CU Seeks Sunscreen Probe
Consumers Union has urged the Food and Drug Administration to review sunscreens for safety, saying that tests it conducted found that four of five products contained nanoparticles, despite claims to the contrary by the manufacturers. Nanoparticles make clear sunscreens, which consumers prefer, but there are unanswered safety questions, said Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports. "The widespread use of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in sunscreen is involving consumers in a vast experiment as to the safety of these products," CU senior scientist Michael Hansen, Ph.D., said in a statement. Even if the Food and Drug Administration does not conduct a review, it should require manufacturers to reveal the presence of nanoparticles, according to the organization.
Lasers Effective for Leg Hair
A small study has found that both Nd:YAG and alexandrite lasers are effective for long-term removal of leg hair, but that combining the two did not confer additional benefit, just more side effects such as pain and hyperpigmentation. There was no significant difference between the two lasers, according to a study published in Archives of Dermatology. The trial included 20 patients aged 1650 years with Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. Eighteen months after the last treatment, the mean hair reduction for the 12-mm spot-size alexandrite laser was 76%. For the 18-mm spot-size alexandrite laser it was 84%, and for the Nd:YAG laser, it was 78%.
Elston Honored By Dermpaths
The American Society of Dermatopathology honored Dr. Dirk M. Elston with its Walter R. Nickel Award for Excellence in Teaching of Dermatopathology at the society's annual meeting in San Francisco. Dr. Elston is director of dermatology at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa., and is on the advisory board of SKIN AND ALLERGY NEWS. He has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and is editor-in-chief of the Requisites in Dermatology series of textbooks and of eMedicine Dermatology. An active participant in the American Academy of Dermatology's mentorship and leadership programs, Dr. Elston is the recipient of numerous teaching awards including the Darl Vanderplueg Excellence in Teaching Award, the Brooke and Wilford Hall Medical Center Department of Medicine Outstanding Teacher Award, and the Brooke Army Medical Center Department of Pathology Outstanding Teacher Award.
Etanercept, Infliximab Lead Injuries
An analysis of adverse drug reactions reported to the FDA in the first quarter of 2008 has found that etanercept and infliximab were among the top 10 drugs accounting for serious injuries. The analysis was conducted by the Institute for Safe Medicine Practices. Varenicline (Chantix) was the leading source of serious injuries with reports of 1,001 injuries and 50 deaths, including 226 reports of self-injury or suicide. In response, the FDA said in a statement that it has been "carefully evaluating" the varenicline reports. The ISMP said that overall, there were a record number of serious injuries reported in the first quarter: 20,745 cases. The 4,824 deaths recorded was the highest total since 2004, according to the ISMP. Heparinspecifically a tainted version tied to Chinese suppliersaccounted for the second-highest number of serious reactions. The FDA received reports of 779 serious adverse reactions and 102 deaths. The ISMP noted that only a small number of drugs accounted for a large volume of reports. After varenicline and heparin, the top 10 associated with injuries included fentanyl, interferon-β, infliximab, etanercept, clopidogrel, pregabalin, acetaminophen, and oxycodone.
Practice Costs Outstrip Revenues
Operating costs rose faster than did revenues in most group practices in 2007, according to the Medical Group Management Association's annual cost survey. From 1997 to 2007, operating costs rose from 58 cents per dollar of revenue to 61 cents. For multispecialty groups, median total revenue increased 5.5% from 2006 to 2007, while median operating costs increased by 6.5%. The cost survey data are based on reports that were submitted by practices representing 30,000 physicians, said the MGMA.
Poor Marks for PQRI
Most of the physicians who participated in Medicare's 2007 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative found the program at least moderately difficult, according to a survey conducted by the American Medical Association. Only 22% of respondents to the online survey were able to successfully download their feedback reports. Of those who downloaded the report, less than half found it helpful. In an open-ended question about their experience with the program, nearly all the responses were negatives, according to the AMA. The results are based on responses from 408 physicians. The AMA plans to work with Congress and the administration to alter the program to provide physicians with interim feedback reports and an appeals process. A recent survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association reported similar problems in accessing feedback reports.