Insidermedicine in 60 - June 16, 2008

From Washington - The experimental psoriasis drug ustekinumab may lead to an increased risk of cancer in psoriasis patients. A spokesman for Johnson & Johnson, the company that manufactures the drug, has stated that the risk of cancer is only theoretical, and the company will monitor long-term safety after the drug has been approved by the FDA.

From New York - One in eight Lower Manhattan residents who witnessed the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001 showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. A study of 11,000 residents showed that those who were injured during the attacks had the highest rate of PTSD at 38%, with the most common symptoms being hyper-vigilence, nightmares and emotional reactions to reminders of 9/11.

And finally, back to Washington - The FDA has reported that the number of people who have become ill from eating tainted tomatoes has risen to 228 in 28 states. Health authorities are stressing the importance of proper handling and preparation of fresh tomatoes, recommending they be washed under fresh, running water, and should not be left to soak in the sink. When the tomatoes are washed, the scar where the stem was should be cut out and thrown away.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• psoriasis
• ustekinumab
• cancer
• risk
• mortality
• death
• september
• 9/11
• terrorist
• world
• trade
• center
• ptsd
• tomato
• salmonella
• ill