Data Dose August 2024 #2

Malignant Hyperthermia: Rising Cases in Medical Literature

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but potentially fatal condition triggered by specific anesthetic agents, causing a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to serious complications or death. Although it can occur in any patient during the perioperative period, children are particularly at risk, with an incidence five times higher than that of adults. Recently, the DrugCard platform has uncovered several instances of malignant hyperthermia in medical literature. This finding prompts an important question: could the “unknown” frequency mentioned in SmPCs be more prevalent than previously believed? Read more...

New safety checklist aims to prevent side effects in patients with arthritis

Prescribing an antirheumatic drug to an unsuitable patient can result in serious side effects, including intestinal perforations, blood clots, heart failure, or liver damage. To tackle this problem, researchers from the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University and the Rheumatology Department at the University Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways in Silkeborg have created a detailed safety checklist for the newer medications used in treating rheumatic diseases. Read more...

JAMP Pharma's digoxin tablets recalled for possible dosing issue

JAMP Pharma Corporation is recalling its digoxin tablets due to potential dosage inaccuracies, as announced in an advisory by Health Canada. The company stated that its 0.0625 and 0.125 mg digoxin tablets from specific lots and expiry dates may weigh more or less than intended, despite appearing normal-sized. Digoxin is a prescription medication used by both children and adults to treat mild to moderate congestive heart failure, as well as to manage fast or irregular heartbeats. Read more...

Potential Vaccine and Treatment Developed for Flu and Coronaviruses

A research team led by the University of Houston has identified two new methods for preventing and treating respiratory viruses. Published in Nature Communications, the findings come from the lab of Navin Varadarajan, M.D. Anderson Professor of William A. Brookshire Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. The first discovery, NanoSTING, is a nasal spray that serves as a broad-spectrum immune activator, effectively controlling infections from various respiratory viruses. The second development, NanoSTING-SN, is a pan-coronavirus nasal vaccine that offers protection against infections and diseases caused by all members of the coronavirus family. Read more...