FDA reports pros, cons of experimental adult shingles vaccine
February 10th 2006The FDA reported recently that Zostavax, Merck's experimental vaccine to prevent shingles, helps curb zoster-related pain but does not significantly affect the rate of death or hospitalization, according to regulatory staff in documents released recently. The finding was based on Merck data.
Sad times for many adolescents, it appears
February 10th 2006Nine percent of adolescents between 12 and 17 years old (a total of 2.2 million teenagers) in the US experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year, according to an analysis by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report.
Protests lodged against black box warnings on newer atopic dermatitis drugs
February 10th 2006The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the National Jewish Medical and Research Center (NJMRC) have issued statements protesting new black box cancer warnings that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered on Elidel Cream (pimecrolimus; Novartis) and Protopic ointment (tacrolimus; Astellas Pharma US, Inc.), both use to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Reproductive problems and intake of soy products are linked, so say mice
February 10th 2006A major component of soy that is found in, among other foods, soy-based infant formula disrupts the development of the ovaries in newborn female mice, according to the findings of a study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Health of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), an arm of the National Institutes of Health, in collaboration with an investigator at Syracuse University. Results of the early study were published in the January issue of Biology of Reproduction.
Rotavirus redux: FDA approves childhood vaccine for viral pathogen
February 10th 2006The US Food and Drug Administration earlier this month approved Merck's vaccine to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis, a leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children. RotaTeq, an oral, three-dose vaccine, is given to infants 6 to 32 weeks old.
Hitting the dirt road: How to prep families for travel to developing countries
February 1st 2006A trip to a developing country offers exciting opportunities-and some dangers-for children. Here's what you can do to help ensure that the family enjoys a happy, healthy adventure. Includes a Guide for Parents. First of two parts.
Photoclinic: Imperforate Anus With Anocutaneous Fistula
February 1st 2006During their physical examination of this infant who had been born at term via cesarean section, Richard W. Hartmann, Jr, MD, and J. Christiane Salansky, MD, of Halifax Medical Center, Daytona Beach, Fla, found no evidence of an external anal opening (A). A soft bulge was present at the anal site, and the external sphincter was palpable. The median raphe was thick; a drop of meconium was noted on the surface of the perineum midway from the anus to the base of the scrotum (B). The remainder of the examination findings were normal.