Simple test is found to spot schizophrenia

Article Abstract:

Groundbreaking research has been carried out by doctors at both Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals in London, UK, into a test to detect the mental disorder, schizophrenia, earlier than ever before. A simple test has been developed that measures the level of sulphite in the urine, or the abnormal build up of metabolic by-product. Patients suffering from schizophrenia have been found to have an abnormally high amount of sulphite in their urine. Doctors at the two hospitals are hoping that South Thames health authority will be able to patent the test, which will allow the diagnosis of the disorder to be done at an earlier stage. It is also hoped that early detection will mean that lower doses of anti-psychotic drugs can be administered to patients, as these drugs often cause serious side-effects. It is also hoped that early detection could actually prevent the patient developing the disorder and allow them to make a full recovery. There is currently some 250,000 people in the UK alone that suffer from schizophrenia, and 1% of people will be diagnosed at some point in their life as suffering from the disorder. It has been estimated that the total cost to the NHS of treating these patients is around GB 500mn per year. However, concern about the test is growing, with health charities concerned that the results of the test will affect insurance policies and mortgages for those people diagnosed as having the disorder.

Comment:

UK: Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals carry out research into test to detect mental disorder, schizophrenia, earlier than before

Neurological R&D, Neurological research

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Fall in cancers proves medical experts wrong

Article Abstract:

Doctors and researchers have been surprised by the 5% fall in newly diagnosed cancer cases from 219,000 in 1992 to 209,000 in 1997, having expected cancer to rise in line with the ageing population. The most common cancers show a dramatic decline; for men, lung cancers fell by 19%, for women, breast and cervical cancers fell by 9% and 26% respectively. The reduction proves that early screening programmes have been effective, and that people are eating a healthier diet and stopping smoking, though the decline in breast cancer cases may be more apparent than real. The screening programme initiated in the late 1980s led to the identification of a high number of breast cancer cases in the early 1990s.

Comment:

UK: Doctors & researchers are surprised by 5% fall in newly diagnosed cancer cases from 219,000 in 1992 to 209,000 in 1997

Cancer & Cell R&D, Cancer research

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New HIV may not show up in tests

Article Abstract:

An increase from 2 to 50 in the number of monthly HIV cases analysed for signs of HIV subtypes is being recommended by experts at the Public Health Laboratory Service, which undertakes the tests. The identification of subtypes is seen as being important in monitoring the risks of the disease spreading because the different subtypes have different infection risks associated with them. The case for extra tests has been strengthened by the identification of a new HIV type in France, which originated in Africa.

Comment:

UK: Increase from 2 to 50 in number of monthly HIV cases analysed for signs of HIV subtypes is being recommended by PHLS

Viral Disease R&D, Sexually Transmitted Disease R&D, Viral research, Sexually transmitted disease research

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