New visceral transplants invigorate cancer victims
Article Abstract:
The transplantation of multiple organs in adults with cancer has occurred despite the failure of similar experimental procedures in children with abdominal diseases. Thirteen adults who were near death from cancers of the liver, pancreas or small intestine have been treated by 'organ cluster' transplants, where the diseased organs in the abdomen are removed and replaced with healthy organs. In this technique, the liver, pancreas, duodenum, stomach, spleen and ascending and descending colon are replaced in a block. The fact that the small intestine is not entirely removed appears to be important in allowing the patients to absorb nutrients. The adults are all placed on the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine to prevent rejection of the transplanted organs. Some patients received an anticancer drug Adriamycin, but this did not adversely affect them. Because the procedure is quite traumatic, the surgery has been restricted to adults who are less than 45 years old and in physical condition to withstand the surgery. Many of the patients have been able to resume life of a high quality. Even if the procedure proves to be an answer to carcinoma of the abdomen, complicated issues related to cost and availability of donor organs remain unresolved.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Pathologists urge using some horse sense to avoid doghouse when making diagnoses
Article Abstract:
Two microorganisms previously identified only in animals have recently been identified in humans. Rhodococcus equi, once found only in horses, has been identified in 39 humans since 1967. Most of these people are suffering from some form of impaired immune function, such as AIDS (37.5 percent), cancer, or medication-induced immune dysfunction after transplant. Thus far, 25 percent of the victims of this infection have a documented exposure to horses, but others may not have been asked about such an exposure. Typical presentations of the infection are pneumonia or localized infection of soft tissues. Ehrlichia canis, a microorganism that previously was isolated only from dogs, now appears to have infected over 200 humans. Ehrlichiosis, as the resultant illness is called, produces symptoms similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, such as low white blood cell and platelet levels, and abnormal liver findings. As in Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the infecting organism seems to be transmitted through tick bites, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider such diseases during tick season, spring and summer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1991
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Directed to defend its raison d'etre, NIH holds communications conference
Article Abstract:
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) received many suggestions on improving its recognition and public image at a conference on communicating science and health information. Although the NIH already provides much information through publications, telephone and mail inquiries, and National Library of Medicine databases, the diversity of the American public requires additional methods of dissemination. Technological advances in mass media and information delivery present new avenues for health communication. Targeting health messages to specific audiences should be carried out with cultural sensitivity and appropriate language level. Entertainment may also be a viable medium for health promotion. The NIH wants Americans to be aware of how their tax dollars fund medical research that benefits everyone. A supportive public can help justify NIH appropriations.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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- Abstracts: Screening for prostate cancer with prostate-specific antigen: an examination of the evidence. The best screening test for colorectal cancer -- a personal choice
- Abstracts: Defibrillator failures: causes of problems and recommendations for improvement. Frequency and types of medical emergencies among commercial air travelers
- Abstracts: Reduced bone mass in daughters of women with osteoporosis. Periosteal bone formation -- a neglected determinant of bone strength
- Abstracts: Short-circuiting oncogenes may become basis of new cancer therapies. Source apparently as important as content of some genes. (Medical News & Perspectives)