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Company, Investigator Disagree on Reporting of Epoetin Alfa Trial in Stroke
Ortho Biotech announced that preliminary data from a trial of epoetin alfa in stroke patients show higher mortality among treated patients than those on placebo and that it had informed the FDA. The lead investigator of the trial, though, says the statement is inaccurate as it stands and that the increase in mortality was limited to patients who received both tissue plasminogen activator and epoetin alfa.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Investigational Agent Shows "Multiple Positive Trends" in Lupus Nephritis
Abetimus sodium, an investigational agent composed of 97% double-strand DNA (dsDNA), significantly lowered the levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies that are diagnostic of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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REFILE: Anemia, CKD Predict Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia together nearly double the risk of an abnormal myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomogram (SPECT).
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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Control of Hypertension Sub Par Among Kidney Disease Patients
In general, rates of hypertension control (blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg) remain low among kidney disease patients, despite their increased awareness and treatment, researchers report.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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Renal Transplant Outcomes "Excellent" With Older Living Donors
Kidneys transplanted from living donors over the age of 55 are associated with "excellent outcomes" in older transplant recipients, according to data from the Organ Procurement Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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McCain, Obama Rethink U.S. Drug Reimportation: Aides
U.S. presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain are reviewing their support for allowing individuals to import cheaper prescription drugs in light of tainted medicines and other goods made in other countries, their advisers said on Thursday.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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CME
Lactic Acidosis, Hypoglycemia Linked With Use of Oral Antidiabetic Agents
The risk for the incidence of hypoglycemia was more common in sulfonylurea vs metformin users, and lactic acidosis was rare in metformin users.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Reports Criticize Obama, McCain Health Plans
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's health care plan would cost too much and create more regulation, while Republican John McCain's plan would leave 60 million Americans without health insurance and reduce coverage, experts said on Tuesday.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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U.S. Lawmaker Questions FDA, Cites Industry Ties
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration appears to be giving priority to projects that benefit the pharmaceutical industry rather than helping consumers, a top Democratic lawmaker said on Wednesday.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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Vitamin D Analog Curbs Albuminuria, Inflammation in Kidney Disease
In a small, randomized, double-blind study of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), oral administration of the vitamin D receptor agonist paricalcitol reduced inflammation and albuminuria.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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Pentoxifylline Reduces Proteinuria With Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline can significantly reduce proteinuria in patients with diabetic and other forms of chronic kidney disease, according to the results of two studies reported in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases for September.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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CME/CE
Low-Protein Diet May Not Improve Renal Function in Patients With Diabetic Nephropathy
Although a low-protein diet was not linked to improved renal function in this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, the editorialist notes several limitations.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Professionalism During Residency Linked to Better Test Scores, Clinical Skills
Residents regarded as highly professional by their peers score better on In-Training Examinations (ITE) and exhibit better clinical skills and more conscientious behaviors than their less-professional colleagues, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association for September 17.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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IV Iron Added to ESAs Improves Results in Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia
Another study has shown that adding intravenous iron to an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent can improve on the results, with potential cost savings, and the researcher urges all oncologists to consider such treatment.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Cystatin-C Points to Hip Fracture Risk in Older Women
Postmenopausal women with chronic kidney disease, as indicated by serum cystatin-C levels, are at substantially increased risk of sustaining a hip fracture.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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Targeted Therapies Improve Outcomes in Renal Cancer and GIST, but Challenges Remain
The prognosis for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors has improved with targeted therapies, but challenges remain as far as outcomes, patient compliance, and defining the most optimal strategies.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Medical "Home" Plan Cut Hospital Admissions: Study
A new system that assigned a medical "home" to patients, usually a primary care practice, cut hospital admissions by 20 percent and costs by 7 percent, according to a report published on Wednesday.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
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CME
Intensive BP and Glucose-Lowering Additive in Diabetic Patients: ADVANCE
The ADVANCE trial suggests that aggressively targeting glucose and blood pressure levels reduces nephropathy and renal events, and also reduces the risk for cardiovascular death by almost 25%.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Hurricane Gustav Tested Disaster Preparedness Lessons Learned During Katrina
Better communications, smaller patient census, and plenty of backup power are keys to disaster preparedness, New Orleans hospital administrators say.
Medscape Medical News, September 2008
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Novartis Cancer Drug Wins U.S. Priority Review
An investigational drug from Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG has been granted priority review in the United States as a treatment for advanced kidney cancer.
Reuters Health Information, September 2008
