Proteinuria Matters

Medical News: Protein in Urine Presages More Severe Problems – in Nephrology, ESRD from MedPage Today

The three-year risk of death, heart attack, and kidney failure was markedly increased in patients with baseline proteinuria, regardless of their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), researchers said.

In a population-based study of nearly 1 million people, mortality was approximately doubled with heavy proteinuria among individuals stratified according to their eGFR, reported Brenda R. Hemmelgarn, MD, PhD, of the University of Calgary in Canada, and colleagues.

Rates of myocardial infarction were increased by about 50% with heavy proteinuria, and end-stage renal disease and doubled levels of serum creatinine were as much as 30 times more common, the researchers reported in the Feb. 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Tysabri (Natalizumab) and PML – Update

Medical News: FDA Adds PML Risk to MS Drug Label – in Product Alert, Prescriptions from MedPage Today

A warning of a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy has been added to the label for the multiple sclerosis drug natalizumab (Tysabri), the FDA announced. The labeling change was prompted by continuing reports of PML in MS patients. The current number of confirmed cases stands at 31 — 10 in the U.S. — up from 13 as recently as last September.

Soy Foods Associated with Decreased Risk of Death in Women with Breast Cancer

JAMA — Abstract: Soy Food Intake and Breast Cancer Survival, December 9, 2009, Shu et al. 302 (22): 2437

Design, Setting, and Participants The Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, a large, population-based cohort study of 5042 female breast cancer survivors in China. Women aged 20 to 75 years with diagnoses between March 2002 and April 2006 were recruited and followed up through June 2009. Information on cancer diagnosis and treatment, lifestyle exposures after cancer diagnosis, and disease progression was collected at approximately 6 months after cancer diagnosis and was reassessed at 3 follow-up interviews conducted at 18, 36, and 60 months after diagnosis. Annual record linkage with the Shanghai Vital Statistics Registry database was carried out to obtain survival information for participants who were lost to follow-up. Medical charts were reviewed to verify disease and treatment information.

Conclusion Among women with breast cancer, soy food consumption was significantly associated with decreased risk of death and recurrence.

Tofu anyone?