Monthly Archives: November 2008

Statins touted for persons with normal cholesterol levels

Posted on November 24, 2008 by admin

Front-page headlines worldwide announced the “stunning” results of a trial of rosuvastatin (Crestor) in “apparently healthy men and women” with an LDL-cholesterol less than 130 mg/dL (3.4 mmol/L). Serious heart problems were reportedly reduced by about 50%. “This takes prevention … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Universal care striking out in “laboratories of democracy”

Posted on November 20, 2008 by admin

Hawaii is ending the only state universal child health-care program in the country, after just 7 months. The Keiki (Child) Care Plan was designed to offer health care insurance to the children of parents who earn too much to qualify … Continue reading →

Posted in single payer health care, socialized medicine, uninsured, universal care | 4 Comments

Perioperative beta blockers associated with more heart attacks

Posted on November 18, 2008 by admin

The 30-day myocardial infarction and mortality rate was significantly higher (2.74% v. 0.7%) in patients who got beta blockers in conjunction with noncardiac surgery, according to an article in the October 2008 issue of Archives of Surgery (Kaafarani HMA. Arch … Continue reading →

Posted in pay for performance | 9 Comments

Psychotropic prescriptions for children soar; conflicts of interest, informed consent under scrutiny

Posted on November 10, 2008 by admin

A series of articles in the Dallas Morning News focuses on alleged financial conflicts of interest of psychiatrists involved in the Children’s Medication Algorithm Project (CMAP). The CMAP protocol has been “quietly shelved” after objections were raised by Texas Attorney … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments