Attorney Blog

Carpenter Fell from Defective Scaffold | Jury Awards Verdict for Injuries

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)28098 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A jury awarded a carpenter $18 million for injuries suffered from a 15-foot fall at a job site. The carpenter fell off a structurally defective scaffold. He fractured his ankle and herniated three spinal discs. He had surgery to fuse a portion of his spine. He claimed that his injured ankle will require a fusion.

Truck Accident Pittsburgh Attorney | PA Truck Accident Lawyers

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)27986 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A truck driver settled a lawsuit for $1.1 million against the company who loaded his tractor trailer. They loaded the trailer but failed to secure the items, causing them to shift to the left. The movement caused the trailer and truck to tip onto its left side. The negligence was loading the items, which were on skids, using an an improper method. They loaded the freight onto plastic skids on a new wooden floor which was very slippery. The loaded skids were not secured by lateral braces, airbags, dunnage or anti-skid mats. According to the attorney for the driver, they also failed to properly inspect the trailer before leaving. As a result of the accident, the driver suffered herniated discs and required a laminectomy/discectomy.

Study Shows that Cervical Cancer Drug Can Protect for Over Six Years

joshb@bergerlagnese.com; paull@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)26873 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A vaccine for reducing the risk of cervical cancer, Cervarix, has been found to remain effective for over six years when protecting against two high-risk types of HPV, the virus which is the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Every year, approximately 12,000 women develop cervical cancer as a result of an HPV infection, which makes cervical cancer the most common form of cancer associated with HPV. Other cancers resulting from an HPV infection include vulva cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer.

Cervarix is recommended for girls age 11 and 12, and for females 13 to 26; although it has been given to girls as young as nine.

In the study that examined the efficacy of Cervarix, the drug showed between 95 and 100 percent efficacy for up to 6.4 years against infection with the HPV16 and HPV18 virusus and against precancerous or cancerous changes to the cervix in girls and women between 15 and 25 years.

For free information about cervical cancer, see the cervical cancer medical malpractice attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Breast Cancer Drug Approved for Extended Use, says FDA

joshb@bergerlagnese.com; paull@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)26870 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tykerb (lapatinib) has been approved for treatment in combination with Femara (letrozole) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for postmenopausal women who rely on hormonal therapy.

Tykerb targets metastatic, postmenopausal breast cancer that is HER2-positive.

Now Tykerb can be taken orally with Femara to deprive tumor cells of what they need to grow and block the function of the HER2 protein.

The approval of Tykerb was based on a study in which the Tykerb and Femara drug combination more than doubled the time women lived without the cancer progressing compared to the women who only took Femara.

Several of the side effects reported in previous Tykerb clinical studies include diarrhea, rash, fatigue, nausea, decreases in heart function, lung tissue inflammation and liver damage. It has also been reported that fetal harm may occur in pregnant women who use Tykerb to treat advanced breast cancer.

For free information about breast cancer, contact the breast cancer medical malpractice attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Injuries From Coil Stacker Accident on Construction Site Case Settles Before Trial

joshb@bergerlagnese.com; paull@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)26606 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A production supervisor, William Schilbe, was injured when he was pinned against a coil stacker machine while trying to free a stuck copper coil at a construction site in Reading, Pennsylvania.

The coil stacker was built and installed a year before the accident by ASMAG Anlagenplanung Uned Sondermaschinebau Gmb H, an Austria-based custom machine builder. The machine is designed to stack coils eight high in two separate towers. Each coil measures eight-feet wide by two-feet tall.

On the day of the accident, Mr. Schilbe climbed up a conveyor leading to the stacker machine and leaned over a frame, attempting to free the leg of the coil stuck inside the stacker. As he was adjusting the coil, Mr. Schilbe instructed the machine operator to turn on the machine and resume operation. When this happened, the machine's load bar came down and pinned Mr. Schilbe against the frame on which he was leaning, causing him to become diaphoretic and cyanotic until he was rescued.

As a result of the construction site accident, Mr. Schilbe spent three months in the hospital and underwent surgery to repair a vein in his abdomen that was severed, a hernia and his duodenum. Mr. Schilbe also suffered post-traumatic depression, chronic pain syndrome and L1 and L2 transverse process fractures. He spent two years in occupational, physical and massage therapy treatment. And though cleared for light duty, Mr. Schilbe is restricted to sedentary work because he tires easily, and he treats his post-traumatic stress disorder and depression with medication and counseling.

Mr. Schilbe sued ASMAG Anlagenplanung Uned Sondermaschinebau Gmb H for products liability, alleging a design defect, but before his case went to trial, the case settled for $2.2 million.

If you or someone you love has been in an accident at a construction site due to unsafe working conditions, call the construction accident attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Reduced by Physiotherapy

joshb@bergerlagnese.com; paull@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)26018 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Lymphedema is the swelling of an arm, hand or chest wall caused by build-up of lymph fluid after breast cancer surgery. According to a report by Maria Torres Lacomba, MD, physiotherapy, which is a special massage technique, can stop lymphedema from developing in some women when performed after surgery that involves dissection of axillary lymph nodes.

The study assessed 120 women who had breast cancer surgery in Madrid over a two-year period and found that physiotherapy contributed to 72% decrease in the risk of lymphedema compared to women who had breast cancer surgery and no physiotherapy.

Lymphedema is considered the most important chronic complication after breast cancer surgery involving the dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Some women who do develop lymphedema, the swelling can be mild and will go away with treatment. For other women, the swelling can be severe and an ongoing problem.

For free information about breast cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania at Berger & Lagnese.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Combination Improves Survival for Cervical Cancer Patients

joshb@bergerlagnese.com; paull@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)26017 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. And a group of Cochrane Researchers has stated that combining drugs and radiation improves the survival chances of women receiving treatment for cervical cancer.

These conclusions were made as a result of the most comprehensive study on the effects of combined chemotherapy and radiation in cervical cancer treatment to date. Researchers analyzed data from 15 trials and 3,452 women.

The researchers found that when compared to women who only had radiation, women receiving chemoradiotherapy were more likely to live longer after cervical cancer treatment. In fact, 66 out of every 100 women survived with chemoradiotherapy, compared to only 60 out of 100 with radiation.

For more information about cervical cancer, see the cervical cancer attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Annual Mammograms at Age 40 is the Standard, says Top Radiology Group

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)25716 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to recommendations from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), average-risk women should begin annual breast cancer screening with mammograms at age 40, and higher-risk women should begin by age 30, but no sooner than 25, the ACR and SBI recommend in guidelines published in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

The significant decrease in breast cancer mortality is due largely to earlier detection of breast cancer through mammography screening.

The recommendations conflict with those issued last year by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which suggested that routine screening begin at age 50. The task force also recommended screening every other year, not annually.

In addition to the recommendations related to age and screening intervals, the ACR-SBI guidelines integrate use of breast MRI and ultrasound into the screening algorithm. They say carriers of BRCA mutations should begin annual breast MRI evaluations by age 30. Women who have at least a 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer, on the basis of family history, also should begin annual breast MRI by age 30, in addition to annual mammography.

The guidelines state that breast ultrasound might be considered, in addition to mammography, for high-risk women and those with dense breast tissue that is often difficult to assess by conventional mammography.

In its debate on healthcare reform legislation, the Senate essentially overruled the task force by approving an amendment that would mandate insurance coverage of mammography for women ages 40 to 49. Moreover, the Senate approved an amendment to the amendment, making the task force's 2002 recommendation -- which suggested that annual mammography begin at age 40 -- the operative standard.

Avastin Improves Survival of Breast Cancer Patients, says UPMC Study

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)25712 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to a University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) study that will be presented on Dec. 11, 2009, patients who are being treated for a metastatic breast cancer for the second time may get better results if Avastin is added to their treatment.

Avastin inhibits the formation of new blood vessels that would supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients needed to grow, said the director of the Breast Cancer Center at Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC.

The study showed that Avastin added to standard chemotherapy improved survival.

Nearly 200,000 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, and over 40,000 will die from breast cancer.

Woman Killed Driving Wrong Way on Turnpike

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)25620 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Monroeville mother who was killed after driving the wrong way on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in July had no alcohol or illegal drugs in her body. Andrea Baker's system contained only a sleep medication she apparently had taken the night before.

WTAE

Andrea Baker's SUV hit an oncoming tractor-trailer about 1 mile away from the Pittsburgh exit in Monroeville.

Baker died in the crash. Her son, Aiden, who was in a car seat, was not seriously injured.

According to court records, Baker was awaiting trial on charges of driving under the influence of psychotropic prescription drugs at the time of the crash.

For free information about car and truck accidents, see the car and truck accident attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Car Crash in Westmoreland County Kills One

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)25168 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

There was a car crash in Westmoreland County on January 18, 2010 on Kecksburg Road in Mount Pleasant. One person was killed and three others, including two young boys, were injured.

State police at Greensburg said Carla Jean Corley of Mount Pleasant lost control of her 1994 Jeep Cherokee and it crashed into a utility pole and a tree. Police said Ms. Corley died from her injuries. She had been wearing a seat belt.

The passengers were flown by medical helicopter to Pittsburgh hospitals.

Study Shows Patients Unaware of Medications Prescribed During Hospital Visit

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)23175 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, one in every five medication doses involved some degree of error.

The researchers conducted the study to assess patient awareness of their in-hospital medications. Inpatient medication errors represent an important patient safety issue.

The study involved 50 participants between the ages of 21 and 89 who knew their outpatient medications, and were from the community around the hospital.

The researchers found that 44% of the patients believed they were receiving a medication they were not, and 96% were unable to recall the name of at least one medication that they had been prescribed during hospitalization. Further, patients younger than 65 were unable to name 60% of medications which they could take as needed, whereas patients older than 65 were unable to name 88% of these medications.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of a medication error during a hospital visit, you should contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Statins May Worsen Symptoms In Some Cardiac Patients

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)23076 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a new study presented at CHEST 2009, the annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), statins, which are widely used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular disorders, may actually have negative effects on some cardiac patients.

The researchers reviewed the charts of 136 patients with heart failure in order to examine the effect of statins on pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in patients with diastolic heart failure vs. systolic heart failure. A non-statin group of 75 patients was compared with a statin group of 61 patients.

Results of the analysis showed that overall pulmonary function and exercise tolerance of patients in the statin group were significantly lower than patients in the non-statin group. Further subgroup analyses revealed that pulmonary function measures in the diastolic heart failure statin group were 12 percent lower than pulmonary function measures in the diastolic heart failure non-statin group. Furthermore, the amount of exercise performed by patients with diastolic heart failure who were on a statin was almost 50 percent less than patients with diastolic heart failure not on a statin.

The researchers concluded that statins have beneficial effects on patients with systolic heart failure, however, statins may actually worsen symptoms in patients with diastolic heart failure.

Get free information about cardiovascular disorders including heart attacks and strokes from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

New Technique for Detecting Pulmonary Embolism

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)23019 — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) , combining a low dose computed tomography (CT) with a form of molecular imaging called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may provide an accurate diagnosis for pulmonary embolism. The researchers tested the diagnostic accuracy of SPECT/CT imaging for pulmonary embolism against that of multidetector CT angiography (MDCT) alone.

Pulmonary embolism is caused when a blood clot travels to a person's lungs from another location in the body, usually the legs.

The researchers studied a total of 196 patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism from June 2006 to February 2008. Their study found that SPECT plus low-dose CT had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 100%, whereas MDCT alone had a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 100%.

The researchers concluded that having an effective technique for diagnosing pulmonary embolism leads to more rapid and successful diagnosis.

Get free information about pulmonary embolism from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

Risk of Major Medical Errors When Surgeons Are Burned Out or Depressed

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)22444 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the results of a survey published online in Annals of Surgery, surgeons who are burned out or depressed are more likely to say they had recently committed a major error on the job.

The findings suggest that the mental well-being of the surgeon is associated with a higher rate of medical errors, something that may undermine patient safety.

Nine percent of the 7,905 surgeons who responded to the survey reported having made a major medical mistake in the previous three months. Overall, 40% of the surgeons who responded to the survey said they were burned out.

Mistakes also varied by specialty. Surgeons practicing obstetrics/gynecology and plastic surgery were much less likely to report errors than general surgeons.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of a medical mistake or surgical error, you should contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Readmission Rates For Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)22239 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study published in Circulation: Heart Failure, a journal of the American Heart Association, approximately 25% of heart failure patients with Medicare are readmitted to the hospital within a month after discharge.

Heart failure occurs when a heart weakened by disease can no longer pump effectively.

The researchers used data from Medicare for 2004 through 2006 to identify all recipients over age 65 that went to the hospital for heart failure and were discharged.

There were 570,996 distinct hospitalizations for heart failure in which the patient was discharged in 4,728 hospitals in 2004; 544,550 in 4,694 hospitals in 2005; and 501,234 in 4,674 hospitals in 2006. Readmission rates were virtually identical over this period: 23.0% in 2004, 23.3% in 2005, and 22.9% in 2006.

The researchers concluded that Medicare beneficiaries discharged after heart failure hospitalization have not changed in recent years, indicating that there was neither improvement in hospital readmission rates nor in hospital variations in rates over this time period.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of heart disease, you should contact the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

New Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Tests

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)22151 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

New guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) push back the age of first screenings for cervical cancer and recommends screenings be done less often. Cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus or HPV.

According to the new guidelines, women should have their first screening for cervical cancer at age twenty-one. Women younger than thirty should be screened every two years instead of annually as recommended in the 2003 guidelines. Also, women thirty years of age or older can be examined once every three years.

The guidelines also say that women can stop having Pap tests between sixty-five and seventy if they have three or more negative tests in a row and no abnormal test results in the last 10 years.

The changes do not apply to women with certain health problems that could make them more prone to aggressive cervical cancer, including HIV infection or other condition that would lead to a suppressed immune system.

ACOG also recommends that women who have been vaccinated against HPV should follow the same screening guidelines as unvaccinated women.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 11,270 new cases of cervical cancer and 4,070 deaths from it in the US in 2009.

For more free information about cervical cancer, see the cervical cancer attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Study Show African-Americans With Colon Cancer Have Lower Survival Rates

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)22073 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease and are less likely to undergo surgery compared with Caucasians.

The researchers evaluated four years of population-based Medicare and Medicaid administrative claims and identified data for patients with colon cancer, rectal cancer, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancer. Key data used in the analysis included likelihood of late-stage diagnosis, likelihood of surgical treatment after diagnosis, and survival.

In evaluating the data, researchers discovered that African-American patients with colon and rectal cancer were more likely to present with metastatic disease and less likely to undergo operations.
Also, the median survival of African-Americans with colon and rectal cancer in the study was significantly less than that for Caucasians.

No racial differences in survival were observed among patients with esophagus, gastric, or pancreatic cancer.

The results of this study suggest that improvements in screening and rates of operation may reduce differences in colorectal cancer outcomes for African-Americans.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.

For free information about colon cancer, see the colon cancer malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

New Recommendations for Mammography Screenings

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)21944 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new recommendation by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests that routine mammograms for women should start at age 50 and that the decision to start regular screening before the age of 50 should be an individual one. The USPSTF is an independent panel of experts which advises the U.S. government on preventive and primary healthcare and is sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This recommendation changes their 2002 recommendation to screen from age 40 upwards.

The main reason for raising the age from 40 to 50 comes from their conclusion that the risk reduction from screening is greater for women aged 50 to 59 than for those aged 40 to 49.

In their new Screening for Breast Cancer statement, the USPSTF also recommends:

• No teaching of breast self-examination (BSE).

• There is not enough evidence to assess whether clinical breast examination (CBE) does more harm than good, beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.

• Current evidence is not enough to assess whether digital mammography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would be better or worse than film mammography to diagnose breast cancer.

More free information about breast cancer is available from the breast cancer attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Settlement Reached from Two Falls on Consecutive Days

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)21295 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two ironworkers fell from the same roof on two consecutive days at a construction site in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. A settlement in the amount of $3.85 million was reached with the general contractor, R.E. Crawford Construction, Inc. and the construction manager, Zamias Services, Inc., of a project.

Lavern Breon was lying steel decking on a roof when a coworker asked him to switch places. He began to walk across the deck to the coworker, the deck slid out from under him and he fell 22 feet to the ground. Mr. Breon was not wearing a harness for fall protection at the time of the accident. He suffered fractures to his left foot, left leg and spinal injuries.

Mr. Breon’s fall occurred on a Friday and Brian K. Phillips, Sr. was his replacement on the following Monday.

Mr. Phillips was wearing a safety harness hooked by cables to anchor points. However, he was forced to unhook the harness and move to another location because the cables were too short. Mr. Phillips fell 22 feet to the ground, landing on his head. He suffered massive brain trauma and was in coma for more than a month before dying.

The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants failed to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations as well as R.E. Crawford’s own safety manual. They also alleged that the defendants were not properly trained in safety procedures and failed to take safety precautions even after Lavern Breon fell.

Defendant R.E. Crawford stated that the construction manager was responsible for supervising and controlling the work done at the jobsite.

If you or someone you love has been in an accident at a construction site due to unsafe working conditions, call the construction accident attorneys of Pittsburgh, PA.

Driver's Family Settles With Trucking Manufacturer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)20080 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

A cement truck carrying a cement mixer rolled over and killed the driver. A wrongful death case was filed and settled for $3 million.

The truck blew a tire and struck a ditch in the road. When the truck struck the ditch, the mixer, which was full of concrete and weighed approximately 40,000 pounds, came loose and crushed the roof of the cab. The incident occurred in Northhampton County, Pennsylvania.

The truck, which was a 1999 S-Series “New England” model and manufactured by Oshkosh Truck Corporation, contained several design and manufacturing flaws.

The front pedestal was not strong enough to support the force of the steel drum in a low-speed crash, and the front pedestal and catwalk structure both collapsed because of low-force impact.

The cab, which was constructed of low-grade aluminum, should have included steel reinforcements and a roll bar or cage. The cab on the prior S-Series model was made of steel. However, the company used aluminum on new models in order to minimize weight and maximize the amount of concrete it could carry.

The steering column was also defective and did not collapse on impact. Additionally, the drum could have included a safety loop to prevent it from detaching and the rear pedestal was not strong enough to withstand the force of the crash.

For free information about construction accidents, see the construction accident attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Improperly Sterilized Equipment at UPMC Northwest

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)19372 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, more than 140 patients who had surgery at UPMC Northwest in Venango County between January and July this year may have been exposed to potentially life-threatening illnesses such as HIV or Hepatitis.

The problem is being attributed to surgical equipment that was not properly sterilized.

The hospital sent letters to patients who are believed to be at risk.

Biomedical Firm Sues Pitt and Former Researcher Over Prostate Cancer Research

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)19141 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the University of Pittsburgh along with Dr. Robert Getzenberg, a former researcher at the University and currently director of urology research at Johns-Hopkins University, have been named in a lawsuit filed in federal court. Onconome, Inc., the plaintiff, is a privately owned biotechnology company.

According to the lawsuit, the University and doctor committed more than five years of research fraud. The Washington based firm said it spent millions of dollars funding prostate cancer research based on a patent, only to find that the doctor falsified reports and overstated the results of the research. The lawsuit claims that the screening test, known as PSA (prostate-specific antigen), is "problematic" because it often detects cancer where none exists. The lawsuit also alleges fraud, breach of contract and failure to properly supervise the research, and is seeking millions of dollars in damages.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men.

Use of Hormone Therapy By Prostate Cancer Patients With Heart Disease Increases Risk of Death

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)18448 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), men with prostate cancer and a history of heart attack or congestive heart failure who receive hormone therapy before radiation have an increased risk of death.

The researchers assessed 5,077 men (median age being 69.5 years) with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. Some men were treated with radiation therapy alone, and others were treated with hormone therapy prior to radiation.

They concluded that among men with no history of heart attack or congestive heart failure, receipt of hormone therapy did not significantly influence the risk of death. However, among men with a history of heart attack or congestive heart failure due to coronary artery disease, receiving hormone therapy almost doubled the risk of death.

Pitt Researchers Identify Genes That May Help Improve Treatment for Melanoma Patients

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)18388 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

The findings of a study, which were presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), isolated eight genes that could help predict a melanoma patient’s response to treatment. The researchers were from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI).

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the cells that produce melanin. It is the most serious type of skin cancer. Approximately 70,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year.

The researchers examined the tumor tissues of 21 patients with metastatic melanoma. The cases were classified into two groups: those who responded to chemotherapy and those who did not. Once the cases were divided, the data was analyzed using a mathematical tool to survey the genes to see if they could identify ones that could distinguish responders from nonresponders.

The results of the study show that genetic testing could someday allow doctors to identify which patients will respond to standard chemotherapy and which patients will not.

Pitt Researchers Find Promising Candidate Protein For Cancer Prevention Vaccines

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)18234 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a study published last month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine learned that some healthy people naturally developed an immune response against a protein that is made in excess levels in many cancers, including colorectal, cervical, breast, and lung.

The study collected blood from 65 individuals and tested it for natural levels of the antibody.

This finding prompted the team of researchers to develop a vaccine that shows promise in preventing malignancies in high-risk individuals. They found that immunity achieved by a vaccine could inhibit tumor growth and increase overall survival.

The vaccine, which has been tested on mice, succeeds because it boosts immune response against the abnormal production of the protein, known as "cyclin B1", which made it possible for them to avoid tumor development.

The researchers are working to launch a human clinical trial on the vaccine.

More Cancer Patients Needed to Participate in Clinical Trials

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)18174 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

More needs to be done to educate the general public of the critical need for clinical trial participation. Nationally, experts say only a very small percentage of cancer patients participate.

According to a 2008 editorial in The Oncologist, only half of the clinical trials sponsored by the National Cancer Institute enrolled enough participants to achieve meaningful results.

There are several reasons why cancer patients are reluctant to sign up. Already frightened by their diagnosis, they are reluctant because they think they are being used as a guinea pig. Another issue hindering participation is the denial of insurance coverage for some patients, especially the elderly, who are at increased risk for cancer.

In addition to increased education efforts, physicians, nurses and others involved in the care of cancer patients need to make a greater effort to inform patients of trials and potential benefits.

Study Finds Women Can Reduce Their Risk of Breast Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)17952 — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a report by the American Institute for Cancer Research, women can cut their risk of breast cancer by at least 40% if they take some preventative steps. The researchers looked at links between breast cancer and diet, body weight and physical activity.

The recent study is an update from a 2007 review of more than 800 studies. However, the newly updated review includes evidence from an additional 81 studies that have been published since then.

The report on breast cancer is part of the Continuous Update Project. The long-term goal is to continuously update the findings of the expert report so that cancer prevention advice is always based on the latest research.

For free information about breast cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania at Berger & Lagnese.

Blood Thinner Can Cause Stroke In Some Dialysis Patients

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)17632 — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A study, which is to be published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology (JASN) , found that the blood thinner warfarin can cause strokes in kidney disease patients on dialysis.

The researchers studied 1,671 end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Patients' health was monitored for an average of 1.6 years after dialysis was started.

People with atrial fibrillation, the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm, have a significantly increased risk of stroke. However, the researchers found that the increase in risk was related to the degree of blood thinning in response to the drug. Dialysis patients whose blood was not monitored for warfarin levels after they received the drug had the highest risk of stroke.

Get free information about atrial fibrillation from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

Four Recent Deaths of Construction Workers from Falls

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)17199 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Within the last week, four separate construction-related falls have resulted in deaths. The most recent accident occurred last Tuesday when a masonry worker fell thirteen stories from the roof of the Pennsylvanian apartment building in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The previous three incidents occurred in North Strabane, New Kensington and Monessen.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates safety requirements that protect against hazards like falling. There is an entire book of OSHA standards related to construction. Employers are required to protect their workers from falls when they are working six feet or higher above an adjacent surface.

According to the area director at OSHA’s Pittsburgh office, falls account for nearly 50% of all fatalities in the construction industry.

OSHA investigates all workplace deaths and has started investigations on all four fatalities.

If you or someone you love has been in an accident at a construction site due to unsafe working conditions, call the construction accident attorneys of Pittsburgh, PA.

Study Focuses on Parental Fear of Errors During Child's Hospitalization

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)16496 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study which is published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, nearly two-thirds of parents reported they felt the need to watch over their child's care to ensure that medical errors are not made during their hospital stay.

The study surveyed 278 parents of children who were hospitalized in 2005 at a children’s hospital in Seattle, Washington.

This study is an important step toward characterizing the scope of parental concern about medical errors during pediatric hospitalizations and understanding its relationship toward communication between parents and physicians.

According to the Institute of Medicine, medical errors are linked to between 48,000 and 98,000 deaths a year and are linked to increases in length of stay, health care costs and death.

For a free consultation, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

Analysis by Medicare Rates Hospital Readmission and Deaths

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)16411 — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

A recent analysis by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found that too many people die needlessly at U.S. hospitals.

According to the article that was published in USA Today, the analysis examined death rates for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia at more than 4,600 hospitals across the United States.

At 3.4% of hospitals, patients with heart failure died at rates slightly higher than the national average, and 1.2% of hospitals were higher when it came to heart attack. With pneumonia, 5.9% of hospitals had death rates significantly higher than the national average.

The researchers also found that one of every four heart failure patients and approximately one in five heart attack and pneumonia patients land back in the hospital within 30 days.

The findings were based on more than 1 million deaths and readmissions among Medicare patients from 2005 to 2008.

To find out how your hospital rates, click here.

Texting While Driving May Cause Crash

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)16107 — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) provides information that motorists who use their cell phones or were text messaging are at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident or near-accident event.

According to the researchers, motorists who are text messaging are 23 times higher than non-distracted drivers and had the longest duration of eyes off road time at 4.6 seconds over a 6 second intervals. This equates to a driver traveling the length of a football field at 55 mph without looking at the road.

For free information about car accidents, see Pennsylvania's car and truck accident attorneys.

FDA Issues Warning for Body Building Products

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)16032 — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A warning was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for consumers to stop using body building products that are represented as containing steroids or steroid-like substances. Many of these products are marketed as dietary supplements.

A Warning Letter was issued to American Cellular Laboratories Inc. for marketing and distributing body building products containing synthetic steroid substances. The products listed in the Warning Letter to American Cellular Laboratories Inc., include "TREN-Xtreme," "MASS Xtreme," "ESTRO Xtreme," "AH-89-Xtreme," "HMG Xtreme," "MMA-3 Xtreme," "VNS-9 Xtreme," and "TT-40-Xtreme," and are sold on the Internet and in some stores.

The FDA has received reports of serious adverse events associated with the use of these products which includes cases of serious liver injury, stroke, kidney failure and pulmonary embolism (artery blockage in the lung).

For a free consultation, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Study Finds Hormone Therapy Increases Risk of Ovarian Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)15934 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who use hormone therapy after menopause may be at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

The researchers studied 909,946 Danish women, ages 50 to 79. Overall, 3,068 women developed ovarian cancer, and, of those, 2,681 were epithelial, the most common type of ovarian cancer. Current hormone users were 38% more likely to develop ovarian cancer and 44% more likely to develop epithelial ovarian cancer, in particular, than women who had never used hormones. Women who had stopped taking hormones at some point in the previous two years had a 22% higher ovarian cancer risk.

The risk remains elevated for up to two years after women stop taking estrogen, and, even a relatively short duration of hormone therapy is associated with a 30% to 40% higher risk of ovarian cancer in current users.

Hormone therapy has been linked to health hazards in the past, including an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, and blood clots in their lungs and legs.

Although a couple of large studies have also suggested that hormone therapy can increase ovarian cancer risk, it seemed as if only long-term use was the culprit and that short-term use was OK. However, the new study suggests otherwise.

There is no early screening test to detect ovarian cancer when it is in its most treatable stages, and its symptoms are vague. As a result, ovarian cancer is usually detected after it has spread outside the ovaries.

Worker Settles Claim with Tank Manufacturer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)15116 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

An employee of a fire truck manufacturer in Pennsylvania was injured in a work related accident when a tank collapsed on his left foot, which resulted in him losing two toes.

The incident occurred when the man was unloading a 3,500-gallon plastic truck tank using a two-legged bridge chain sling. The rigging system, which called for 3 ½ inch bolts, used bolts that were ½ inch too short.

The case was settled for $950,000.

For free information about construction accidents, see Pennsylvania's contruction accident attorneys.

Workers Settle Injury Claims in Scaffolding Collapse

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)15110 — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two plasterers and a truck driver were injured when scaffolding collapsed at a construction site in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The two plasterers were working on scaffolding as buckets of mud and stucco were being hoisted up with a pulley. The movement of the hoisting and pulling, along with an inadequate number of tie-ins to counter balance the weight of the movement, caused the scaffolding to collapse. The two men fell 12 to 14 feet onto a wooden deck below. They sustained various injuries including acute strain and sprain of the cervical and lumbar spine, post-traumatic stress syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve compression, lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica.

The truck driver, who was making a delivery at the jobsite, was stuck when the scaffolding fell. The injuries he sustained include traumatic brain injury with closed head injury, right hip contusion, lumbar pain and a hematoma.

All three workers settled their claims for a total of $3.5 million.

For free information about construction accidents, see the construction accident attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Study Shows Increase in Colorectal Cases Among Those Younger Than 50

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14962 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study that was published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, colorectal cancer rates are on the rise in the United States for people who are younger than 50.

The researchers reviewed data on 11,000 men and 9,800 women younger than 50. The data was obtained from 13 registeries that tracked the information between 1992 and 2005.

The researchers found that colorectal cancer rates increased 1.5% a year among men younger than 50 and 1.6% a year among women younger than 50. The researchers also found that incident rate increases for colorectal cancer had edged up in every age category below 50, but the largest increase occurred in the youngest age group (those between 20 and 29 years old).

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 106,000 new cases of colon cancer, which includes about 15,000 people younger than 50, and 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.

For free information about colon cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Results of Study on Treating Heart Attacks to Lower Risk of Complications

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14740 — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A study, which was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that transferring heart attack patients to specialized hospitals to undergo angioplasty within six hours after receiving thrombolytic drugs (clot-busting drugs) reduces the risk of life-threatening complications including repeat heart attacks.

The researchers followed 1,059 heart attack patients who were treated with clot-busting drugs at community hospital emergency departments. Patients were then randomly assigned to one of two groups: those who were urgently transfer for angioplasty within six hours, or those who received the standard care. The researchers then compared the strategy of transferring heart attack patients to hospitals with on-site angioplasty facilities to undergo angioplasty within six hours after administration of clot-busting drugs with the traditional approach of transferring only those patients when clot-busting drug treatments are unsuccessful.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in diagnosing or treating a heart attack, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Study Shows Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Breast Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14577 — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study which was published in a journal for the American Association for Cancer Research, metabolic syndrome may play a role in the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance syndrome, is characterized by abdominal obesity, high blood glucose levels, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. It can also increase the risk for diabetes and coronary heart disease.

In this study, the researchers used existing data from the Women's Health Initiative. Participants included postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years at enrollment who had repeated measurements of components of metabolic syndrome over an eight-year period. The results of the study suggest an association between having the metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

To date, studies have evaluated individual components of the metabolic syndrome and breast cancer, however, this is the first time researchers have assessed whether women who met the criteria of having the metabolic syndrome were at greater risk for postmenopausal breast cancer.

For free information about breast cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Berger & Lagnese.

Study Shows Long-Term Health Problems From Contrast-Induced Medical Imaging Procedures

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14366 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a study to be published in a future issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology, kidney injuries can arise following certain medical imaging procedures, which can increase a patient’s risk of having a stroke or heart attack. The results of the study indicate that minor and reversible kidney damage from common clinical procedures is a serious health threat.

Medical imaging often uses contrast agents, such as iodine and barium, to enhance structures or fluids within the body. Exposure to contrast agents can injure the kidneys and recent research suggests that such contrast-induced kidney damage may actually be more serious.

The researchers studied 294 patients with kidney disease who were exposed to contrast agents during cardiac angiography. After one year, the researchers found that 31% of the patients experienced negative health effects and 13% of the patients experienced a major event, such as stroke, heart attack, end-stage renal disease or death. Individuals who developed contrast-induced kidney injuries had twice as many long-term negative health effects compared to patients whose kidneys were not damaged.

Contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consulation.

Study Shows Strep B Test Misses More Cases Than Expected

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14346 — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a federal recommendation that all pregnant women undergo testing for Group B strep bacteria has helped increase the number of screenings. However, it has produced a high level of false negatives.

Group B strep is acquired by newborns through direct contact with the bacteria while in the uterus or during delivery. Although it poses no harm to most adults, infants can develop blood infections, pneumonia, meningitis, mental retardation, hearing and vision loss, or death.

The researchers examined data on Group B strep cases in 10 states, finding that 250 infants out of nearly 7,700 were born with the infection. They compared the results with a similar study that was conducted before the CDC recommendations were in place. The researchers found that the screening rate rose from 48% to 85% of pregnant women. However, their results showed about 60% of infected infants, or 116 cases, were born to women who had tested negative for Group B strep. The researchers noted that the timing of a Group B test might play a role because the infection can come quickly and tests could have been performed before the bacteria appeared.

In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the recommendation that all pregnant women be tested because of the potential for serious complications.

If you have questions about the delivery or the birth of your child, please contact lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

New Guidelines for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14302 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

New guidelines were released by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists regarding fetal heart rate monitoring. Practice Bulletin #106, which outlines the guidelines, is published in the July 2009 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

The most commonly used method for monitoring the heart rate of the fetus during birth is electronic fetal monitoring. A fetal heart rate monitor is used to track the status of the fetal heart rate during labor and intervene if necessary. An abnormal heart rate may signal a potential problem with the fetus during delivery, including the risk of a baby being born with cerebral palsy.

One notable update in the guidelines for fetal heart rate tracings, print-outs of the fetal heart rate. Category 1 tracings are considered normal and no specific action is required. Category 2 tracings are considered indeterminate and require further evaluation. Category 3 tracings are considered abnormal and require prompt evaluation. The guidelines also state that women in labor who have high-risk conditions such as preeclampsia, type 1 diabetes, or suspected fetal growth restriction should be monitored continuously during labor.

If you have questions about whether your child's cerebral palsy is the result of medical malpractice, contact the cerebral palsy attorneys of Pennsylvania for a free consultation.

New Findings on Thrombolytic Treatments

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14197 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Victims of stroke have better chances of survival according to the newest scientific findings on thrombolytic treatment, which were presented at the most recent meeting of the European Neurological Society. Stroke has become a major challenge for health policy and for medicine in general. It is now the second most common cause of death globally and the major cause of adult disability.

The medication is applied intravenously to break up the blood clots. The guidelines recommend a window of three hours between the onset of stroke and the beginning of therapy. The recently published study showed that treatment between 3 and 4.5 hours after the onset of a stroke with the thrombolytic agent alteplase can also improve clinical outcome.

Another new approach, endovascular stent-assisted thrombolysis, is a promising treatment for patients with a specific type of artery occlusions arising from internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. This condition mainly has thromboembolic consequences which are often resistant to intravenous thrombolysis.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of stroke, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions such as stroke.

Failure of Physicians to Inform Patients of Abnormal Test Results Occurrs Frequently

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)14176 — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an article published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, new research shows that one out of every fourteen cases of abnormal results, physicians failed to report clinically significant abnormal test results to patients or to document that they had informed them.

The researchers analyzed 5,434 patient records from twenty-three physician practices. They revealed that groups using simple processes to manage test results had lower failures rates. The study also found that having an electronic medical record did not reduce failure-to-inform rates, and even increased them, if the practice did not have good processes in place for managing test results.

Failing to inform a patient of an abnormaloutpatient test result can be a serious error. The study suggests five simple, common-sense processes useful for dealing with test results. Only with good processes in place, physicians can ensure that patients with abnormal lab results get proper follow-up.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of failure to report significant abnormal test results, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases such as these.

Elective Laparoscopic Over Traditional Gallbladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)13150 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a study published in The Lancet, 180 patients underwent gallbladder surgery in a nine-month period at a single hospital. All of the patients were offered laparoscopic surgery as an alternative to open (or traditional) surgery, of which 96 percent chose the laparoscopic surgery. Some complications occurred including one patient with a small bowel injury, one patient with an injury to the right hepatic duct and one patient who developed a duodenal fistula. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a safe and cost-effective procedure, however, the outcome may depend on the ability of the surgeon.

The Learning Curve for Gallbladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)13134 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an article published in the Journal of Laparoendoscopic Surgery, there is a learning curve for doctors who perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. The authors evaluated 416 surgeries that were performed by eight surgeons in a community teaching hospital. Conversion rate, operative time and complications were evaluated to define the learning curve. Three-dimensional depth perception is lost with all laparoscopic procedures. Two-dimensional magnified visualization is provided by the laparoscope. Manipulations and dissection take place under a laparoscopic vision through long instruments. Postoperative complications occurred in 4.5 percent of the first thirty cases and 1.7 percent after the thirtieth case. The authors concluded that there is a long learning curve based on the fact that improvement in these areas occurred only after the thirty-fifth case.

Common Bile Duct Injures and Gallbladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)13090 — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Common bile duct injuries are the most important injuries that may result from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. In a published study, the authors reviewed 600 patients who underwent gallbladder surgery at a teaching community hospital. The study compared the safety, efficacy, morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic surgeries, as performed by one surgeon or under his direct supervision. The overall rate of bile duct injuries was .5 percent. One injury was a laceration to the anterior wall of the common hepatic duct and two were lacerations to the anterior wall of the common duct. Complications could occur regardless of the experience of the surgeon. It is important for the doctor to recognize any injuries during the surgery to minimize further illness or potential long-term condition.

Complications from Monopolar Electrosurgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)12989 — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an article published in Surgical Endoscopy, monopolar electrosurgery is the preferred technique for tissue cutting and for stopping bleeding during gallbladder surgery. However, the combination of monopolar electrosurgery and gallbladder surgery can be dangerous.

Monopolar electrosurgery is utilized by more than 85% of surgeons who perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries. Although the procedure is popular, cost-effective and versatile, there is also an increase in complications, which includes thermal injuries. The reduced field of view prevents the surgeon from directly observing any tissue located away from the tip of the active electrode. Because of this restricted view the surgeon is less likely to detect thermal damage caused by stray energy. Electrosurgical burns result from insulation failure or capacitive coupling. Also, inadvertent burn injuries to non-targeted tissues outside the surgeon’s view can occur. These can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often delayed. Some of the consequences of thermal injuries are bowel perforation and peritonitis.

Common Complications After Gallbladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)12813 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Each year in the United States, approximately 500,000-600,000 gallbladder surgeries are performed. Laparoscopic surgery has been the technique of choice for removal of the gallbladder since it was introduced in 1989.

However, according to an article published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy, major complications can occur following gallbladder surgery. The article analyzed 114,005 gallbladder surgeries. Some complications that can occur are hemorrhage, wound infection, needle injuries, and bile duct injury and leakage. Among these complications, bile duct injuries and leaks are the most common. The author found that the incidence of bile duct injuries and leaks was higher in laparoscipic than in open gallbladder surgeries.

Complications from Gall Bladder Surgery Can Occur Due to Physician Mistakes

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)12806 — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an article published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy, 12:310 (1998) entitled “Common Bile Duct Injuries During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy That Result in Litigation”, the worst complications of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are injuries that are caused by a physician.

The study examined the outcome of 78,747 laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries from a total of 98 studies. The author reviewed 46 cases that were involved in malpractice litigation. All types of bile duct injuries were represented including transactions, excisions, lacerations, clip impingement cases, electrocautery burns, bile leaks and cystic duct leaks. The injuries occurred whether experienced or inexperienced surgeons performed the operations. The incidence of bile duct injuries ranged from .36 to .47 percent. However, there is an underestimation of the true incidence of injuries.

Uncommonly Reported Complications Following Gallbladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)12762 — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an article published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy 8:197 (1994) entitled “Thermal Injury of the Posterior Duodenum During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy”, although bile duct injuries are the most commonly reported complications of gallbladder surgery, bowel injuries are rarely reported.

There are two types of bowel injures. The first is a penetrating bowel injury, which can be caused by either a Verres needle or trocar. Injuries caused by a trocar or Verres needle usually involve the stomach, small intestine, colon or blood vessels. These injuries are commonly recognized and repaired.

The second is a thermal bile injury, which can be the result of either a direct contact burn or conductive burn. Bowel burn injuries usually occur during dissection of the cystic duct. Contact burn injuries may be recognized and treated appropriately. However, conductive burns are either not recognized at all or recognized 1 – 2 weeks following the initial procedure. Therefore, these are difficult to diagnose due to their rarity and delayed presentation.

This article reports on the case of an apparent conductive burn injury to the posterior small intestine following laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. The injury manifested itself six days after the laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. The unrecognized injury resulted in necrosis to the wall of the small intestine.

The diagnosis and management of this unusual case were presented to increase awareness of the risks of gallbladder surgery.

Some Reasons Injuries Occur During Gall Bladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11831 — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a published study, bile duct injury is a complication that can occur during gall bladder surgery. Out of 1,670 patients who had a laparoscopic surgery, sixteen (or .95%) had bile duct injuries. In each of these cases, a well-trained surgeon performed the surgery with experience in over fifty gall bladder surgeries. Although there is a learning curve, the risk of bile duct injury is always present due to the features of laparoscopic surgery and regardless of the skill of the surgeon.

Case Report on Complications in Small Intestine Following Gall Bladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11669 — Wed, 06 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

In this published case report, a patient had gall bladder surgery followed by an endoscopy sixteen days later. The most common complication following gall bladder surgery is injury to the bile duct. However, this may be the first reported case of a duodenal perforation (small intestine).

Common Complications Following Gall Bladder Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11648 — Tue, 05 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a published study, bile duct injuries are the most commonly encountered technical complication that occurs during gall bladder surgery, with an incidence rate between 0% and 2%. Of the 170 patients in this study, two encountered other types of technical complications. The study also reports that certain technical complications unique to gall bladder surgery account for a significant number of postoperative deaths.

Detection of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11589 — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Today, cancer scientists from both government and private sectors launched a research partnership to find biomarkers for lung cancer that develops in people who have never smoked. The Canary Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds research in early cancer detection, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, are sponsoring a multi-institutional effort.

Research has shown that lung cancer in people who have never smoked differs in many ways from the disease in smokers. Non-smokers with lung cancer have different tumor tissue structure, gene mutations, and demographic profiles than smokers with lung cancer. The research studies are designed to create a better understanding of the biology of lung cancer and to develop a test to detect early-stage lung cancer in lifetime nonsmokers.

Using lung cancer cell lines, tissue, and blood specimens, researchers at five of the nation's leading research institutions will undertake a coordinated approach to biomarker discovery using their expertise to study the same sets of specimens by different methods. The researchers will deposit the data in a single repository, and integrate the results to find the most promising biomarkers. Because of this design, this project will also serve as a pilot study to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach and the ability to integrate the data across different platforms. If it is successful, the researchers plan to open the project to additional collaborators from the NCI's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN).

It is estimated that as many as 25% of all lung cancers worldwide (15% of those in men and 50% of those in women) are not attributable to smoking. The inability to recognize non-smokers who are at risk often leads to delays in diagnosis and results in cancer identification at an advanced stage.

Breast Cancer Patients have Vitamin D Deficiency

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)11572 — Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

It is known that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of breast cancer and decreased survival. A new study quantified the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in women with breast cancer. This study, from physicians at Columbia University, found that 74% of women with breast cancer were Vitamin D deficient. They prescribed vitamin D and calcium carbonate for one year but only 15% were able to achieve normal vitamin D levels. Optimal dosing for bone health is still unknown This study was supported by the NationalCancer Institute and published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

More free information about breast cancer is available from the breast cancer malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

FDA Recalls Hydroxycut Products

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11507 — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned dieters and body builders Thursday to immediately stop using Hydroxycut. The FDA said that the manufacturer of the dietary supplement has agreed to recall 14 Hydroxycut products which are available in grocery stores and pharmacies.

These supplements which are used by people trying to shed pounds or by body builders to sharpen their muscles have been linked to cases of serious liver damage and at least one death.

Hydroxycut is advertised as made from natural ingredients and accounts for about 90% of the market for weight loss supplements.

Dietary supplements are not as tightly regulated by the government as medications. Manufacturers don't need FDA approval ahead of time before marketing their products.

If you or someone you love suffered injury as a result of taking a diet pill, contact the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania for a free consulation. Berger & Lagnese specializes in cases involving dangerous products.

FDA Issues Warning - Alfalfa Sprouts Infected with Salmonella

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11394 — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that consumers not eat raw alfalfa sprouts, including sprout blends containing alfalfa sprouts, until further notice because the product has been linked to Salmonella contamination.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses, such as meningitis and bone infections.

The investigation indicates that the problem may be linked to contamination of seeds for alfalfa sprouts. The FDA and CDC are issuing this advisory because suspect lots of seeds may be sold around the country and may account for a large proportion of the alfalfa seeds currently being used by sprout growers, and cases of illness are spread across multiple states.

The CDC, FDA and six state and local authorities have associated this outbreak with eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, and West Virginia have reported 31 cases of illness with the outbreak strain of salmonella. Most of those who became ill reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Some reported eating raw sprouts at restaurants; others reported purchasing the raw sprouts at the retail level.

The illnesses began in mid-March. Cases are still being reported, and possible cases are in various stages of laboratory testing, so illnesses may appear in other states. No deaths have been reported. The number of infected people may be higher than currently reported because some illnesses have not yet been confirmed with laboratory testing.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the food poisoning attorneys of Pennsylvania for a free consultation.

Guidelines for Using Rivaroxaban For Prevention of Blood Clots After Surgery

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11345 — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a final guidance on the use of rivaroxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in adults after having planned total hip replacement or total knee replacement surgery.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the leg, thigh, pelvis or arm. The blood clot itself is not life threatening, however, if it becomes loose, it can be carried in the blood to another part of the body where it can cause venous thrombosis. If the blood clot reaches the lungs, known as pulmonary embolism, it can be fatal.

DVT occurs in over 20% of surgical patients and over 40% of patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery. People having surgery to replace their hip or knee joint are at risk of venous thromboembolism because they are inactive during and after their operation.

Get free information about pulmonary embolism from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese. We specialize in these cases.

CT Colonograpy is Effective Screening for Colon Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11278 — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study, performed at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, establishes CT colonography as an effective primary screening test for colon cancer. There are several tests for diagnosing colon cancer.

CT colonography (CTC) allows radiologists to predict, with a high degree of confidence, whether or not a polyp needs to be evaluated through colonoscopy or removed through polypectomy.

The study included 479 patients with 739 CTC detected lesions. The results of the study showed that 677 of the739 lesions or 91.6%detected on CTC were also found during optical colonoscopy or surgery.

This study will be presented at the 2009 American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) Annual Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.

If you believe your colon cancer was missed or not diagnosed in time, you should contact the colon cancer attorneys of Pennsylvania. We specialize in medical malpractice cases involving failure to diagnose and treat colon cancer. Call us for a free evaluation.

Gallbladder Surgery Study Reports on Bile Duct Injuries

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)11236 — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

In this published study, patients who had gall bladder surgery using the laparoscopic procedure were evaluated for injuries during the operation. Three had bile duct injuries, two had bowel perforation (intestine) and 10 had biliary leaks. This study shows that bowel injury is a complication that the surgeon must be aware of. Bowel injuries are often associated with adhesions after previous abdominal operations When adhesions are expected alternative sites for insertion of the insufflation needle and trochars or open access through the umbilicus must be considered. The most common causes of bile duct injuries were inexperience of the surgeon, inflammation in Calot’s triangle and inadequate visualization because of bleeding or adhesions.

New Study Finds Valsartan May Not Reduce Occurence of Atrial Fibrillation

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11108 — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Valsartan (Diovan), a blood pressure drug, may not reduce the occurrence of artrial fibrillation as suggested in earlier research. Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm that can sometimes cause a heart attack or stroke.

The new study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 1,442 people who had two or more recent episodes of atrial fibrillation. Half of the participants were given valsartan, while the other half received a placebo.

Over the course of a year, atrial fibrillation reoccurred about equal in both groups, 51.4% of those taking valsartan and 52.1% of those taking the placebo.

The study therefore concluded that treatment with valsartan could not be linked to a reduction in the reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Get free information about atrial fibrillation from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

Study Links Genetic Variant to Risk of Stroke

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)11004 — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a study published online in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), millions of people have a genetic variant that makes them more susceptible to ischemic stroke. A team of researchers from both the United States and Europe examined the data of four separate studies.

An ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of blood to the brain. It is the third leading cause of death and accounts for about 90 percent of all strokes, affecting nearly 150,000 Americans a year. Stroke survivors are often left with permanent stroke-related disabilities.

The study involved 19,602 participants and compared the genomes of 1,544 participants who developed stroke with the genomes of 18,058 who did not. The researchers found the variant on chromosome 12 near a gene which is known to be involved with brain injury repair, and not far from another gene which is linked to blood pressure control.

They also replicated these findings in separate studies of African-American and Caucasian participants. The results showed that about 20 percent of the Caucasian participants and 10 percent of the African-American participants have at least one copy of the gene, with each copy raising the risk by 30 percent.

Although previous studies have looked at links between genetic factors and stroke risk, this is the first study to identify a common genetic variant influencing the risk of stroke in the United States.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of stroke, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions such as stroke.

Promising Treatment For Prostate Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10971 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a news release from Dendreon Corp., a Seattle biotech company, an experimental treatment has prolonged the lives of men with advanced prostate cancer in a phase 3 clinical trial.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, with more than one million men affected in the United States. Each year there are about 186,000 new cases and over 28,000 men die because of the disease.

The phase 3 trial involved 512 men with metastatic, androgen-independent prostate cancer. It was done after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to approved the vaccine after an earlier trial, requesting more data.

The vaccine, called Provenge, is a therapeutic vaccine that would treat cancer by training the immune system to fight tumors. If approved, it would be the first treatment of it’s kind on the market.

Dendreon will be revealing the results of the IMPACT study at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting in Chicago later this month. IMPACT stands for IMmunotherapy for Prostate AdenoCarcinoma Treatment.

Depression Increases Risk of Heart Failure in Patients with Heart Disease

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10931 — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study, which was published in the current issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that patients who were diagnosed with depression after being diagnosed with heart disease were at greater risk of heart failure. The study also found that taking antidepressants neither reduced the risk of heart failure nor eased the symptoms of depression.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to adequately pump blood to the body.

The researchers studied 13,708 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who did not have a diagnosis of heart failure and depression and who were not being prescribed antidepressants at the time their CAD was diagnosed. The results showed that 1,377 of these patients were later diagnosed with depression.

The researchers, therefore, concluded that depression diagnosis was shown to be associated with an increased incidence of heart failure after CAD diagnosis, regardless of whether patients were receiving antidepressants or not.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of heart disease, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions such as heart disease.

Pistachios Recall Due to Salmonella Contamination

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10909 — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Setton Farms plant in Terra Bella, California has widened its recall of pistachios to raw nuts and all roasted nuts produced in 2008.

Setton Farms recalled roasted pistachio products late last month after routine tests by Kraft Foods found salmonella strains. Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems

The FDA also urges consumers to avoid foods containing pistachios until they can determine whether the products contain pistachios processed at the Setton Farms plant.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the food poisoning attorneys of Pennsylvania for a free consultation.

New Prostate Cancer Drug Shows Promise

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10794 — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a study which is published in the journal of Science, results of early tests on a new experimental drug bring hope to men diagnosed with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer.

Ten percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have an aggressive form of the disease. The drug resistant form of the disease accounts for nearly all the 29,000 deaths among Americans every year.

In the study, the researchers showed that the new drug caused levels of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) to fall by at least 50% in 13 of 30 patients with advanced prostate cancer that had resisted other treatments.

Although more clinical studies are needed, the study has stirred interest among experts because it attacks the cancer in a new way.

Get free information about prostate cancer from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

New DNA Test Outperforms Pap Smears for Detecting Cervical Cancer

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10711 — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a new DNA test for the virus that causes cervical cancer shows that a single screening with the DNA test beats all other methods at preventing advanced cervical cancer and death.

Cervical cancer is caused by a few of the 150 strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Cervical cancer was a leading cause of death for American women in the 1950’s and continues to kill approximately 4,000 women each year.

An eight-year study in India of 130,000 women, ages 30 to 59, divided them into four groups. The first group, the control group, received the typical rural clinic care, the second got Pap smears, the third got “visualization” treatment, and the fourth received the new DNA test.

After eight years, the visualization group had about the same rates of advanced cancer and death as the control group. The Pap smear group had about three-fourths the rates, and the DNA test had about half.

Not only could the new test for HPV save lives, but scientists say that women over 30 could drop annual Pap smears and instead have the DNA test just once every 3, 5 or even 10 years.

Radiation after Mastectomy for Breast Cancer is Being Underutilized

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10675 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a study published in Cancer, nearly 20% of women with breast cancer who would benefit from radiation after mastectomy, also known as post-mastectomy radiation treatment (PMRT), are not receiving the treatment.

In 2001, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released clinical practice guidelines for PMRT.

The researchers surveyed the women and assessed the rates of explanation, recommendation, and utilization of PMRT based on the ASCO guidelines. The study found that radiation delivered after a mastectomy has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the chest wall and improve survival in high-risk patients.

The researchers concluded that approximately one-fifth of women who could benefit from PMRT did not receive treatment.

For free information about breast cancer, contact the Pennsylvania breast cancer malpractice attorneys.

Erbitux May Help Some With Colorectal Cancers

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10609 — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

People with advanced colon cancer were modestly helped by the drug Erbitux (cetuximab), as long as they didn't have a particular gene mutation, a new study reports. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide.

The New England Journal of Medicine published the results of the study, which involved more than 1,100 people who had metastatic colorectal cancer that could not be surgically removed. Half were given a standard chemotherapy regimen, known as FOLFIRI, while the others were given a combination of Erbitux along with the standard regimen.

The study found that in those who had a normal form of the gene, Erbitux, which is administered intravenously, kept colorectal cancers from spreading 15% longer than did the FOLFIRI drugs alone.

Cetuximab was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for use in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Since then, it's been increasingly used by doctors to treat colorectal cancer that has spread or recurred after other chemotherapy.

Clinical trials are ongoing to test Erbitux in people whose cancer has not yet metastasized.

For free information about colon cancer, see the colon cancer malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania. Colon cancer is detectable and curable, if caught early. There are several tests for diagnosing colon cancer before it has spread. Colon cancer typically starts with a polyp in the colon.

Effect of Adding Plavix to Aspirin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10528 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, investigated the effect of adding clopidogrel (plavix) to aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm.

Vitamin K antagonists reduce the risk of stroke inpatients with atrial fibrillation but are considered unsuitablein many patients, who usually receive aspirin instead.

A total of 7,554 patients with atrial fibrillation whohad an increased risk of stroke and for whom vitamin K–antagonisttherapy was unsuitable were randomly assigned to receive plavix or placebo, once daily, in addition to aspirin.

The study found that patients with atrial fibrillation for whom vitaminK–antagonist therapy was unsuitable, the addition of plavix to aspirin reduced the risk of major vascular events, especiallystroke, but increased the risk of major hemorrhage.

Get free information about atrial fibrillation from the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese.

FDA Says Production Error at Fault in Pistachio Salmonella Contamination

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10505 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

David Acheson, a top federal food safety official, stated on March 31, 2009, that a basic error on the production lines at Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, California, the nation's second-largest processor of the pistachios, caused its pistachios to be contaminated with salmonella. According to Mr. Acheson, the assistant commissioner for food protection at the FDA, Setton Pistachio ran raw and roasted pistachios through the same machinery on several production lines. Salmonella bacteria can live on raw nuts but is usually killed during the roasting process. Good manufacturing standards require raw nuts to be kept separate from roasted nuts so that bacteria does not spread between the two.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

One Million Pounds of Pistachios Being Recalled Due to Salmonella Risk

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10500 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Federal announced on Monday, March 30, 3009, that Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, a pistacho processing company based in Terra Bella, Calif., is recalling about one million pounds of pistachio products due to concerns about salmonella contamination. So far, no reported cases of salmonella food poisoning have been tied to the contaminated pistachios. However, federal authorities are currently investigating at least two consumer complaints. The F.D.A. is warning consumers not to eat pistachios until the scope of the contamination has been clarified.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

New Marker Identified for Breast Cancer Metastasis

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10408 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

As reported in the March 24 online edition of the journal Clinical Cancer Research, researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center have identified a new marker for breast cancer metastasis called TMEM, for Tumor Microenvironment of Metastasis. According to the new research, density of TMEM is associated with the development of distant organ metastasis via the bloodstream -- the most common cause of death from breast cancer. This research may lead to the first test to predict the likelihood of breast cancer metastasis via the bloodstream, and ultimately to changes the way breast cancer is treated.

An estimated 40 percent of all breast cancer patients relapse and develop metastatic disease. Traditionally, the likelihood of breast cancer metastasis is estimated based on tumor size, tumor differentiation -- how similar or dissimilar the tumor is compared to normal breast tissue -- and whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. TMEM density may prove to be more determinative of the likelihood of breast cancer metastatis than these traditional measures.

If your breast cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in breast cancer medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

New Study Shows Statins Lower Risk of Blood Clots

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10403 — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a large trial of the cholesterol lowering drug rosuvastatin, sold in the United States as "Crestor", the drug was shown to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clots) in healthy persons by 43%. Keep in mind, however, that this trial was funded by AstraZeneca, the maker of Crestor.

The significance of this trial is that statins may become a viable alternative to more traditional drug therapies used to reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis, such as warfarin (commonly sold as "Coumadin"), which carry a significant risk of bleeding.

Young People at Risk of Stroke

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10322 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

One-third of the estimated 780,000 Americans who have strokes each year are under age 65. Even teens, children and infants can be susceptible.

Stroke, sometimes referred to as a "brain attack", occurs when an area of the brain is deprived of oxygen after an artery becomes blocked or ruptured. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of adult disability.

Recent studies have found that early intervention can significantly improve stroke outcomes. Therefore, any time a person is having symptoms of a stroke, whether they be old or young, the right medical care needs to be given as soon as possible.

If you or someone you love suffered a stroke and the doctors or hospital delayed diagnosis and/or treatment, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

Black Women Face Three Times Greater Risk of Aggressive Breast Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10319 — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in the open access journal Breast Cancer Research has found that black women face three times the risk of developing an aggressive "triple negative tumor" breast cancer compared to women of other racial backgrounds. Triple negative tumors are breast cancer tumors that lack expression of the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the HER2 gene.

The United States has the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. The overall incidence of breast cancer in the United States is lower in black women than in white women; however, according to the new study, when black women do get breast cancer, their cancer tends to be more advanced when diagnosed, has a higher risk or recurring, and a less favorable outcome.

If your breast cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in breast cancer medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

African-Americans Suffer From Heart Failure More Than White Americans

lwisilosky@zimmarolaw.com (Blog Author)10269 — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that African-Americans suffer heart failure at a rate 20 times higher than white Americans.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to adequately pump blood to the body, often resulting in difficulty breathing, fatigue and swelling of the abdomen and/or extremities. Sufferers are often unable to work, walk easily or perform simple daily tasks.

The new study found that the heart failure rates for African-Americans in their 30s and 40s are the same as rates among white patients in their 50s and 60s. The study also found that one in 100 black men and women could develop heart failure before age 50.

The primary explanation behind the disparity across race lines is high blood pressure, or hypertension. Other possible reasons include family history, environment and obesity.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of heart disease, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions such as heart disease.

Pulmonary Embolism Linked to Family History of DVT (Blood Clots)

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)10234 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Family history of venous thrombosis (DVT) may be more useful to determine whether a person has a DVT than laboratory tests. A new study finds that children and siblings of people who develop blood clots in the veins may be more than twice as likely as those without a family history to develop the condition. The risk was even greater if the relative developed blood clots at a young age and as much as four times higher if more than one relative had venous thrombosis. The risk increased with the number of factors identified; for those with a genetic and environmental risk factor and a positive family history, the risk was about 64-fold higher than for those with no known risk factor and a negative family history.

This kind of clot, known as a venous thrombosis, can be potentially dangerous, because it can break off and travel to the lungs, which is called pulmonary embolism and is often fatal. Most blood clots that cause PE start in the legs.

Get free information about pulmonary embolism from the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania. We specialize in these cases.

Hospitals Often Fail to Diagnose Stroke in Younger Stroke Victims

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9273 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference of 2009, young adults with stroke symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed in Hospital emergency rooms. As a result, these young people miss out on effective early stroke treatment.

In the study, researchers reviewed data on 57 patients, aged 16 to 50 years old, enrolled since 2001 in the Young Stroke Registry at the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Four males and four females (14 percent), average age 34, were misdiagnosed as having vertigo, migraine, alcohol intoxication or other conditions. They were discharged from the hospital and later discovered to have suffered a stroke. Those misdiagnosed included:

an 18-year-old man who reported numbness on his left side but was diagnosed with alcohol intoxication;
a 37-year-old woman who arrived with difficulty speaking and was diagnosed with a seizure;
a 48-year-old woman with sudden blurred vision, an off-balance walk, lack of muscle coordination, difficulty speaking and weakness in her left hand, who was told she had an inner ear disorder.

"Accurate diagnosis of stroke on initial presentation in young adults can reduce the number of patients who have continued paralysis and continued speech problems," said Seemant Chaturvedi, M.D., senior author of the study and a professor of neurology and director of the stroke program at Wayne State. "We have seen several young patients who presented to emergency rooms with stroke-like symptoms within three to six hours of symptom onset, and these patients did not get proper treatment due to misdiagnosis. The first hours are really critical."

Intravenous delivery of the clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only U.S. government-approved treatment for acute stroke. It must be delivered within three hours of symptom onset to reduce permanent disability caused by stroke.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in the diagnosis or treatment of stroke, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat medical conditions such as stroke.

Far More African Americans Die From Cancer Than White Americans

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9256 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

The gap in cancer mortality rates between African Americans and white Americans remains as wide as it was in 1981, according to a recent study published by the American Cancer Society. According to the report, blacks are more likely to develop cancer and to die from the disease than any other racial group. Black patients also live a shorter time after diagnosis than other groups. According to the study, black women are 16% more likely to die from the disease than white women, compared with 14% in 1981. Cancer death rates among black men are 33% higher than among whites -- a rate that is almost unchanged since 1981, the study found. However, according to the study, the overall death rate among black men has decreased faster than among white men because fewer black men are dying from lung and prostate tumors.

Peter Bach, a cancer specialist at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study, was quoted as saying that advanced-stage diagnoses are more common among blacks than whites, and that blacks also are less likely to receive high-quality, timely treatment that could make a difference in their survival rate.

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death due to the failure to timely diagnose and treat cancer, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat cancer.

Bone Density Drug Tibolone Found to Increase Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9255 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

The February 2009 issue of The Lancet Oncology reports that a breast cancer patient´s risk of recurrence increases considerably with the use of Tibolone, a synthetic steroid used in preventing osteoporosis and treating menopausal symptoms. As a result, breast cancer survivors and current breast cancer patients should not be givenTibolone.

In August, 2008, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that Tibolone increases the risk of stroke in older women.

Medicare Will Not Pay for CT Colonoscopy (Virtual Colonoscopy) as a Screening Test for Colon Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9246 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Medicare has issued a proposed decision on whether it will cover/pay for CT colonoscopy, also called virtual colonoscopy or CT colonography, for use as a screening test for colon cancer. Medicare has proposed that it will not pay for it. It is asking for comments on its proposed decision. Medicare concluded that this test was not good enough at finding the smaller polyps that can lead to colon cancer.

CT colonography is performed as follows. First, the bowel is prepared similar to the preparation used for optical colonoscopy, and stool and fluid tagged with oral contrast. Then, a CT scan is performed in both supine and prone positions while the patient is fully conscious and produces images of the colon and rectum to assess the presence or absence of structural lesions such as polyps and colon cancer.

Originally, CT colonography produced colon images as a series of individual cross sectional images. With improved computer processing, these images can be combined into a fly-through presentation; this has led to CT colonography mimicking an optical colonoscopy.

For more information, see a summary of Medicare's proposed decision.

Women Not Receiving the Prompt Medical Care for Heart Attack that Men Typically Receive

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9238 — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes shows that women experiencing cardiac symptoms were much less likely than men to receive prompt medical care after calling 9-1-1. If a woman is having cardiac symptoms: "It turns out that (she is) more likely to be delayed from the time of symptom onset, through transport and all the way to definitive care," explains Thomas W. Concannon, Ph.D., the study's lead author and assistant professor of medicine at the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Mass.

An acute heart attack occurs when a blocked vessel restricts blood flow to an area of the heart muscle. The lack of blood flow means this area of the heart is deprived of oxygen. The longer a heart attack victim goes without receiving medical treatment, the longer the heart muscle goes without receiving oxygen. This oxygen deprivation causes significant, and sometimes irreversible, damage to the heart muscle. A phrase used by critical care professionals to underscore the importance of timely treatment is: "time lost equals muscle lost."

According to Concannon, "Delays of 15 minutes have been shown to contribute to a significantly larger area of damage to heart muscle in patients with heart attack. While our study included patients with any cardiac related symptom, we studied 15 minute delays because of their potential for harm in patients with heart attack."

If you or someone you love suffered injury or death because of delay in diagnosing or treating a heart attack, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat heart attack.

Bone Drug May Help Prevent Breast Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9059 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that a drug of a class commonly used to combat bone loss may reduce by a third the chance that some breast cancers will spread or recur.

The new study involved 1,803 premenopausal women with breast tumors that were fueled by estrogen. As part of their treatment, all received drugs that shut down their ovaries, preventing them from making estrogen, along with drugs that stymie cancer cells from using estrogen to grow. Half also got the bone drug zoledronic acid, or Zometa, as an intravenous infusion twice a year for three years. Those who took the drug had a 36 percent reduction in cancer recurrences and metastases, compared with women who did not get it.

If your breast cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in breast cancer medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

Risk of Breast Cancer Decreases After Stopping Hormone Treatment

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)9018 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Women'sHealth Initiative (WHI) studied the use of the hormones, estrogen and progestin. In 2002 a report of that study was released. In that trial one group received 0.625 mg ofestrogen plus 2.5 mg of progestin daily. A second group received placebo. There were fewer breast cancerdiagnoses in the group receiving estrogen plus progestin thanin the placebo group in the initial 2 years of the study, butthe number of diagnoses increased over the course of the 5.6-yearintervention period. The elevated risk decreased rapidly afterboth groups stopped taking the study pills. In the observational study, the incidenceof breast cancer was initially about two times as high in thegroup receiving menopausal hormones as in the placebo group,but this difference in incidence decreased rapidly in about2 years, coinciding with year-to-year reductions in combinedhormone use.

The conclusion is that the increased risk of breast cancer associated withthe use of estrogen plus progestin declined markedly soon afterdiscontinuation of the hormone therapy.

FBI Raids Georgia Plant at Fault in Salmonella Outbreak

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8981 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

On Monday, February 9, 2009, agents from the FBI raided the Blakeley, Georgia peanut processing plant linked to the nationwide salmonella outbreak that has caused one of the largest product recalls in U.S. history. The FBI also raided the Lynchburg, Virginia headquarters of the Peanut Corporation of America, the company that owns and operated the Blakeley plant. Monday's searches come three days after FDA investigators said Peanut Corp. knowingly shipped salmonella-laced products from its Georgia plant after tests showed the products were contaminated. Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

You Need to Read This If You Take Diet Pills

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8965 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the FDA, many diet pills that are marketed as "all natural" actually contain undeclared potent pharmaceutical drugs that could have dangerous side effects or harmful interactions with prescription drugs you may be taking. In the coming weeks, the FDA will be adding to this list of diet pill brands to avoid because they are that are spiked with drugs, so check back frequently.

If you or someone you love suffered an injury as a result of taking a diet pill, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free evaulation of your situation.

For Breast Biopsy 11-Gauge Needle Better than 14-Gauge Needle

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8702 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent study performed at the Stanford University School of Medicine, stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast needle biopsy is more effective with an 11-gauge needle than the 14-gauge needle. There is less chance of a false-negative diagnoses with the 11-gauge needle than with the 14-gauge needle. The study appears in the February 2009 issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

If your breast cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in breast cancer medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

Peanut Recall Leads to Criminal Investigation

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8692 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Federal officials from the FDA and the Justice Department have begun a criminal investigation into the actions of the Peanut Corporation of America, which they said knowingly sold contaminated peanut butter and peanut products to major food makers.

The contamination of the company’s products with salmonella bacteria has led to one of the largest food recalls in the nation’s history. More than 400 products containing peanuts, peanut butter or peanut meal have been recalled, and more recalls are expected.

The peanut contamination has now sickened 529 people and is associated with eight deaths.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

FDA Says Peanut Corporation of America Knowingly Shipped Peanut Products Contaminated With Salmonella

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8543 — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

An FDA inspection team that recently visited the Blakeley Georgia plant of the Peanut Corporation of America discovered that on 12 occasions in 2007 and 2008 tests conducted by the company found salmonella contamination in its products but that it shipped the contaminated products to customers after a retest found no contamination and did nothing to clean the plant.

Meanwhile, more than 400 consumer products, including Jenny Craig nutritional bars and Keebler Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, have been recalled, and eight people have died and more than 500 people in 43 states, including Pennsylvania, have been sickened by salmonella poisoning caused by peanut butter and peanut paste sold by the Peanut Corporation of America.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

Peanut Plant was Cited for Many Violations Prior to Salmonella Outbreak

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8483 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to health inspection reports, the Blakely, Georgia plant that produced peanut butter tainted by salmonella was cited repeatedly in 2006 and 2007 for having dirty surfaces and grease residue and dirt buildup throughout the plant. In 2008, the plant was repeatedly found to be in violation of cleanliness standards.

Inspections of the plant by the Georgia Agriculture Department found areas of rust that could flake into food, gaps in warehouse doors large enough for rodents to get through, unmarked spray bottles and containers and numerous violations of other practices designed to prevent food contamination. The plant, owned by the Peanut Corporation of America of Lynchburg, Va., has now been shut down.

The salmonella outbreak has sickened almost 500 people around the country and is linked to seven deaths. More than 125 products containing peanut butter or peanut paste from the Georgia plant have been recalled. The FDA has created a special website to help the public keep up with the growing list of food products that have been recalled.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

UPMC Cited by Health Department for Death on Rooftop

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8478 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has cited UPMC Montefiore for deficiencies in its patient assessment and building safety systems when an 89-year-old patient died on the hospital's rooftop last month.

The state regulatory agency's investigation followed the death of Rose Lee Diggs, a former Homewood resident who had been transferred to the hospital from the Village at Pennwood nursing home Nov. 29. The nursing home notified the hospital upon Mrs. Diggs' admission that she was known to wander, the state's report said. Mrs. Diggs' body was found on UPMC Montefiore's roof at 8 a.m. Dec. 3, more than 13 hours after she was last seen one story below, in her 12th-floor room. She was wearing a hospital gown and slippers on a night in which temperatures fell into the 20s.

According to the state health department's report, UPMC failed to take proper steps to assess its patient's safe care needs; there was no indication of any special steps to address the deceased patient's wandering behavior; and it risked her safety by allowing access to the roof. The report stated that "Based on review of facility policy and medical record, and staff interviews, . . . facility staff failed to implement a plan of care to provide safe, efficient and therapeutically effective nursing care." The report also stated that UPMC "failed to maintain the hospital environment in a manner that the safety and well-being of patients is assured." The report said UPMC failed to take note of Mrs. Diggs' history of wandering by adopting any special means of monitoring her to prevent it. There was no evidence that an assessment of her needs was completed upon her admission.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving injuries suffered at hospitals including UPMC.

Radiation Lowers Relapse Risk In Noninvasive Breast Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8297 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new review confirms that the addition of radiation therapy to lumpectomy in the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive early form of breast cancer, substantially decreases the risk of recurrence of either DCIS or invasive breast cancer in the affected breast. In addition, there appear to be no long-term side effects from the radiation, such as damage to the heart or lungs.

The review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research.

If your breast cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Berger & Lagnese is a law firm that specializes in breast cancer medical malpractice cases. We work on cases in Pittsburgh and all over Western Pennsylvania, including Greensburg, Washington, Uniontown, Beaver, and Erie.

Report Finds FDA Lax on Oversight of Doctors During Clinical Trials

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8296 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to an investigation conducted by the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA does almost nothing to police the financial conflicts of doctors who conduct clinical trials of drugs and medical devices in human subjects. The investigation revealed that in 42 percent of clinical trials, the FDA did not receive the required forms disclosing doctors’ financial conflicts and did nothing about the problem. In 31 percent of the trials in which the FDA did receive the required conflict forms, agency reviewers did not document that they looked at the information. And in 20 percent of the cases in which doctors revealed significant financial conflicts, neither the FDA nor the sponsoring companies took any action to deal with the conflicts.

This investigation provides further evidence that money doctors routinely collect from drug and device makers may hurt patients and skew studies.

FDA Alerts Public About Danger Of Skin Numbing Products

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8295 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The FDA has issued a Public Health Advisory to alert consumers, patients, health care professionals, and caregivers about potentially serious and life-threatening side effects from the improper use of skin numbing products. The products, also known as topical anesthetics, are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.

Skin numbing products are used to desensitize nerve endings that lie near the surface of the skin, causing a numbness of the skin. These topical anesthetics contain anesthetic drugs such as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine in a cream, ointment, or gel. When applied to the skin surface, they can be absorbed into the blood stream and, if used improperly, may cause life-threatening side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, breathing difficulties, coma, or even death.

The FDA has received reports of adverse events and deaths of two women who used topical anesthetics before laser hair removal.

The FDA strongly advises consumers not to:

- make heavy application of topical anesthetic products over large areas of skin;
- use formulations that are stronger or more concentrated than necessary;
- apply these products to irritated or broken skin;
- wrap the treated skin with plastic wrap or other dressings; and
- apply heat from a heating pad to skin treated with these products.

Salmonella Strain In King Nut Peanut Butter Found In Connecticut - Genetically Matches The Strain Implicated In The Nationwide Illness Outbreak

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8293 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Connecticut officials have announced that genetic testing on a 5-lb unopened tub of King Nut peanut butter has produced the first independently confirmed genetic match for the salmonella strain responsible for the 2009 nationwide outbreak. This finding definitively links the peanut butter sample implicated in the recent outbreak back to the manufacturer, Peanut Corporation of America. Salmonella was found previously in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter in Minnesota. Connecticut's finding, in an unopened tub of peanut butter, is the first sample linking the contamination directly back to the manufacturer. Peanut Corporation of America sells King Nut peanut butter -- through various distributors -- only to food service and food processor accounts. It is not sold directly to consumers. King Nut does not supply any of the ingredients for the peanut butter distributed under its label.

FDA has posted on its website a searchable list of products and brands associated with the expanded PCA recall at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm . The list is updated as additional sub-recalls occur and as more information is received from the industry. Consumers are encouraged to first visit FDA's website to learn which commercially-prepared or manufactured peanut butter/peanut paste-containing products are subject to recall. If consumers cannot determine if a certain prepared product contains peanut butter or peanut paste produced by the Peanut Corporation of America, the FDA urges that they not consume those products.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

U.S. Government to Consumers: Avoid Food Products Made with Peanut Butter or Peanut Paste

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8292 — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. government is warning consumers to avoid all cookies, cakes, ice cream and crackers made with peanut butter or peanut paste while officials continue to investigate a massive outbreak of Salmonella food poisoning that is has killed six people and sickened at least 485 others across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked this salmonella outbreak to products made with peanut paste and peanut butter manufactured after July 1 in a Georgia factory owned by Peanut Corp. of America. This company supplies peanut butter and paste to long-term-care and other institutions, food service companies and private-label manufacturers that use the products in cookies, cakes, crackers and other foods. None of the peanut products manufactured by Peanut Corp. of America are sold directly to consumers.

Several of the nation's largest retailers and manufacturers are voluntarily recalling products that may contain the contaminated peanut butter or paste. Products recalled include Famous Amos Peanut Butter Cookies, Keebler Cheese & Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers and Little Debbie Peanut Butter Toasty crackers. A complete list of recalled products is being maintained and updated by the federal government at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

FDA Confirms Salmonella Found in Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8267 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The FDA has confirmed that Salmonella was found in a package of Austin Quality Foods Toasty Crackers with Peanut Butter.

Food companies and retailers have been recalling products with peanut butter in them because of suspicion of contamination amid a Salmonella outbreak that has killed at least six people and sickened more than 470 others in 43 states, including Pennsylvania. At least 90 people have been hospitalized.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

How to Keep Up With Growing List of Food Products Recalled Due to Risk of Salmonella-Tainted Peanut Butter

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8266 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The FDA has created a special website to help the public keep up with the growing list of food products that have been recalled in the wake of the Salmonella peanut butter food poisoning outbreak of 2009. Given the fast pace with which food products are currently being added to the list, it makes sense to check back often.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have led the way in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in food poisoning lawsuits. If you suspect that you contracted your food poisoning from tainted food that you purchased at a grocery store, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation.

Men with Breast Cancer Have Distinct Findings on Mammogram

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8257 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Men who develop breast cancer usually present with an irregular subareolar mass with speculated or indistinct margins on mammogram, according to a report in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

It is necessary to be attentive to any palpable masses and to obtain mammogram early.

This study proves that punctuate calcifications on mammogram and circumscribed masses on ultrasound can be associated with cancer in men. Radiologists should be aware of these findings to avoid the misdiagnosis of cancer in men as a benign lesion.

Twice as Long to Read Digital Mammograms

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8254 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Interpretation of digital screening mammograms takes twice as long as interpretation of film-screen mammograms, according to a report in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

The differences ranged from 76 to 202 seconds longer. The average interpretation time was 240 seconds (4 minutes) for digital screening mammograms and 127 seconds (2 minutes, 7 seconds) for film-screen screening mammograms. At a high-volume hospital, this could add up to a significant difference.

There are advantages of digital mammography that offset the disadvantage of longer interpretation times. It's easier to obtain the images. The images are also easier to store and transport. Finally, there have been three studies showing digital mammograms are more accurate than regular film mammography at finding breast cancer.

Taking longer to read all digital mammograms is not a problem; the problem comes from taking longer and still trying to read the same number of mammograms.

PET Scanning Using FDG is Very Effective at Detecting Recurrent Colon Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8253 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

In the January issue of the International Journal of Cancer, chinese researchers report that numerous studies indicate that PET scanning using fluor-18-deoxyglucose (FDG) is highly effective in the diagnosis of recurrent colon cancer. They analyzed 27 different studies to come to this conclusion.

Int J Cancer 2009;124:167-173.

Little Debbie Recalls Crackers Due to Salmonella Outbreak

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8252 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

FDA Issues Warning on Foods Containing Peanut Butter

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8224 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Federal health officials are now advising consumers to avoid eating cookies, cakes, ice cream and other peanut butter-containing foods until more can be learn a deadly outbreak of Salmonella contamination. The warning does not cover peanut butter sold in jars directly to consumers.

Officials are focusing on peanut paste, as well as peanut butter, produced at a plant in Blakely, Ga., owned by the Peanut Corporation of America. Its peanut butter is distributed to institutions and food companies but not sold directly to consumers. The peanut paste is an ingredient in cookies, cakes and other products sold in supermarkets around the country.

So far, over 470 people in 43 states, including Pennsylvania, have been sickened in this large salmonella outbreak. At least 90 people have been hospitalized, and at least six deaths have been linked to this outbreak.

The Kellogg Company, which listed the Peanut Corporation as one of its suppliers, has recalled 16 peanut butter-containing products. They include the Austin and Keebler brands of peanut butter sandwich crackers and some snack-size packs of Famous Amos peanut butter cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle peanut butter cookies.

More information is available from the food poisoning attorneys of Pennsylvania.

FDA Approving High Risk Medical Devices without Thorough Review of the Devices

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8190 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Congressional investigators said yesterday that some medical devices for sensitive uses, from certain hip joints to a type of defibrillator, have won government approval without a close scientific review.

The Government Accountability Office said in a report that the Food and Drug Administration approved 228 medical devices without a full scale review from 2003-2007.

Some devices approved under the less rigorous process have been recalled because of malfunctions and other problems, according to the consumer group Public Citizen. One device was an external defibrillator to assist heart attack victims.

The report comes as the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health is the subject of allegations that scientists were pressured to approve medical machinery against their professional judgment. Nine FDA scientists wrote the Obama transition team last week complaining that a "corrupted" review process is putting public health at risk.

Corporate pressure again is placing tens of thousands of Americans at risk.

For more information about dangerous and defective medical equipment, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Meningitis Decreases After Vaccine

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8189 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to researchers in Pittsburgh, the rate of pneumococcal meningitis in the U.S. dropped significantly after the introduction of a vaccine against seven strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

The researchers reported in the Jan. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

On the other hand, the researchers noted a significant, and worrying, 60.5% increase in meningitis caused by serotypes not covered by the vaccine.

The latter finding is "a concern," the researchers said, especially because many of the non-vaccine isolates had some antibiotic resistance.

Vectibix Fails in Treating Metastatic Colon Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8188 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

At the recent Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium Meeting, researchers reported that patients who received panitumumab (Vectibix) plus FOLFOX or FOLFIRI actually had a faster progression of metastatic colorectal cancer and were more likely to experience severe toxicities.

Those randomized to panitumumab plus oxaliplatin and bevacizumab (Avastin) had a mean progression-free survival of 9.5 months compared with 11 months in the oxaliplatin/bevacizumab arm

Panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets EGFr, is approved for monotherapy for chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.

Many Heart Patients Being Stented Unnecessarily

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8181 — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows that many people with clogged heart arteries are being overtreated with stents, and that a simple blood-flow test can help prevent unnecessary stenting. By using the blood-flow test, called fractional flow reserve, to decide when a stent was truly needed, the study showed that fewer stent-related deaths, heart attacks and repeat procedures occurred.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving injuries suffered during the performance of unnecessary surgical procedures.

Stork Craft Baby Cribs Recalled Due to Suffocation Hazard

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8127 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The makers of Stork Craft baby cribs is recalling more than a million cribs in Canada and the United States because of a potential suffocation hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the metal brackets used to support the mattress and mattress board can crack and break. The cribs were sold at major retailers like Kmart, Wal-Mart and J.C. Penney.

Nationwide Recall for Peanut Butter

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8123 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Peanut Corporation of America has recalled peanut butter made since July 1 at its plant in Blakely, Ga., as two more deaths associated with a major salmonella outbreak were reported. The outbreak has sickened more than 430 people in 43 states. Health officials in Minnesota and Idaho reported that one death in each state has been linked to the outbreak. Another death in Minnesota and two in Virginia were confirmed Tuesday, January 13, 2009. All five deaths were adults who had salmonella when they died. Also, the Kellogg Company has asked stores to stop selling the Austin and Keebler brands of peanut butter crackers because of possible contamination.

More information is available from the food poisoning attorneys of Pennsylvania.

New Study Finds Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel Double Patient Risk of Sudden Heart Failure

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8121 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has found that the popular drugs known as atypical antipsychotics, prescribed for an array of conditions, including schizophrenia, autism, and dementia double patients’ risk of dying from sudden heart failure.

The finding is the latest in a succession of recent reports contradicting the long-held assumption that the new drugs, which include Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel, are safer than the older and much less expensive medications that they replaced.

New Report Faults the Way the FDA Approves Medical Devices

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8116 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

In a report released Thursday, the Government Accountability Office ("GAO") recommended that the FDA fulfill promises it made 14 years ago to fix its system for approving complex medical devices. The report was mandated by Congress in legislation passed in 2007 to reform the FDA.

Most medical devices are given quick approvals with minimal testing because manufacturers tell the FDA that the products operate just like older, already-approved devices. The GAO report recommends that complex and potentially risky medical devices be thoroughly tested before they are approved for widespread use.

Surgery Checklist Found to Greatly Reduce Surgical Errors and Unnecessary Injuries and Deaths

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)8112 — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

An international pilot program that introduced a Surgical Patient Safety Checklist in eight hospitals in eight cities around the world resulted in nearly one third fewer deaths and complications among a diverse adult patient population undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

The findings were written up in the January 14, 2009 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving surgical and hospital error.

Ohio Distributor Recalls Peanut Butter Due to Salmonella Outbreak

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7994 — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio, issued a voluntary recall on January 10, 2009 of all peanut butter distributed under its label and manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America, of Lynchburg, Va. The company also recalled its distribution of Parnell's Pride peanut butter, which is also made by Peanut Corporation. This occurred after the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said they found salmonella bacteria in a container of creamy peanut butter from King Nut.

This is part of the salmonella typhimurium outbreak that has sickened nearly 400 people in 42 states from Sept. 3 to Dec. 29, 2008.

More information is available from the food poisoning attorneys of Pennsylvania.

New Guidelines for Treatment of Clogged Arteries in the Heart

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7993 — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

U.S. cardiology groups have published new guidelines for deciding how best to deal with clogged arteries.

These guidelines, called "Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary Revascularization," is said to be the first set of guidelines focused on treatment rather than diagnostic testing. The guidelines clarify under what situations people with chest pain should be treated with medication only or whether they should have an angioplasty or bypass surgery. An angioplasty is the medical procedure in which blood flow to the heart is restored by using a balloon-tipped catheter to break up plaque in the arteries.

The guidelines categorize people by four main criteria: severity and type of symptoms; plaque levels in the arteries; amount of ischemia (how badly the heart muscle is starved for blood and oxygen, based on stress testing); and whether they already use heart medication.

The guidelines say that people with plaque buildup in less than three arteries and little heart muscle at risk, who experience symptoms only during strenuous exercise and are not on medication, should not get bypass surgery or angioplasty.

A Dozen Salmonella Typhimurium Cases Linked to Pennsylvania

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7990 — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Of the nearly 400 people sickened across the country in a salmonella outbreak whose origins are still a mystery, about a dozen live in Pennsylvania, and one comes from Butler County in Western Pennsylvania. Other Pennsylvania counties reporting cases are: Bucks, Chester, Clinton, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery and Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania victims range in age from 3 to 73 years old. Most of the infections in the state were confirmed in mid- to late fall, with the latest confirmed Dec. 15, 2008. Nationally, patients have ranged in age from younger than 1 year old to 103 years old. 18 percent of the 372 people who provided data were hospitalized. This salmonella outbreaks involves the salmonella strain called Salmonella typhimurium. It is the same type of salmonella that in 2007 sickened 401 people in 41 states. That outbreak was traced to undercooked not-ready-to-eat Banquet brand frozen pot pies.

Check back here frequently for updates on the investigation into this serious salmonella outbreak.

For more information about salmonella, see the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, Pennsylvania's premier food poisoning law firm.

Salmonella Outbreak January 2009

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7933 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

January 2009 - Another Salmonella Outbreak

An ongoing salmonella outbreak has sickened 388 people in 42 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At least 67 people have been hospitalized; no deaths have been reported.

The CDC has not released the names of the states involved. However, the Ohio Department of Health says in a news release that there have been 50 cases among residents of that state, making Ohio the state with the second most cases.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) saida that it is working closely with the CDC to identify the cause of the outbreak. If the CDC determines that the illnesses were caused by an FDA-regulated product, the FDA will perform a "traceback" investigation to determine the specific product linked to the outbreak and how that product became contaminated.

The salmonella strain is a common one: Salmonella typhimurium. It is the same type of salmonella that in 2007 sickened 401 people in 41 states. A CDC investigation traced the 2007 outbreak to undercooked not-ready-to-eat Banquet brand frozen pot pies.

The recent salmonella outbreak traced to peppers (and possibly tomatoes) was the saintpaul strain, a different type of salmonella.

Previous outbreaks of Salmonella typhimurium have been traced to poultry, raw milk and cheese, and pet turtles.

For more information about salmonella, see the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, Pennsylvania's premier food poisoning law firm.

FDA Forces Food and Cosmetic Manufacturers to List Cochineal Extract and Carmine as Ingredients

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7902 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The FDA has finalized a rule that will require food and cosmetic companies to list cochineal extract and carmine on the label when they are used in food and cosmetics. However, the new rule does not require these companies to tell you that these ingredients come from insects. Cochineal extract and carmine, used to dye food, drinks and cosmetics various shades of red, orange, pink and purple, are extracted from the dried bodies of the female cochineal bug.

The F.D.A. required these ingredients to be listed in the wake of reports that some people have suffered severe allergic reactions to these insect extracts. The new rule will take effect in 2011.

Food Mislabeling List

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7832 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

As noted in the article published recently in the Chicago Tribune, food manufacturers routinely fail to disclose known allergens contained in their food products. In fact, the investigation revealed that an alarming number of food products sold as allergen-free actually contain harmful amounts of food allergens.

What follows is a running list of food mislabeling notices. Check back periodically for updates.

December 2, 2008 -- Mom's Food Products, Inc. of Ft Worth, TX is recalling its Pimento Spread sandwiches with a expiration date of December 15th through the 18th due to the label not declaring an allergen egg yolks. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Click here for more information.

December 5, 2008 -- Louisiana Fish Fry Products of Baton Rouge, LA, is recalling its 6 ounce packages of "Chicken & Fish Bake Seasoned Coating Mix" because they may contain undeclared buttermilk. People who have allergies to milk products run the risk of an allergic reaction if they consume this product. Click here for more information.

December 13, 2008 -- Kashi Company of LaJolla, CA is recalling a limited number of canisters of Kashi GOLEAN Powder Chocolate Energy Shake Mix because they contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The product was distributed to grocery, health food, pharmacy and on-line retailers nationwide. The product is packaged in a 14.8 oz – canister with a bar code of 18627 71000. Canisters with a Better if Used by Date stamped on the bottom of the canister between the dates of JAN 17 2009 and NOV 15 2009 are included in this alert. For more information, click here.

December 23, 2008--Los Angeles, CA--KRC Food Trading Inc recalled its Fish Cake sushi with production date of December 19 and December 22 due to the label not declaring eggs among the ingredients. People with egg allergies or severe sensitivity to eggs would run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction were they to consume this product. For more information, click here.

FDA Announces Recall of Device Used in Eye Surgery

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7822 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of a device used in eye surgeries. The device was manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) of Santa Ana, California. The device that was recalled is used to maintain space in the eye during surgery. Typically, such devices are pre-packaged in a syringe and are applied using a small tube.

On Oct. 30, 2008, AMO voluntarily recalled all 4,439 units of the device bearing lot no. UD30654, due to complaints of inflammation after eye surgery, including Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS). TASS is a post-operative, acute inflammation of the anterior segment of the eye (the front third of the eye including the cornea, iris and lens), and has been linked to the use of devices such as the device that has now been recalled.

If you underwent eye surgery within the last six months and developed TASS, you may be entitled to money damages. Contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for more information.

New Survey Shows Many Hip Replacement Surgeries Fail Due to Surgeon Error

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7734 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

A new survey set to be published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reveals that when hip replacement surgery fails, the failure is often the direct result of preventable surgical error.

To assess the leading causes of hip-replacement failure, the survey authors analyzed a nationwide hospital survey conducted between October 2005 and December 2006. The survey included data on all hip-replacement surgery revisions that were performed after initial hip-surgery failure. The authors found that the most common cause of hip-replacement surgery failure was instability or dislocation of the initial hip device, accounting for approximately 23 percent of cases. "Mechanical loosening" of the device caused nearly 20 percent of the revisions, and another 15 percent was attributed to infection. All of these causes result from surgical or hospital error.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving surgical and hospital error.

Tainted Milk May Be the Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7733 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to new research, there may be a direct link between bowel ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn's disease, and Johne's disease, and milk tainted with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).

Currently, there are no regulations in the United States requiring the disposal of milk found to contain MAP. If milk tested on the farm or at a processing plant is found to contain the bacteria, it is still processed and delivered to stores.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

Errors Involving Chemotherapy Medications Common at Outpatient Cancer Treatment Centers

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7730 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to a new study supported in part by the federal government, 7 percent of adults and 19 percent of children taking chemotherapy drugs in outpatient clinics or at home were given the wrong dose or experienced other mistakes involving their medications.

Of the 7 percent of medication errors involving adults, 55 had the potential to harm the patient and 11 did cause harm. The errors included administration of incorrect medication doses due to confusion over conflicting orders - one written at the time of diagnosis and the other on the day of administration. Some consequences of these errors included patients being over-hydrated prior to administration of chemotherapy and complaints of abdominal pain in patients taking narcotics without treatment for constipation.

About 40 percent of the 22 medication errors in children had the potential to cause harm and four children were harmed. Examples of pediatric errors included giving the wrong amount or the wrong number of times a day for home medicines because of confusion about instructions.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases. If you believe you received poor medical treatment, you should contact Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Preventive Antibiotic Use Cuts ICU Mortality Rate

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7727 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Researchers studying nearly 6,000 patients in intensive care units (ICUs) in 13 hospitals throughout the Netherlands, found that giving antibiotics as a preventive measure to ICU patients significantly increased their chances of surviving hospital-induced infection.

The study is published in the January 1, 2009 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine.

If you received poor medical care at a hospital, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases against hospitals, including UPMC.

New Study Links Osteoporosis Drugs to Painful Jaw Condition

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7725 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Previous reports had indicated that the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) from taking bisphosphonates in pill form were "negligible". However, a new study published in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that the proportion of people taking these widely prescribed oral osteoporosis drugs who develop ONJ may be much higher than previously thought.

ONJ is characterized by pain, soft-tissue swelling, infection, loose teeth and exposed bone. Use of bisphosphonates has been associated with other problems in the past, including an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm), unusual fractures of the thigh bone, and inflammatory eye disease. Fosamax (alendronate) is the most widely prescribed oral bisphosphonate.

UPMC Adopts New Policy in Wake of Losing and Causing Death of 89 Year-Old Patient

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7690 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

In a clear admission that it failed to adequately protect an 89 year-old patient from getting lost and freezing to death on the hospital's roof, UPMC executives have announced a system-wide safety reform that they are calling Condition L.

UPMC is seeking to improve its patient safety policies because of the death of Rose Lee Diggs, who walked away from her 12th-floor room at UPMC's Montefiore Hospital about 5:15 p.m. on December 2, 2008, and was found by a hospital maintenance worker dead on the hospital's roof 12 hours later.

With Condition L now in place, if a patient goes missing, Condition L is to be initiated immediately. This will then trigger a hospital-wide search for the missing patient.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases against UPMC. If you received poor treatment at a UPMC hospital, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Possible Good News for Women with Breast Cancer Who Suffer from Lymphedema

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7688 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Washington Post reports that hospitals in about a dozen states are currently testing whether some simple steps, such as arm-strengthening exercises, could reduce the risk of one of breast cancer's troubling legacies: The painful and sometimes severe arm swelling called lymphedema. Lymphedema has long been a known side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation. However, even though spotting and treating lymphedema early improves outcomes, many women with breast cancer who develop lymphedema are never diagnosed or treated. According to a recent study published in November's Journal of Clinical Oncology, as many as 37% of breast cancer patients who develop lymphedema are neither diagnosed nor treated for the ailment.

Among the techniques to combat lymphedema that are currently being examined: Wearing elastic sleeves to counter temporary swelling during things like airplane flight or heavy lifting; and doing special exercises with light weights designed to help keep open the lymph channels that allow fluid to drain through the body.

For information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

Chinese Executive Pleads Guilty in Melamine Case

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7685 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Tian Wenhua, the 66-year-old chairwoman of Sanlu Group, a Chinese dairy company, pleaded guilty to charges of "producing and selling fake or substandard products." It is unclear at present whether she and her accused colleagues could face the death penalty.

Melamine, an industrial compound used in making plastic chairs, countertops, plates, flame retardants and even concrete, has been added to food in China, including pet food and baby formula, to cheat nutrition tests due to its high nitrogen content. Several different foods in the United States have tested positive for melamine.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

New Food Safety Website Launched

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7642 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

If you are concerned about the safety of the food you eat, you will be pleased to know about a new website dedicated to keeping you informed on food safety issues. The website is called www.usfoodsafety.com. This website has all the latest news and information concerning food poisoning outbreaks and product recalls.

Breast Cancer Fund Links BPA With Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7638 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Breast Cancer Fund is out with its fact sheet that links the chemical known as BPA (which is found in the urine of 93% of Americans tested) to cancer.

Evenflo Majestic High Chair Recalled

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7636 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Evenflo Company Inc. has recalled about 95,000 Evenflo Majestic High Chairs because plastic caps and metal screws on both sides of the high chair can loosen and fall out, causing a falling and choking hazard to children. The high chairs were sold nationwide at major retailers from January 2006 until May 2007.

If you own such a high chair, or if you have any questions, you can contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 or visit Evenflo's website by clicking here.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm for cases involving injury due to defective and dangerous products. Contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Restaurant Inspection Highlights 2008

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7635 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the following "highlights" of local restaurant inspections in 2008:

• Mold in an ice machine at Kretzler's Tavern on Babcock Boulevard, a violation noted for three straight years.

• Raw sausage being stored in the same container as ready-to-eat lunch meats at Lupi's Famous Pizza on Babcock Boulevard.

• Eggs, macaroni, potato salad, cheese and lunch meats being stored at unsafe temperatures at Chuck E. Cheese's on McKnight Road. The same problem was found in inspections the previous two years.

• Raw chicken being lifted over cooked pasta contaminating it with raw chicken juices, and a dirty towel resting on top of raw ground meat at the Cheesecake Factory on Ross Park Mall Drive.

• Roaches in the kitchen and dead roaches on food storage shelves at China Star on McKnight Road following similar roach sightings last year.

Doctors Failing to Inform Women with Breast Cancer of Reconstructive Surgery Options

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7632 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The New York Times recently examined reconstructive breast surgery options provided to cancer patients undergoing mastectomies. According to the Times, despite recent advances in reconstructive breast surgery procedures, many plastic surgeons are failing to inform women about the extent of their reconstruction surgery options. The reason for this, according to the Times, is that some plastic surgeons are not trained to perform the latest operations, and others lack incentives to promote surgeries that are less profitable for physicians and hospitals.

Approximately 66,000 women in the U.S. have a mastectomy each year and about 57,000 women have reconstructive breast surgery. Implant surgery, which initially involves the least surgery and shortest recovery time, is the most popular breast reconstructive method in the U.S., but implants also can lead to future problems and additional surgeries. Newer procedures, called flaps, generally involve transplanting a wedge of fat tissue and blood vessels from the abdomen or buttocks and reforming them into new breasts. The most common flap procedure, called a TRAM flap, uses abdominal fat and muscle containing blood vessels to rebuild the breast. A newer technique, called the DIEP free flap, uses fat only and does not use abdominal muscle.

For information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

Persons with Allergies Beware: Food Mislabeling Rampant in United States

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7589 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Chicago Tribune recently published a must read article for all persons with food allergies and all parents of children with food-related allergies. The article entitled "Children at Risk in Food Roulette," reports the results of a recent investigation into the safety of American food products. According to the article, American children with food allergies are suffering life-threatening, and completely avoidable, allergic reactions because food manufacturers routinely mislabel their food products, and food industry regulators routinely fail to adequately police store shelves. In fact, the investigation revealed that an alarming number of food products sold as allergen-free actually contain harmful amounts of food allergens, and that the government rarely inspects food to find food allergy problems and doesn't punish companies that repeatedly fail to accurately label their foods.

The invesitigation also revealed that many of the problems occur with foods marketed to children, such as candy, cookies, cakes and ice cream. Standard childhood favorites such as Oreos, Pop-Tarts, Frosted Flakes, Jello-O and Campbell's Spaghettios have all been recalled for unidentified or hidden allergens in recent years. However, in many cases, the government and food manufacturing companies never inform consumers that a certain food has been recalled. In fact, during its investigation, the Chicago Tribune found that nearly half of the allergy-related food recalls in the last 10 years were never announced to the public. This was true even in dozens of cases where the FDA classified products as likely to cause serious harm or death.

An estimated 30,000 Americans require emergency-room treatment and 150 die each year from allergic reactions to food. A large percentage of these are children.

If you believe that you or your child suffered an allergic reaction or injury due to the mislabeling of a food product, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm for food poisoning cases.

DeNunzio's Sausage Recalls Sausage Products Due to Undeclared Allergens

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7588 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

DeNunzio's Sausage, an Elmira, New York establishment, is recalling approximately 36,388 pounds of ready-to-eat Polish Kielbasa sausage products because they may contain an undeclared allergen, soy protein, the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today. Soy protein is a known allergen, which is not declared on the label.

The following products are subject to recall:

1-pound, 2-pound, and 4-pound jars of "DeNunzio POLISH KIELBASA, FULLY COOKED, READY TO EAT, PACKED IN VINEGAR."

Each label bears "Est. 18523" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The sausage products were produced on various dates between March 13 and Nov. 26, and were shipped to distributors in New York and Pennsylvania for further distribution to retail establishments.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

Melamine Food Poisoning Addressed in New England Journal of Medicine

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7587 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The December 25, 2008 edition of The New England Journal of Medicine has an informative article on the global melamine food-poisoning outbreak of 2008. Included in this article is a list of food products that have been withdrawn from the U.S. market due to melamine contamination. This list includes the following products:

White Rabbit candies
Fresh and Crispy Jacobina Biscuits
Koala March cookies
Yili Pure Milk
Yili Sour Milk
Blue Cat Flavor Drink
Mr. Brown coffee
Sweet Time Christmas Dressy Bear chocolates
Topaz Hazelnut Wafer Rolls candies

FDA to Reconsider BPA Risk

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7586 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Weeks after the FDA's own advisory board accused the FDA of failing to adequately consider research showing the dangers of bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in many plastic baby bottles, plastic food containers, and metal can linings, the FDA has announced that it will reconsider the issue.

The FDA issued a draft risk assessment in August 2008, finding the chemical safe as it is now used. This assessment was controversial because it stood out against a tide of recent scientific opinion to the contrary. For example, the National Toxicology Program, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is of the opinion that there is reason to be concerned that BPA could harm the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children. This year, Canada added BPA to its list of toxic substances and plans to ban BPA from the plastics used to make baby bottles. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in September 2008 found that adults with high levels of BPA in their urine were more prone to heart disease, liver disease and diabetes. As if that were not enough, more than 200 animal studies have linked minute amounts of BPA to a range of reproductive problems, brain damage, immune deficiencies, metabolic abnormalities, and behavioral oddities like hyperactivity, learning deficits and reduced maternal willingness to nurse offspring.

DeNiro Cheese of Youngstown Ohio Recalls Sausage Due to Listeria Risk

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7541 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced December 19, 2008 that DeNiro Cheese, a Youngstown, Ohio, firm, is recalling approximately one pound of Sopressata sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The sausage product was produced on Oct. 9, 2008, and was sent to an Italian specialty retailer in Boardman, Ohio.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

G&J Cocoa Products Recalled Due to Melamine Risk

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7540 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Three G&J cocoa products packaged for Christmas sale are being recalled because they may contain the industrial chemical melamine.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says the products were sold nationwide at Shopko and Big Lots stores.

The recalled products include G&J Hot Cocoa Stuffer, G&J His and Hers Hot Cocoa Set, and G&J Cocoa in French vanilla and double chocolate flavors.

The products are being voluntarily recalled by Dorsey Marketing Inc. of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says consumers should return the products to the store where they bought them for a refund.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7533 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to the American Cancer Society, 3,870 mothers, daughters, and wives will die from cervical cancer in 2008. Over 11,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed by year's end.

The most important risk factor in developing cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although most HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer, nearly all cervical cancers (99%) are related to HPV, according to the American Cancer Society. HPV infections are common, but some strains can cause dangerous changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to the development of cervical cancer. Additional risk factors include smoking, poor diet, family history, and not getting an annual pap test.

Cervical cancer is preventable when it is detected early. Regular pap tests can find changes in the cervix before cancer develops. It can also find early cervical cancer in its most curable stage.

If you believe your cervical cancer was missed or not diagnosed as soon as it should have been, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat cervical cancer.

Computer-Aided Detection Improves Colonography Polyp and Colon Cancer Detection

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7532 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study shows that computer-aided detection (CAD) significantly increases the ability of doctors to detect colon cancer when using multi-row detector CT (MDCT) colonography (CTC) to screen for colon cancer.

If you believe your colon cancer was missed or not diagnosed in time, you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese. Berger & Lagnese specializes in medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat colon cancer. Call us for a free evaluation of your case.

PA Law to Ban Mandatory Overtime at Hospitals

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7524 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has signed into law a bill that will prohibit health care facilities from requiring mandatory overtime of staff. The law is set to take effect in July 2009. It will protect nurses, technicians, technologists, certified nursing assistants and phlebotomists, and other caregivers from being disciplined or discriminated against for refusing to work overtime.

Mandatory overtime would be allowed in some cases, such as a natural disaster, but it could be used only as a last resort and employees would have to be given one hour to arrange for family care. Employers also are prohibited from using on-call time in place of mandatory overtime. Violators can be fined from $100 to $1,000 per violation.

According to Governor Rendell, the new law will help ensure patient safety because there has been a problem with nurses throughout the state being overworked and overtired and potentially error-prone in their jobs.

If you believe that a mistake was made in your medical treatment you should contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation. The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice.

FDA Warns Consumers About Multiple Diet Pills Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7523 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The FDA has announced a recall of 23 different diet and weight loss pills because they contain undeclared active pharmaceutical substances that may pose serious health risks to consumers. The following pills and supplements are subject to this recall:

Fatloss Slimming
2 Day Diet
3x Slimming Power
Japan Lingzhi 24 Hours Diet
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
3 Day Diet
7 Day Herbal Slim
8 Factor Diet
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
999 Fitness Essence
Extrim Plus
GMP
Imelda Perfect Slim
Lida DaiDaihua
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Perfect Slim
Perfect Slim 5x
Phyto Shape
ProSlim Plus
Royal Slimming Formula
Slim 3 in 1
Slim Express 360
Slimtech
Somotrim
Superslim
TripleSlim
Zhen de Shou
Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

If you are taking any of these pills, stop immediately.

If you suspect that you have been injured as a result of taking one of these diet pills, you should call the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese at 412-471-4300 or toll free 800-350-6161, or email us. Berger & Lagnese has an experienced team of lawyers that specializes in dangerous and defective product lawsuits.

Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer Benefit from Alternating MRI and Mammography

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7513 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to research conducted by doctors at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alternated with mammography at six-month intervals can detect breast cancers not identified by mammography alone.

MRI is known to be more sensitive in detecting breast cancers than mammography, with a 71 - 100 percent accuracy compared to a 16 - 40 percent accuracy for mammography. As a result, annual breast cancer screening for high-risk women now typically includes MRI along with mammography and a clinical breast exam.

For more information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Computer-Aided Mammography Finds More Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7511 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent systematic review of research conducted to date, computer programs that interpret mammograms ("computer-aided detection" or "CAD") are helpful in assisting radiologists to identify areas in the breast that are suspicious for breast cancer. Typically, a radiologist examines a woman's screening mammogram to check for signs of cancer. When using CAD with mammography, the radiologist still reads the mammogram, but a computer program also evaluates the mammogram and marks suspicious areas for the radiologist to review further.

This new review indicates that CAD mammography identifies an estimated 50 additional cancer diagnoses for every 100,000 women than are identified without the assistance of CAD.

For more information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Trace Amounts of Melamine Found in U.S. Baby Formula

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7510 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The FDA announced on December 9, 2008 that a sample of infant formula available for sale in the United States tested positive for trace amounts of the toxic contaminant melamine.

The testing program was initiated after contaminated infant formula in China was linked to thousands of illnesses and a number of deaths among infants.

Melamine is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of can liners, flame retardant, cleaning products, fertilizers and pesticides. It does not occur naturally in food. Because it contains nitrogen, its addition to food products can wrongly suggest an inflated protein content. Ingesting melamine can cause kidney stones and other illnesses. Its presence in Chinese infant formula led to the hospitalization of more than 12,000 children and the deaths of several in China.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm in Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania for food poisoning cases. If you were the victim of food poisoning contact Berger & Lagnese immediately for a free consultation. Let the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese help you with your food poisoning case.

Racial Gap in Colon Cancer Deaths is Widening

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7509 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new report indicates that the racial gap in colon cancer death rates is widening. Colon and rectal cancer death rates are now nearly 50 percent higher in African Americans than in white Americans, according to American Cancer Society research. The gap has been growing since the mid-1970s, when colon cancer death rates for the two racial groups were nearly equal. The rate of diagnoses in blacks was about 19 percent higher than it was for whites in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The death rate difference was even more pronounced. Among African Americans, there were about 25 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to 17 per 100,000 in white Americans -- a 48 percent difference.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have had a great deal of experience in cases where colon cancer was not diagnosed due to medical malpractice. If your colon cancer was missed or misdiagnosed or not diagnosed when it should have been, the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese will investigate your case, interview the doctors and nurses at the hospital involved, hire the top experts to review your medical care, and find out what really happened. Berger & Lagense specializes in medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Beaver, Erie, and Washington PA.

Doctors Who Perform Colonoscopies Miss Many Colon Cancers

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7504 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

In a new study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers determined that doctors who perform colonoscopies miss as many as 40% of the colon cancers and pre-cancerous polyps that are present in the colons they examine.

According to the new study, doctors who perform colonocopies miss just about every cancer in the right side of the colon and roughly a third of cancers in the left side of the colon.

Here are three things you can do to reduce the risk that your doctor will miss cancer in your colon:

1. Make sure your doctor could see all of your colon. After your colonoscopy ask your doctor if your bowel prep was adequate. If your bowel prep was not adequate, ask your doctor to re-do your colonoscopy.

2. Make sure your doctor was able to visualize your right colon. Roughly 40% of all colon cancers arise in the right colon. After your colonoscopy ask your doctor if he or she was able to visualize your right colon. If your doctor was unable to examine your right colon then your colonoscopy was inadequate and your doctor should re-do your colonoscopy.

3. Make sure your colonoscopy is being performed by one of the best doctors in your area. There is a wide range of quality among doctors who perform colonoscopies. High quality doctors find polyps in at least 25 percent of men and 15 percent of women. They take at least eight minutes to withdraw a colonoscope from the colon. And they typically do a high volume of screening (at least three or four colonoscopies a day). Before you select a doctor to perform your colonoscopy, find out how the doctor stacks up against these benchmarks.

The lawyers at Berger & Lagnese have had a great deal of experience in cases where colon cancer was not diagnosed due to medical malpractice. If your colon cancer was missed or misdiagnosed or not diagnosed when it should have been, the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese will investigate your case, interview the doctors and nurses at the hospital involved, hire the top experts to review your medical care, and find out what really happened. Berger & Lagense specializes in medical malpractice cases in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Beaver, Erie, and Washington PA.

Motorcycle Crash on Route 136 Kills Man

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)7183 — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Charles S. Stepanek was killed December 9, 2008 while driving his motorcycle. His motorcycle was struck by a van in Somerset, Washington County. This crash happened on Route 136 and Church Road. The state police are investigating the crash.

Strokes Continue to Kill Patients Hospitalized for Heart Attack

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6547 — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study finds that patients hospitalized for heart attacks are dying from strokes while in hospital at the same rate over the past 20 years. The investigators evaluated 9,220 patients hospitalized for heart attack between 1986 and 2005. The investigators found that the risk of dying from a stroke during hospitalization for heart attack has not decreased over time.

Although there are modern and effective therapies to prevent and treat stroke, heart attack patients are at high risk and more attention should be directed to preventing death from stroke in these patients.

Vitamin D Reduces Risk of Breast Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6537 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Vitamin D from dietary intake and sunlight exposure early in life is associated with lower risks for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers and hormone receptor-negative tumors, according to findings published in the October 15th issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Intake of vitamin D during adolescence and early adulthood was most consistently associated with a significantly reduced risk of ER+/PR+ tumors.

An association was found between ever having taken cod liver oil at ages 10 to 19 years and a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.

Similar to the dietary findings, the team found that greater sun exposure earlier in life was more consistently associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Free information about breast cancer is available from the breast cancer malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

UPMC Opening 25 Cancer Centers Across Europe and Middle East

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6529 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) plans to open 25 cancer treatment centres across Europe and the Middle East modelled on its Irish clinics. This will be a joint venture between UPMC and GE Healthcare. UPMC currently operates two cancer centers in Ireland.

UPMC just gets bigger and bigger.

For more information about UPMC, see the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys.

UPMC Study on Ginkgo

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6528 — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the medicinal herb Ginkgo biloba does not reduce the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease development. The School of Medicine is the partner to UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center).

There were early indications that Ginkgo has antioxidant and other properties that might preserve memory, this trial shows that it does not. It also didn’t affect the rate of coronary heart disease or stroke.

It’s possible that an effect would have been observed, if the study had gone on longer, because it takes many years to progress from initial brain changes to clinical dementia. That study is now underway.

Breast Cancer Drug Avastin Increases Risk of Blood Clots

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6395 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the breast cancer drug Avastin increases a patient's risk of developing blood clots in the veins, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

According to the new study, which analyzed 15 earlier studies, 7.3% of breast cancer patients taking Avastin developed VTE. Overall, patients who took Avastin had a 33% increased risk of developing VTE than did patients who did not take the drug, and the risk was higher regardless of whether patients were taking a low or high dose. The study's author Shenhong Wu of Stony Brook University has stated that the magnitude of the drug's risk were not known previously because earlier studies were too small to identify clear trends. The study's authors advise that Avastin should receive a "black box" warning from FDA, the agency's strongest warning.

For information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

Use Of Risperdal In Children Is Strongly Criticized

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6391 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent panel of federal drug experts, powerful antipsychotic medicines are being used far too cavalierly in children.

For example, according to this panel of experts, more than 389,000 children and teenagers were treated last year with Risperdal (made by Johnson & Johnson), one of five popular medicines known as atypical antipsychotics. Of those patients, 240,000 were 12 or younger. In many cases, the drug was prescribed to treat attention deficit disorders. But Risperdal is not approved by the FDA for attention deficit problems, and its risks — which include substantial weight gain, metabolic disorders and muscular tics that can be permanent — are clearly too profound and significant to justify its use in treating such disorders. Similar concerns have been expressed with respect to Zyprexa, Seroquel, Abilify and Geodon, other medicines in the same class as Risperdal.

The panel's concerns join growing concern from many quarters about the increasing use of antipsychotic medicines in children and teenagers. Prescription rates for these drugs have increased more than fivefold for children in the past decade and a half. This increase is partly related to the growing use by doctors of the "pediatric bipolar disorder" diagnosis. The leading advocate for this diagnosis has been Dr. Joseph Biederman, a child psychiatrist at Harvard. However, Dr. Biederman is currently under suspicion after a Congressional investigation revealed he had failed to report to his university at least $1.4 million in outside income from the makers of antipsychotic medicines.

According to the panel, in the past year (2008), Risperdal prescriptions to patients 17 and younger increased 10 percent, while prescriptions among adults declined 5 percent. From 1993 through the first three months of 2008, 1,207 children given Risperdal suffered serious problems, including 31 who died. Among the deaths was a 9-year-old with attention deficit problems who suffered a fatal stroke 12 days after starting therapy with Risperdal. At least 11 of the deaths were children whose treatment with Risperdal was unapproved by the F.D.A.

Use Of Risperdal In Children Is Strongly Criticized

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6389 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Study: Vitamins E and C Fail to Prevent Cancer in Men

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6388 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A large clinical trial of almost 15,000 male doctors taking vitamins E and C for up to 10 years has found that neither supplement had any effect on cancer rates, including cancer of the prostate.

This new study comes on the heels of a disappointing finding regarding vitamin E reported late last month. After following 35,000 men taking selenium and vitamin E, investigators halted their trial because no benefit was seen and in some supplement users there appeared to be a slight increase in the risk of cancer or diabetes.

An author of the current study, an abstract of which was presented on Monday at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in Washington, D.C., said his trial found neither risk nor benefit to use of the vitamins.

Lean Cusine Entrees Being Recalled

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6386 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Nestle Prepared Foods Co. is recalling three varieties of Lean Cuisine entrees. A recorded message from the company Tuesday said, "Lean Cuisine is taking this action after several consumers recalled finding small pieces of blue plastic material." The Lean Cuisine meals in question are the Pesto Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta, the Chicken Mediterranean and the Chicken Tuscan.

Consumers can find out whether their meals are affected by looking at the bar code or UPC label on the boxes and calling Lean Cuisine at (800) 993-8625.

Testing Shows Packaged Meats Often Tainted With C. Difficile Bacteria

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6384 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Arizona has revealed that as much as 40% of the packaged meats sold in grocery stores is contaminated with C. Difficile, a potentially deadly intestinal germ increasingly found in hospitals. Nearly 30 percent of the contaminated samples of ground beef, pork and turkey and ready-to-eat meats like summer sausage were identical or closely related to a super-toxic strain of C. Diff. that is being blamed for growing rates of illness and death in the United States.

FDA Finally Decides to Send Inspectors Overseas

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6370 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

The FDA is opening its first overseas office. The new office will be located in China. This is an obvious attempt on the part of the FDA to better guard the American consumer against contaminated products coming from China. In just the last year, contaminated animal feed, counterfeit drugs, toys made with lead paint, and dairy products containing melamine have all arrived on American shores from China.

The FDA will initially have eight American employees and some Chinese hires in three separate offices throughout China. With this tiny staff, the FDA intends to certify inspections of U.S.-bound Chinese exports. The FDA says that third-party certifiers will also be allowed, either private commercial labs or Chinese government agencies working under the supervision and oversight of the FDA.

FDA Finally Decides to Send Inspectors Overseas

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6369 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Toys With Dangerous Plastics Will Stay in Stores

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6366 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

U.S. officials have decided that the new federal ban on the use of the dangerous chemical phthalate in teethers, pacifiers and other children's products will not apply to goods containing this chemical that are already in warehouses or on store shelves.

The decision to allow these dangerous products to remain in stores was made by the general counsel of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The ban takes effect February 10, 2009. After that date, it will be illegal to manufacture any products that contain phthalate. This chemical is dangerous because it has been linked to reproductive problems. The ban was passed in August 2008 as part of a landmark federal product safety law.

Pregnant Women in Rural Area at Increased Risk of Preeclampsia

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6313 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A recent study shows that pregnant women who live in rural areas are at a 56% increased risk to develop preeclampsia and other pregnancy induced hypertive disorders. Preeclampsia causes a rapid increases in blood pressure. Some other signs of preeclampsia include right upper quadrant pain, headaches, visual disturbances, swelling and the presence of protien in the urine. The study done at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver and presented at the American Society of Nephrology validated many previously known risk factors for preeclampsia and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) such as excessive weight gain, older age and multiple births. However the relationship between preeclampsia and rural living was a new finding. According to one researcher the link may be related to maternal poverty and social deprivation.

If preclampsia is not managed properly, the mother is at risk for kidney damage and even death. The baby is also at risk for among other things developing cerebral palsy. The only real cure for preeclampsia is labor and delivery of the baby.

At Berger & Lagnese, we obtained a verdict of $6,000,000 in Indiana Pennsylvania where a mother who had preeclampsia was not properly managed and by the time the baby was delivered she had suffered brain damage and has severe cerebral palsy.

If you have questions about whether your child's cerebral palsy is the result of medical malpractice please contact our team of attorneys.

FDA Seizes Contaminated Heparin from a Cincinnati Manufacturer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6311 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

On November 6, 2008, United States marshalls, acting at the request of the FDA, seized 11 lots of heparin from Celsus Laboratories Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio. The seized heparin, manufactured with material imported from China, had been found by the FDA to be contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate, a contaminant that mimics heparin's anticoagulant activity that has been responsible for some 81 deaths this year.

Heparin Contamination Can Be Detected With Simple Test

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6308 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

The blood-thinning drug heparin is highly effective in preventing and treating blood clots in veins, arteries and lungs. However, earlier this year, some 81 people died because the heparin they were given contained a dangerous contaminant called oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. Now, University of Michigan researchers have come up with a simple, inexpensive test for detecting contaminants in heparin, a development that could prevent such tragedies in the future. The new method is described in a paper published online on November 14, 2008 in the journal Analytical Chemistry.

Family History of Breast Cancer Substantially Increases Your Risk

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6302 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a new study, a woman with a strong family history of breast cancer is at a four times higher risk of breast cancer than that of the general population -- even if she does not carry one of the BRCA genes. And in women younger than age 40 without the BRCA gene, but with a very strong family history, the risk is about 15 times higher than the general population.

A woman who tests positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80 percent lifetime risk of getting breast cancer, while women such as those in her study with a strong family history but no BRCA1 or 2 mutation have about a 40 percent lifetime risk. The average woman has about a 10 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

The findings suggest there are other genetic mutations that play a role in breast cancer. Women with a strong family history might consider more frequent screening, including breast MRI. Also, these women should use anti-cancer drugs such as tamoxifen to prevent getting breast cancer.

For information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA.

Vitamins Don't Prevent Heart Attacks or Breast Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6300 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to two large studies published today, vitamins E and C did not reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or breast cancer.

Almost half of all adults in the U.S. take vitamins daily. According to these studies, we should reconsider our reasons for doing so.

For information about heart attacks, see the heart attack attorneys of Pennsylvania -- a law firm specializing in missed or misdiagnosis of heart attacks.

Clostridium Difficle (C. Diff) Strikes 1 in every 100 Hospital Patients

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6299 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study reports that more that more than 1 in every 100 hospital patients are struck by Clostridium difficile, commonly called C. diff. Of those patients, more than 94 percent had infections. This bacteria can cause diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain and sometimes leads to colon failure and death. This finding is at least 6.5 times higher than previous estimates.
The study was conducted by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. All together, 648 hospitals in 47 states documented the bacteria's impact on a single day this summer.

Extrapolating the findings to all U.S. hospitals, this means that C. diff strikes as many as 7,178 hospital patients on any given day, and predicted about 301 people in this group will eventually die of complications related to infections.

Separately, an April study by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that the in-hospital death rate for patients with C. diff was 9.5 percent, more than four times the overall 2.1 percent overall hospital death rate.

C. diff can live on hard surfaces for weeks or months. Yet rooms are cleaned with bleach often only after infection outbreaks.

Transmission typically occurs when health-care workers pick up the bacteria on their hands and carry them elsewhere. Hit most often are older patients who are taking antibiotics, which kill off bacteria that normally inhabit their guts and allow C. diff to move in and flourish.

Of particular concern: The alcohol-based hand gels now omnipresent in hospitals aren't effective against C. diff spores. But washing with soap and water helps by rinsing the bacteria from hands.

Also, drug-resistant forms of C. diff are beginning to appear.

What's needed are programs to improve cleanliness and hand-washing by hospital staff, as well as better control over antibiotics that can increase susceptibility to infections. Clearly, C. diff is not getting the attention it deserves.

For more information about c. diff infections, see the attorneys that specialize in c. diff cases -- the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Multiple Cars Crash on Turnpike near Cranberry Township

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6295 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A car accident on the westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike near Cranberry Townishp resulted in several other car crashes. Between five and 10 vehicles were involved in the crash. This occurred on November 16, 2008.

See the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania car accident attorneys for more information about car accidents.

Crash Kills Pedestrian on West Liberty Avenue in Brookline/Beechview

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6294 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A car crash with a pedestrian killed a person on West Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh's Brookline and Beechview sections the morning of November 18, 2008. This occurred at the corner of West Liberty and Capital avenues.

More information about car accidents is available from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania car accident attorneys.

Two Students Die in Car Crash on Route 19, Cranberry Township

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6293 — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Two high school students died in a car accident Friday night, November 14, 2008, in Cranberry Township, Butler County. Charles Stunkard, of Cranberry Township, and Jessica Peluso, of Glenshaw, died in the car crash. Stunkard was driving a Ford Mustang northbound on Route 19 when he struck a Hummer head-on near Progress Avenue.

The driver of the Hummer was taken to Allegheny General Hospital (AGH).

For information about car crashes, see the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania car accident attorneys.

Low Dose CT Scans Find Lung Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6155 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study, called The Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS), the researchers evaluated low-dose CT scans of the chest of smokers. All people in the study received low radiation dose CT scans of the chest. They received CT scans again one year later. A noncalcified lung nodule was identified in 40.6% of patients on the initial scan. During 3 years of follow-up, 80 subjects were found to have lung cancer, including 53 who had a tumor detected on the initial scan.

One (1%) percent of patients who had an abnormality detected on the initial or repeat CT scan ended up having a major thoracic operation that resulted in a diagnosis that the nodule was not cancer. Of 82 subjects who underwent thoracotomy or video-assisted thorascopic surgery to rule out malignancy, 28 ultimately received a noncancer diagnosis. Among 69 patients who had non-small cell lung cancer, 40 had stage 1 disease at diagnosis

Some believe that these findings mean low dose CT scans will cause unnecessary biopsy. Those people will say that it is acceptable for doctors to engage in "watchful waiting" of pulmonary nodules and that it is not necessary to biopsy the nodule. The idea is that most of the nodules will not be lung cancer. However, if you are the person whose nodule is cancer, that is not an acceptable approach. That approach will cause unnecessary suffering or death in many people. Guidelines should not always be based on statistics alone. The fact is that low dose CT scans of the chest can identify lung cancer at an early stage and treatment at that stage can cure the person.

For more information about lung cancer, see the lung cancer attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Protects Men Too

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6154 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Merck announced today that its Gardasil vaccine, which protects women and girls from cervical cancer caused by the HPV virus, may protect men too.

According to the study, Gardasil was 90 percent effective in preventing lesions, mostly sexually transmitted warts, caused by the virus in men. It was about 45 percent effective in preventing infection with the four strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) it targets.

Gardasil is only approved for use in girls and women. Merck is now going to apply for approval to use it in males. It will also be interesting to find out whether vaccinating men protects female sexual partners. That has not yet been studied.

For more information about cervical cancer, see the cervical cancer attorneys of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Car Accident on Route 308 in Butler Kills One

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6152 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A car crash on Route 308, Butler County left one person dead and three others hospitalized. Christina Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. Ms. Williams was driving south on Route 308 in her 1994 Ford Escort when a northbound car Mitsubishi GT struck Ms. Williams' car head on.

Two of the injured were flown to UPMC Presbyterian and one was flown to Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh according to county dispatchers.

For free information about car accidents, see the Pennsylvania car accident attorneys.

Migraines Linked to Breast Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6149 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A history of migraine is strongly associated with reduced risk of hormone receptor-positive invasive breast cancer among postmenopausal women, according to a study published in the November issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention,

It has long been know that migraines have been associated with falling levels of estrogen during a woman's reproductive years; that migraine is more common among women than men; and that there is a correlation between lifetime estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk.

The relationship between migraine and breast cancer was dependent on the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status of the tumor. Women with no history of migraine were at significantly reduced risk of ER+/PR+ ductal carcinoma, ER+/PR- ductal carcinom, and ER+/PR+ lobular carcinoma. The risk of ER-/PR- ductal carcinoma and ER+/PR- lobular carcinoma did not differ significantly between migraineurs and women without migraine.

This study tells us that by altering exposure to hormones during premenopausal years, we can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in the postmenopausal years.

More information about breast cancer is available at the breast cancer attorneys of Pennsylvania.

More People Sick From Pet Food Salmonella Poisoning

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6148 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a rare strain of salmonella in dry pet food has sickened at least eight people this year, in addition to the 71 people who have fallen ill since 2006. Because of the outbreak of Salmonella schwarzengrund, the company that manufactures the dog food, Mars Petcare, has permanently closed the plant where the pet food was made.

Two months ago, Mars Petcare recalled all of the pet foods made at this particular plant. The plant is located in Everson, Pa. Pedigree brand dog food is the leading brand of dog food manufactured by this company.

If you have been diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning and you would like to find out whether you have a food poisoning legal case, call us at 412-471-4300 or toll free at 800-350-6161, or email us. At Berger & Lagnese, our attorneys specialize in food poisoning cases. Our team of lawyers will help you find out how you became infected and will help you determine whether you have a food poisoning case.

Breast Cancer Doctor is Hired as New Director of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6145 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

There is a new director of UPMC's University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI): Dr. Nancy E. Davidson. She will begin in March, 2009. She is a leading breast cancer researcher at the Johns Hopkins University medical school in Baltimore. She currently heads the breast cancer research program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, and recently served as president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. She will replace Dr. Ronald Herberman, the founding director of the Pitt cancer institute, who plans to devote more time to cancer research.

Dr. Davidson received a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and earned her medical degree at Harvard Medical School in 1979. She has been involved in breast cancer research for nearly 25 years, and has been at Johns Hopkins since 1986.

Her research focuses partly on the breast cancer cases that do not respond to estrogen-blocking therapy because the women's tissues lack receptors for the female hormone. She has worked on ways to resensitize women to those treatments, and on substances designed to slow growth and spread of cancer cells.

UPCI receives $174 million in research grants and is ranked 10th nationally in the funding by the National Cancer Institute.

This appointment reflects UPMC's desire to be a national player in breast cancer research and treatment.

For more information about breast cancer, see the breast cancer attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Two Leading Hospitals To Test Doctors For Drug Use

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6144 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

ABC News is reporting that Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and the Cleveland Clinic will now be randomly testing their anesthesiologists for drug use. Given the history of addiction within the anesthesiology community, few anesthesiologists are surprised, says ABC news.

A 2005 survey by the Cleveland Clinic estimated that 80 percent of anesthesiology residency training programs reported problems with drug-impaired doctors, and an additional 19 percent reported a death from overdose.

The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases against hospitals, including UPMC in Pittsburgh. If you believe a hospital committed malpractice on you or someone you love, contact Berger & Lagnese for a free evaluation of your case.

Hip Resurfacing Not Recommended For Women In Need of Hip Replacement

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6139 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Medical researchers both in the United States and abroad are raising red flags about the use of hip resurfacing in women. Hip resurfacing is a surgical alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery. Makers of artificial joints and some American doctors have aggressively promoted the hip resurfacing technique since it became available in the United States in 2006.

Studies in countries where hip resurfacing has been used longer than in the United States, including Sweden and Australia, have now repeatedly shown a higher failure rate for women who undergo the procedure than for men. According to a recent study from Britain, women who undergo hip resurfacing are more likely to need a second corrective operation soon after the first, compared with women who get a conventional full replacement hip. And earlier this week, researchers released a study of resurfacing patients in the United States that raised similar cautions.

The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving surgical errors. If you or someone you love had a surgery, for hip replacement or something else, and the result was less than good, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

British Scientists Discover Why Tamoxifen Does Not Work In Some Women With Breast Cancer

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6137 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

British scientists have found a possible explanation for why some women develop resistance to tamoxifen, the most commonly used breast cancer drug. The findings, published in the journal Nature, could lead to new tests to determine which women are not likely to benefit from tamoxifen, and which women should be given other drugs.

The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving breast cancer. If you or someone you love has breast cancer and you want to know whether it was diagnosed as quickly as it should have been, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Good Music Is Good For Your Heart

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6133 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to research conducted recently at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, listening to your favorite music is good for your cardiovascular system. The researchers found that the emotions aroused by joyful music have a healthy effect on blood vessel function.

"We had previously demonstrated that positive emotions, such as laughter, were good for vascular health. So, a logical question was whether other emotions, such as those evoked by music, have a similar effect," says principal investigator Michael Miller, M.D., director of preventive cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center and associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

What the researchers found was that listening to pleasant music causes the diameter of the listener's blood vessels to expand more than 25%. The expansion of the blood vessels makes the heart's work of pumping the blood much easier.

The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases involving heart attack. If you or someone you love had a heart attack that was not treated in time to prevent injury or death, contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

C. Difficile Catching MRSA As Leading Hospital Infection

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6127 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to a recent survey conducted by the Washington, DC based Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), C. difficile, a life-threatening bacteria that causes diarrhea and more serious intestinal problems, is closing in on MRSA as the most prevalent and troublesome hospital-acquired infection in the United States. According to the APIC survey, 13 out of every 1,000 in-patients in the United States were either infected or colonized with C. difficile and on any given day over 7,000 patients in America have C. difficile and about 300 die from it. The cost of treating C. difficile to the American healthcare system is estimated at around 17.6 to 51.5 million dollars per year.

The attorneys at Berger & Lagnese specialize in medical malpractice cases against hospitals throughout Pennsylvania, including UPMC in Pittsburgh. If you believe a hospital committed malpractice on you or someone you love, contact Berger & Lagnese for a free evaluation of your case.

Simple Blood Test Can Help Predict Risk of Future Heart Attack

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6096 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

If you are healthy and have normal cholesterol levels but you wish to know whether you are nevertheless at risk of a future heart attack, there is an inexpensive blood test that can help you and your doctor assess your risk of a future heart attack or stroke. According to a new study, the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in your blood is a very good predictor of your risk of future heart attack or stroke. If you are concerned about your risk of future heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor to test your blood for high sensitivity C-reactive protein.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm for medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat heart attack and stroke. If you believe your heart attack or stroke was not treated as it should have been, contact the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Headphones Can Interfere with Some Heart Devices

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6084 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator? Don't keep your iPod earbuds in your shirt pocket or draped around your neck -- even when they're disconnected. A study finds that some headphones can interfere with heart devices if held very close to them.

They might even prevent a defibrillator from delivering a lifesaving shock, say doctors who tested them.

"Headphones contain magnets, and some of these magnets are powerful," said the study's leader, Dr. William Maisel, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a heart device consultant to the federal Food and Drug Administration.

"I certainly don't think people should overreact to this information," but it's smart to keep small electronics at least a few inches from implanted medical devices."

Dr. Maisel's research was presented yesterday at an American Heart Association conference.

Nearly 2 million people worldwide have pacemakers, defibrillators or other devices to help their hearts beat faster, slower or more regularly. headphones.

When headphones were about an inch from the device, interference was detected nearly one-fourth of the time -- in four of the 27 pacemaker patients and 10 of the 33 with defibrillators. A pacemaker reset itself in one patient.

The interference took place whether the headphones were plugged in or not and whether the music device was on or not.

For more free information about heart disease, please contact the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Vitamins Don't Prevent Heart Disease

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6080 — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Vitamins C and E -- pills taken by millions of Americans -- do nothing to prevent heart disease in men, one of the largest and longest studies of these supplements has found.

Vitamin E even appeared to raise the risk of bleeding strokes, a danger seen in at least one earlier study.

Besides questioning whether vitamins help, "we have to worry about potential harm," said Barbara Howard, a nutrition scientist at MedStar Research Institute of Hyattsville, Md.

She has no role in the research but reviewed and discussed it yesterday at an American Heart Association conference. Results also were published online by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

About 12 percent of Americans take supplements of C and E despite growing evidence that these antioxidants do not prevent heart disease and may even be harmful.

Male smokers taking vitamin E had a higher rate of bleeding strokes in a previous study, and several others found no benefit for heart health.

As for vitamin C, some research suggests it may aid cancer, not fight it. A previous study in women at high risk of heart problems found it did not prevent heart attacks.

Few long-term studies have been done. The new one is the Physicians Health Study, led by Drs. Howard Sesso and J. Michael Gaziano of Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

It involved 14,641 male doctors, 50 or older, including 5 percent who had heart disease at the time the study started in 1997. They were put into four groups and given either vitamin E, vitamin C, both, or dummy pills. The dose of E was 400 international units every other day; C was 500 milligrams daily.

After an average of eight years, no difference was seen in the rates of heart attack, stroke or heart-related deaths among the groups.

However, 39 men taking E suffered bleeding strokes versus only 23 of the others, which works out to a 74 percent greater risk for vitamin-takers.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and several vitamin makers. Results were so clear that they would be unlikely to change if the study were done in women, minorities, or with different formulations of the vitamins.

For more free information about heart disease, please contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese, LLC in Pittsburgh.

Written and Verbal Instructions on Coumadin Reduce Injuries

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6066 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study found that giving patients written and verbal instructions on proper use of the blood thinner Coumadin significantly reduces the risk of serious gastrointestinal and brain bleeding problems. It also found that patients who see only one doctor and fill their prescription at a single pharmacy are less likely to suffer serious bleeding events.

The study included adults taking Coumadin for problems such as heart rhythm abnormalities, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, heart valve replacements or pulmonary embolism.

Patients who received written information or written information plus verbal instructions were less likely to suffer bleeding events than those who received no instructions beyond those printed on the prescription bottle.

Again, we see that communications by doctors and pharmacists are not adequate. If communications improved, we could reduce the number of bleeding events and have earlier recognition of medication side effects. Unfortunately, poor communication often leads to patient injuries due to medical malpractice.

For more information, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Uniontown Hospital Expanding

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6065 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Uniontown Hospital will get an $8.4 million grant over 20 years from the state to expand.

The hospital will receive a $422,000 grant annually toward its expansion.

The funds will go toward a new inpatient tower designed to hold 56 private rooms, and add more space.

The project is expected to cost $59 million.

For information about medical malpractice cases against Uniontown Hospital, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania. We specialize in medical malpractice cases.

Car and Truck Accident on I-70

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6064 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

On November 7, 2008 three people were hurt in a car and truck crash on Interstate 70 (I-70).

Maria Urso was driving a Buick Regal and was stopped at the end of an on-ramp leading to the westbound lanes of the highway in South Strabane Township at the Murtland Avenue exit. Urso's car was struck from behind by a Mercury Sable driven by Adam Fogle. State police said the impact of the crash propelled Fogle's car into the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer, driven by Jesus Guajardo.

A helicopter transported Fogle to UPMC Presbyterian with head and leg injuries.

An ambulance transported a passenger inside Fogle's car, Heather White, to Washington Hospital. Urso transported herself to Washington Hospital.

Car and truck crashes kill and injure many people in Pennsylvania. For free information about car accidents and truck accidents, see the car and truck accident lawyers of Pennsylvania.

Teen's Research May Improve Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6060 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Since ninth grade, Akansh N. Murthy has been developing a better way to diagnose prostate cancer, and he could be on the verge of a breakthrough.

Now a senior at Fox Chapel High School, Akansh, 17, of Aspinwall , has identified a biomarker in urine that elevates with prostate cancer.

Because he and researchers assisting him plan to publish their findings, he's yet to publicize the biomarker he's discovered. He also said more research is necessary to support early findings.

"I think it's a big field of research with a lot of possibilities," said Akansh, who has yet to choose a college to pursue a possible career in cancer research.

Akansh is a regional finalist in the Siemens Math, Science & Technology competition this weekend at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. One of six regional finals will be held next weekend at Carnegie Mellon University.

Nationwide, 30 teams and 30 individuals are competing for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Sponsored by the Siemens Foundation, the competition focuses solely on student research without regard to grades, achievement-test scores or outside activities. At each regional final this weekend and the next two weekends, five individuals and five teams will compete for the Dec. 5-8 finals at New York University. More information is available at www.siemens-foundation.org.

Akansh is one of 96 students and 60 projects from a pool of 1,205 projects chosen to compete in the regional finals.

"Kids are taking on things that plague mankind, and projects range from alternative fuels to cures for cancer," Jim Whaley, Siemens Foundation president said. "It's just incredible."

In 2007, the grand-prize winners did bone-growth research on zebra fish and developed a procedure to combat drug-resistant tuberculosis.

By rule, students can have advisers but must do their own original research. The College Board administers the competition for the Siemens Foundation, and experts in each topic picks the winners.

Akansh, using advisers from the University of Michigan, does his research each summer. Early focus on amino acids eventually broadened to metabolites in the urine.

"For almost three years, what I've been learning is that the cancer rates in America are rising," Akansh said. "The only feasible way to reduce or eliminate it is by diagnosing it at the early stage to reduce it's effect."

For now, doctors use the Prostate Specific Antigen as the clinical standard for early detection of the disease. Because PSA is not specific for prostate cancer, diagnosis must be confirmed with a biopsy.

Akansh studied urine metabolites from 14 men with elevated PSA levels. He used spectroscopy and spectrometry along with statistical analysis to quantify and identity metabolites that were elevated in the presence of prostate cancer.

His goal is to identify "highly reliable and practical biomarkers that can serve as distinguishing factors of clinical and diagnostic tools for prostate cancer," his prospectus states.

"Every single man in America has the threat of prostate cancer," Akansh said. "This opens the gateway to future research."

For more free information about prostate cancer, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC.

Crestor Reduces Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke in Those without High Cholesterol

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6048 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine has significant implications for the prevention of heart attack and stroke. Statins are a class of drugs that have been prescribed for those people who have high cholesterol in order to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke. This study was done to see if statins would also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in those people without high cholesterol. This study of over 17,000 people found that the statin reduced myocardial infarction (heart attack),stroke, arterial revascularization, hospitalization for unstableangina, and death from cardiovascular causes.

The one catch is that only people with elevated high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels were allowed to participate in the study.

This study tells us that you should be tested for your c-reactive protein level, and if it is elevated, you should take statins routinely. One common type of statin is Crestor.

For more information about heart attack and stroke, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennslvania. Our lawyers specialize in heart attacks and strokes missed or misdiagnosed by doctors and hospitals in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Washington, Erie, Beaver and all of Western Pennsylvania.

HPV Caused 25,000 Cancers, including Cervical Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6045 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), HPV caused 25,000 cancers in the U.S. from 1998-2003. This includes cervical cancer, cancer of the head and neck, anal cancer, and others.

This shows that it is important to be tested for HPV and it is important to be tested for cervical cancer by getting the Pap test (pap smear), and by getting the vaccine to prevent getting HPV.

If your cervical cancer was missed or misdiagnosed, see the Pennsylvania cervical cancer attorneys.

Study Reports Preeclampsia Causes Epilepsy in Children

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6043 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Prior research has shown that eclampsia during pregnancy causes epilepsy in children born to women with eclampsia during pregnancy. Now, a study shows that preeclampsia also causes epilepsy in children. The best treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the infant. If your doctor did not deliver your child when you had preeclampsia, you may be the victim of medical malpractice.

For more information about preeclampsia, see the medical malpractice attorneys of Pennsylvania.

Report Shows Cholesterol Drugs May Prevent Heart Attack and Stroke In Healthy Patients

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)6042 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

A large new study suggests that millions more people could benefit from taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, even if they have low cholesterol, because the drugs can significantly lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and death.

The study, involving nearly 18,000 people worldwide, tested statin treatment in men 50 and older and in women 60 and older who did not have high cholesterol or histories of heart disease. What they did have was high levels of a protein called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein which indicates inflammation in the body.

The study, published online in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that the risk of heart attack was more than cut in half for people who took statins.

Berger & Lagnese is your premier law firm for medical malpractice cases involving the failure to diagnose and treat heart attack and stroke. If you believe your heart attack or stroke was not treated as it should have been, contact the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese for a free consultation.

Truck Crash in Washington County Kills Police Officer Picking Up Tire on I-70

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5966 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

An off duty police officer was killed in a truck crash in Washington County on Interstate 70 (I-70). He was an officer with South Strabane Township. While driving home he saw a tire in the road. The driver of a dump truck hit the police officer, Nathaniel Burnfield. The driver of the dump truck was also killed. Any time you see a person or car in the road, you must keep your vehicle under control.

For more information about car and truck accidents, see the Pennsylvania car and truck accident attorneys.

UPMC Building New Hospital in Monroeville, PA

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5964 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

UPMC announced plans on November 6, 2008 to build a new full service hospital in Monroeville, PA, outside of Pittsburgh. The new hospital will have outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging services (x-ray, CT scans, MRI), ambulatory surgery center, an urgent care center, doctors' offices, emergency room, and cancer center.

For more information about medical malpractice cases involving hospitals, see the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorneys.

Grapes May Protect Heart

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5829 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

New research from the US on laboratory rats suggests that eating grapes could help to fight high blood pressure resulting from a salty diet and could also reduce other cardiovascular risks and heart muscle damage. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of flavonoids in grapes.

The study was led by researchers from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor, and is published in the October issue of the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences.

For the study, the researchers investigated the effect of dried grape powder made from regular table grapes (a mix of green, red and black varieties) when mixed in the diet of laboratory rats that had been bred to develop high blood pressure when fed on a salty diet (the Dahl Salt-Sensitive or Dahl- SS rat model).

The 60 rats were in five groups depending on how much salt was in their diet: high salt or low salt, whether they also had the grape powder, and whether they were given a mild dose of a common blood pressure drug (the vasodilator hydralazine).

Thus the five groups were: (1) low salt only, (2) low salt plus grape powder, (3) high salt only, (4) high salt plus grape powder, and (5) high salt plus vasodilator hydralazine.

The results showed that:

After 18 weeks, compared to their counterparts on diets without grape powder, the rats that had the grape powder had lower blood pressure, better heart function, reduced inflammation in their bodies, and less heart muscle damage.
The rats that had the blood pressure medication and high salt diet also had lower blood pressure, but their heart damage was greater than in the grape powder fed groups.

The study was part of Mitchell Seymour's doctoral research in nutrition science at Michigan State University. Seymour, who manages the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory under the supervision of U-M heart surgeon Dr Steven Bolling, said that the findings explained their theory that there was something special about grapes, beyond the simple blood-pressure reducing effect we already expect from diets rich in fruit and vegetables.

Bolling, who is also professor of cardiac surgery at the U-M Medical School said that the animals in the study were not unlike millions of Americans who develop heart failure because of many years of diet-related high blood pressure.

"The inevitable downhill sequence to hypertension and heart failure was changed by the addition of grape powder to a high-salt diet," said Bolling.

Although grapes have many natural compounds that could be responsible for this effect, the researchers think in this case it is the flavonoids, either by affecting cells directly or via their antioxidant properties.

"These flavonoids are rich in all parts of the grape - skin, flesh and seed, all of which were in our powder," said Bolling.

Other studies have already suggested that flavonoids may reduce other potentially harmful molecular and cellular body processes.

Bolling said they were not about to tell patients to stop taking their blood pressure medication and eat only grapes. However, people who want to lower their blood pressure should cut down on the amount of salt in their diet.

"There is, as we now know, a great variability, perhaps genetic even, in sensitivity to salt and causing hypertension," said Bolling.

"Some people are very sensitive to salt intake, some are only moderately so, and there are perhaps some people who are salt resistant. But in general we say stay away from excess salt," he added.

The study was partly sponsored by the California Table Grape Commission, but the authors pointed out that they had no influence on the design and execution of the research, or in the journal write up.

For more free information about heart disease and high blood pressure, please contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese, in Pittsburgh.

Calcium Channel Blockers Don't Mix with Plavix

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5784 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study says calcium channel blocker drugs, which are widely prescribed for coronary conditions, might reduce the effect of Plavix. Calcium channel blockers are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and angina. Plavix is a drug prescribed to prevent clots in the arteries. In particular, Plavix (clopidogrel) is recommended for anyone having a stent implanted, to reduce the incidence of thrombosis, which is blockage of the reopened artery. This study was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

According to the study, calcium channel blockers appear to inactivate an enzyme necessary for Plavix to work. They studied 200 people who were taking Plavix after artery-opening procedures and stent placement

The concern is that people who have stents are taking Plavix and they are often taking calcium channel blockers for other conditions. You must be sure to avoid adverse drug interactions and you should avoid taking these drugs together. There are alternatives to calcium channel blockers, such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.

If you have had a heart attack, stroke or blood clot, get free information from the medical malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Our attorneys specialize in medical malpractice cases.

Doppler Ultrasound Helps Identify Breast Cancer Without Biopsy

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5782 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

An article just published in the medical journal Radiology finds that 3-D Doppler ultrasound can help distinguish between malignant and benign breast lesions.

In a group of women with suspicious breast lesions, 3-D power Doppler assessment of lesion vascularity had a 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity. That means that women who have benign lesions (not cancer) could avoid having to get a biopsy to determine whether the lesion is cancer.

The basis for distinction between malignant and benign is that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound can detect the higher flow velocities in the malignant tumor-feeding vessels have higher flow velocities when seen on Doppler and benign breast masses have slower flow velocities.

More information about breast cancer can be found at the breast cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania, serving Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Erie, Uniontown, Beaver and Washington PA.

Vitamin E and Selenium Don't Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5781 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Los Angeles Times reports that Vitamin E and selenium supplements, either taken independently or together, do not reduce a man's chances of developing prostate cancer, and may even heighten his risks, a federally funded study has found. The National Institutes of Health reported this.

A seven-year trial involving more than 35,000 subjects and conducted at 400 sites around the United States was suspended this month, after researchers began tallying the effects and found, at best, no benefit and at worst, signs of trouble. Participants were told to stop taking their supplements and assured that their health would be monitored for roughly the next three years.

Researchers found a slightly elevated risk of prostate cancer in subjects taking only Vitamin E and a small increased risk of developing diabetes in men taking only selenium. The National Institutes of Health, which funded the study, said that those effects may have been due to chance.

Previous studies had suggested that selenium and Vitamin E, taken alone or together, might decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer by 60% and 30%, respectively.

Studies done in the 1990s found that beta-carotene supplementation failed to prevent lung cancer, and in fact appeared to increase the odds that male smokers would develop lung cancer.

In other clinical trials, researchers are exploring whether lycopene, a plant-based substance, might reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

For more information about cancer, see the medical malpractice lawyers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Chemotherapy After Surgery for Colon Cancer Lengthens Survival

joshb@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5780 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study shows that it is beneficial to get chemotherapy after surgery for colon cancer metastases. In this study, patients had complete surgical resection of lung or liver metastases. Some patients had chemotherapy after surgery and some did not. The patients who had chemotherapy had longer survival than those who had surgery only. However, it was only 62.2 months in the Chemotherapy plus Surgery Group comparedwith 47.3 months in the Surgery Alone Group. Patients must decide whether this difference is significant enough to go through all of the problems caused by chemotherapy, such as anemia, nausea, loss of hair, etc.

For more information about colon cancer, see the colon cancer malpractice lawyers of Pennsylvania. Our attorneys specialize in medical malpractice and work in all courts of Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Washington PA, Beaver, and Erie.

Gene Found Activated In 70% of Prostate Cancer Cases

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5765 — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

A gene has been found activated in 70% of prostate cancer tumors, the same gene that has been discovered activated in a majority of breast cancer cases, report scientists at the George Washington University Medical Center led by Dr. Patricia Berg, who discovered and cloned the gene, and Dr. Arnold Schwartz. Berg is Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and directs a laboratory at George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC, and Schwartz is Professor of Pathology and practicing clinician at GWUMC.

In the January, 2009 print issue of Modern Pathology, a journal of the Nature Publishing Group, the team of researchers led by Berg and Schwartz will report that "Significant BP1 immunoreactivity was identified in approximately 70% of prostatic adenocarcinomas, whether the analysis was performed on tissue sections (50 cases) or tissue microarray platforms (123 cases)". The findings compare to "less than 5%" BP1 activity in normal cells. The researchers conclude that "These findings suggest that BP1 is an important upstream factor in the carcinogenic pathway of prostate cancer and that the expression of BP1 may reflect or directly contribute to tumor progression and/or invasion."

In addition to Berg and Schwartz, the team of authors includes Drs.Yan-Gao Man, Department of Gynecologic and Breast Pathology, The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington DC; M Katayoon Rezaei, Department of Pathology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington DC; and Samuel J Simmens, Department of Biostatistics, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington DC.

Berg had previously published and reported, and the authors cite in the current article, that BP1 is activated in a majority of breast cancer (80%) and acute myeloid leukemia (63%) cases. The authors say, "Our current and past findings suggest that BP1 may be an important regulatory factor in the oncogenic pathway of several malignancies including prostate cancer." Berg stated today, "BP1 is a new, potentially significant target for therapy. It could be an important new diagnostic marker for prostate cancer and the other cancers in which it is expressed."

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer among men. The National Cancer Institute estimates 186,320 new cases and 28,660 deaths from prostate cancer in the U.S. in 2008. The article is titled, "BP1, a homeoprotein, is significantly expressed in prostate adenocarcinoma and is concordant with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia." The article is also available as "advance online publication" (Citation: Modern Pathology advance online publication 17 October 2008; doi: 10.1038/modpathol.2008.168). Link to abstract: http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/modpathol.2008.168.

For more free information about prostate cancer or breast cancer, please contact the attorneys at Berger & Lagnese, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Researchers Find More Genes Linked to Lung Cancer

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5660 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

Researchers have identified 26 genes associated with the most common type of lung cancer, adenocarcinoma -- more than doubling the number of genes known to play a role in the deadly disease.

The discovery could help in developing individualized ways of diagnosing and treating lung cancer, the top cancer killer, the researchers said.

"Although similar, smaller cancer gene sequencing projects have been reported, our study is the largest to date and provides the statistical power to detect significantly mutated genes," study co-author Richard Wilson, director of Washington University's Genome Sequencing Center in St. Louis, said during a Tuesday teleconference.

The research, known as the Tumor Sequencing Project, has important implications for the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, Wilson said. "But we consider it just a beginning. Over the next few years, we expect to extend this study both in terms of the number of individual cases that we study and the extent of the cancer genome we can explore," he said.

Before the new research, 10 genes linked to adenocarcinoma had been identified, including six of the 26 reported in this study. The findings were published in the Oct. 23 issue of Nature.

For the study, researchers looked for genetic mutations in lung cancer cells. These changes occur in the tumor and are not inherited or found elsewhere in the body, Dr. Matthew Meyerson, from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and an associate professor at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said during the teleconference.

"These mutations are important, because mutated genes can be targets for anti-cancer therapy," Meyerson said.

The researchers determined the DNA sequence of 623 genes in 188 lung adenocarcinomas. Then they compared the DNA sequence of these genes with the same genes in normal tissue from the same patients.

"By doing this, we identified 26 genes that are frequently mutated in lung adenocarcinoma," Meyerson said. "Most of these gene mutations are newly discovered."

Some of these genes have been implicated in other cancers, such as colon cancer, leukemia and lymphoma. "These genes could soon be new targets for lung cancer treatments," Meyerson said.

The researchers also looked at genetic mutations found among different adenocarcinoma patients. Most cases of lung cancer (90 percent) occur in smokers. Among smokers, there were many more gene mutations than those found in the lung cancer tumors of nonsmokers.

Tumors for smokers had as many as 49 mutations, while none of the nonsmokers had more than five mutations, the researchers reported.

"Our study could achieve a real impact on the care of lung cancer patients," Meyerson said. "It is important to study the role of the mutated genes in the growth and survival of lung cancer cells, which will help us work toward new treatments."

Dr. Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, called the new research another positive step in understanding cancer and could lead to new therapies.

"The methods of this study are powerful, and the sample is large, thus it is a good study. We can expect more like this," Edelman said. "The genetic basis of cancer is very complex, and this represents another piece of the puzzle. Whether or not finding newly implicated genes will lead to new therapies, as the authors suggest, is, of course, something to be hoped and waited for."

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and around the world. More than 1 million people worldwide die of lung cancer each year, including more than 160,000 people in the United States. Lung adenocarcinoma, the most frequently diagnosed form of lung cancer, has an average five-year survival rate of just 15 percent, the researchers said.

For more free information about lung cancer, or if you believe you had a delay iin diagnosis of lung cancer, or misdiagnosis, please contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese in Pittsburgh.

Colon Cancer Drug Won't Help Those With Certain Gene Mutation

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5658 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

A new study suggests that people with advanced colon cancer who have a particular gene mutation won't benefit from the medication cetuximab (Erbitux).

While the drug can add months to the lives of people without a mutation in a gene called K-ras, those who have the mutation won't see any benefit from this additional therapy, reports the study, which is published in the Oct. 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"We believe that, in the context of pre-treated advanced bowel cancer, the K-ras mutation status of the cancer should be determined before using cetuximab, and cetuximab should only be given to patients with tumors that do not have the mutation," said study author Dr. Christos S. Karapetis, a senior consultant medical oncologist and director of clinical research in the department of medical oncology at Flinders Medical Centre in Australia.

Karapetis said that about four in 10 people with colon cancer have the K-ras mutation.

Erbitux works by interrupting cell growth and division. It does this by binding to a receptor known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A mutation in the K-ras gene is believed to interfere with cetuximab's ability to disrupt EGFR, according to the study.

For the study, 572 people with advanced colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to receive either weekly treatment with cetuximab and supportive care (287 people) or supportive care alone (285 people). All had undergone other treatment options without success.

Almost 400 tumor specimens from the study volunteers were tested for K-ras mutations (198 from the cetuximab group and 196 from the supportive care group). Just over 42 percent of the tumors evaluated were found to have mutations in the K-ras gene.

Even with cetuximab treatment, people with K-ras mutations had no significant changes in overall survival or in progression-free survival. Those without the mutations, on the other hand, appeared to benefit significantly from the therapy.

People with no K-ras mutations who were treated with cetuximab had nearly twice the overall survival rate compared to the supportive care group -- 9.5 months versus 4.8 months. And, the time of progression-free survival was also nearly doubled for those treated with cetuximab -- 3.7 months versus 1.9 months in the supportive care group.

"Patients with a colorectal tumor bearing mutated K-ras did not benefit from cetuximab," the researchers concluded.

"This study suggests that if someone has this particular mutation, they won't respond to this drug," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. "The bottom line is that this study is important and really has the potential to impact how we treat patients with colorectal cancer with this very expensive drug."

He added that other researchers have noted similar results for K-ras mutations in earlier-stage colorectal cancer.

"This is one more refinement on personalized medicine, and we're moving into an age of molecular markers that eventually will guide treatment. If someone has a cancer in the future, that cancer will be analyzed for what kind of cancer it is, and then we'll know what the best treatments are for that cancer," Lichtenfeld said.

Another important molecular marker that guides treatment is already in use for breast cancer treatment, according to Lichtenfeld. Breast cancers are tested for HER2, a type of estrogen and progesterone receptor. Those with this molecular marker are likely to have a more aggressive type cancer, but also a type of cancer that responds to treatment with the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin).

"I'm excited about the future, and this study shows we can be more targeted with our targeted therapies," said Lichtenfeld.

For more free information about colon cancer, please contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Few Adverse Reactions to Cervical Cancer Vaccine

jomariek@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5657 — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

Girls and young women given Merck and Co's Gardasil vaccine to prevent cervical cancer were not any more likely than usual to faint, have an allergic reaction, blood clot, or other adverse reaction, federal officials said on Wednesday.

The vaccine does not cause any more cases than usual of eight different adverse events, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.

The report to the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices was based on 375,000 doses of the vaccine given from August 2006 to July of 2008.

"As with all approved vaccines, CDC and FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) will continue to closely monitor the safety of the HPV vaccine," the CDC said in a statement.

Gardasil protects against the four types of human wart virus, also known as human papilloma virus or HPV, that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.

Because HPV is sexually transmitted and very common, most people are infected as young adults and to protect them, the vaccine must be given before girls are sexually active. This has led to some controversy.

The CDC said it received 10,326 reports of adverse events following HPV vaccination in the United States.

"Of these reports, 94 percent were reports of events considered to be non-serious, and 6 percent were reports of events considered to be serious," the CDC said. These included 27 deaths.

Such reports do not necessarily show that a vaccine has caused a disease or event -- they simply show that someone fainted, became ill or had an allergic reaction around the time they also received the vaccine.

"Reports of non-serious adverse events after HPV vaccine have included fainting, pain and swelling at the injection site (the arm), headache, nausea and fever," the CDC said.

"Fainting is common after injections and vaccinations, especially in adolescents."

Some of the serious events included Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes muscle weakness. It can be caused by a number of infections.

"There has been no indication that the HPV vaccine increases the rate of GBS in girls and women above the rate expected in the general population, whether or not they were vaccinated," the CDC said.

Eleven of the deaths were traced to diseases such as diabetes or meningitis and unrelated to the vaccine, while the others were being investigated or did not provide enough information to assess, the CDC said.

GlaxoSmithKline has an HPV vaccine called Cervarix, which is used mostly in Europe.

For more free informaton about cervical cancer, please contact the lawyers at Berger & Lagnese, LLC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Breast Cancer Featured in New York Times

davidp@bergerlagnese.com (Blog Author)5621 — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:00:00 EST

The October 21, 2008 New York Times features an article with information on several aspects of breast cancer.

If you suspect that your breast cancer was not timely and properly diagnosed or treated, please call us at 412-471-4300 or 800-350-6161, or email us. At Berger & Lagnese, our lawyers specialize in medical malpractice, and work on cases in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Uniontown, Beaver, Erie, Washington, and all locations in Western Pennsylvania. Our team of lawyers will find out what happened with your medical care and will get you the answers to your questions.