Research Evaluates Newborn Blood Test for Type 1 Diabetes

 Researchers are optimistic about the development of a test that provides early warning of the development of Type 1 diabetes in babies and young children.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not make enough insulin for normal cell function.  While Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it often becomes apparent in young or middle childhood.

Type 1 diabetes is different from Type 2 diabetes in that individuals who have Type 1 diabetes simply do not have enough insulin, whereas Type 2 patients do not respond efficiently to the insulin their bodies do produce.  About five to ten percent of those who have diabetes suffer from Type 1 diabetes.

Either condition can lead to dangerously high blood sugar.  In children, as in adults, diabetes of either type can cause ketoacidosis, an overload of blood acids called “ketones.”  Part of the drive behind the current research published in the journal Nature was to develop an effective newborn test for Type 1 diabetes is to avoid ketoacidosis, a severe complication of diabetes and sometimes the first event that signals to parents that their child is suffering from Type 1 diabetes.

For parents and child, the development of Type 1 diabetes can be frightening if earlier, mild symptoms of the condition are not recognized by a primary care physician.

Notes lead author, Dr Lauric Ferrat, “At the moment, 40 percent of children who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have the severe complication of ketoacidosis. For the very young this is life-threatening, resulting in long intensive hospitalizations and in some cases, even paralysis or death.”

Using data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young Study (TEDDY), researchers at seven international sites followed 7,798 children between the ages of one and nine years who were at high risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.  Scientists were able to combine factors to create a scoring test that significantly improves accurate prediction of which babies might be at risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.  Factors figured into the score include:

• Family history
• Genetics
• Presence of specific biomarkers associated with Type 1 diabetes

Another researcher, Dr. William Hagopian remarked, “We’re really excited by these findings. They suggest that the routine heel prick testing of babies done at birth, could go a long way towards preventing early sickness as well as predicting which children will get type 1 diabetes years later.”

The next step is to begin a trial of the new test in Washington State. If successful, the new test could take some of the guesswork out of the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and help children and their parents understand the condition before it becomes a medical emergency.

Speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney today

When you suffer serious or catastrophic injury after seeking healthcare, our law firm can help.

Our legal team has more than 35 years of successful experience helping those hurt by medical malpractice.  Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. delivers experienced, skilled legal services and compassionate client service to individuals and families hurt by medical mistake. Contact us today or call 410-234-1000.

This blog Research Evaluates Newborn Blood Test for Type 1 Diabetes appeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

Study suggests Surgical Risk Reduced by treating Appendicitis with Antibiotics

 A recent study reaffirms antibiotics could be a viable option for children suffering from appendicitis.

The appendix is a vestigial organ, a short tubular segment of intestine attached to your colon on the lower right side with no active known use.  At present there is some suggestion by researchers that the appendix may be a reservoir for useful bacteria, but the organ is considered expendable when it becomes obstructed and inflamed, a condition called appendicitis.    Left untreated, the appendix can expand and eventually burst, spilling infection into the abdominal cavity, a dangerous and potentially deadly condition known as peritonitis.

Appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery, impacting about 80,000 children each year.  While appendicitis is most common in people ten to 30 years of age, appendicitis can occur at any time throughout life.

While surgical removal of the appendix is the most common treatment option, ongoing research supports the viability of antibiotics as a means of treating appendicitis without the risks associated with open or laparoscopic surgery.  Complications and error can occur with any surgery leading to infection, inadvertent removal of only part of the appendix, blockage of the bowels, incisional hernia, or other mistaken injury to internal organs during the procedure.

A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network provides additional support to earlier studies suggesting treatment with antibiotics reduces surgical risk and days to recovery for children with uncomplicated appendicitis (when the appendix has not become so inflamed that it has burst or been perforated).

Antibiotics as an alternative to surgery 

Researchers reviewed data from 1068 patients.  Of these, 67.1 percent of patients who opted for antibiotics instead of surgery were successfully treated, suffering no side effects and losing less time to recovery than patients who had an appendectomy.

For children, that result means less pain and suffering and quicker return to day-to-day activities.   The study notes patients provided antibiotics were those who had been in pain less than 48 hours, underwent imaging studies to confirm the appendix had not ruptured, and met standards with regard to their white blood cell count.

Lead investigator, Dr. Peter Minneci stated, “For surgery, patients need to go under general anesthesia, and there is 1-2% chance of a major complication and 5-10% chance of a minor complication.” Change is slow, but when indicated, antibiotics may become a leading treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis without resorting to surgery.

Let us help if you are harmed by medical malpractice 

The law firm of Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. has returned over $1 billion in compensation to clients since our founding in 1984. We serve clients throughout the country from offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC.  Contact us or call 410-234-1000 today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.

This blog Study suggests Surgical Risk Reduced by treating Appendicitis with Antibioticsappeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

Healthy Living: States with the Best and Worst Health Care

 You may already have an opinion, but a new survey ranks state health care from best to worst.

While everyone enjoys checking out rankings, the difference between the “best” and the “worst” health care can hurt or even kill you, or a family member. It is no joke to learn your state falls well below average in healthcare outcomes.

In this survey, a personal finance company made a careful assessment using 44 different metrics, each of which had a 100-point rating scale. These metrics were applied within three basic categories, cost, access, and outcomes.  While that may seem pretty broad, these three factors bear on the decisions that Americans make every day about their health care.  Where can they get care, how much does it cost—and can I expect that the outcome will likely be good?

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s take a look at some of the measures within each category:

• Cost: This metric looks at the cost of a medical visit, an inpatient admission, dental visit, out of pocket and insurance spending, and how many adults go without medical care due to cost, among other factors.
• Access: This factor looks at issues that include the state health infrastructure, number of beds, quality of the public health system, number of healthcare providers (includes physicians, nurses, and many other practitioners) per capita, emergency response time, emergency department wait times, number of insured people (including adults and children).
• Outcome: This important category is broken down into maternal and infant mortality rates, readmission rates, patients discharged without homecare instructions, numbers of adults who have no medical or dental care, the number of non-immunized children, number of people with heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, among other factors.

These very serious metrics spell the difference between those in this country who have access to quality healthcare and those that do not.  Let’s take a look at some of the best and worst:

• Top ten states with the best quality health care: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, North Dakota, Vermont, Colorado, Iowa, Hawaii, ad South Dakota
• The ten states that represent the worst quality health care in the US: Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas, Alaska
• States with the lowest infant mortality rates: New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Massachusetts, California
• States with the highest infant mortality rates: West Virginia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi

In the survey, Maryland came in at number 16.  This survey speaks truth to the sub-standard quality of care suffered by many Americans across this country.  By taking a hard look at real factors that we all consider when assessing how to maintain our health, the survey offers thoughtful perspective on what to watch out for in your state or region.

The worst time to wonder about the quality of your healthcare is after you suffer a medication or surgical error that causes serious injury.  An informed healthcare consumer asks questions, understands the health advice they are given, and keeps tabs on costs.  Even then, medical mistakes happen—if they happen to you, reach out to our law firm, we can help.

Highly reputable injury attorneys help you after serious medical injury

Recognized for excellence in legal service, the law firm of Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. delivers aggressive representation if a loved one is injured due to medical malpractice.  Serving clients nationwide from offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC, we offer a free consultation.  Contact us or call 410-234-1000 today.

This blog Healthy Living: States with the Best and Worst Health Careappeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

Jonathan Schochor Receives The Daily Record 2020 Icon Honor

 Jonathan Schochor, Founding Senior Managing Partner of Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. is named one of The Daily Record’s 2020 Icon Honors winners.

Established in 2017, Icon Honors recognizes Maryland business leaders who have a long-standing commitment to the business community. Winners were selected based on success and strong leadership both within and outside of their chosen field. The honorees have moved their businesses and the state of Maryland forward by growing jobs and making a difference in the community. They are mentors, leaders and innovators.

“This year’s Icon Honors recipients exhibit an impressive record of accomplishment, leadership and vision. They represent a level of professional achievement and community awareness and action that is truly remarkable,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, group publisher of The Daily Record. “They also mentor the next generation and serve as examples for all of us. The Daily Record is pleased to recognize them.”

A history of providing support to those in need 

Since 1984, Jonathan Schochor has served as the senior managing partner for Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. For over 35 years, Mr. Schochor and his firm have provided exceptional representation to individuals and whole groups of people who are the victims of medical malpractice, negligence and the wrongful acts of others. Additionally, Mr. Schochor has a strong belief in supporting community efforts. His dedication to service, philanthropy as well as his genuine desire to make meaningful social impact speaks volumes of his character. The firm’s commitment to volunteering, and the financial support of charities stems from Mr. Schochor’s leadership and guidance.

Offering excellence in legal service when you or a loved one suffers injury from malpractice

Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. has more than 35 years of experience helping individuals and families recover from negligence and malpractice.  From offices in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, our legal team serves clients across the US who suffer due to the negligence of others.  Contact us or call 410-234-1000 to schedule a free consultation.

This blog Jonathan Schochor Receives The Daily Record 2020 Icon Honor appeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

Reducing Adverse Medication Events with AI

 Adverse drug reactions (ADR) caused by medication errors are one of the most common forms of medical mistake.  A new learning tool that evaluates drug interactions at the molecular level may reduce drug injury to patients.

Researchers behind a new study published in the journal EBio Medicine developed an open-source machine learning tool that could provide greater understanding of drugs associated with adverse drug reactions.  In the past, our knowledge of drug toxicities and interactions has grown through observation, experimentation, and the creation and maintenance of pharma databases that capture drug toxicities.

While databases provide searchable information, the new algorithm developed in this study is able to dynamically review and compare proteins that are at the base of adverse drug reactions.  In addition to providing known data, the algorithm uses artificial intelligence to compare data from multiple databases and suggest drug interactions.

For the study, researchers used a database containing information on drugs involved with ADR and a different database that identifies 184 proteins already known to interact with specific drugs.  Overall, the study involved 2134 marketed drugs.  Researchers created an algorithm to mesh this information and were able to identify 221 interactions between specific proteins and adverse drug reactions.  These associations are useful for understanding which proteins are likely to interact poorly (and result in a bad outcome) with certain drugs.

Rather than stand as a new static resource for Pharma development, the new tool can be shown new information on which to build and compare reactions and interactions between compounds already evaluated by the tool, and suggest how they might interact with human biology for the better or the worse.

Notes study co-author, Robert Ietswaart, “Machine learning is not a silver bullet for drug discovery, but I do believe it can accelerate many different aspects in the difficult and long process of developing new medicines.”

In addition to identifying potential candidates for adverse reactions, the tool could make experimental drugs safer in human clinical trials. Ietswaart explained, “This could reduce the risks that study participants face during the first in-human clinical trials and minimize risks for patients if a drug gains FDA approval and enters clinical use.”

Machine-learning may provide a new tool for an old problem.  Safer pharmacology means safer medical care—and possibly less danger each time you pick up a prescription at the pharmacy.

Trusted Washington, D.C. and Maryland attorneys deliver aggressive legal representation on your behalf

The attorneys at Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. deliver strong legal support to those who suffer medical malpractice or negligent injury in Maryland, Washington, D.C., or across the nation. We have obtained more than $1 billion in compensation for our injured clients in the past 36 years.  Contact us or call 410-234-1000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury.

This blog Reducing Adverse Medication Events with AIappeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

History of Multiple Head Hits Increases Risk of Depression in Later Life

 A recent study suggests that people with a history of head hits are more likely to suffer cognitive difficulties and depression as the years pass.

In the past decade, research has turned a spotlight on traumatic brain injury.  Through national and international brain research initiatives and a focus on sports-related concussion, our knowledge of traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to provide answers, and provoke new questions.

Recent research published in the journal Neurology looked at data from the medical records of 13,323 patients over the age of 40 who participate in the Brain Health Registry. The Registry has dual aims of collecting observational data submitted by volunteers to the site, and helping to identify participants for national clinical trials.  Through these efforts the Registry hopes to identify and test potential treatments for those who suffer from brain injury and disorders including PTSD, depression, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

From the data set studied, researchers identified approximately five percent of participants (or about 725 people) who self-reported previous experience with head impacts through sports, military service, or physical abuse. Participants also completed assessment surveys on cognitive function and experience of depressive symptoms. Researchers also noted whether the TBI was—or was not—accompanied by loss of consciousness.

Supporting the findings of earlier studies, the research found that those who had suffered head impacts earlier in life were more likely to report depression and cognitive troubles than those who had not suffered concussive head hits.

The research reports on the “dosage” factor of head impacts and its relation to later neurological symptoms.  Individuals with no history of head injury were least likely to report depression and other cognitive difficulties.  Participants who suffered a head hit, or multiple head hits were correspondingly more likely to report problems with memory, emotional control, and thinking.  Lastly, those with a history of repetitive head trauma with loss of consciousness were at higher risk than all other categories for reporting cognitive difficulties.

Dr. Michael Alosco, co-director of the BU Alzheimer’s Disease Center, said, “The findings underscore that repetitive hits to the head, such as those from contact sport participation or physical abuse, might be associated with later-life symptoms of depression.”

Researchers note the observational quality of the data and that empirical information about the actual contact events reported by the participants is unknown.  Having a history of multiple head trauma does not guarantee a future of cognitive difficulty, but it can provide early warning for participants and others with similar backgrounds to watch for symptoms and get help when needed.

There is currently no cure for any brain disorder or a fix for brain injury.  Studies like this one provide common ground for those who have suffered brain injury and whose data may provide better treatment or a cure for those who suffer neurological injury and disease in the future.

Providing unsurpassed legal service to Maryland patients injured by medical malpractice

Well-respected in the legal community, Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. has more than 35 years of successful experience representing clients and their families injured through medical negligence.  When you suffer serious medical injury due to the fault of others in Washington, DC, Baltimore, or elsewhere in the US, we can help. Contact us or call 410-234-1000 to schedule a free consultation today.

This blog History of Multiple Head Hits Increases Risk of Depression in Later Lifeappeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA

Schochor, Federico and Staton Did It Again! We were Voted Number One in All Three Key Categories

 Top Winner for Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, and Civil Litigation

Once again, Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA has been voted the Top Winner for 2020 by The Daily Record’s readers as the Best Law Firm in Maryland for Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, and Civil Litigation. Our firm has been named Top Winner for three years in a row by the readers of The Daily Record. First recognized in 2018, our firm has been awarded the Top Winner in each of the categories in which we were nominated. Schochor, Federico and Staton acknowledges the well-earned recognition of our firm, and we continue to commit our legal services to individuals and communities who are victims of medical malpractice, mass tort, or other negligence.

The Daily Record – Maryland’s premier source for regional business, legal, and government news – gives readers and business leaders the opportunity every year to nominate candidates for best-in-class providers across a number of service categories.

The winners of each category were announced virtually on October 12 in a video format. The honorees were also featured in a special publication inserted in The Daily Record. Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA was the Top Winner in all three categories in which it was a finalist.

Knowledgeable legal representation in your time of need

The mission of Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA is to provide exemplary legal representation to individuals and groups of people who are victims of negligence. Founded in 1984, our firm remains committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Our skilled team works closely together to help bring justice to our community and fair compensation to victims of negligent and reckless behavior. Our shared values of compassion and commitment drive us in the workplace and support us as we help others.

Recovering over $1 billion for our clients, we hold the highest ranking offered by ratings company Martindale-Hubbell.

Offering Excellence in Legal Service in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC

Schochor, Federico and Staton, P.A. provides knowledgeable legal representation when you or a loved one suffers injury or death through the mistake or negligence of others. We are proud that The Daily Record readers have recognized our efforts with their votes. Our firm serves clients throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. Contact us or call (410) 234-1000 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case today.

This blog Schochor, Federico and Staton Did It Again! We were Voted Number One in All Three Key Categoriesappeared first on Schochor, Federico and Staton, PA