Archives Briefs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
-- Genetic Link Isolated in Early-Onset Glaucoma Researchers are one step closer to identifying the gene responsible for a form of early-onset glaucoma called pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS), according to the March issue of the AMA's Archives of Ophthalmology. The gene has been mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7. The researchers write: "PDS is a common cause of glaucoma in young adults. Glaucoma affecting this age group is particularly devastating because it is often unsuspected and once diagnosed may be at an advanced stage. Moreover, individuals affected by pigmentary glaucoma are afflicted with the disease at an age when medication and surgery are generally not well tolerated by the patient."
An accompanying editorial states: "Now that PDS has been mapped to chromosome 7q35/36, the identification of the specific gene should soon follow ... Just as cloning and sequencing of the
-- One in Two Family Practice Patients Uses Alternative Therapy Half of family practice patients surveyed say they use some form of alternative medicine, according to an article in the March/April issue of the AMA's Archives of Family Medicine. A total of 113 patients attending four family practices in the Portland, Oregon, area completed questionnaires about their use of alternative medicine such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, folk remedies, massage therapy, and the use of megavitamins, herbs, prayer, and spirituality. Of the 113, 50 percent (57) said they had or were using some form of alternative medicine. But only 53 percent (30/57) had told their family physician about the use. The main reason given for using alternative medicine alone or in combination with care from a family physician was the belief that it would work. Many of those who did not inform their physician mentioned traditional medicine
-- Adolescents Ignore Cigarette Warning Labels Cigarette warning labels are ineffective among adolescents, according to a study in the March issue of the AMA's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. After surveying 1749 ninth-grade students at four public schools in San Jose, Calif., the researchers found: "Sizeable proportions of adolescent smokers are not seeing, reading or remembering cigarette warning labels." In fact, the researchers found a greater knowledge of cigarette package warning labels was not associated with reduced levels of smoking. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1997;151:267-272)
-- Less Pain with Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Patients who undergo laparoscopic hernia repair have significantly less postoperative pain than patients who undergo standard open hernia repairs, according to an article in the March issue of the AMA's Archives of Surgery. Researchers found that 24 hours after surgery, 30 patients who had undergone laparoscopic hernia repair had 26-31 percent less pain on various pain scales when compared to 32 patients who had a standard hernia operation. Forty-eight hours after surgery, the laparoscopic group experienced 28-42 percent less pain and used 42 percent fewer analgesic tablets than patients in the standard repair group. (Arch Surg. 1997;132:292-295)
-- Beta Blocker Reduces Hand Tremors Among Surgeons Surgeons can reduce hand tremors by taking a low dose of the beta blocker propranolol one hour before performing a surgical task, according to an article in the March issue of the AMA's Archives of Ophthalmology. Seventeen ophthalmic surgeons were tested on three separate days. Each day they either took 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, 10 mg of propranolol hydrochloride or a gelatin placebo. The researchers found that propranolol reduced hand tremors by 22 percent, while caffeine- and placebo-use was associated with an insignificant increase in hand tremors. (Arch Ophthalmol. 1997;115:371-374)
Use the fax transmission sheet contained in this packet to order a full-text copy of any JAMA or Archives journal article.
#
For more information: contact the AMA's Natalie Olinger at 312/464-4465. email: [email protected] AMA web site: http://www.ama-assn.org
RSS