Study to focus on LASIK, depression

Ophthalmology

Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide.

In response to patient complaints, the Food and Drug Administration plans to convene a large, national study to examine the relationship of LASIK complications and quality of life, including psychological problems such as depression.

Malvina Eydelman, an ophthalmologist with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, wrote in an e-mail that the scant clinical data available "failed to suggest significant problems following LASIK surgery."

But she said the FDA wants a broad and systematic review. She wrote, "We also noted that quality of life issues related to LASIK had not been evaluated consistently, and there were few reports of well-designed studies."

Frustration and sorrow can follow any unsuccessful surgery, but when the procedure leaves a patient with unremitting eye pain or permanently impaired vision, the emotional toll can be severe.

McClatchy-Tribune

Medical records

Tenn. exchanges data electronically

AT&T; Inc. is partnering with Tennessee to provide the country's first statewide system to electronically exchange patient medical information, the telecommunications company said this week.

The system is designed to securely transmit detailed patient information between medical professionals. It will allow doctors to access medical histories, prescribe medicines over the Internet and transfer images like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and computerized tomography (CT) scans.

"As patients, we really want our information to be available to physicians whenever and wherever they're needed," said Diane Turcan, director of health care marketing for AT&T; in Atlanta. "And we certainly don't want to be copying paper records."

Tennessee's program is seen as a model for other states and may be a springboard for interstate information sharing networks in the future, she said.

Associated Press

Circulation

HEPA filters might boost cardio health

Those snazzy HEPA - high-efficiency particulate air - filters designed for home use may actually do a body good, Danish researchers have found.

Just two days of exposure to HEPA filters in the home resulted in a significant, positive effect on a key measure of cardiovascular health among 21 nonsmoking couples ages 60 to 75, says Dr. Steffen Loft, professor of environmental health at the University of Copenhagen's Institute of Public Health and lead author of the study, which appeared in this month's issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Using a finger sensor to measure the function of small blood vessels in participants, the researchers found that reducing airborne particles resulted in an 8 percent improvement in microvascular function, the ability of small arteries to relax when blood is flowing through them.

Poor function is associated with increased risk of heart attacks. The HEPA filters removed about 60 percent of the measurable air particles in the homes.

Although the results are promising, "there's quite a way to go with a lot more studies before we can recommend HEPA filters in homes," Loft says.

Los Angeles Times