Health Highlights: Feb. 9, 2010

FDA Approvals

Crestor Approval Expanded For People Without High Cholesterol
As a preventive for heart disease

Xiaflex Approved for Rare Hand Condition
Dupuytren's contracture limits finger use

Approval Expanded for Breast Cancer Drug Tykerb
To include certain postmenopausal women who need hormone therapy

Victoza Sanctioned for Type 2 Diabetes
But it may cause thyroid tumors and other side effects, FDA says

Morphine Sulfate Solution Approved
For acute and chronic pain

Ampyra Approved for Adults With MS
Helps those who have trouble walking

FYI

Health Tip: Getting Help for Neck Pain
When you should see a doctor

Health Tip: Protect Your Child at Day Care
Reduce the youngster's risk of illness

FDA Seeks Reduction in Radiation From Medical Scans Unnecessary exposure from CT scans and fluoroscopes may increase cancer risk, officials say. >> complete story

Tanning Bed Regulation Heats Up FDA, lawmakers want to limit UV ray exposure, improve warning labels. >> complete story

Women More Likely to Fail Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation
Catheter ablation performed more often in men with fewer complications, study finds

Medicare Cost-Saving Moves Can Backfire
Upping payments for bladder biopsies done in doctor's office boosted overall spending, study found

Drug May Ease Cognitive Effects of Huntington's
Small study reports improvement in thinking skills

ICU Patients at Risk for Rare Heart Rhythm Problem
Experts warn of Torsade de Pointes in new scientific statement

Paxil Blocks Tamoxifen, Lowers Survival Odds Against Breast Cancer
Patients should avoid taking the two drugs together, researchers say

Inflammatory Bowel Ups Risk for Blood Clots
Doctors should consider preventive measures, study suggests

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 9, 2010

'Third-Hand Smoke' Could Be Troublesome, Too
Tobacco residue may give rise to new pollutants indoors, chemists suggest

Mediterranean Diet May Help Keep You Smarter
Study finds less damage to brain tissue when the regimen is followed

Older Stroke Patients Are Getting Better Treatment
More get recommended therapies, study finds

Glaucoma Drugs May Play Role in Longer Life
Early death risk drops with use, but other factors may contribute, experts say

Stem Cell Research Makes Another Advance
Using a new method, scientists reprogram adult cells to develop into myriad cell types

High Blood Pressure May Predict Dementia in Some Seniors
Link seen in those with trouble organizing thoughts, but not memory loss

Older Moms More Apt to Have Autistic Child
Dad's age didn't matter unless father was older, mom much younger, study found

Soft Drinks Could Boost Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Higher blood sugar, insulin levels might cause cells to divide abnormally, researchers say

Financial Woes Add Anxiety to Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Low- and middle-income women might benefit from psychosocial support, researchers say

3 Home Habits Help Youngsters Stay Slim
Eating together, limiting TV and getting enough sleep cut risk of obesity, study finds

Handgrip Strength Helps Predict Death Risk in Elderly
As grip declines, so does survival, study finds