Virtual colonoscopy shows promise

University of Iowa researchers have compared the accuracy of virtual colonoscopy, (VC) a promising new method for detecting colorectal polyps, with traditional colonoscopy.

The 10-minute VC does not require sedation or the insertion of a long scope with camera into the colon. Patients prepare in the same way as traditional colonoscopy with the addition of drinking small amounts of barium and iodine contrast solutions.

The procedure involves inflation of the colon with carbon dioxide gas and performing CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis with low-dose radiation. A radiologist then virtually “flies through” the colon lining using 3-D reconstructions of the colon.

Because of the encouraging initial results from the comparative study, UI physicians now offer VC to selected patients (those with failed traditional colonoscopy or who are on blood thinners). Currently, screening VC is not covered by insurance but patients can have the procedure with a doctor’s order and payment for the exam. For more information, contact David Kramer at david-kramer@uiowa.eduor 319-353-8067.

Latest study says rural heart attack care OK

Contrary to some previous studies, rural hospitals in Iowa do provide quality care for patients with heart attacks and do not have higher death rates when compared to urban hospitals, University of Iowa researchers report in the Annals of Family Medicine.

The study used a different, more sensitive analytic method than previous research. Rating hospitals’ quality of care is a rising trend, but the ratings need to be accurate, said Paul James, MD, professor and head of family medicine.

“Quality indicator ratings are not the be-all and end-all, especially if the analysis does not appropriately measure all factors.”

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS

Macular Degeneration

The University of Iowa is participating in a national study to determine whether two nutritional supplements and two polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish oil can prevent or slow vision loss in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Participants must be between ages 50 and 85 and have large drusen in both eyes or large drusen in one eye and advanced AMD in the other eye.

PRINCIPAL UI INVESTIGATOR: James Folk, MD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Barb Taylor, 319-356-0453, or barbara-taylor@uiowa.edu. Information also is available online at www.areds2.org.

Painful bladder syndrome

Qualifying persons 18 and older are invited to participate in a study of painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis. The study compares the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication to placebo (inactive substance) in reducing symptoms. Compensation is available.

UI LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Karl Kreder, MD

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Mary Eno, 319-384-9265, Diane Meyerholz, 319-384-5769, or e-mail mary-eno@uiowa.edu or diane-meyerholz@uiowa.edu.

FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

Scientists at UI and the University of Southern California have found that patients who experienced damage to a brain region called the insula were significantly more likely to lose their addiction to smoking than patients with lesions to other parts of the brain. “The identification of a target for disrupting addiction gives us hope for developing new strategies to break the cycle of addiction,” said Antoine Bechara, PhD. ♦♦ Men who get a “false-positive” prostate cancer result appear more likely to worry about their subsequent risk of cancer and report more problems with sexual function compared to men with normal screening results. The UI study underscores the importance of doctors' discussing the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with patients, said David Katz, MD. ♦♦ UI researchers have identified additional genetic mutations that likely cause the common form of cleft lip and palate. The results could eventually help clinicians predict a family's risk of having more children with the condition. ♦♦ A UI study may provide an explanation for why some people get migraine headaches while others do not. The researchers found that too much of a small protein called RAMP1 appears to “turn up the volume” of a nerve cell receptor's response to a neuropeptide thought to cause migraines.