Arizona Medical Malpractice Lawyer Blog

Fibroids Associated with Higher Risk of Preterm Labor and Other Complications (2.6.12)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:23:53 -0700

A small study shows that women found with fibroids at their first ultrasound are at a higher risk of suffering preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

From the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine
2011 Elsevier Inc.

Proper Diet can Reduce Risk of Developing Diabetes in Childhood and Adulthood (1.27.12)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:14:59 -0700

Prior and recent studies demonstrate that a healthy diet and reduced body fat can reduce one's risk of developing debilitating diabetes. Diabetes: A Growing Public Health Burden

Tysabri (natalizumab) Associated with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) (1.20.12)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:34:20 -0700

According to the FDA testing positive for anti-JC virus antibodies has been identified as a risk factor for (PML), a severe brain infection associated with the use of Tysabri in treating multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease.
Anti-JCV antibody detection test may be ordered by a physician to determine if the patient has anti-JC virus antibodies.
For further information go to: Tysabri (natalizumab): Drug Safety Communication - New Risk Factor for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Women at Increased Risk of Diabetes From Statins (1.10.12)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:42:55 -0700

Recent data indicate that older women taking statins are at almost a 50% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These findings also support recent research from 2011 establishing a link between diabetes and statins. Statin Use and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus in Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative

Leafy and Fruiting Vegetables Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer (1.9.12)

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:45:52 -0700

Studies involving more than 31,000 women demonstrated that women consuming greater quantities of leafy and fruiting vegetables had a lower occurrence rate of breast cancer. Other vegetables and fruits did not produce the same benefits, however. Fruit and vegetables consumption and breast cancer risk: the EPIC Italy study

HPV Testing Best Indicator for Cervical Cancer for Women Over 30 (1.3.12)

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:51:56 -0700

A large screening study involving 45,000 women has shown that HPV testing proved more effective in screening for cervical cancer than Pap tests.

New data: HPV testing is best cervical screening option for all women over 30

Multaq (dronedarone) Increases Risk of Death or Serious Cardiovascular Complications (12.20.11)

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:35:24 -0700

The FDA has determined that patients with permanent atrial fibrillation who are taking Multaq have an increased the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including death. Their warning stems from two clinical trials, PALLAS and ATHENA that demonstrated this increased risk.
For additional important information about Multaq, go to:

Multaq (dronedarone): Drug Safety Communication - Increased Risk of Death or Serious Cardiovascular Events

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressants Taken while Pregant Increase Risk of Newborn Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (12.14.11)

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:07:04 -0700

SSRIs, such as, Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax, Luvox, Luvox CR, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva, Zoloft, and Viibryd taken during pregnancy may increase the risk of newborn PPH. Although a small in 2006 noted this increase risk, additional studies were not consistent. Despite the questionable risk, the FDA has issued this warning.
For additional information, go to:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressants: Drug Safety Communication - Use During Pregnancy and Potential Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Probiotics May Reduce the Risk of Infection For Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Patients (12.13.11)

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:41:31 -0700

A small study shows that TBI patients given probiotics experienced nearly a 20% decrease in infections, particularly ventilator pneumonia. These findings contradict two prior studies that demonstrate no benefit from probiotics. Effects of probiotics on serum levels of Th1/Th2-cytokine and clinical outcomes in severe traumatic brain-injured patients: a prospective randomized pilot study

Albuterol Administered During Onset of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Increases Mortality Risk (12.13.11)

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:36:19 -0700

Study data from England demonstrate that ARDS patients who are intubated or on a ventilator experienced nearly a 50% increase risk of death when administered Albuterol intravenously during the onset of ARDS.

β-agonists for ARDS: the dark side of adrenergic stimulation?

Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) Risk of (Hemorrhaging) Bleeding Events (12.7.11)

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:34:25 -0700

The FDA has received reports of significant bleeding events associated with Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate).
The FDA will release new information on the risk of bleeding and Pradaxa as soon as it is available.
For additional information, go to: Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate): Drug Safety Communication - Safety Review of Post-Market Reports of Serious Bleeding Events

Women Drinking at Least 4 Cups of Coffee Daily Have Decreased Risk of Cancer (11.23.11)

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:03:57 -0700

According to a recent study women drinking 4 or more cups of coffee daily have a 25% reduced risk of developing endometrial cancer. How About Another Cup?

Second-Generation Antipsychotic Drugs May Increase Risk of Diabetes in Children (11.22.11)

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:06:35 -0700

Recent data indicate that children taking second-generation antipsychotic medications experience a higher incidence of diabetes. Further studies are needed to firmly establish this link. Antipsychotic Medication Use Among Children and Risk of Diabetes Mellitus

Few-Minute Delay in Clamping Umbilical Cord Increases Baby's Iron Level (11.16.11)

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:32:11 -0700

A recent study established that waiting three minutes to clamp the umbilical cord resulted in the child's ferritin (iron) level at four months' old being over 40% higher. Being that iron plays a critical role in the development of the brain and central nervous system, this finding represents an important consideration for future deliveries. Effect of delayed versus early umbilical cord clamping on neonatal outcomes and iron status at 4 months: a randomised controlled trial

Delayed cord clamping and improved infant outcomes

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Reduces Risk of Cervical Cancer Precursors (11.16.11)

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:25:10 -0700

According to a recent study the HPV vaccine offers significant protection against cervical cancer precursors. Overall efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against grade 3 or greater cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: 4-year end-of-study analysis of the randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial

Cross-protective efficacy of HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine against cervical infection and precancer caused by non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types: 4-year end-of-study analysis of the randomised, double-blind PATRICIA trial