Shots in the dark

Article Abstract:

The retrolental fibroplasia (RLF) epidemic of the 1940s provides a chilling reminder of the need to consistently apply rigorous scientific tests such as random trials before permitting the use of potentially life-saving experimental treatments. The RLF epidemic was caused by the mistaken belief held by doctors of the era that premature infants needed high oxygen levels when confined in incubators. A decade passed before researchers discovered that it was the so-called 'life-saving' high oxygen levels that caused RLF and was reponsible for inducing permanent blindness in over 12,000 babies. The lessons of the RLF epidemic remain valid in the 1990s and should serve as a warning to those who unfairly criticize the use of random trials in experimental medicine on supposedly ethical grounds. The RLF epidemic, after all, clearly illustrates the dangers of practicing medicine through guesswork.

Column, Causes of, Ethical aspects, Medical research, Blindness, Medicine, Experimental, Retrolental fibroplasia, Retinopathy of prematurity

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'Lenin's revenge' can disable you for weeks

Article Abstract:

Travelers to Leningrad and other Eastern European countries, as well as to the tropical parts of the world, may find that they have giardiasis when they return home. Giardiasis is a bowel infection which is caused by a small parasite. People get the virus by drinking water that has been contaminated. Symptoms of diarrhoea, cramps, and vomiting may result. Two drugs can be used to treat giardiasis: Tinidazole and Metrinodazole, but there is no vaccine for the virus.

Care and treatment, Infection, Intestines, Giardiasis

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Coping with the epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases

Article Abstract:

A doctor who is frequently approached by business executives with questions about sexual practices notes that the primary questions of ten years ago related to sexual performance, whereas today most businessmen seem preoccupied by the threat of sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes and AIDS. The doctor's advice is to either abstain from sex or to use condoms when having sex.

Sexually transmitted diseases, Prevention, Sexually transmitted disease prevention, AIDS (Disease), Herpesvirus infections, Herpes

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