Archive for the ‘Gastroenterology’ Category
Thursday, January 10th, 2008
Drugs known collectively as "statins" are widely prescribed for lowering cholesterol (for example, Lipitor) and their benefits in reducing the risk of heart attacks is generally well accepted. However, a recent study conducted in veterans showed that patients on such drugs had a 25% lower incidence of cancer. This ...
Posted in Cancer, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Heart Attack, Pharmacology, Preventative Medicine, Prostate Cancer | 40 Comments »
Thursday, December 13th, 2007
Virtual Colonoscopy, also known as computed tomography colonography (CTC), is a newer diagnostic test used in the detection of colorectal tumors and polyps. The test involves a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed by radiologists at an imaging center and relies on sophisticated computer modelling to render a three dimensional ...
Posted in Cancer, Gastroenterology | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 11th, 2007
Recent studies done on the popular anti-acid medications such as Prilosec and Nexium raised a concern about a possible association between these drugs and the development of heart related problems such as heart attack. The Food and Drug Administration in early August released information about a formal drug review ...
Posted in Cardiology, GERD, Gastroenterology, Heart Attack, Pharmacology | 675 Comments »
Thursday, December 6th, 2007
Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus are complications related to chronic gastroesophageal acid reflux (GERD). Though millions of people suffer from GERD and only a small percentage of people will develop these complications, the incidence of esophageal cancer is rising and may be related to underlying Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is considered a precursor lesion in the ...
Posted in Cancer, GERD, Gastroenterology | No Comments »
Friday, November 23rd, 2007
Fiber intake may favorably influence a person's risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A study conducted by the University of California in the San Francisco Bay Area looked at fiber consumption in people with pancreatic cancer compared to controls (those without pancreatic cancer) and discovered an inverse relationship between pancreatic cancer and ...
Posted in Diet, Gastroenterology | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
The growing prevalence of Clostridium Difficile ("C. Dif") colon infections resulting from exposures to antibiotics used to treat other infections is alarming. This so called "Antibiotic Associated" colitis is caused by a normally occurring bacteria (the C.Dif) in the intestines suddenly overgrowing and causing infection itself, often severe and recurrent. ...
Posted in Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease | No Comments »