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EPDA Life With Parkinson's Campaign Launches In Ten Languages To Improve Knowledge Of Parkinson's Disease Across Europe
The European Parkinson"s Disease Association (EPDA) announces
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WHO And EFA Call For Global Action On Chronic Respiratory Disease
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases (EFA) today announced that they are bringing together over 150 international delegates to discuss the growing epidemic of Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRD) that affects one billion people worldwide1, [2], [3] and is responsible for four million deaths annually1. The conference which will discuss the implementation of a five-year initiative to unite policy makers, providers and patient groups will be hosted by the Italian Ministry of Health in Rome on June 12 and 13.
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Deworming Drug Could Help Reduce Spread Of HIV In Africa, Study Finds
Providing girls in rural Africa with a deworming drug could help reduce the spread of HIV, according to a study recently published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the New York Times reports. The drug, called praziquantel, costs about 32 cents per pediatric dose and prevents schistosomiasis, a worm disease that starts as a urinary tract infection. If untreated, schistosomiasis can lead to female genital sores that can facilitate HIV infection. Because the drug can kill the worms but cannot cure genital sores, girls should be protected before they reach sexual maturity, according to the Times. "For this relatively small investment, the reproductive health of young women would be improved," the authors from the Sabin Vaccine Institute, Imperial College London and Oslo University wrote, adding that "there is a reasonable chance that HIV/AIDS transmission can be reduced." There are about 207 million schistosomiasis cases worldwide, 90% of which occur in Africa, where humans are exposed usually through snail-infested water. According to a pilot program conducted in Burkina Faso, all 70 million cases among young children in Africa could be treated for $22 million, and repeating universal treatment every two years for 10 years would cost $112 million (McNeil, New York Times, 5/26).
Oncology

FDA Warns About Serious Liver Injury Associated With Anti-Thyroid Drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned health care professionals about the risk of serious liver injury associated with the use of the anti-thyroid drug propylthiouracil for the treatment of Graves" disease. "After analyzing adverse event reports, the FDA has identified an increased risk of liver injury with propylthiouracil when compared to an alternative treatment for Graves" disease, methimazole," said Amy Egan, M.D., deputy director for safety, Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products, in the FDA"s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Health care professionals should carefully consider which drug to initiate in a patient recently diagnosed with Graves" disease. If propylthiouracil therapy is chosen, the patient should be closely monitored for symptoms and signs of liver injury, especially during the first six months after initiating therapy." Propylthiouracil was approved for marketing in 1947. A total of 32 cases of serious liver injury associated with the use of propylthiouracil were reported to the FDA"s Adverse Event Reporting System since that system was established in 1969 through October 2008. Of the 22 adult cases, the FDA identified 12 deaths and five liver transplants. Of the 10 pediatric cases, there was one death and six reports of liver transplant. Graves" disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to overactivity of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck just below the Adam"s Apple, releases hormones that regulate the rate of the body"s metabolism and are critical for body temperature control, energy, weight, mood, and blood calcium levels. Propylthiouracil is considered second-line drug therapy, except in certain patients who are allergic to, or intolerant of, methimazole. Because a rare birth defect has been reported with methimazole and not with propylthiouracil, propylthiouracil may be more appropriate for patients with Graves" disease who are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Information for Healthcare Professionals, Propylthiouracil-Induced Liver Failure U.S. Food and Drug Administration


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