High CD4 cell counts associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke for those with HIV, study finds
A 15-year study found that HIV-positive individuals had a 40 percent increased risk of stroke. However, patients with CD4 cell counts of 500 or more had no excess risk compared with HIV-negative individuals. Our results suggest that maintenance of immune function may protect against stroke.
Hypoglycemia Rising in Older People With Diabetes
Research found that older patients with diabetes are more likely than younger patients to have bouts of low blood sugar because of altered kidney function, multiple medical conditions and compromised functioning. More attention must be paid to these patients.
Chickenpox vaccine has led to 90 percent decline in cases and hospitalizations
The Kaiser Permanente Vaccine Study Center in Oakland, California studied the impact of introducing the chickenpox vaccine and found that cases of chickenpox have significantly dropped since the vaccine was introduced in 1995.
Kidney Function May Affect Risk for Kidney, Bladder Cancer
This study found that there is an association between less severe kidney disease and cancer and may indicate the need for screening. More studies are necessary.
Kaiser study looks to help blacks manage blood pressure
600 black patients at Kaiser Permanente’s Oakland Medical Center are enrolled in a study to reduce blood pressure. It’s working.
Drug Samples in Dermatology: Out of the Closet, Into the Dustbin
Dermatologists tend to prescribe more expensive medications when they also give their patients drug samples, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine. Kenneth Katz, MD, a TPMG dermatologist, published an editorial pointing out that Kaiser Permanente bans drug sampling and other conflicts of interest related to the pharmaceutical industry.