CHICAGO, Dec. 6, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — Mistaking an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain has serious consequences when the foot does not heal correctly. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons reminds patients to seek correct diagnosis to ensure proper recovery, especially in the cold-weather months when most ankle injuries occur.

An ankle fracture involves a crack or break in the bones that form the ankle joint. A sprain involves the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together. Both injuries can happen simultaneously when the ankle moves beyond its normal range of motion, but a fracture requires more complex treatment than a sprain.

“Sprains are very commonplace so people want to believe that is what is going on, but prolonged pain and bruising should trigger awareness that it might not be just a sprain,” says Georgeanne Botek, DPM, FACFAS, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons practicing in Cleveland.

Dr. Botek adds that pain and ability to walk are not good tests to determine if it’s a sprain or a fracture because walking is still possible with less-severe injuries. Telltale signs of a fracture include bruising, blisters, significant swelling, or bone protruding through the skin. In addition to bone, ankle fractures can also involve cartilage surrounding bones.

Patients with unrecognized ankle fractures have a high risk of developing infection, arthritis and foot deformities that may make it impossible to walk normally again. Among those at highest risk for ankle fractures are post-menopausal women ages 50-70 with osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease that makes it impossible to heal completely. Their ankle bones tend to break in fragments that don’t rejoin.

It is imperative that patients with diabetes, vascular disease, alcoholism and immune deficiency receive prompt care from a foot and ankle surgeon because they are extremely vulnerable to nerve damage, infection and Charcot Foot, a very serious condition that can lead to foot deformity, disability, or even amputation, says American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Fellow Michael Cornelison, DPM, FACFAS, a San Francisco-area foot and ankle surgeon.

Patients with these conditions often don’t feel pain that accompanies ankle fractures and need to learn other signs that bones are broken, like swelling, bruising, ulcers, and feet that are hot to the touch.

“Another problem older patients have is increased risk of developing arthritis after an ankle fracture. That’s why it is important to follow up with a foot and ankle surgeon to make sure their bones are realigned accurately and precisely to within 2-3 millimeters,” Dr. Cornelison says.

Dr. Botek says proactive prevention is crucial to avoid injuries, including a good foot assessment and using canes or walkers for stability.

Drs. Botek and Cornelison report that incidents of ankle fractures in children, teenagers and young men are increasing mainly due to elite athletics. Fractures need to be monitored so bones fuse together correctly and don’t affect the foot’s growth plate, a strip of new bone in pediatric patients that grows as feet lengthen. If the growth plate is damaged, it could produce bone spurs and arthritis, and pre-maturely halt bone growth.

Improved therapies and surgical approaches continue to offer solutions for complicated cases and produce better results, and are available to a wider range of patients:

• Total ankle replacements–similar to hip and knee replacements–were once reserved for geriatric patients but are now used in younger patients
• Screws and other fasteners to bind bone and cartilage dissolve inside the body so second surgeries to remove them are not necessary
• Newly developed synthetic and natural grafting materials are used in ankle repair when optimal healing would not otherwise occur
• Small devices worn externally are now used to stimulate bone growth using pulsed ultrasound and electromagnetic fields.

For more information on foot and ankle injuries and conditions, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ health information website FootHealthFacts.org.

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons is a professional society of over 6,500 foot and ankle surgeons. Founded in 1942, the College’s mission is to promote research and provide continuing education for the foot and ankle surgical specialty, and to educate the general public on foot health and conditions of the foot and ankle through its consumer website, FootHealthFacts.org.

SOURCE American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

Ankle Fractures Often Not Diagnosed | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 14, 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — The holiday season is fast approaching and for approximately 30 million Americans with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, celebrations can be less than festive when holiday eating becomes uncomfortable. National GERD Awareness Week is November 20-26, and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy urges individuals who suffer from GERD to seek medical diagnosis and treatment to make their holidays and every day comfortable and symptom-free.

What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when contents in the stomach flow back into the esophagus. This happens when the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, opens inappropriately.

What causes GERD?
GERD is caused when there is an imbalance between the normal defense mechanisms of the esophagus and offensive factors such as acid and other digestive juices and enzymes in the stomach. Often, the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus is impaired by weakening of the muscle (lower esophageal sphincter) or the presence of a hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach is displaced into the chest. Hiatal hernias, however, are common and not all people with a hiatal hernia have reflux. A major contributor to reflux is obesity whereby increased pressure in the abdomen overcomes the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, excess alcohol use and consumption of a variety of foods such as coffee, citrus drinks, tomato-based products, chocolate, peppermint and fatty foods may also contribute to reflux symptoms.

What are the symptoms of GERD?
Common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease are heartburn and/or acid regurgitation. Heartburn is a burning sensation felt behind the breast bone that occurs when stomach contents irritate the normal lining of the esophagus. Acid regurgitation is the sensation of stomach fluid coming up through the chest which may reach the mouth. Less common symptoms that may also be associated with gastroesophageal reflux include unexplained chest pain, wheezing, sore throat and cough, among others.

If you can answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, you may have GERD.

1.      Do you frequently have one or more of the following?

• An uncomfortable feeling behind the breast bone that seems to be moving upward from the stomach?
• A burning sensation in the back of your throat?
• A bitter acid taste in your mouth?

2.      Do you often experience these problems after meals?

3.      Do you experience heartburn or acid indigestion two or more times per week?

4.      Do you find that antacids only provide temporary relief from your symptoms?

5.      Are you taking prescription medication to treat heartburn but still having symptoms?

Can it be prevented or treated?
If you suspect you or a loved one may have GERD, the first step is to consult your healthcare provider or a gastrointestinal specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician who diagnoses and treats diseases of the digestive tract, such as GERD. Work in partnership with your physician to initiate the best available treatment plan.

Treatment options can include lifestyle modifications, medication, surgery, or a combination of methods. Over-the-counter medications may provide only temporary symptom relief and may not prevent recurrence of symptoms or allow an injured esophagus to heal. They should not be taken regularly as a substitute for prescription medicines without consultation with a physician, as they may hide a more serious condition. If medications are needed regularly for more than two weeks, consult a physician for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Enjoy Your Holidays and Every Day
Seek diagnosis and treatment if symptoms occur on a regular basis. Your gastroenterologist can help you enjoy your holidays and every day by defining your discomfort and providing treatment designed for you. For more information on GERD and to find a gastroenterologist in your area who can diagnose and treat you or a loved one, visit www.asge.org.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with nearly 12,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit www.asge.org and www.screen4coloncancer.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

About Endoscopy
Endoscopy is performed by specially-trained physicians called endoscopists using the most current technology to diagnose and treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Using flexible, thin tubes called endoscopes, endoscopists are able to access the human digestive tract without incisions via natural orifices. Endoscopes are designed with high-intensity lighting and fitted with precision devices that allow viewing and treatment of the gastrointestinal system.   

Media Contact: Anne Brownsey
(630) 570-5635
abrownsey@asge.org

SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

http://www.asge.org

Holiday Eating and GERD: The Facts About Symptoms and When to See a Doctor | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

CHICAGO, 17 de setembro de 2011 /CHICAGOPRESSRELEASE.COM/ — O Guia Sanford, reconhecido como a referência essencial para o tratamento de doenças infecciosas, anunciou o lançamento do Guia Sanford para Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Hepatite (Sanford Guide to Hepatitis Diagnosis and Treatment) hoje na 51a Conferência Interciência sobre Agentes Antimicrobianos e Quimioterapia (ICAAC). Este é o primeiro aplicativo móvel deste gênero para o tratamento da hepatite, tornando mais fácil para os profissionais de saúde em qualquer lugar do mundo encontrar as mais recentes orientações sobre o tratamento instantaneamente.

A hepatite foi identificada recentemente pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) como um assunto de preocupação global, afetando quase uma em cada três pessoas no mundo. A OMS realizou um Dia Mundial da Hepatite em agosto para destacar o âmbito mundial desta doença cada vez mais prevalente. O novo Guia Sanford, cujos editores estão entre os especialistas mais famosos do mundo em doenças infecciosas, auxilia os profissionais de saúde que se especializam no cuidado e tratamento de pacientes com hepatite, prática em crescimento nesta área, fornecendo acesso conveniente a informações críticas no ponto de atendimento.

“Uma revolução está ocorrendo no tratamento das infecções virais da Hepatite C, semelhante em magnitude à rápida mudança na terapia do HIV em meados dos anos 1990,” disse Jeb Sanford, editor-chefe. “A principal diferença entre a terapia do HIV e a terapia da hepatite C é que os pacientes podem ser curados das infecções por hepatite C. Novas drogas aprovadas em 2011 estão transformando as abordagens terapêuticas para o tratamento da hepatite C e várias outras novas drogas estão em desenvolvimento.”

O Guia Sanford para Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Hepatite abrange:

• Diagnóstico da hepatite C, epidemiologia, história natural, apresentação clínica, definição de tratamento e tratamento  
• Tratamento de hepatite A de infecções agudas
• Tratamento da hepatite B de infecções crônicas, gestão de exposição, profilaxia em pacientes transplantados
• Recomendações sobre imunização da hepatite
• Informações abrangentes sobre medicamentos para os agentes anti-hepatite, incluindo dosagem de uso, ajustes de dose, efeitos adversos, farmacologia e interações importantes com outras drogas

O aplicativo móvel para este guia está disponível na App Store de Apple e no Android Market. As vantagens de se utilizar um aplicativo móvel o invés de  livreto impresso são a fácil navegação e as ferramentas de busca e os links a material relacionado e às referências da fonte. As atualizações regulares irão refletir novas drogas, mudança nos padrões de resposta e a disponibilidade variável e na eficácia de terapias anti-infecciosas. A cobertura ampliada da hepatite também está incluída no Sanford Guide Web Edition e na próxima 20a edição do Guia Sanford para a Terapia do HIV/AIDS (The Sanford Guide to HIV/AIDS Therapy).

Sobre o Guia Sanford

O Guia Sanford fornece as principais orientações de referência conceituadas para o tratamento de doenças infecciosas aos prestadores de cuidados de saúde no “ponto de atendimento.” O Guia Sanford oferece recomendações convenientes e abrangentes para o tratamento e prevenção de infecções bacterianas, fúngicas, virais, retrovirais, infecções parasitárias e por micobactérias. Ele fornece recomendações para a profilaxia cirúrgica e informações abrangentes sobre medicamentos anti-infecciosos, tudo apoiado por pelos comentários de especialistas e referências baseadas em evidências. Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc., editora do Guia Sanford, é de propriedade e operada pela família Sanford desde 1969. Mais informações estão disponíveis em www.sanfordguide.com.

CONTATO:
Hailee Lampert
Peritus Relações Públicas
(502) 510-2349
hlampert@perituspr.com

FONTE  Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc.

FONTE Antimicrobial Therapy, Inc.

http://www.sanfordguide.com

Guia Sanford apresenta novo guia sobre hepatite | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.

With the probe-based, confocal, laser-endomicroscopy system known as Cellvizio®, which is used through a standard endoscope or bronchoscope, University of Chicago physicians can examine tissue in the gastrointestinal tract or look deep into the lungs to examine and assess early stages of disease.

With magnification 500 to 1,000 times that of a standard scope and 10 to 50 times that of a magnifying scope, the Cellvizio system, one of about 40 in the United States, can help doctors distinguish between normal and cancerous tissue without taking samples.

If they do need samples, the probe helps them collect exactly the tissue they need for a biopsy rather than extracting multiple samples from the general vicinity of suspected disease.

“Until now, if we found suspicious tissue during a diagnostic procedure, we had to take out tissue almost randomly and send it to a laboratory for analysis,” said Irving Waxman, MD, professor of medicine and surgery at the University of Chicago, the first center in Illinois to use the system.

“This meant that cancerous tissue could be missed.”

“With this scope,” said Waxman, “we can pinpoint abnormal tissue during the initial diagnostic exam, remove it, and then go back to be certain that we got what we needed.”

The tiny microscope, produced by Mauna Kea Technologies of Paris, France, (known as Cellvizio in the U.S.) is approved by the Food & Drug Administration for use in the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. It consists of a laser light system coupled with a miniprobe made of tens of thousands of individual optical fibers capped by microlenses.

The scope is only 2.5 mm in diameter, small enough to pass through accessory channels on most standard GI or pulmonary scopes. Specialists worldwide have used the device for more than 3,000 procedures to date.

The tiny flexible device is inserted through a channel in a standard scope. The tip is placed on the tissue to be examined. It sends back 12 high-resolution video images per second.

By adjusting the focus, the probe can also provide clear, detailed images of tissue slightly beneath the surface.

Recent studies have demonstrated the value of the technology in multiple areas. “We currently use it to identify precancerous areas in Barrett’s esophagus (the major risk factor for esophageal cancer) for improved detection and targeting of minimally invasive endoscopic therapy,” said Vani Konda, MD, instructor of medicine at the University of Chicago.

“The technology can also be applied in the colon, bile duct and pancreas to try to differentiate cancer from inflammatory (benign) disorders.”

The microscope does a good job of catching early cancers and diagnosing them immediately, without having to wait for a pathology report, according to Mauna Kea Chief Executive Sacha Loiseau. “It’s especially useful in getting into tiny bile ducts,” he adds.

“Detailed microscopic images of the esophagus or the bile ducts can help us reduce the risk of biopsy-related complications,” said Waxman. “By identifying in vivo the area of interest we can move right then to follow with a therapeutic application.”

“The tiny miniprobe can also be inserted through the bronchoscope and extended well into the lungs, even to the smaller branches of the bronchial tree,” said pulmonologist Kyle Hogarth, MD, FCCP, assistant professor of medicine and director of bronchoscopy at the University of Chicago.

“Better visualization could help us perform fewer, more-targeted biopsies,” he said. “It lets us examine and sample tissues that were previously inaccessible without surgery.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

John Easton, 773-702-6241
john.easton@uchospitals.edu

University of Chicago Physicians Find Mini Microscope Can Improve Disease Detection, Diagnosis and Treatment | Chicago Press Release Services - Chicago's leading press release newswire service; professional press release services, press release distribution and newswire services.