The first kidney stone
Article Abstract:
A review of the medical literature on the treatment of kidney stones suggests that drug treatment may not be appropriate for calcium-based kidney stones. Other forms of stones, such as the uric acid stones which occur in gout, are not considered in this review. When a patient is treated for his first kidney stone, the first question to be raised is how to prevent recurrence. The drugs available for prevention of calcium-based kidney stones, allopurinol and the thiazides, are not completely effective and are not without side effects. Allopurinol can cause rashes and liver deterioration; the thiazides mildly increase the level of fats in the blood. Examination of the statistics shows that treating 100 patients with thiazides for five years will probably save only seven from surgery, while five patients will experience significant side effects. Careful evaluation of clinical laboratory values in conjunction with dietary control may be more appropriate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1989
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Every kidney counts
Article Abstract:
Strategies need to be developed to improve the success rate for kidney transplants. The number of kidneys available for transplantation is considerably less than number of the patients waiting for an organ. A research study found that a kidney transplant is more likely to be successful when all six of the HLA antigens of the transplant donor and the transplant recipient are matched. Another research study found that poor compliance with follow-up treatment is a major factor contributing to the failure of kidney transplants. Transplant recipients must be treated with immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. Younger patients and those from a lower socioeconomic background have a higher risk of poor compliance than other patients. Some of these patients do not have enough money to purchase immunosuppressant drugs. Providing funding for immunosuppressant drugs may improve the kidney transplant success rate.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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Judges from the Stone Age
Article Abstract:
A man who murdered his unfaithful wife received a sentence of only 18 months in a detention center, and another judge merely fined a rapist who assaulted an unconscious woman. Biased judges must be held accountable by the public.
Publication Name: Glamour
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0017-0747
Year: 1995
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