Clinical Updates for Claims and Medical Management Professionals
In this issue:
Treatment of Multiple Myeloma: Two Steps Forward - One Step Back?
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells, the antibody-producing cells of the bone marrow. Approximately 17,000 individuals are diagnosed with MM in the United States each year, most over 65 years of age. Less than 10 percent are under 50. Symptoms include bone pain and fractures caused by weakening of bones, anemia, weakness, fatigue and weight loss. Individuals under 65 have generally better outcomes, but the typical survival is between 20 and 40 months.
Rehabilitation Following Radical Prostatectomy
Quality of life issues have become increasingly important in the overall treatment of all diseases. Penson and Litwin report on what has the biggest effect on quality of life, 24 months after the time of primary prostate cancer treatment.
Insulin Pumps: Deciding When They Are Medically Necessary
An insulin pump is a medical device that continuously delivers insulin under the skin through a catheter. It usually connects somewhere in the waist area. Now there’s a new generation of insulin pump, called a patch pump.
Does Shockwave Therapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is a broad ligament-like structure that extends from the heel bone to the base of the toes, acting like a thick rubber band on the bottom arch of the foot. With a few extra pounds on board, or with activities such as exercise, the plantar fascia can develop microtrauma at its insertion into the heel bone, or anywhere along its length. This causes pain which can be quite severe at times.
Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency
Diagnosing isolated adult growth-hormone deficiency is difficult and controversial. Growth-hormone deficiency in adults causes a variety of metabolic abnormalities including muscle-mass loss, fat redistribution, abnormal lipid levels, abnormal cardiac function, decreased bone density, low energy and a reduced sense of well-being.
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