Researchers call for national database of epidural complications

Researchers have called for a national database to be set up to identify major complications arising from epidural pain relief after a small number of serious problems were identified during a six-year UK study, according to the April issue of Anaesthesia. more  

A simple new way to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Certain routine demographic, clinical, and laboratory values can be used to identify advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This method could render liver biopsy unnecessary in a large proportion of patients. These findings are published in the April issue of Hepatology, the official journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). more

Asbestos disease projections too low

Current predictions of the future incidence of asbestos-related disease have been substantially underestimated, according to new modelling to be presented in Melbourne today by an epidemiologist from The Australian National University. more  

Hospital errors rise 3 percent

Patient safety incidents at the nation’s hospitals rose three percent over the years 2003 to 2005, but the nation's top-performing hospitals had a 40 percent lower rate of medical errors when compared with the poorest-performing hospitals, according to the largest annual study of patient-safety issued today by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings company. more

1-visit screening, prevention for cervical cancer holds promise  

A method of screening women in Ghana for early signs of cervical cancer and providing preventive treatment at the same visit appears to be safe, acceptable to women and feasible, according to a study by a researcher at the Stanford University School of Medicine. more

High-dose inhaled corticosteroid use for COPD could cut risk of lung cancer  

Among a group of mostly older male veterans suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an illness that offers a greater susceptibility to lung cancer, researchers found that regular use of high dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) lowered the risk of developing lung cancer. more

Fat overrides effects of vitamin C

Fats in our stomach may reduce the protective effects of antioxidants such as vitamin C. Scientists at the University of Glasgow found that in the presence of lipid the ability of antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (the active component of vitamin C), to protect against the generation of potential cancer-forming compounds in the stomach is less than when no lipids are present. more

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