Health in the News

MRIs for high-risk women

For women with at least a 15 percent lifetime breast cancer risk, having an MRI as well as mammography detects more tumors than mammography alone.

The study included 1,909 women carrying mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes, along with a family history of the disease. Dutch researchers found that of 32 tumors found by MRI, 22 were not seen on mammography. Their report was published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The C-reactive protein test

The CRP, or C-reactive protein test, checks levels of systemic inflammation in the body. Such inflammation is known to be a predictor of heart attack.

Doctors at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York say the test is more important because of lower cholesterol recommendations. The patient's reading can help a doctor decide whether a statin should be recommended.

The test can be done at no charge if bundled with other common heart screens and can be done with the same blood. The doctors recommend that men over 40 and women over 45 who are having heart attack risk assessed should have the CRP test included.

Alternative remedy danger

People with autoimmune disorders such as lupus or multiple sclerosis should consult a doctor before taking alternative medications that claim to increase immunity and to ward off colds and flu.

The Archives of Dermatology reports cases of people who developed a recurrence or onset of autoimmune skin disorders within days of taking such supplements as echinacea and spirulina. Doctors speculate that the supplements increased disease activity which is often controlled by suppressing the immune system.

Another study showed that taking echinacea and other supplements provided no decrease in the severity or duration of the common cold.