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In this issue: Side effects of statins; effects of cannabis use; antihypertensives and lip cancer; and FDA actions.
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Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major complication associated with antibiotic usage, and its incidence continues to increase. Management of CDI remains challenging despite new therapies and many patients suffer from recurrences. Interventions to limit acquisition of the disease are therefore urgently needed.
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Travel to the Middle East may have gotten less popular recently, but for those planning to travel for the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) October 24-29, 2012, The National Travel Health Network has issued updated guidelines, as follows:
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Uwanyiligira et al retrospectively analyzed charts of all patients seen at the Travel Clinic of the University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) between January 2005 and August 2011.
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Prior to 2012, only 2 cases of hantavirus infection had been identified in visitors to California's Yosemite National Park one in 2000 and another in 2010. Both infections were acquired in the Tuolomne Meadows area, miles distant from the iconic Yosemite Valley.
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Within a few years after the initiation of diagnostic X-rays, toxic effects were noted, including increased risk for skin cancer, leukemia, dermatitis, and cataracts. In this early period, doses of X-ray, especially from fluoroscopy, were high. Protective devices for patients as well as persons occupationally exposed to diagnostic radiation demonstrably reduced such adverse consequences.
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In a prospective study of nearly 5000 postmenopausal women, it was determined that it would take 16.8 years to develop osteoporosis in 10% of women with normal bone mineral density. The authors conclude that repeat screening in women without new risk factors can be delayed for at least 15 years.
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The authors concluded that systematically obtaining family history identifies more subjects with high CV risk who may benefit from more aggressive preventive interventions.
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Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular disease and reduced survival. Vitamin D supplementation improved survival, especially in patients with documented deficiency.
