Rx for chest pain: special observation and fast treatment

Patients with chest pain can receive prompt evaluation and treatment, along with appropriate counseling, at a newly opened Chest Pain Center housed by the Emergency Treatment Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

"By using an observation period of eight to 12 hours, we are better able to determine which patients can safely go home and which patients will require hospital admission and further cardiac testing," said Steve Scheckel, M.D., associate professor of Emergency Medicine.

Neal Weintraub, M.D., a UI Heart and Vascular Center cardiologist, said heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa. "Even so, patients often delay seeking evaluation for chest pain," he said.

"We believe the Chest Pain Center increases awareness of this disease and prompts more patients to seek evaluation when chest pain develops."

Once a period of observation and evaluation is completed, most patients walk out of the Center and return immediately to normal activities, including work, without having to undergo additional testing.

Patients who are diagnosed with underlying heart disease promptly receive the cardiac treatment that they need.

AirCare helicopter celebrates 25 years of vital transport care

On an average day, two AirCare nurses and a pilot will fly to three different accident scenes to transport injured patients to the Emergency Treatment Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It's been that way since 1979. AirCare--one of the first 12 helicopter transport services in the United States--is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Since its inception, AirCare has developed working relationships with about 100 emergency medical services and fire and law programs, helping transport patients from 57 hospitals in Iowa, western Illinois, and northeast Missouri. The AirCare team covers the eastern third of Iowa and from the Missouri to the Minnesota borders, with occasional stops outside the state. In 1988, AirCare expanded with a second helicopter at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo. The two centers combine for between 900 and 1,000 flights each year.

State Health Registry cites greatest risks for cancer in Iowa

Iowans can expect their state to experience over 15,000 newly diagnosed cancers (excluding non-melanotic skin cancers) this year and 6,500 deaths from the disease. The numbers are part of an annual report on cancer prepared by the State Health Registry of Iowa, based in the Department of Epidemiology at the UI College of Public Health. According to Cancer in Iowa: 2004, more than half of all new cancer cases will be prostate, colon and rectum, female breast, and lung. The complete report can be viewed at http://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/shri/Pubs.html.

New clinic focuses on patients with metabolic diseases

Children and adults with rare inherited metabolic diseases can receive comprehensive care and consultation services in a highly specialized new clinic at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. The clinic's staff diagnoses, evaluates, and treats patients with serious, complex conditions such as mucopolysaccharidosis I (Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome, and Scheie syndrome), Fabry disease, and Gaucher disease. For more information, call toll-free 888-573-5437 and ask for the metabolic screening program.

Magazine honors UI Heart and Vascular Center for excellence

Good Housekeeping magazine recently honored UI Heart and Vascular Center as one of the top cardiac programs for women in the United States. The magazine named University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to its list of the best hospitals in the nation in caring for women diagnosed with heart disease in its February 2004 issue. Forty-four medical centers made the elite rankings. Good Housekeeping partnered with Castle Connolly, Ltd., which publishes the popular guide "America's Top Doctors." A research team identified the "best of the best" heart centers across the nation and noted each program's specialties.

Child protection program augments its many services

With thousands of cases annually statewide, the Child Protection Program at University of Iowa Children's Hospital has strengthened its ability to help children who are suspected of being abused or neglected. The program includes a Child Assessment Clinic which provides consultation and educational services. Housed in a new location in the UI Center for Disabilities and Development, the program includes a "child- and family-friendly" play area to allow children to feel safe. The program also includes a clinic worker who has experience interviewing children in a child-friendly way. To reach the program, call 319-353-6128 (voice mail) or toll-free at UI Health Access 800-777-8442. The program's Web site is www.uihealthcare.com/childprotection/.

Governor's office recognizes vision screening project

"Coming To Your Senses", a joint vision-screening project of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Lions Clubs of Iowa, has received and Above and Beyond award from the Office of the Governor. The Above and Beyond Recognition Program recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding service in advancing the well-being of Iowa children in the area of health care. "Coming To Your Senses" provides free vision screenings for infants and young children throughout the state.