Insidermedicine in 60 - August 20, 2009

From Boston - According to research in the journal Public Library of Science Medicine, severe sleep apnea may increase the risk of death. In a study of over 6,000 people, researchers found that those with severe sleep apnea were 46% more likely to die than those without the disorder. Furthermore, men with severe sleep apnea who were between the ages of 40 and 70 had twice the risk of death.

From Cleveland - According to research in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, an early endoscopy may lower the need for surgery. In a study of nearly 2,600 patients, whose average age was 78, researchers found that those with peptic ulcer hemorrhage who had an upper endoscopy within one day of presentation were less likely to require surgery than those who had the procedure later. They also had a shorter hospital stay.

And finally, from St. Louis - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, low-dose estradiol treatment may be better than the standard dose for some breast cancers. In a study of 66 women, researchers found that both low and standard doses led to a total clinical benefit rate of 30% for endocrine-resistant breast cancer. However, the low dose was associated with about half as many adverse events.

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

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Severe
• Sleep
• Apnea
• May
• Increase
• Risk
• of
• Death
• Early
• Endoscopy
• Lower
• Need
• for
• Surgery
• Low-Dose
• Estradiol
• Be
• Preferable
• to
• Standard
• Dose