Health Updates » Disorder

Oxygen therapy benefit in autism

health-updates.org — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 02:11:01 +0000

A decompression chamber may help children with autism, say researchers.

After 40 hours of hyperbaric treatment autistic children showed significant improvements in social interaction and eye contact compared with controls.

The BMC Pediatrics study could not show if the results were long-lasting but should prompt further investigation of the treatment, the US team said.

One theory is that oxygen can help reduce inflammation and improve flow of oxygen to brain tissue.

Hyperbaric treatment – effectively giving high concentrations of oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure – has been shown to have some benefit in other neurological conditions such as foetal alcohol syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Some studies have looked at the treatment in children with autism but they have not compared with a dummy procedure raising questions around a “placebo effect”.

In the latest study, carried out at six centres in the US, 62 children aged two to seven with autism were randomly assigned to receive 40 hours of treatment over a month with 24% oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure (1.3 atm) or normal air in a slightly pressurised room (1.03 atm).

Children who received the treatment showed significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory or cognitive awareness.

In all, 30% in the treatment group were rated by doctors as “very much improved” or “much improved” compared with 8% of those in the control group.

Overall, 80% in the treatment group improved compared with 38% of controls.

Behaviour

Study leader, Dr Dan Rossignol from the International Child Development Resource Centre, in Florida, said the use of hyperbaric therapy for autism has been gaining popularity in the US where parents can buy their own hyperbaric chamber if they have a spare $14-17,000.

He said the findings would be quite controversial and he too was initially very sceptical of the idea but was prompted to do more research after the treatment showed benefits for his two sons who have autism.

“We’re certainly not talking about a cure, we’re talking about improvements in behaviour, improving certain functions and quality of life.

“The next step is to try to find out which kids do respond, because it’s an expensive treatment – it may be that kids with more inflammation respond better.

“It would also be nice to know how long the treatment lasts, and the finding needs to be confirmed.”

Richard Mills, research director at Research Autism, said this was the first well-designed study looking at the therapy.

“We know this kind of therapy is useful in a number of neurological conditions and that’s been well established.

“What we don’t know is how useful it is in autism, what we could be seeing is an improvement in other neurological conditions that go alongside autism.

“We also don’t know about long-term effects – it could be a transitory effect.”

Professor Philip James, an expert in hyperbaric medicine at the University of Dundee, said the pressure used was no more than that used to pressurise an aircraft cabin on the ground.

He added that oxygen was the “controller of inflammation” but also had other effects on regulation of genes and tissue regeneration.

But even if proven, the treatment may not be for everybody.

“When you have any condition, there are people who have too much damage to get better.”

“All the oxygen is doing is bringing things towards normal.”

Oxygen therapy benefit in autism

FDA approves epilepsy drug

health-updates.org — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 23:59:45 +0000

Washington — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, rufinamide — marketed as Banzel — to treat severe epilepsy.

The drug is to be used as an adjunctive treatment for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

“This approval offers another treatment option for patients who suffer from these debilitating, severe seizures,” Dr. Russell Katz of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said Thursday in a statement.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that usually begins before age 4. The FDA said most children with the syndrome experience some degree of impaired intellectual functioning or information processing.

A 4-month clinical trial studying patients ages 4 to 30 found approximately a 41 percent reduction of tonic and atonic seizure frequency and a 20 percent reduction of total seizure frequency.

Banzel is manufactured by Eisai Medical Research Inc., Woodcliff Lake, N.J.

The Money Times

Those with eating disorders at higher risk for substance abuse

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:28:55 +0000

Earlier this year we saw a flurry of news reports about an increasing trend among college women to skip meals and save calories so they can drink alcohol without worrying about gaining weight.

Alarm bells went off and many parents began questioning their daughters about this dangerous combination of binge drinking and self-starvation. Whether to classify this behavior as an eating disorder remains up for debate. What is certain, however, is that eating disorders and substance abuse are often linked.

Consider these statistics from a groundbreaking study released in 2003 by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University:

• Individuals with eating disorders are up to five times more likely to abuse alcohol or illicit drugs.

• Those who abuse alcohol or illicit drugs are up to 11 times more likely to have eating disorders.
• Eating disorders occur in 5 to 10 million Americans, mostly girls and young women.
Moreover, a new report released last month found that substance abuse is higher among women with bulimia nervosa than in women with other eating disorders and women in the general population.
Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a cycle of bingeing and purging. People with bulimia tend to feel a loss of control over their eating habits and consume large amounts of food in a short period of time. This binge is often followed by feelings of guilt that cause the individual to purge, whether by self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting and obsessive or compulsive exercise.
Like people with anorexia nervosa, those with bulimia have an extreme concern with their body weight and size.
Anorexia, however, is a disorder of self-starvation in which individuals restrict their food intake and are obsessed with controlling their eating. Given the restrictive nature of anorexia, people with the disorder tend to avoid alcohol and its high calories altogether, but they may abuse other substances, such as cocaine, to help avoid gaining weight.
People with eating disorders may also abuse caffeine, tobacco, amphetamines, heroin and over- the-counter medications, such as diuretics, emetics or laxatives, to suppress appetite, increase metabolism and purge themselves, according to the study by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
The study also determined that risk factors for eating disorders and substance abuse are strikingly similar. Both share a common brain chemistry and family history; both emerge in times of stress or transition, and both are more likely to develop in people with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or a history of physical or sexual abuse. Additionally, both may be influenced by a family history of substance abuse or poor dieting behaviors, social pressures and the media’s portrayal that “thin is in.”
Women with bulimia are especially prone to substance abuse because they tend to have more impulsive personalities, in general. In addition to abusing substances, women with bulimia may also be frequent gamblers or habitual shoplifters. They may be more promiscuous and self-destructive. Many people with bulimia also have a history of trauma.
The health consequences of eating disorders and substance abuse are devastating and potentially life- threatening.
Bulimia and anorexia can cause electrolyte imbalances due to dehydration that lead to irregular heartbeats and possible heart and/or kidney failure and death. People with bulimia may also experience tooth decay and staining caused by stomach acids released during vomiting, and may damage the esophagus from frequent vomiting. Individuals with anorexia may have dry hair and skin and may experience muscle loss, fatigue and weakness.
The signs of bulimia and anorexia are often obvious, although many people tend to miss them, so it’s important to be aware of them.
Signs may include:
• Severe weight loss.
• Preoccupation with being thin or an intense fear of being overweight.

• Severe diets or odd behaviors about food.
• Depression.
• Loss of menstrual periods.
• Hyperactivity, compulsive exercising.
• Low body temperature — the person wears layers and layers of clothing because he or she can’t get warm.
• Dental damage, due to vomiting.
• Unusual odors.
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during meals.
• Excessive food bills.
• Hidden food wrappers.
If you have an eating disorder — whether coupled with substance abuse, or not — or know someone who does, the time to get help is now. The longer the disorder persists, the harder it is for people to recover.
Treatment for eating disorders generally includes a range of therapies that address the various components of the complex condition, from the medical to the emotional. If a person is also struggling with alcohol or drugs, it is critical they also seek help for their substance abuse in order to make a full recovery. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
The first step in any case, however, is to acknowledge the problem and contact a physician who can help return the patient to a normal life.
The Eating Disorders Program at University Medical Center at Princeton provides comprehensive treatment for adults, adolescents and children who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders. To learn more about the program or to schedule an appointment for an evaluation with a physician, call the intake coordinator at 609-497-4490 or 877-932 -8935. All inquiries are confidential.
Dr. Russell Marx is a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of the Eating Disorders Program at University Medical Center at Princeton. He also is the author of the book “It’s Not Your Fault: Overcoming Anorexia and Bulimia.”

Health News

Musculoskeletal disorders a common problem

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:25:07 +0000

Many people wonder under what circumstances you go to see a medical doctor.

A recent report from the United States Bone and Joint Decade (USBJD), a coalition formed to study musculoskeletal problems and their treatment, indicates that musculoskeletal problems may be the top reason to see a medical doctor.

According to the report, people in the United States report musculoskeletal conditions — including arthritis, back pain, osteoporosis and injuries — more than any other health condition.

Although musculoskeletal conditions rarely cause death, they are a major cause of pain, disability and reduced quality of life.

More than 30 percent of Americans have a musculoskeletal condition that requires medical attention.

One in two adults reported a chronic musculoskeletal condition in 2005. The rate is twice that of reported chronic circulatory or respiratory conditions.

In 2004, back pain accounted for more than 5.3 million health care visits.

Arthritis accounted for more than 4.4 million ambulatory care visits and 1 million hospitalizations. Musculoskeletal injuries accounted for more than 5.7 million health care visits (60 percent of injury treatment visits).

One in two women and one in four men older than 50 years of age will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in his or her remaining lifetime.

Less frequently, millions of children and adults have spinal deformities, musculoskeletal congenital conditions and concerns of bone and connective tissue that reduce quality of life and longevity.

Musculoskeletal disorders and diseases are the leading cause of disability in the United States. About 15 million adults — or about 7 percent of the U.S. population — report having difficulties in performing routine activities of daily living because of a musculoskeletal condition. Close to half are 45 to 64 years old.

Musculoskeletal disorders occur more frequently as people age. In developed countries, they account for more than half of chronic conditions in people older than 50 years old. The annual direct and indirect costs of bone and joint health in the United States were $8.49 billion — or 7.7 percent of the gross domestic product — in the years 2002 to 2004.

The baby boomer generation of people age 45 to 64 accounts for an increasingly greater proportion of total musculoskeletal disease treatment cost and lost wages.

This is a trend that will continue for the next several decades. The burden of musculoskeletal conditions is expected to escalate in the next 10 to 20 years because of the aging population and sedentary lifestyles.

Money for musculoskeletal research, however, currently accounts for less than 2 percent of the National Institutes of Health budget.

The goal of reporting this information is to stimulate increasing investment in research to provide better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of musculoskeletal conditions and their response to treatment and to develop preventive and therapeutic approaches to mitigate their impact.

Most experts feel that many problems relating to musculoskeletal conditions can be prevented by taking steps to change lifestyles that often lead to these problems. Individuals can take back a healthier, more active life with proper medical care and guidance.

More information can be found on the Web at www.boneandjoint burden.org.

The report of the significant problems from musculoskeletal conditions is found in “The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States” published by the U.S. Bone and Joint Decade, NFP (USBJD).

htrnews.com

Asthmatics May Have Higher Rate of Mental Disorders

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:22:55 +0000

ISLAMABAD: The results of a study published in the November issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry suggest there is an association between asthma and a range of mental disorders.

Dr. Renee D. Goodwin, of Columbia University, New York, and colleagues studied a sample of 13,222 adults in Germany. Current and lifetime asthma cases were identified based on physician diagnosis, and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess current and lifetime mental disorders.

The researchers found that 2.7 percent of the subjects currently had asthma and 5.74 percent had a history of asthma.

Patients who currently had severe asthma were more than twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder and almost five times as likely to have a phobia compared with non-asthmatics. In addition, those with current severe asthma were almost five times as likely to have a panic disorder and about four times as likely to have panic attacks.

Furthermore, a diagnosis of lifetime severe asthma was associated with two to three times of the risk of having an anxiety disorder, panic disorder, panic attacks, social phobia or a specific phobia. Patients with this diagnosis were also more than five times as likely to have generalized anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder.

Subjects who currently had nonsevere asthma also had an increased risk of having a mood disorder or a severe mental disorder, Goodwin and colleagues report. Those with lifetime nonsevere asthma had a modest increased risk of having an anxiety disorder or severe mental disorder.

The authors call for further studies. “Identification of common genetic or biological pathways for the development of asthma and mental disorders could have important implications for future research and clinical treatment of both,” they conclude.

International News Network

FDA Approves Eltrombopag for the Treatment of Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:20:14 +0000

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eltrombopag (Promacta) for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, or splenectomy.

“Preventing platelet destruction has always been the primary means of treating patients with ITP. Recent advances, like the clinical trials of eltrombopag, show that increasing the production of platelets may also play a significant role in treating this disorder,” said James Bussel, MD, Platelet Disorders Center, Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Division of New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York. “The entire ITP community, including physicians, patients, and their families may benefit from this shift in thinking and these innovative new treatments.”

The indication is based on data from 2 pivotal studies in the short-term treatment and 1 ongoing long-term treatment study of patients with chronic ITP.

Eltrombopag may cause hepatotoxicity. Patients receiving therapy with eltrombopag must have regular monitoring of serum liver tests. Treatment should be discontinued if alanine aminotransferase levels increase to ³3X upper limit of normal and are progressive; or persistent for more than 4 weeks; or accompanied by increased direct bilirubin; or accompanied by clinical symptoms of liver injury or evidence for hepatic decompensation.

Reinitiating treatment is not recommended and should be considered only with close medical supervision and under exceptional circumstances where the potential benefit outweighs the risk.

Because of the risk for hepatotoxicity and other risks, eltrombopag is available only through a restricted distribution program in which only prescribers, pharmacies, and patients registered with the program are able to prescribe, dispense, and receive eltrombopag.

News

Biopolar genes identified

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:17:56 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, (UPI) — U.S. researchers say they’ve created a comprehensive biological model of bipolar disorder.

Neuroscientists at the Indiana University School of Medicine “combined data from the latest large-scale international gene hunting studies for bipolar disorder with information from their own studies and have identified the best candidate genes for the illness,” the university said Friday in a release.

The findings are published online in the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

Lead author Dr. Alexander B. Niculescu III, a practicing psychiatrist and molecular geneticist, said researchers will now work on creating a genetic risk score that can used to identify patients before the illness manifests itself.

Niculescu said genetic testing could also be used in combination with blood biomarkers for the disease to develop personalized treatments.

UPI.com

Second toddler diagnosed with rare genetic disorder

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:13:15 +0000

SINGAPORE: A second child in Singapore has been diagnosed with congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG), a rare genetic disease. But doctors warn there could be more cases going undetected.

Seven-month-old Shyann Tan has had several infections, a hole in her heart, and recently underwent surgery to prevent blood from flooding her lungs.

She suffers from CDG, an inherited disorder where the symptoms usually show up when the child is a few months old.

The disease affects the building of glycoproteins, which are basic structures for all tissues and organs, in the body. Its malfunction will affect immune systems, development of organs and digestive systems.

Shyann’s condition was only diagnosed after visiting six doctors in five months – precious time which could have been used to start treatment earlier.

There are currently no labs which test for CDG in Singapore, so Shyann’s blood sample had to be sent to Australia. But doctors said the lack of testing facilities in Singapore is not really an issue because the Australian labs produce results pretty fast.

What is an issue is the fact that there could be a lot more CDG cases in Singapore that are going undetected. It is estimated that one in 40,000 toddlers could suffer from CDG.

Dr Tan Ee Shien, consultant, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, said: “Because it is so rare and not well known, most people would not suspect or even think of diagnosing a case of CDG. Therefore, many cases probably will go undetected.

“To have the diagnosis means that we would know what to expect, what organ system to watch out for, how to treat the complication. It may not have specific therapy, but we will be able to best manage the patient, knowing exactly what is the cause of the disease.”

There are 19 strains of CDG and only two are curable. However, doctors can treat separate conditions such as organ failure. If the child survives past the first two years, there is a shot at a normal childhood.

When Shyann’s brother died two years ago, doctors said it was due to a congenital heart disorder. In retrospect, they acknowledged that it could have been CDG.

Had his condition been diagnosed properly, Shyann’s mother, Angela, would have gone for prenatal testing. For now, Angela said she treasures every day she has with her daughter.

“She is looking so, so weak. Her little life is really struggling for breath. Every day, I say – don’t do this to me again, don’t take her away. Just keep her, keep it this way,” said Angela.

Doctors have given little Shyann a bravery award for her willpower to live, despite the suffering she is going through.

Channelnewsasia.com

Student Kills Himself in Front of Webcam – Florida

health-updates.org — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:55:45 +0000

A college student committed suicide by taking a drug overdose in front of a live Webcam as some computer users egged him on and others tried to talk him out of it. Some watchers contacted the Web site to notify the police, but by the time officers entered the student’s home — a scene also captured on the Internet — it was too late. The student, Abraham Biggs, 19, was enrolled at Broward College and suffered from what his family said was bipolar disorder. He killed himself in his father’s Pembroke Pines house; it was unclear how many people were watching.

Mr. Biggs announced his plans to kill himself over a Web site for bodybuilders, the authorities said. Some users told investigators they did not take him seriously because he had threatened suicide on the site before.

NYTimes.com

Health Updates » Disorder

Oxygen therapy benefit in autism

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