Meningitis Outbreak Reveals Gaps in US Drug Regulation.

Meningitis outbreak reveals gaps in US drug regulation.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Lancet. 2012 Nov 3; 380(9853): 1543-4
Alcorn T

HubMed – drug

 

Contribution of serum IL-4 and IgE to the early prediction of horse serum allergies in guinea pigs.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Asia Pac Allergy. 2012 Oct; 2(4): 264-8
Xiao GN, Sun QP

Horse serum (HS) was a strong allergen for xenogeneic animals. However, the methods of test for allergen didn’t authorized in Pharmacopeia of the United States, European Pharmacopeia, Japanese Pharmacopeia and British Pharmacopeia. Thus, new methods of test for allergen are required to control drug allergy.To propose a new method for detecting horse serum induced allergic reactions of guinea pigs earlier.Guinea pigs were sensitized successively by injecting different concentration of HS intravenously once a day for three times, serum level of IL-4 and total IgE were detected by method of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before guinea pigs were challenged by injecting HS intravenously only once, and the results were compared with routine method of sensitization by injecting HS intraperitoneally every other day for three times.Serum level of IL-4 and total IgE increased significantly before guinea pigs were challenged, either in day 8 after intravenous sensitization (10%HS, 0.5 mL) or in day 14 and day 21 after intraperitoneal sensitization (10%HS, 0.5 mL), and allergic reactions occurred in all guinea pigs after challenged by injecting HS (10%, 1.0 mL) only once.It provides a new way to predict whether HS or other drugs can provoke allergic reactions earlier by detecting the serum level of IL-4 and total IgE in d8 after intravenous sensitization, this has a good application value in drug emergency test.
HubMed – drug

 

Finasteride and sexual side effects.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Indian Dermatol Online J. 2012 Jan; 3(1): 62-5
Mysore V

Finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, widely used in the medical management of male pattern hairloss, has been reported to cause sexual side effects. This article critically examines the evidence available and makes recommendations as to how a physician should counsel a patient while prescribing the drug.
HubMed – drug

 

Clinicoepidemiological study of pigmented purpuric dermatoses.

Filed under: Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Indian Dermatol Online J. 2012 Jan; 3(1): 17-20
Sharma L, Gupta S

Pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) are a group of vascular disorders with varied manifestations which cause concern and are resistant to treatment. The literature is still lacking in clinicoepidemiological studies.To study the epidemiology, etiological, host and environmental factors, clinical manifestations, its variations, and the type prevalent in this part of the world.All cases of PPD were selected for the study from Skin and Venereal Disease, Out Patient Department between January 2008 and June 2009. Their history, examination, hematological investigations, and, in a few, histopathology findings were also recorded and data obtained were evaluated statistically.There were 100 cases of PPD of total 55 323 patients (0.18%). There were 79 males and 21 females between 11 and 66 years. They were working as police men, security guards, barber, chemist, teachers, students, farmers, businessmen, and housewives. In a majority, there was a history of prolonged standing in day-to-day work. Purpuric, brownish pigmented, lichenoid or atrophic lesions were seen depending upon the type of PPD on lower parts of one or both lower limbs. Blood investigations were normal. Schamberg’s disease was seen in ninety five, Lichen aureus in three, lichenoid dermatosis and Majocchi’s disease in one case each.Three clinical types of PPD were diagnosed which may represent different features of the same disease. Cell-mediated immunity, immune complexes, capillary fragility, gravitational forces, venous hypertension, focal infection, clothing, contact allergy to dyes, and drug intake have been incriminating factors in the past. Patient’s occupation and environmental factors may also be considered contributory in precipitating the disease.The study revealed the problem of PPD in this geographical area, its magnitude, clinical presentation, the type prevalent, and possible aggravating factors to be kept in mind while managing the disease.
HubMed – drug

 


 

Friends of Chimbote Father Jack’s Mission – Healthcare – Friends of Chimbote supports the Santa Ana medical and dental clinic for the poor where, if they can afford it, patients pay a small stipend for services. However, no one is turned away for lack of funds. A physical rehabilitation center at the mission is staffed by individuals who have been trained by professionals from the United States. Friends of Chimbote supports the mission’s Matt Talbot Center–a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program–which offers counseling, housing, and hope for those who suffer the agonies of alcohol or drug abuse and are unable to pay for this service anywhere else. www.friendsofchimbote.org

 

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