Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Drug Used For Neuropathic Pain Relieves Discomfort From Abdominal Adhesions: Henry Ford Study

Pregabalin, FDA-approved for neuropathic pain (pain caused by shingles and peripheral neuropathy), effectively reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep in women with adhesions, according to a Henry Ford study.


Adhesion pain, a common complication after abdominal or pelvic surgery, currently lacks effective therapy. Adhesions can also form after infections in the bowel such as diverticulitis.

"Many patients in the study went from debilitating pain to complete resolution of pain on pregabalin," says Ann Silverman, M.D., senior staff gastroenterologist at Henry Ford Hospital and lead author of the study.


Study results were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego.


"Aside from the use of analgesics, additional surgery is the only treatment option for abdominal pain from adhesions but repeat surgery can lead to more adhesions," says Dr. Silverman.


The estimates of abdominal adhesion formation following surgery have been found to be as high as 100 percent in certain studies. Surgery is only recommended for bowel obstruction.


The randomized Henry Ford study looked at 18 women who received the drug or a look-alike placebo. All patients had previous abdominal surgery and were similar in age. The first eight weeks was a randomized placebo controlled trial of pregabalin followed by a four-week open label study in which all patients received the active study drug.


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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168888.php

Pregabalin Side Effects


Brand Names: Lyrica



Please note - some side effects for Pregabalin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).



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Side Effects of Pregabalin - for the Consumer

Pregabalin

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Pregabalin:



Blurred vision; changes in sexual function; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; headache; increased appetite; lightheadedness; stomach pain; trouble concentrating; weight gain.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Pregabalin:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness); burning, numbness, or tingling of the hands, feet, or skin; chest pain; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; inability to control urination; loss of coordination; memory loss; muscle aches, pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if this occurs with a fever or general feeling or discomfort); new or unusual skin sores; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, feeling "high," behavior changes, suicidal thoughts or attempts); new or worsening seizures; reddened, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin; shortness of breath or wheezing; speaking problems; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.



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Side Effects by Body System - for Healthcare Professionals

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects including dizziness (up to 38%), somnolence (up to 28%), ataxia (up to 20%), tremor (up to 11%), neuropathy (up to 9%), abnormal thinking (up to 9%), abnormal gait (up to 5%), confusion (up to 7%), speech disorder (up to 7%), amnesia (up to 6%), incoordination (up to 6%), twitching (up to 5%), vertigo (up to 4%), myoclonus (up to 4%), euphoria (up to 3%), and nervousness (up to 1%) have been reported. Anxiety, depersonalization, hypertonia, hypesthesia, decreased libido, nystagmus, paresthesia, stupor, and twitching have been reported frequently. Abnormal dreams, agitation, apathy, aphasia, circumoral paresthesia, dysarthria, hallucinations, hostility, hyperalgesia, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypokinesia, hypotonia, increased libido, myoclonus, and neuralgia have been reported infrequently. Addiction, cerebellar syndrome, cogwheel rigidity, coma, delirium, delusions, dysautonomia, dyskinesia, dystonia, encephalopathy, extrapyramidal syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypoalgesia, intracranial hypertension, manic reaction, paranoid reaction, peripheral neuritis, psychotic depression, schizophrenic reaction, torticollis, and trismus have been reported rarely.



Metabolic

Metabolic side effects including peripheral edema (up to 16%), weight gain (up to 16%), edema (up to 6%), and hypoglycemia (up to 3%) have been reported. Decreased glucose tolerance and urate crystalluria have been reported rarely.



Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects including dry mouth (up to 15%), constipation (up to 7%), increased appetite (up to 6%), vomiting (up to 3%), flatulence (up to 3%), nausea and diarrhea have been reported. Gastroenteritis has been reported frequently. Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, colitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, melena, mouth ulceration, pancreatitis, rectal hemorrhage, and tongue edema have been reported infrequently. Aphthous stomatitis and esophageal ulcer have been reported rarely.



General

General side effects including infection (up to 14%), accidental injury (up to 11%), headache (up to 9%), asthenia (up to 7%), pain (up to 5%), chest pain (up to 4%), facial edema (up to 3%), flu syndrome (up to 2%), and back pain (up to 2%) have been reported. Abdominal pain and fever have been reported frequently. Abscess, cellulitis, chills, malaise, neck rigidity, overdose, pelvic pain, photosensitivity reaction, and suicide attempt have been reported infrequently. Ascites, granuloma, hangover effect, intentional injury, retroperitoneal fibrosis, shock, and suicide have been reported rarely.



Ocular

Ocular side effects including visual field changes (13%), reduced visual acuity (7%), and blurred vision (6%) have been reported. Conjunctivitis and diplopia have been reported frequently. Abnormality of accommodation, blepharitis, dry eyes, eye hemorrhage, hyperacusis, photophobia, retinal vascular disorder, and retinal edema have been reported infrequently. Anisocoria, blindness, corneal ulcer, exophthalmos, extraocular palsy, iritis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, miosis, mydriasis, night blindness, ophthalmoplegia, optic atrophy, papilledema, parosmia, ptosis, and uveitis have been reported rarely.



Blurred vision resolved in the majority of cases with continued dosing. Less than 1% of patients discontinued pregabalin treatment due to vision related events (primarily blurred vision).



Patients should be informed that they should notify their physician if changes in vision occur. If visual disturbance persists, further assessment should be considered. Furthermore, more frequent assessment should be considered for patients who are already routinely monitored for ocular conditions.



Other

In a cohort study of 333 diabetic patients who received pregabalin for at least 2 years, the average weight gain was 5.2 kg. Pregabalin associated weight gain was related to dose and duration or exposure.



Other side effects including weight gain have been reported. In controlled clinical trials of up to 13 weeks, weight gain of 7% or more over baseline has been reported in 8% of pregabalin-treated patients. Otitis media and tinnitus have been reported frequently. Taste loss, and taste perversion have been reported infrequently.



Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects including edema, primarily peripheral edema (6%) have been reported. Deep thrombophlebitis, heart failure, hypotension, syncope, and postural hypotension have been reported infrequently. Depressed ST and ventricular fibrillation have been reported rarely. There have been postmarketing reports of angioedema.



Specific symptoms of angioedema have included swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, and gums), and neck (throat and larynx). There have also been reports of life-threatening angioedema with respiratory compromise requiring emergency treatment. Pregabalin should be discontinued immediately in patients with these symptoms. Caution is recommended if prescribing pregabalin to patients who have had a previous episode of angioedema. In addition, patients who are taking other drugs associated with angioedema (e.g., angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors [ACE-inhibitors]) may be at increased risk of developing angioedema.



Respiratory

Respiratory side effects including dyspnea (up to 3%) and bronchitis (up to 3%) have been reported. Apnea, atelectasis, bronchiolitis, hiccup, laryngismus, lung edema, lung fibrosis, and yawn have been reported rarely.



Genitourinary

Genitourinary side effects including urinary incontinence (up to 2%) have been reported. Anorgasmia, impotence, and urinary frequency have been reported frequently. Abnormal ejaculation, albuminuria, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, hematuria, kidney calculus, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, nephritis, oliguria, and urinary retention have been reported infrequently. Acute kidney failure, balanitis, bladder neoplasm, cervicitis, dyspareunia, epididymitis, female lactation, and glomerulitis have been reported rarely. Two cases of unilateral painful gynecomastia have also been reported.



Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects including myasthenia (1%) have been reported. Arthralgia, leg cramps, myalgia, and myasthenia have been reported frequently. Arthrosis has been reported infrequently. Generalized spasm has been reported rarely.



Oncologic

Oncologic side effects including an unexpectedly high incidence of hemangiosarcoma have been reported in animal studies after pregabalin was given their diet for two years. In clinical studies comprised of 6,396 patient-years of exposure, new or worsening-preexisting tumors were reported in 57 patients. It is not known if the incidence seen in these clinical studies is or is not affected by treatment.



Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects including allergic reactions have been reported frequently. Allergic reactions have included skin redness, blisters, hives, rash, dyspnea, and wheezing. Pregabalin should be discontinued immediately in patients with these symptoms. Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported rarely.



Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including ecchymosis have been reported frequently. Anemia, eosinophilia, hyperchromic anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, and thrombocytopenia have been reported infrequently. Myelofibrosis, polycythemia, decreased prothrombin, purpura, and thrombocytopenia have been reported rarely.



Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects including pruritus have been reported frequently. Alopecia, dry skin, eczema, hirsutism, skin ulcer, urticaria, and vesiculobullous rash have been reported infrequently. Angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, melanosis, petechial rash, purpuric rash, pustular rash, skin atrophy, skin necrosis, skin nodule, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and subcutaneous nodule have been reported rarely.

From Drugs.com

SYNTHEMED, SNDY, SYMD, EXCS, MCGI and WRIT are the Daily Market Movers for March 29th

SNDY, SYMD, EXCS, MCGI and WRIT are the Daily Market Movers for March 29th from OTCPicks.com


OTCPicks.com Presents Today’s Daily Market Movers: Solos Endoscopy Inc. (OTC: SNDY), SyntheMed Inc. (OTCBB: SYMD), Execute Sports Inc. (OTCBB: EXCS), MedCareers Group Inc. (OTCQB: MCGI) and Writers’ Group Film Corp. (OTCQB: WRIT).

(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 29, 2011 )

SYNTHEMED INCORPORATED (OTCBB: SYMD) "Up 80.00% in morning trading"


SyntheMed, Inc., a biomaterials company, engages in the development and commercialization of medical devices for therapeutic applications. It offers surgical implants designed to prevent or reduce the formation of adhesions/scar tissue following a range of surgical procedures. The company's lead product includes REPEL-CV, a bioresorbable film designed to be placed over the surface of the heart at the conclusion of surgery to reduce the formation of post-operative adhesions. SyntheMed offers products based on the proprietary, bioresorbable polymer technology. Its products also include REPEL-AFIB, which reduces the patient risk associated with atrial fibrillation; RESOLVE that prevents or reduces post-operative surgical adhesions in gynecological and general abdominal surgery; and RELIEVE for preventing or reducing post-operative surgical adhesions in orthopedic and spinal surgery. The company, formerly known as Life Medical Sciences, Inc., was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Iselin, New Jersey.

http://www.emailwire.com/release/60542-SNDY-SYMD-EXCS-MCGI-and-WRIT-are-the-Daily-Market-Movers-for-March-29th-from-OTCPickscom.html

Saturday, March 26, 2011

C-Section Adhesions & Scar Tissue

Unfortunately, C-Section adhesions and scar tissue are a very common side effect of having a cesarean birth.


As you heal from your c-section surgery your body will naturally produce adhesions or scar tissue which is the body’s way of replacing the damaged, cut tissues at the incision site, however these adhesions can cause complications.

To clarify, there are really two kinds of scars. There is the incision scar which is the external scar tissue that occurs at the incision site. There is also the adhesions which is the deep scar tissue that occurs in the facial layers of the body.

Both are very different in terms of the problems they can cause and how they are treated.

For example, the external c-section scar is just that, a scar. It is often red and somewhat raised but over time and with care it will disappear. There are even cesarean scar treatments that are very effective in reducing the appearance of c-section scars.


C-section adhesions, on the other hand, occur internally which can adhere or tighten and pull on the abdominal cavity affecting your muscles, organs or even your bones, nerves or arteries. When this happens it can cause things like bowel or digestion problems, back or abdomen pain, it can also become problematic for future c-sections.

Of all the common c-section complications, adhesions and scar tissue can be the most troublesome.

Adhesions begin forming almost immediately after surgery and for many women adhesions are painless, never causing any complications whatsoever, however for others they are not only painful, they can create complications to organs such as the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or even cause bowel obstruction. Adhesions can also interfere with subsequent births making it harder to get pregnant again.

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Women, New Biological Pathway Identified

High blood levels of a hormone produced in response to stress are linked to post-traumatic stress disorder in women but not men, a study from researchers at Emory University and the University of Vermont has found.

The results are scheduled for publication in the Feb. 24 issue of Nature.

The hormone, called PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide), is known to act throughout the body and the brain, modulating central nervous system activity, metabolism, blood pressure, pain sensitivity and immune function. The identification of PACAP as an indicator of PTSD may lead to new diagnostic tools and eventually, to new treatments for anxiety disorders.
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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Adherencias

Adherencias Dirección de esta página: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/article/001493.htm
.Son bandas de tejido similar al cicatricial que se forman entre dos superficies dentro del organismo y hacen que éstas se peguen.

A medida que el cuerpo se mueve, los tejidos u órganos en su interior normalmente pueden desplazarse a su alrededor entre sí, lo cual se debe a que dichos tejidos tienen superficies resbaladizas.

Causas, incidencia y factores de riesgoLa inflamación (hinchazón), una cirugía o una lesión pueden provocar que se formen adherencias casi en cualquier parte en el cuerpo, incluyendo:

•En articulaciones como el hombro
•En los ojos
•En el interior del abdomen o la pelvis
Una vez que se forman, las adherencias pueden volverse más grandes o más firmes con el tiempo. Se pueden presentar síntomas u otros problemas si las adherencias llevan a que un órgano o parte del cuerpo se retuerza, se salga de su posición o que tampoco pueda moverse.

El riesgo de formación de adherencias es alto después de cirugías intestinales o cirugías de los órganos femeninos. La cirugía en donde se usa un laparascopio tiene menor probabilidad de causar adherencias que la cirugía abierta.

Otras causas de adherencias en el abdomen o la pelvis:

•Apendicitis, con mayor frecuencia cuando el apéndice se abre (presenta ruptura)
•Cáncer
•Endometriosis
•Infecciones en el abdomen y la pelvis
•Radioterapia
Las adherencias se pueden formar alrededor de articulaciones como el hombro (ver: capsulitis adhesiva) o los tobillos, o en los ligamentos y tendones. Este problema puede suceder:

•Después de cirugía o traumatismo
•Con ciertos tipos de artritis
•Con sobrecarga de una articulación o tendón
SíntomasLas adherencias en las articulaciones, los tendones o ligamentos dificultan el movimiento de la articulación y pueden causar dolor.

Las adherencias en el vientre (abdomen) que causan un retorcijón, contorsión o tirón pueden provocar un bloqueo de los intestinos. Los síntomas abarcan:

•Distensión o hinchazón abdominal
•Estreñimiento
•Náuseas y vómitos
•Ya no poder evacuar los gases
•Dolor en el abdomen que es intenso y con cólicos
Las adherencias en la pelvis pueden causar dolor pélvico crónico o prolongado.

Signos y exámenesLa mayoría de las veces, las adherencias no se pueden ver usando radiografías o exámenes imagenológicos.

•Una histerosalpingografía puede ayudar a diagnosticar adherencias dentro del útero o las trompas de Falopio.
•Las radiografías del abdomen, los estudios de contraste con bario y las tomografías computarizadas pueden ayudar a diagnosticar un bloqueo de los intestinos causado por adherencias.
Una endoscopia (una forma de observar el interior del cuerpo usando una sonda flexible que tiene una pequeña cámara en el extremo) puede ayudar a diagnosticar adherencias:

•La histeroscopia examina el interior del útero
•La laparoscopia examina el interior del abdomen y la pelvis
TratamientoSe puede realizar una cirugía para separar las adherencias. Esto a menudo permite el movimiento normal del órgano y reduce los síntomas causados por las adherencias; sin embargo, el riesgo de presentarse más adherencias aumenta, a medida que se incrementa el número de cirugías.

Dependiendo de la localización de las adherencias, al momento de la cirugía, se puede colocar una barrera para tratar de reducir la posibilidad de que éstas reaparezcan.

Ver también: reparación de obstrucción intestinal

Expectativas (pronóstico)El pronóstico generalmente es bueno.

ComplicacionesDependiendo de los tejidos comprometidos, las adherencias pueden ocasionar diversos trastornos.

•En el ojo, la adherencia del iris al cristalino puede llevar al desarrollo de un glaucoma.
•En los intestinos, las adherencias pueden producir una obstrucción intestinal completa o parcial.
•Las adherencias dentro de la cavidad uterina, llamadas síndrome de Asherman, pueden hacer que una mujer tenga ciclos menstruales irregulares y que sea incapaz de quedar en embarazo.
•Las adherencias pélvicas que involucran cicatrización de las trompas de Falopio pueden llevar a que se presente esterilidad y problemas reproductivos.
•Las adherencias pélvicas y abdominales pueden causar dolor crónico
Situaciones que requieren asistencia médicaConsulte con el médico si presenta:

•Dolor abdominal
•Incapacidad para evacuar los gases
•Náuseas y vómitos que no desaparecen
•Dolor en el vientre intenso y con cólicos
Nombres alternativosAdherencia intrauterina; Adherencia pélvica; Adherencia intraperitoneal

Actualizado: 3/30/2010Versión en inglés revisada por: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unviersity of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Traducción y localización realizada por: DrTango, Inc.

Hojee la enciclopedia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/spanish/ency/article/001493.htm

Postoperative adhesions: from formation to prevention.

Semin Reprod Med. 2008 Jul;26(4):313-21.

Postoperative adhesions: from formation to prevention.
Alpay Z, Saed GM, Diamond MP.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.

Abstract
Postoperative intra-abdominal and pelvic adhesions are the leading cause of infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and intestinal obstruction. It is generally considered that some people are more prone to develop postoperative adhesions than are others. Unfortunately, there is no available marker to predict the occurrence or the extent and severity of adhesions preoperatively. Ischemia has been thought to be the most important insult that leads to adhesion development. Furthermore, a deficient, suppressed, or overwhelmed natural immune system has been proposed as an underlying mechanism in adhesion development. The type of surgical approach (laparoscopy or laparotomy) and closure of peritoneum in gynecologic surgeries and cesarean section have been debated as important factors that influence the development and extent of postoperative adhesions. In this article, we have reviewed the current state of adhesion development and the effects of barrier agents in prevention of postoperative adhesions.

PMID: 18756408 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]