RedScrubs
The Resource for Medical Professionals

Here is our Top Blog Post for today, brought to you by MedReader:

• Neuropsychiatric Conditions Linked By Iron And Serotonin

Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators have found a surprising link between brain iron levels and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in neuropsychiatric conditions ranging from autism to major depression. Appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week, the study by Randy Blakely, Ph.D.

Here is our Top Blog Post for today, brought to you by MedReader:

• ADHD, Alcoholism and Nutrient Deficiencies

This will probably be the last blog post on the ADHD and alcoholism connection. We have investigated the connection between ADHD and alcoholism with regards to:
• Size and function of specific brain regions, such as the corpus callosum.
• The prevalence of ADHD in children of male alcoholics
• The theory behind omega-3 fatty acids, which are often deficient in ADHD and maintain cell structure and function
• How specific genes which encode for desaturase enzymes, can actually interact with alcohol and and omega-3 fatty acids and all combine to influence the likelihood of ADHD.
Now we will investigate another potential connection between the disorders of ADHD and alcoholism, which involves alcohol-induced deficiencies of key vitamins and minerals which are often deficient in individuals with ADHD. We will list some of these key nutrients below:

Read the entire blog to determine which nutrients are related to ADHD and the alcoholism connection. Previous blogs on this site are enlightening in this area and the archives should be perused for additional information as given above in the bulleted areas.

Here is our Top Medical Video for today, brought to you by ScrubTV:

Video

What Success Do You See With The Ketogenic Diet?

In April, 2008, at the International Symposium for Dietary Therapies for Epilepsies and other Neurological Disorders, physicians were interviewed who oversee ten of the leading ketogenic diet programs in the world. Some of the following was discussed. The diet was first developed in 1920. About 50-60% will respond to the diet. Improvement usually happens very rapidly. Within 2-4 weeks after starting the diet, 10– 15 % become seizure free. The diet is arguably the best option for treatment.

Here is our Top Blog Post for today, brought to you by MedReader:

• Study Examines Use Of Loop Diuretics And Bone Mineral Density In Post-Menopausal Women

The use of loop diuretics does not appear to be associated with changes in bone mineral density, falls or fractures in postmenopausal women, according to a report in the January 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

Here is our Top Blog Post for today, brought to you by MedReader:

• A Conflict of Interest

Recently, one of my Urology friends confided in me about his personal angst over a proposition he had received to invest in a radiation treatment center. The root of the angst was not financial; he was confident that at the very least he would not lose his initial investment. Rather, his internal conflict stemmed from a 4th century oath that all physician’s swear to - the Hippocratic Oath.

In some urology oncological cases, radiation therapy is considered by some the standard of care (prostate particularly). However, it is not always the best option, as there are other modalities to care for tumors, such as chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy, radioactive seed implants and watchful waiting. As part of his routine practice, he utilizes radiation therapy for particular tumors; and currently aside from his initial diagnosis and management of the tumor, he does not financially benefit from any referrals he makes when he sends his patients for radiation.

His concern is simple and honest: Would he lean ever so slightly towards utilizing radiation therapy greater if his pocketbook were to gain from every new referral?

Read this blog to get one pediatrician’s view on self-referrals and subsequent kick-backs.

Here is our Top Medical Video for today, brought to you by ScrubTV:

Video

Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Patients typically say that their back gives out from them, complaints of muscle spasms, pain down the back of the legs. Generally, it is caused by a herniated disc. Treatment includes steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and rest. If that doesn’t work, surgery is the next option. In many cases you need to take out the entire disc. In the past we just used bone from the hip, now we can either use a chemical to stimulate bone growth or replace the disc. To replace the disc you will want to place a spacer and a chemical to stimulate bone growth. Disc replacement can be used to allow the greatest mobilization. XLIF (Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion) is a recent advance where you go into the side of the spine and are able to get to the discs without disturbing the other organs such as nerves of the spine or organs associated with the spine. You also avoid going though the back or the stomach in this procedure thus avoiding the intestines and other organs.