencia entre los medicamentos de este tipo y Nervikán® es que las benzodiacepinas tienen un riesgo elevado de desarrollar dependencia a la medicación en caso de un uso prolongado. Además, pueden causar fatiga, mareos, confusión, caídas accidentales y visión borrosa, especialmente en las personas mayores.
Nervikán®, de Laboraboratorios DHU, es un fitofármaco indicado para el tratamiento del estrés y para mejorar la calidad del sueño. Nervikán® está elaborado con extractos especiales WS® 1014 de raíz de Valeriana y WS® 1303 de las hojas de Melisa. Ambas plantas han sido utilizadas durante siglos como agentes inductores del sueño y como remedio en caso de tensión e inquietud nerviosa.
En diferentes estudios clínicos de vigilancia post-comercialización, Nervikán® demostró ser efectivo en el tratamiento de tensión nerviosa y las alteraciones del sueño demostrando una eficacia comparable a las benzodiacepinas sin el riesgo de resacas ni adicciones.
Si no se controla, la Adultitis puede llegar a elevar el riesgo de enfermedades cardíacas, o desembocar en estrés, depresión, o el abuso de alcohol y otras drogas. Es importante aprender de los niños, mantener entusiasmo por las cosas y expresar nuestros deseos y necesidades.
Lo primero que suponemos los adultos es que ¡la vida es dura! Por eso no es de extrañar que el estrés y sus síntomas como la tensión y alteración nerviosa sean tan comunes en la sociedad actual. Hay muchas situaciones que pueden provocarnos estrés: el miedo a volar, a equivocarnos, los atascos en la carretera, las presiones relacionadas con el trabajo o los estudios, los problemas de pareja o familiares, enfermedades graves, el miedo a la pérdida, intentar dejar de fumar y la tendencia a la Adultitis, entre otras.
El estrés agudo es el más común y surge de las exigencias y presiones del pasado reciente y de las presiones anticipadas del futuro próximo. Este tipo de estrés es excitante en pequeñas dosis, pero una cantidad excesiva lleva a alteraciones psicológicas expresadas como ira, irritabilidad, ansiedad, depresión, cefaleas, presión sanguínea elevada y otros síntomas. Cuando el estrés agudo nos afecta de manera regular, su impacto puede ser peor: dolores de cabeza persistentes, migrañas, hipertensión, dolores en el pecho y enfermedades del corazón.
La tensión nerviosa puede mostrarse con signos como: manos sudorosas, latidos de corazón acelerados, sofocos de calor o frío, falta de concentración, agitación, mareo, y malestar estomacal. Esto lleva con frecuencia al insomnio. El estrés es considerado, para la mayoría de expertos, como la primera causa de las dificultades del sueño a corto plazo1. Normalmente el problema del sueño desaparece cuando la situación de estrés acaba, aunque si no se trata correctamente puede persistir después de que la situación que nos lo provoca haya desaparecido.
Un producto como Nervikán®, que combina por un lado propiedades calmantes y relajantes y por el otro propiedades inductoras del sueño, es una opción muy valiosa para los médicos. Reducir el nerviosismo e inquietud durante el día, puede ser el primer paso para mejorar las habilidades para relajarnos y dormir mejor por la noche.
Los medicamentos tranquilizantes e hipnóticos más recetados pertenecen a la clase de las benzodiacepinas. La principal diferencia entre los medicamentos de este tipo y Nervikán® es que las benzodiacepinas tienen un riesgo elevado de desarrollar dependencia a la medicación en caso de un uso prolongado. Además, pueden causar fatiga, mareos, confusión, caídas accidentales y visión borrosa, especialmente en las personas mayores.
Nervikán®, de Laboraboratorios DHU, es un fitofármaco indicado para el tratamiento del estrés y para mejorar la calidad del sueño. Nervikán® está elaborado con extractos especiales WS® 1014 de raíz de Valeriana y WS® 1303 de las hojas de Melisa. Ambas plantas han sido utilizadas durante siglos como agentes inductores del sueño y como remedio en caso de tensión e inquietud nerviosa.
En diferentes estudios clínicos de vigilancia post-comercialización, Nervikán® demostró ser efectivo en el tratamiento de tensión nerviosa y las alteraciones del sueño demostrando una eficacia comparable a las benzodiacepinas sin el riesgo de resacas ni adicciones.
-Ventajas de Nervikán®
Producto de una combinación única con perfiles farmacológicos complementarios de los principios activos
No causa interacciones medicamentosas con otros medicamentos (no se aconseja combinar con otros sedantes)
Eficacia comparable a las benzodiacepinas
No causa adicción
Documentado clínicamente
No causa síntomas de abstinencia o efecto rebote
Perfil de seguridad excelente
No causa sedación ni resaca diurna
Adecuado para niños (mayores de 12 años)
No tiene un efecto negativo sobre la concentración, rendimiento mental ni sobre la capacidad de reacción (probar individualmente)
Adecuado para tratamientos prolongados
No tiene un efecto negativo sobre la capacidad de conducción, aunque se aconseja probar individualmente
No tiene contraindicaciones
Creciente potencial de mercado y bajo coste diario de tratamiento
Producto de una combinación única con perfiles farmacológicos complementarios de los principios activos
No causa interacciones medicamentosas con otros medicamentos (no se aconseja combinar con otros sedantes)
Eficacia comparable a las benzodiacepinas
No causa adicción
Documentado clínicamente
No causa síntomas de abstinencia o efecto rebote
Perfil de seguridad excelente
No causa sedación ni resaca diurna
Adecuado para niños (mayores de 12 años)
No tiene un efecto negativo sobre la concentración, rendimiento mental ni sobre la capacidad de reacción (probar individualmente)
Adecuado para tratamientos prolongados
No tiene un efecto negativo sobre la capacidad de conducción, aunque se aconseja probar individualmente
No tiene contraindicaciones
Creciente potencial de mercado y bajo coste diario de tratamiento
*Este fitofármaco, de venta en farmacias (PVP aprox. 8,62€), es el aliado perfecto para relajarse y conciliar el sueño.
ÌDe venta en farmacias
ÌDe venta en farmacias
Se celebra la III edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina
El Instituto de Bioética y Humanidades Médicas (IBH) y la Fundación SEMERGEN han entregado los galardones de la III Edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina, concebidos con espíritu de resaltar las facetas humanísticas y los valores éticos de los profesionales de diversos ámbitos relacionados con la práctica médica, han sido designados por un jurado formado por grandes personalidades del ámbito sanitario.
Entregaron los premios autoridades como D. Jordi Ramentol, Presidente de Farmaindustria; Dña. Ana Pastor Julián, Vicepresidenta 2ª del Congreso; D. Julián García Vargas, Presidente de la Asociación Española de Empresas Tecnológicas de Defensa, Aeronáutica y Espacio (TEDAE); D. Francisco Cañizares, Presidente de la Asociación Nacional de Informadores de la Salud (ANIS); el Dr. Carlos Amaya, Vicepresidente de la Federación Europea de Médicos Asalariados; y el Dr. Julio Zarco Rodríguez, Presidente de la Fundación SEMERGEN.
-Ocho premiados del mundo de la medicina y las humanidades
Esta III Edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina ha constado de un total de ocho categorías. A continuación, describimos el resultado de los Premios y los finalistas:
I.- Premio a la trayectoria médica con más impacto en la profesión.
- Dr. D. Pedro Cavadas Rodríguez.
- Dr. D. Melchor Álvarez de Mon.
- Dr. D. Manuel Díaz Rubio.
II.- Premio a la Institución Sanitaria más destacada.
- Hospital Clínico de Barcelona.
- Hospital Gregorio Marañón.
- Hospital de Parapléjicos de Toledo.
III.- Premio a la Personalidad Político-Sanitaria más destacada.
- Sr. D. Manuel Cervera Taulet. Consejero de Sanidad de Comunidad Valenciana.
- Sr. D. Rafael Bengoa. Consejero de Sanidad del País Vasco.
- Sra. Dña. María Jesús Mejuto. Consejera de Sanidad de la Junta de Extremadura.
IV.- Premio a la Institución Académica de Ciencias de la Salud más destacada.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Valladolid.
V.- Premio Humanidades Médicas.
- Asociación de Médicos Escritores y Artistas (ASEMEYA).
- Sr. D. José Lázaro Sánchez.
- Sr. D. Pedro Cavadas Rodríguez.
VI.- Premio al Mejor Medio de Comunicación Especializado.
- Diario Médico.
- Contenidos de Salud.
- Revista El Médico.
VII.- Premio a la Mejor Industria Farmacéutica por su implicación en la formación.
- Laboratorios Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Laboratorios Novartis.
- Laboratorios Lilly.
VIII.- Premio al asociado más destacado por su trayectoria e implicación en SEMERGEN.
- Dr. Andrés Anca Coya.
--Evaluación por figuras de la medicina y el humanismo
Todos aquellos que optaron a esta III Edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina fueron evaluados por un jurado compuesto por prestigiosos expertos del sector médico español, y por representantes de instituciones relacionadas con la sanidad, la comunicación sanitaria y el humanismo médico.
Entregaron los premios autoridades como D. Jordi Ramentol, Presidente de Farmaindustria; Dña. Ana Pastor Julián, Vicepresidenta 2ª del Congreso; D. Julián García Vargas, Presidente de la Asociación Española de Empresas Tecnológicas de Defensa, Aeronáutica y Espacio (TEDAE); D. Francisco Cañizares, Presidente de la Asociación Nacional de Informadores de la Salud (ANIS); el Dr. Carlos Amaya, Vicepresidente de la Federación Europea de Médicos Asalariados; y el Dr. Julio Zarco Rodríguez, Presidente de la Fundación SEMERGEN.
-Ocho premiados del mundo de la medicina y las humanidades
Esta III Edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina ha constado de un total de ocho categorías. A continuación, describimos el resultado de los Premios y los finalistas:
I.- Premio a la trayectoria médica con más impacto en la profesión.
- Dr. D. Pedro Cavadas Rodríguez.
- Dr. D. Melchor Álvarez de Mon.
- Dr. D. Manuel Díaz Rubio.
II.- Premio a la Institución Sanitaria más destacada.
- Hospital Clínico de Barcelona.
- Hospital Gregorio Marañón.
- Hospital de Parapléjicos de Toledo.
III.- Premio a la Personalidad Político-Sanitaria más destacada.
- Sr. D. Manuel Cervera Taulet. Consejero de Sanidad de Comunidad Valenciana.
- Sr. D. Rafael Bengoa. Consejero de Sanidad del País Vasco.
- Sra. Dña. María Jesús Mejuto. Consejera de Sanidad de la Junta de Extremadura.
IV.- Premio a la Institución Académica de Ciencias de la Salud más destacada.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona.
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Valladolid.
V.- Premio Humanidades Médicas.
- Asociación de Médicos Escritores y Artistas (ASEMEYA).
- Sr. D. José Lázaro Sánchez.
- Sr. D. Pedro Cavadas Rodríguez.
VI.- Premio al Mejor Medio de Comunicación Especializado.
- Diario Médico.
- Contenidos de Salud.
- Revista El Médico.
VII.- Premio a la Mejor Industria Farmacéutica por su implicación en la formación.
- Laboratorios Boehringer Ingelheim.
- Laboratorios Novartis.
- Laboratorios Lilly.
VIII.- Premio al asociado más destacado por su trayectoria e implicación en SEMERGEN.
- Dr. Andrés Anca Coya.
--Evaluación por figuras de la medicina y el humanismo
Todos aquellos que optaron a esta III Edición del Premio Humanismo y Medicina fueron evaluados por un jurado compuesto por prestigiosos expertos del sector médico español, y por representantes de instituciones relacionadas con la sanidad, la comunicación sanitaria y el humanismo médico.
Novo Nordisk Increased Operating Profit by 24% in the First Quarter of 2011
Sales increased by 15% in Danish kroner and by 11% in local currencies. -- Sales of modern insulins increased by 14% (11% in local currencies).
-- Victoza(R) sales of DKK 1,098 million (growth of 191% in local currencies).
-- Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 6% (4% in local currencies).
-- Sales in North America increased by 16% (14% in local currencies).
-- Sales in Region China increased by 34% (28% in local currencies).
Gross margin improved by 0.3 percentage points in local currencies, reflecting a favourable product mix development, but due to a negative currency effect, the gross margin declined by 0.2 percentage points to 80.1% compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Reported operating profit increased by 24% to DKK 5,418 million. Measured in local currencies, operating profit increased by approximately 20%.
Net profit increased by 23% to DKK 4,073 million. Earnings per share (diluted) increased by 26% to DKK 7.06.
Novo Nordisk has completed a pre-specified meta-analysis based on the Degludec phase 3a trial programme. The meta-analysis confirmed that Degludec is associated with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared to insulin glargine, both on the total number of confirmed hypoglycaemic events, and on the number of confirmed nocturnal hypoglycaemic events. Both findings are statistically significant.
The 2011 outlook remains unchanged: sales growth of 8-10% and operating profit growth of around 15%, both measured in local currencies.
Lars Rebien S0rensen, president and CEO, says: "We are encouraged by the continued double-digit sales growth driven by Victoza(R) and modern insulins. It strengthens our confidence in the company's long term growth prospects despite the near-term impact on sales growth from healthcare reforms in the US and other major markets, which is reflected in the 2011 outlook."
-- Victoza(R) sales of DKK 1,098 million (growth of 191% in local currencies).
-- Sales of NovoSeven(R) increased by 6% (4% in local currencies).
-- Sales in North America increased by 16% (14% in local currencies).
-- Sales in Region China increased by 34% (28% in local currencies).
Gross margin improved by 0.3 percentage points in local currencies, reflecting a favourable product mix development, but due to a negative currency effect, the gross margin declined by 0.2 percentage points to 80.1% compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Reported operating profit increased by 24% to DKK 5,418 million. Measured in local currencies, operating profit increased by approximately 20%.
Net profit increased by 23% to DKK 4,073 million. Earnings per share (diluted) increased by 26% to DKK 7.06.
Novo Nordisk has completed a pre-specified meta-analysis based on the Degludec phase 3a trial programme. The meta-analysis confirmed that Degludec is associated with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia compared to insulin glargine, both on the total number of confirmed hypoglycaemic events, and on the number of confirmed nocturnal hypoglycaemic events. Both findings are statistically significant.
The 2011 outlook remains unchanged: sales growth of 8-10% and operating profit growth of around 15%, both measured in local currencies.
Lars Rebien S0rensen, president and CEO, says: "We are encouraged by the continued double-digit sales growth driven by Victoza(R) and modern insulins. It strengthens our confidence in the company's long term growth prospects despite the near-term impact on sales growth from healthcare reforms in the US and other major markets, which is reflected in the 2011 outlook."
Pediatric flu vaccination: Understanding low acceptance rates could help increase coverage
A study of H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination in a sample of black and Hispanic children in Atlanta found a low rate of vaccine acceptance among parents and caregivers. Only 36 percent of parents and caregivers indicated they would immunize children against H1N1, and 22 percent indicated their children received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the previous three months. The majority of children in the sample (71 percent) were from households with less than $40,000 in annual income. Researchers say this low level of vaccine coverage and acceptance highlights the importance of understanding individual and community concerns that influence parents' decisions to have their children vaccinated.
The study is published in the Vaccine Safety Supplement of the April issue of the journal Pediatrics.
Children aged six months through 18 years, and caregivers of children younger than six months, were among the stated high-priority groups for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. More recently, the ACIP has recommended that all persons older than six months should be vaccinated annually against influenza.
The study found that parents who said they were concerned about influenza, were concerned about H1N1 disease, and had confidence in vaccines and their preventive abilities were more likely to accept vaccination.
Although income did not correlate with vaccine acceptance, parents without health insurance were more likely to say they would vaccinate their children against H1N1 than were parents with insurance. The authors speculated this is due to concern related to treatment cost among parents without insurance.
Safety issues were generally not cited as a factor influencing decisions, but perceived greater risk of exposure and illness for children from the H1N1 virus was cited as a reason for those accepting vaccination. Other factors contributing to acceptance included lack of confidence in the effectiveness of hand washing, masks, and quarantine approaches over the H1N1 vaccine as prevention methods, and having a desire to promote influenza vaccination in the community.
"The well-publicized risks to children of contracting the H1N1 virus may have outstripped vaccine safety concerns in this case," notes lead author Paula Frew, PhD. "This shows that more comprehensive education of minority parents with regard to disease risk may provide a boost to vaccination rates." Frew is assistant professor of medicine and director of community research in Emory University School of Medicine.
"Physicians have a central community leadership role in educating parents about the importance of influenza vaccination…" the authors write. "Moreover, our study results show parental confidence in the health departments to provide influenza vaccination compared with other community-based venues."
"Physician support of vaccination can help increase vaccine coverage, and community health departments are ideal locations for vaccine administration," says Frew.
**Source: Emory University
The study is published in the Vaccine Safety Supplement of the April issue of the journal Pediatrics.
Children aged six months through 18 years, and caregivers of children younger than six months, were among the stated high-priority groups for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. More recently, the ACIP has recommended that all persons older than six months should be vaccinated annually against influenza.
The study found that parents who said they were concerned about influenza, were concerned about H1N1 disease, and had confidence in vaccines and their preventive abilities were more likely to accept vaccination.
Although income did not correlate with vaccine acceptance, parents without health insurance were more likely to say they would vaccinate their children against H1N1 than were parents with insurance. The authors speculated this is due to concern related to treatment cost among parents without insurance.
Safety issues were generally not cited as a factor influencing decisions, but perceived greater risk of exposure and illness for children from the H1N1 virus was cited as a reason for those accepting vaccination. Other factors contributing to acceptance included lack of confidence in the effectiveness of hand washing, masks, and quarantine approaches over the H1N1 vaccine as prevention methods, and having a desire to promote influenza vaccination in the community.
"The well-publicized risks to children of contracting the H1N1 virus may have outstripped vaccine safety concerns in this case," notes lead author Paula Frew, PhD. "This shows that more comprehensive education of minority parents with regard to disease risk may provide a boost to vaccination rates." Frew is assistant professor of medicine and director of community research in Emory University School of Medicine.
"Physicians have a central community leadership role in educating parents about the importance of influenza vaccination…" the authors write. "Moreover, our study results show parental confidence in the health departments to provide influenza vaccination compared with other community-based venues."
"Physician support of vaccination can help increase vaccine coverage, and community health departments are ideal locations for vaccine administration," says Frew.
**Source: Emory University
Study: Cotton swabs prove problematic for ear health
A study by Henry Ford Hospital shows a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. The study also shows that in most cases the rupture heals on its own and surgery is only necessary for the most severe cases.
"In the past, many otolaryngologists have wondered if surgery is really necessary to treat a ruptured eardrum. The results of this study show that 97 percent of cases healed on their own within two months, proving that most cases do not require surgery," says Ilaaf Darrat, M.D., an otolaryngologist at Henry Ford Hospital and co-author of the study.
The study is being presented April 29 at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in Chicago.
More than half of patients seen in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) clinics, regardless of their primary complaint, admit to using cotton swabs to clean their ears. But if the cotton swab is pushed too far in the ear canal, it can cause serious damage, including ruptured eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane perforations (TMP).
Severe TMP can cause facial paralysis and vertigo.
"If a patient is experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, drainage, dizziness or abnormality in their facial movements they should see a doctor immediately to assess the possible ear damage," says Dr. Darrat.
Study co-author Michael Seidman, M.D., FACS, director of the division of otologic and neurotologic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, recommends instead of cotton swabs, using these alternatives to clean the inner ear.
Take cool peroxide, hot tap water and mix equally. Be sure it is body temperature and gently irrigate the ear one or two times per month.
Take plain vinegar and water and use four or five drops in the ear once a week.
See a doctor, who can remove ear wax for you.
Try an over-the-counter treatment such as Debrox.
The Henry Ford study included 1,540 patients with a diagnosis of TMP from 2001-2010. Patients with a cotton swab injury were subdivided into two groups: observation and surgery. Successful outcomes were defined as healed TMP, resolution or improvement of vertigo, tinnitus or facial nerve paralysis, and/or closure of the air-bone gap.
A ruptured eardrum can be treated in one of two ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The most common method of treatment is observation of the perforation by an otolaryngologist because often times the eardrum will heal on its own within two months. More severe cases are treated with surgery.
While the study found that most cases or ruptured eardrum heal on their own, neurological deficits, such as facial nerve paralysis, require surgical intervention to repair the eardrum.
Surgical intervention proved very successful, with only one patient suffering mild, but improved vertigo.
Dr. Darrat and her colleagues concluded that proper follow-up with a doctor to test hearing after a case of ruptured eardrum is healed is essential to ensure that no hearing loss was caused from the injury.
**Source: Henry Ford Health System
"In the past, many otolaryngologists have wondered if surgery is really necessary to treat a ruptured eardrum. The results of this study show that 97 percent of cases healed on their own within two months, proving that most cases do not require surgery," says Ilaaf Darrat, M.D., an otolaryngologist at Henry Ford Hospital and co-author of the study.
The study is being presented April 29 at the Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting in Chicago.
More than half of patients seen in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) clinics, regardless of their primary complaint, admit to using cotton swabs to clean their ears. But if the cotton swab is pushed too far in the ear canal, it can cause serious damage, including ruptured eardrum, also known as tympanic membrane perforations (TMP).
Severe TMP can cause facial paralysis and vertigo.
"If a patient is experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss, drainage, dizziness or abnormality in their facial movements they should see a doctor immediately to assess the possible ear damage," says Dr. Darrat.
Study co-author Michael Seidman, M.D., FACS, director of the division of otologic and neurotologic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital, recommends instead of cotton swabs, using these alternatives to clean the inner ear.
Take cool peroxide, hot tap water and mix equally. Be sure it is body temperature and gently irrigate the ear one or two times per month.
Take plain vinegar and water and use four or five drops in the ear once a week.
See a doctor, who can remove ear wax for you.
Try an over-the-counter treatment such as Debrox.
The Henry Ford study included 1,540 patients with a diagnosis of TMP from 2001-2010. Patients with a cotton swab injury were subdivided into two groups: observation and surgery. Successful outcomes were defined as healed TMP, resolution or improvement of vertigo, tinnitus or facial nerve paralysis, and/or closure of the air-bone gap.
A ruptured eardrum can be treated in one of two ways, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The most common method of treatment is observation of the perforation by an otolaryngologist because often times the eardrum will heal on its own within two months. More severe cases are treated with surgery.
While the study found that most cases or ruptured eardrum heal on their own, neurological deficits, such as facial nerve paralysis, require surgical intervention to repair the eardrum.
Surgical intervention proved very successful, with only one patient suffering mild, but improved vertigo.
Dr. Darrat and her colleagues concluded that proper follow-up with a doctor to test hearing after a case of ruptured eardrum is healed is essential to ensure that no hearing loss was caused from the injury.
**Source: Henry Ford Health System
NIH study finds Avastin and Lucentis are equally effective in treating AMD
Researchers are reporting results from the first year of a two-year clinical trial that Avastin, a drug approved to treat some cancers and that is commonly used off-label to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is as effective as the Food and Drug Administration-approved drug Lucentis for the treatment of AMD. The report, from the Comparison of AMD Treatments Trials (CATT), was published online in the New England Journal of Medicine on Sunday, May 1, 2011. CATT is funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health.
"Over 250,000 patients are treated each year for AMD, and a substantial number of them receive Avastin. Given the lack of efficacy data regarding Avastin for AMD treatment, the NEI had an obligation to patients and clinicians to conduct this study," said Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NEI.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in older Americans. In its advanced stages, the wet form of AMD spurs the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which leak fluid and blood into the macula and obscure vision. The macula is the central portion of the retina that allows us to look straight ahead and to perceive fine visual detail. Accumulation of fluid and blood damages the macula, causing loss of central vision. AMD can severely impede mobility and independence. Many patients are unable to drive, read, recognize faces or perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
Genentech, the maker of both drugs, originally developed Avastin to prevent blood vessel growth that enables cancerous tumors to develop and spread. In 2004, the FDA approved Avastin for the systemic treatment of metastatic colon cancer. Genentech later developed Lucentis, derived from a protein similar to Avastin, specifically for injection in the eye to block blood vessel growth in AMD.
In 2005, two Genentech-sponsored clinical trials established Lucentis as highly effective for the treatment of wet AMD. During the year between the announcement of the trial results and the release of Lucentis, ophthalmologists began injecting AMD patients with low doses of Avastin, due to its similarity to Lucentis and its availability. The FDA has not licensed Avastin for the treatment of AMD.
Serious adverse events (primarily hospitalizations) occurred at a 24 percent rate for patients receiving Avastin and a 19 percent rate for patients receiving Lucentis. These events were distributed across many different conditions, most of which were not associated with Avastin in cancer clinical trials where the drug was administered at 500 times the dose used for AMD. The number of deaths, heart attacks, and strokes were low and similar for both drugs during the study. CATT was not capable of determining whether there is an association between a particular adverse event and treatment. Differences in serious adverse event rates require further study.
Investigators in the CATT study will continue to follow patients through a second year of treatment. These additional data will provide information on longer-term effects of the drugs on vision and safety.
**Source: NIH/National Eye Institute
"Over 250,000 patients are treated each year for AMD, and a substantial number of them receive Avastin. Given the lack of efficacy data regarding Avastin for AMD treatment, the NEI had an obligation to patients and clinicians to conduct this study," said Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., director of the NEI.
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in older Americans. In its advanced stages, the wet form of AMD spurs the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which leak fluid and blood into the macula and obscure vision. The macula is the central portion of the retina that allows us to look straight ahead and to perceive fine visual detail. Accumulation of fluid and blood damages the macula, causing loss of central vision. AMD can severely impede mobility and independence. Many patients are unable to drive, read, recognize faces or perform tasks that require hand-eye coordination.
Genentech, the maker of both drugs, originally developed Avastin to prevent blood vessel growth that enables cancerous tumors to develop and spread. In 2004, the FDA approved Avastin for the systemic treatment of metastatic colon cancer. Genentech later developed Lucentis, derived from a protein similar to Avastin, specifically for injection in the eye to block blood vessel growth in AMD.
In 2005, two Genentech-sponsored clinical trials established Lucentis as highly effective for the treatment of wet AMD. During the year between the announcement of the trial results and the release of Lucentis, ophthalmologists began injecting AMD patients with low doses of Avastin, due to its similarity to Lucentis and its availability. The FDA has not licensed Avastin for the treatment of AMD.
Serious adverse events (primarily hospitalizations) occurred at a 24 percent rate for patients receiving Avastin and a 19 percent rate for patients receiving Lucentis. These events were distributed across many different conditions, most of which were not associated with Avastin in cancer clinical trials where the drug was administered at 500 times the dose used for AMD. The number of deaths, heart attacks, and strokes were low and similar for both drugs during the study. CATT was not capable of determining whether there is an association between a particular adverse event and treatment. Differences in serious adverse event rates require further study.
Investigators in the CATT study will continue to follow patients through a second year of treatment. These additional data will provide information on longer-term effects of the drugs on vision and safety.
**Source: NIH/National Eye Institute
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