2008-02-11   Read more...
Flu Epidemic in the Making for 2008?
Well, it's official.  The CDC released surveillance results last week of the 2008 Flu season which suggests that we are heading for an epidemic this year. The 08 Flu season has gotten off to a slow start but in the last couple of weeks has fired back with a vengeance.      The problem seems to be that this years vaccine is not a good match for 2 of the 3 circulating strains of Flu.  Therefore, offering less protection from the illness.  The good news (so far) is that the number of deaths and hospitalizations related to the flu has been low.Be on the look out and remember to WASH YOUR HANDS(a lot!)CDC-2007-2008 Influenza Season Week 5, ending February 2, 2008
2008-01-29   Read more...
Universal Healthcare in San Francisco
For anyone interested in San Francisco's efforts to promote intracity Universal Healthcare, this is the best article I have seen to date explaining the process.Golden Gate to Health Care for All? San Francisco's New Universal-Access Program Mitchell H. Katz, M.D. Certainly a aggressive and "brave" program.  I actually applaud their efforts.  However, fear what it will mean for the cities economic health.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few years.  I'm also interested to know what will happen the first time the program is sued for malpractice.Good luck San Francisco.
2008-01-14   Read more...
Zetia Goes Down in Flames
A few years back, Zetia came on the market and was going "help reduce cholesterol" for patients who were not at goal despite high doses of Statin therapy.  In a brilliant marketing move, the drug companies combined Zetia with Zocor to produce Vytorin, and they put lots and lots of commercials on TV.Im all for combination drugs.  It's always better to take fewer pills but this one is turning out to be a bust.I was a resident when Zetia came on the market and I remember a teacher who made the comment to me,"sure it lowers cholesterol... but will that actually translate into decreased heart disease?"  That always stuck with me and I was determined to avoid the drug until I saw real proof that it improved heart disease.  Well, now i'm very happy I was suspicious.It turns out that Zetia not only did not improve heart disease, it may have actually made atherosclerosis worse.  Another unfortunate blow for Merck.Cholesterol Drug Has No Benefit in TrialAnd then of course... will we ever learn?  Doomed to repeat history?  only time will tell for new drugs. Genzyme Wins Cholesterol Drug Deal
2007-12-31   Read more...
Would You Accept Only $4000 for the Top of Your Head?
Wow...This would be an entirely different story if it was in the United States.  A tragic situation however, I really wish the story eluded more to why the man needed surgery.Was his skull cap diseased anyway? lots of questions... no real answers, but...I think this article shows quite nicely the difference in social expectations in the US health care system vs that found in a more socialized system.$4,000 for a skull cap?
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