Health Highlights: Dec. 2, 2009

FDA Approvals

Zegerid OTC Approved for Frequent Heartburn
In original prescription formula

Qutenza Approved for Post-Shingles Nerve Pain
Active ingredient is found in chili peppers

Lysteda Approved for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Designed to help blood to clot

Another Swine Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
CSL's shot now for ages 6 months and older

Istodax Approved for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
It's a disfiguring cancer affecting the skin

Arzerra Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Affects some 16,000 people annually

FYI

Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Can Cause Its Own Problems
Why it's important to quit

Health Tip: Getting a Tattoo?
Be aware of possible complications

U.S. Approves New Stem Cell Lines for Publicly Funded Research 13 added batches now available, many more to come, NIH director says. >> complete story

Health Gains From Lowered Smoking Rates in Jeopardy Study finds rising incidence of obesity could counter recent increases in longevity. >> complete story

Heart Attack Treatment Speeds Up Nationwide
More get lifesaving angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital arrival, study finds

Gains Made in Lung Cancer Survival
Modest improvement seen for advanced cases, study finds

Sugary Colas Tied to Gestational Diabetes
Study found drinking five or more per week prior to pregnancy increased risk by 22%

Enzyme Replacement May Help in Fabry Disease
Whether treatment prolongs life remains unclear, researchers say

Oversized College Football Players May Face Heart Risks
Linemen especially likely to have metabolic syndrome, study finds

Ecstasy Users at Higher Risk of Sleep Apnea
The longer the drug used, the greater the sleep disturbances, study finds

In Women, Aspirin Might Ward Off Eye Trouble
Still, taking it for macular degeneration is not advised, expert says

Smokers Inhaling Germs With Each Cigarette
Study finds myriad microbes in tobacco, but risk is unclear

Baby Boys May Be at Risk From Mom's Bug Spray Use
Insect repellents suspected in birth defect that affects male urethra, researchers say

New Light on Jane Austen's Final Chapter
Novelist's symptoms point to death from TB, not Addison's, researcher says

Sperm Gene May Cause Men's Longevity Disadvantage
Mouse study suggests the gene could be linked to life span in males

Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 2, 2009

A Good Year in the Fight Against AIDS
Promising vaccine trial, better access to treatment worldwide provide reasons for hope

Swine Flu Waning, But Could Return
CDC urges H1N1 vaccination because pandemic's course remains unpredictable

Serious Pregnancy Complication Detected With MRI
Placenta accreta is increasingly common but more easily identified, study finds

More Preemies Born Among the Poor
Even with equal care, very preterm births more likely, British study finds

Loneliness May Be Catching
Study suggests that 'less affirming,' isolating behaviors jump from friend to friend

CT Scan May Predict Colon Cancer Survival
Could identify those who would benefit from liver surgery after chemo, study finds