Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
If the top menu is not working correctly on your phone's or tablet's mobile browser, touch the tab at the middle of the bottom to reveal an alternative menu, a one-touch phone button, and a one-touch email button.
HealthNews RoundUp - 2nd Week of May 2020
=========================
Famotidine Improves CoVid Survival
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kvkFU8vkyyw
The stomach acid suppressing drug famotidine reduces the risk of death from CoVid in hospitalized patients by 70%. Clinicians at Columbia, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and Northwell Health studied 340 patients with severe CoVid19 infections.
Famotidine was used at home prior to admission by 15% who were also given it in-hospital. Only 1% of controls had used the drug before admission. The drug was administered orally in 72% of patients and IV in 28% for a median period of nearly 6 days. Those receiving the drug showed a 16% reduction in their blood ferritin levels suggesting famotidine reduces the cytokine storm.
The researchers are planning studies giving the drug prophylactically.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.01.20086694v1.full.pdf
#covid #pandemic #famotidine
covid, pandemic, famotidine
Artificial Intelligence Selects An Optimal CoVid Drug Cocktail
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/mHatAUw52vo
A Remdesivir, ritonivir, and lopinavir drug cocktail may be the most potent CoVid killer. This conclusion from a Singapore artificial intelligence study just pre-published on the medrixiv.org.
Researchers used their IDentif.ai platform and known CoVid killing abilities of 12 anti-viral drugs to predict and test a half million possible drug combinations. The result: adding to remdesivir the antiviral ritonivir/lopinavir combo drug, marketed as Kaletra for HIV PreP use, would drive a 6.5 fold greater therapeutic effect compared with remdesivir alone.
This model correlates with clinical findings in that remdesivir alone is only 16% effective and hydroxychloroquine, even with Zithromax, is only 3-4% effective.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.04.20088104v1.full.pdf
#pandemic #covid #remdesivir #kaletra #ritonivir #lopinavir #hydroxychloroquine
pandemic, covid, remdesivir, kaletra, ritonivir, lopinavir, hydroxychloroquine
Over The River Through The Woods Might Kill Grandma
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/GFs0TET3ANw
That traditional weekend visit to the grandfolks could infect them with CoVid. A just pre-published study from Tel Aviv University reveals a significant 5 day post weekend peak in new CoVid cases after analysis of data from 7 of 12 countries around the world.
New CoVid cases tick up on Thursday to Friday as one would expect from a 5 day lag between an elder’s contact with an infected weekend visitor and manifestation of symptoms, Furthermore, deaths also bumped up but 12-14 days after inter-generational weekend visits.
The safest way to visit Grams and Gramps is via FaceTime, Zoom, or an open first floor window.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.03.20089508v1.full.pdf
#pandemic #covid #grandparents #weekendvisits
pandemic, covid, grandparents, weekendvisits
Live CoVid Virus Is All Around
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/dWYCdfb3wrk
If you live in a CoVid hot spot like New York City or LA, assume nearly every public surface has live virus. Brazilian microbiologists tested for live virus at 30 locations in Belo Horizonte, a metro area some 6 million people.
CoVid in ample quantities was found in 6/15 bus stations particularly those near hospitals. Virus was also found in 3 public squares. Nearly 20% of the sampled sites were virus-positive.
As you begin to venture out, protect yourself. Assume your hands and clothes are contaminated once you leave home. Accordingly, don’t touch your face before you scrub your hands having disrobed after your return home.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.07.20094631v1.full.pdf
#pandemic #covid #reopening
pandemic, covid, reopening
Physical Distancing Does Work
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/RxyARQYsrkA
Personal physical distancing strongly correlates with decreased CoVid19 case growth rates in the 25 most affected counties in the United States. This the conclusion of a Johns Hopkins study that quantitates the degree of distancing using cell phone data on a county-wide basis.
The investigators were able to calculate a social distancing ratio for each US county by dividing the number representing average cell phone travel over a 3 month period during the CoVid pandemic with historic data. This ratio was then compared with CoVid infection prevalence.
With initiation of local and state lock-downs over time, the social distancing ratio as well as the incidence of new CoVid cases has dropped significantly.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.07.20092353v1.full.pdf
#covid #pandemic #distancing
pandemic, covid, distancing
Celebrex Could Help Fight CoVid
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/VTzUP8sHGJs
An NSAID that selectively and safely blocks inflammation may be another weapon in the fight against the novel coronavirus. A preliminary Chinese study of 44 CoVid patients included 37 receiving Celebrex and a very small 7 patient control group receiving conventional therapy only.
Data showed that treatment with Celebrex was associated with recovery of all 29 CoVid patients with moderate disease and 82% of those with severe disease. In contrast, only 57% of the control group recovered.
Celebrex is a powerful drugs with significant side effects including skin reactions, liver issues, potential kidney toxicity, gi upset, and elevated blood pressure. We’ll see if more studies confirm its usefulness for CoVid.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.05.20077610v1.full.pdf
#covid #pandemic #celebrex #cox2inhibitors #nsaids
covid, pandemic, celebrex, cox2inhibitors, nsaids
Mag Cube Magnetic Ball Sets On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kHLOAkBgnTk
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announces that Sobeauty, Inc. is voluntarily recalling it Mag Cube magnetic ball sets. This toy contains extremely strong magnets that violate the federal child toy safety standards. If two or more of these tiny balls are swallowed, they can link together and clamp tissues causing intestinal perforations, obstructions, sepsis, and death. The tiny 3 mm balls are also a choking hazard. These toys have been sold at Walmart.
If you have this toy in your home, do not permit your child to play with it. Contact Sobeauty at 1-844-946-7437 to obtain instructions for return and refund.
#recall #magnet #choking #gastrointestinal
recall, magnet, choking, gastrointestinal
Recall On Pluckers World Famous Wing Sauces
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/MC3KKDhciQ0
The FDA announces that Zilk’s Plus Resources LLC is voluntarily recalling its Pluckers World Famous Wing Sauces. This product, available in a variety of flavors, contains the undeclared allergens soy, milk, and wheat. If you purchased these sauces, either dispose of the product or return it to any Pluckers location for a full refund or exchange. For more information, contact Zilks at 1-817-618-6298.
#recall #wingsauce #milk #soy #wheat
recall, wingsauce, milk, soy, wheat
Common Allergy Drugs Associated With Better Melanoma Outcomes
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/dkHn_fpPuPQ
The non-drowsy allergy drugs Clarinex and Claritin improve survival after treatments for melanoma and may reduce the risk of developing new melanomas. Sweden’s Lund University analyzed 1253 melanoma patients who were anti-histamine users.
Survival was 46-50% better for those patients using Clarinex, Claritin, or generics particularly in those 65 years and older. Use of these drugs was also associated with a 20% lower risk of a secondary melanoma though the limited numbers of cases prevented statistical significance.
If you’re in an older age group and have melanoma, regular use of prescription Clarinex or over-the-counter Claritin and their generics should be discussed with your own doctor.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/all.14273
#melanoma #claritin #desloratidine #loratidine
melanoma, clarinex, desloratidine, loratidine
Culinevo Artisan Style Flatbreads Are Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/OleVDokCqcU
Ideal Foods, Inc. of North Los Vegas and the USDA are recalling Culinevo Artisan Style Flatbreads. There are over 3300 pounds of meat and poultry pizza products that were produced, packed, and distributed without proper inspection. These include the following artisan pizzas: carne asada; chicken spinach artichoke, sizzlin’ jalapeño, and meat lover’s. The products have the following labels inside the USDA mark of inspection: EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL 45351A or P-45351A. If you have these products in your freezer, do not consume them. Return them to the point of purchase for a refund. For more information, call Ideal Foods at 1-888-674-6854.
#recall #culinevo #pizza #noinspection
recall, culinevo, pizza, no-inspection
Recall On Wild Harvest Organic Basil
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/30K5_cPif6c
United Natural Foods, Inc. and the FDA announce a voluntary recall on Wild Harvest Organic Fresh Basil. The product is contaminated with Cyclospora cayetanensis. This microscopic parasite can cause a gastroenteritis with watery diarrhea, appetite loss, weight loss, cramping, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. The affected product, mainly distributed in Minnesota, is labeled “Product of Colombia” and “112.” If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase for a refund. Contact the company at 1-888-256-2800.
#recall #basil #cyclospora
recall, basil, cyclospora
Finasteride Plus Is On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9eT3viQH4ns
Masterpharm LLC and the FDA are recalling Finasteride Plus 1.25 mg. This prescription drug contains undeclared minoxidil at higher than approved levels. This product is a prescription drug compounded to treat hair loss. The contaminant minoxidil, besides helping with hair loss, is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It can cause unexpected low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and salt+water retention. The company has been notifying its customers. If you have this product, stop using it and call the company at (866) 630-5600 to arrange for self-addressed packaging to facilitate product return.
#recall #finasteride #minoxidil
recall, finasteride, minoxidil