Health Highlights: May 9, 2008

FDA Approvals

Amitiza Treats Irritable Bowel With Constipation
Approved for women 18 and older

Device Approved to Assess Arterial Plaque
Helps doctors evaluate heart attack risk

Relistor Helps Ease Painkiller-Related Constipation
For people who use ongoing opioid therapy

Gloves Made From New Form of Latex Approved
May benefit health workers, patients allergic to traditional latex

Cimzia Sanctioned to Treat Crohn's Disease
For people who haven't responded to standard therapies

Compact Heart Assist Device Approved
HeartMate II helps weakened heart for those awaiting transplant

FYI

Health Tip: Discussing Death With Children
Help them understand

Health Tip: Treating an Ulcer
Ways to help it heal

Book Reviews Latest Picks & Pans From the editors of Caremark, book reviews on a range of health topics

New Class of Drugs Might Treat Many Conditions Vaptans ease painful periods, glaucoma, depression and many other diseases, researchers say. >> complete story

Flavonoids May Help Treat Alzheimer's Compounds found in fruits and vegetables reduced brain plaques in mouse experiments. >> complete story

Acrylamide Raises Kidney Cancer Risk
Study found high intake of compound in fried foods, snacks, coffee upped chances of disease

Telemedicine a Cost-Effective Alternative to ER Visits
Study finds more than 25% of pediatric 'emergencies' could have been handled online

Training Student Leaders Cuts Peers' Smoking Rates
U.K. study finds overall 25% drop in those who take up the habit

Group B Strep Down Among Newborns, Up Among Adults
Study calls vaccination trials for mothers, new treatments for elderly a priority

Mood Disorders Put Breast Cancer Patients at Risk for PTSD
They're twice as likely to have suffered from depression before the diagnosis

Noise in Artery Could Warn of Heart Risk
Carotid bruits linked to increased odds of heart attack, death, study finds

Steno 'Superbug' Genome Shows Extreme Drug Resistance
Blood poisoner has claimed the lives of 30% of infected patients in U.K., researchers say

Clinical Trials Update: May 9, 2008

Fetal Gene May Contribute to Diabetes Risk
Study finds it plays key role in development of defective cells in type 2 diabetics

Arthritis Hits More Than Half of Diabetics
Painful joint condition hinders exercise that helps manage both conditions, experts say

Study Offers Clues to Link Between Arrhythmia, Sudden Death
Uncovering molecular underpinnings could lead to new, genetically targeted therapies

Fairness Is a Hard-Wired Emotion
It's governed by a region of the brain that responds to equality, study suggests

Secret to Treating Tinnitus in Vets May Be Unlocked in Zebrafish
Researcher trying different drugs to ease condition in water creature

Stroke Survivors Walk Better With Human Help
Rehab with therapist had more benefit than those using robotic devices, study finds

Outside Workers Least Likely to Get Skin Exams
But rest of workforce lax as well in getting checked for cancers caused by sun exposure

Gene Variant Boosts Risk of Severe Diabetic Eye, Kidney Diseases
Finding suggests careful use of blood-boosting drugs in anemia patients