Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Why doesn't the CDC does not recommend routine HPV vaccinations for boys?

Because it costs too much.  More than $100K per year added.  By comparison, kidney dialysis costs about 85K per QUALY.

Is this a model for health care reform?

Duke's Prospective Health Program is trying to change medicine's emphasis on treating to disease to one of preventing disease or minimizing complications.   By working with patients individually to develop a unique approach to each patient, it seems to be working.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Only thing you can say about this story is that it is quite disturbing...

Too sad to make any wisecrack about this one.

Everything you thought you knew about circumcision...

may be about to change.  Or, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Would you prefer not to die of a heart attack?

Then please stand up while you're reading this article re the harmful effects of sitting still while reading.  But how are you supposed to avoid sedentary behavior if you have a desk job?  This may be the answer.

It's midnight. Do you know what your child's lipid levels are?

If your child is one of the 33% of obese children in the US, then the America Academy of Pediatrics recommends that lipid testing be done.  A recent CDC study revealed that 24% of boys and 14% of girls have at least one abnormal lipid level.  Lipid lowering therapy is recommended for persistently abnormal levels not responding to improvements in nutrition and exercise.  According to this study, "less than 1% of adolescents had lipid levels high enough to warrant drug therapy according to AAP guidelines."

Should animals be able to sue their owners?

Some have made this argument, which might prevent medical advances requiring animal research.
What do you think?

Friday, January 22, 2010

To me, this is sickening

I have read Paul Offit's book, The Cutter Incident, and found it to be an interesting book about how 40,000 children became sick, including 200 that were paralyzed, after receiving the polio vaccine when it was first released.  I also interviewed him on Doctors Talk when the show was broadcast on WJOB.  I was saddened to read in WIRED that he has received death threats for his pro-vaccine stance.  And now to find out that he is being sued because of some of his statements in that article--I am sorry, I think I have to go puke.

What can you do personally to address your state's fiscal crisis?

Call your state representative and recommend that your state's Medicaid program discontinue coverage for cosmetic procedures such as circumcision.  Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not feel that the benefits of circumcision are enough to recommend that all boys be circumcised.  If that is the case, why are 34 states paying for this elective procedure?

Should people signed up be organ donors get priority over others?

Lifesharers gives priority to fellow organ donors.  What do you think?

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Feb 1 episode of Doctors Talk

1.  an update on the world's smallest baby ever born in the world (that also went home)
2.  do antidepressants work?  we'll talk about a recent JAMA article re this question
3.  man on the street interviews
4.  are you smarter than an OB?  how about a pediatrician?  call in and compete with one of the hosts in answering questions....

Interested in a free trip to Mexico or Guatemala?

Times are tough for doctors, so there is no question I'd sign up to be a control in this vaccine study.  If you're willing to be a guinea pig, they'll give you a trip to Mexico or Guatemala if you put their vaccine patch on that might protect you against travelers diarrhea.  Adverse side effects?  They don't know--that's why they're doing the study.  Send me a postcard.