Insidermedicine in 60 - September 17, 2008

From Cincinnati - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, receiving the flu vaccine during pregnancy may protect babies from infection. In a study of 340 pregnant women, researchers found that babies born to mothers who had been vaccinated had a 63% lower chance of becoming infected with influenza within the first 24 weeks after birth. Despite recommendations from the CDC, few expectant mothers currently receive the flu vaccine.

From Dallas - According to research in the Annals of Surgery, gastric bypass is more likely to lead to successful weight loss than gastric banding. In a study of over 1,100 patients, 53% of those that underwent gastric bypass surgery lost 75% of their excess body weight, compared to only 9.8% of patients who underwent gastric banding. The pros and cons of each procedure must be measured, as bypass is a riskier surgery and banding requires more intensive follow-up.

And finally, from California - According to research in the Archives of Surgery, limiting resident surgeon's work hours can reduce complications in patients undergoing gallbladder surgery. In a study of over 1,300 procedures performed before the implementation of an 80-hour work week, and over 1,100 procedures performed after the implementation, researchers found that the number of complications reported dropped from 5% to 2%.

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

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• influenza
• vaccine
• pregnancy
• child
• baby
• obesity
• overweight
• gastric
• bypass
• surgery
• gallbladder
• procedure
• hospital
• doctor