Here are some of the latest health and medical news
developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:
Unpublished Drug Study Findings Could Harm Patients: Journal
A disturbing number of drug studies are being suppressed by
researchers and this lack of public data could threaten patient
safety, the
BMJ journal warns.
The U.K. medical journal noted that one study found that the
results of fewer than half of drug trials paid for by the U.S.
National Institutes of Health were published in a scientific
journal within 30 months of the completion of the trial, the
Associated Press reported.
The NIH spends about $3.5 billion sponsoring more than 100,000
clinical trials worldwide.
Previous research has found that the results of between one
quarter and one half of clinical trials are unpublished for various
reasons, the
AP reported.
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Enfamil Infant Formula Back on Store Shelves
Three major U.S. retailers have started restocking 12.5-ounce
cans of Enfamil powdered infant formula after federal officials
last week said the product is safe and clear of bacteria linked to
Cronobacter infections that occurred in four infants in Florida,
Illinois, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Walgreen Co., Kroger Co. and Supervalu Inc. removed the formula
from their stores nationwide in December after a 10-day-old
Missouri baby who consumed the product died from a bacterial
infection,
The Wall Street Journal reported.
The precautionary move was made while the companies awaited test
results from federal regulators.
On Friday, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention said factory-sealed containers of
the formula showed no signs of contamination. The FDA said it is
continuing to investigate the four infant infections,
WSJ reported.
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Experts Rank Best Weight-Loss Diets
Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, the Mediterranean Diet, Slim Fast
and Volumetrics are the easiest diets to follow, according to the
second annual Best Diets rankings released Wednesday by
U.S. News & World Report.
For this year's rankings, 22 diet and nutrition experts reviewed
and rated 25 diets on seven criteria, including their ability to
help people achieve short- and long-term weight loss. There were
seven categories.
The DASH diet came first in Best Diets Overall, Best Diets for
Healthy Eating, and tied with the Biggest Loser Diet for first in
Best Diabetes Diets.
Weight Watchers was first in Best Weight-Loss Diets, Best
Commercial Diet Plans, and Easiest Diets to Follow.
The Ornish Diet came first in Best Heart-Health Diets.
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U.S. Drug Shortages Reached Record High in 2011
The number of newly-reported prescription drug shortages in the
United States last year hit a record high of 267, an increase of 56
over 2010, according to figures just released by the University of
Utah Drug Information Service.
The total for 2011 is more than four times higher than the 58
drug shortages reported in 2004,
ABC News said.
The increasing number of drugs in short supply is having a
growing impact on patient care, particularly among hospitalized
patients.
Shortages of vital medicines have disrupted chemotherapy for
cancer patients, as well as surgery and care for patients with
infections and pain, according to
ABC News.
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