Newborn jaundice: New technology aids diagnosis
A new app can help diagnose infant jaundice. This could help reduce the risk of complications that can lead to cerebral palsy and brain damage.
Engineers and physicians with the University of Washington have recently developed a smartphone application that can detect the presence of jaundice in newborns in a matter of minutes. Researchers and developers of the app are careful to note that the tool is not yet an official test, but instead could indicate that a blood test is needed.
To use the app, a photo is taken of the infant with a color calibration card. The photo is then analyzed using a special algorithm and a report is sent to the parent’s phone. Although it is best to rely on the result of a blood test for an official diagnosis, the innovative app does bring renewed attention to a condition that can have tragic complications.
Study shows hearing loss increases the chance for medical errors
A new study says that 43 percent of older patients mishear what their nurses or doctors tell them. Being able to understand a nurse of
New York Spinal Anesthesia Error Malpractice Lawyers
Anesthesiologist Negligence Lawyers NYC
Spinal anesthesia (sometimes called an epidural) is recognized as an alternative to general anesthesia in certain types of surgeries. Epidurals are frequently given to women while enduring labor, although epidurals are used in many other procedures as well. Spinal anesthesia, like any type of anesthesia has the potential for complications. Anesthesiologists and other professionals must take proper steps to minimize the risk and address potential hazards. Errors in spinal anesthesia can create life-changing injuries and even death. Some of the injuries include:
Hazards and Complications Associated With Gallbladder Surgery
The gallbladder is a little, non-essential organ attached to the liver that transports bile to the small intestine through the bile duct. Unfortunately, the organ
New study: Medication mistakes occur in up to 50 percent of surgeries
On behalf of Daniel C. Minc A leading hospital in the U.S. found that incorrect dosage, labeling and other medication mistakes are prominent during surgery.
Surgeons are reluctant to withdraw life support after making an error
A new study published in the July 2012 Annals of Surgery has found that surgeons are reluctant to withdraw life support after operating on a
Agency’s decision makes it more difficult to find the best hospital
A federal agency has made it more difficult for the public to access the rate of “never events” in hospitals nationwide. When you have a
Hospital superbug scares linked to dirty endoscopic equipment
On behalf of Daniel C. Minc Suits have been filed for injury and death from infections from difficult-to-clean medical equipment. We all get routine medical
New study reasserts the importance of PSA testing for men
Recent controversy over prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer has left many men confused. In May 2012, a report was released with new government guidelines regarding PSA testing. The guidelines discouraged the use of the blood test that looks for PSA in high levels as an indication of prostate cancer. This controversial statement has been challenged by many medical professional who reassert the need for this testing.
The new guidelines
In the new guidelines, the concern was that with routine PSA testing, men were being unnecessarily treated for small tumors that were not life-threatening. With treatments such as surgery to remove the tumor and radiation therapy, patients sometimes risk complications for a tumor that would have been fine if left alone. This study found that only about one out of 1,000 men would survive prostate cancer because of a PSA test discovery.
The recommendation was met immediately with opposition from many doctors and cancer survivors. They warned that skipping PSA testing might be more dangerous than having the testing done. They also felt that the new guidelines were irresponsible because there was no other testing method more effective than PSA testing for men.
Surgical errors place lives in danger
Surgical errors caused by time constraints and medical negligence are prevalent in the U.S., and may put lives in danger. People who prep for a
