Institute of Medicine calls for coordinated studies of Gulf War veterans' health complaints

Article Abstract:

Federal agencies that are investigating the health complaints lodged by Persian Gulf War veterans may need to refocus and coordinate their research efforts. Beginning in 1993, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) launched a three-year review of federal research that was conducted to investigate the health effects of the Persian Gulf War. The IOM effort was commissioned by Congress in response to Persian Gulf War veterans' continued complaints of various symptoms including headaches, fatigue, rashes, memory loss, sleeping problems, and birth defects that may be service-related. The committee advocates epidemiologic research to characterize the frequency and extent of these health problems in military personnel compared with the general population. The IOM recommends the use of a single medical record for all military personnel and advocates a stronger role for the U.S. Persian Gulf Veterans Coordinating Board.

Reports, Diseases, Persian Gulf War veterans, Persian Gulf syndrome, United States. Institute of Medicine

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Middle man in the prostate puzzle

Article Abstract:

A 62-year-old man describes the decision to have his prostate removed after a biopsy detected cancer. He was first alerted to the possibility of cancer when his PSA level rose from 2.6 to 6.8 ng mL. The level subsequently dropped to 3.2, but a biopsy was performed anyway, and cancer was found in one of the six cores. After weighing the pros and cons of a radical prostatectomy, the patient decided to proceed with surgery immediately rather than take a wait-and-see posture. Adverse side effects of the surgery include incontinence and impotence. Following the surgery, the patient's PSA level dropped to 0.4 ng mL, but he is still worried that the level could rise again. In that case, he would need to consider radiation therapy. The patient expresses a strong desire for a long life, and hopes that more will be learned about prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Personal narratives, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Prostatectomy, Prostate cancer, Cancer patients, Adenocarcinoma

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Medical Care Echoes Regional Fragmentation in the Balkans

Article Abstract:

Physicians in Bosnia-Herzegovina are trying to repair the fragmented medical system. In the city and municipal region of Brcko, heavy fighting occurred between Serbs, Muslims and Croats. After three years of fighting, most medical centers lack staff, equipment, and funds. The entire area is still studded with landmines, which affect peacekeeping forces as well as local residents. Nongovernmental agencies such as the Norwegian Red Cross also are running out of funds because donations are dropping. Many donated drugs are unusable but US military officials have donated surplus equipment to help re-build the health care infrastructure.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Medicine, Military, Military medicine

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