DOCTORS BACK AWAY FROM STROKE DRUG
Some 40 percent of emergency doctors likely would not give stroke patients tPA, even under ideal conditions, because of the risk of causing brain bleeding. The drug carries risks, but is the only government-approved medication shown to reduce or prevent brain damage from an ischemic stroke, scientists say. The researchers at the University of Michigan Stroke Program say team-based stroke care patterned after coordinated trauma care may provide a way to treat the 700,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year. The findings are published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
LEAD POISONING STILL A PROBLEM
Despite efforts to remove lead from many products, such as gasoline and paint, some children still are at risk for lead poisoning. A study from researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found children at greatest risk for lead poisoning, and those identified through screening as having elevated blood lead levels, are least likely to get the critical follow-up testing needed to prevent problems. The study showed the likelihood for follow-up testing was lower for Hispanic or non-white children, children living in urban areas, and children with a high risk for lead exposure. The results are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
IN CPR, CHEST COMPRESSION IS KEY
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instructions given over the phone by emergency dispatchers should focus on continuous chest compressions. That's more important than the traditional ABCs - "airway, breathing, circulation," says Dr. Paul Pepe, chairman of emergency medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Pepe, along with international colleagues from the Council of Standards for the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch, made the recommendation for resuscitation. The recommendations were based on studies showing the "compression-only" approach improved survival, scientists say.
OLDER PATIENTS NEED BETTER EYE CARE
Studies show many seniors with diabetes do not get proper eye care. The study of 418 diabetics past their 64th birthday, led by Dr. Arleen Brown, assistant professor of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows 42 percent of patients in managed care programs and 28 percent in the fee-for-service group needed eye check ups more frequently than the once yearly exams commonly recommended by ophthalmologists. Noting seniors are prone to other age-related eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts, the authors recommend eye care management for seniors be improved. Their findings are reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology.
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(Editors: For more information about DOCTORS, call 734-764-2220. For LEAD, call 734-764-2220. For CPR, Kara Lenocker at 214-648-3404 or [email protected]. For EYE, Enrique Rivero at 310-794-2273 or [email protected].)
