Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York | Silberstein, Awad & Miklos

Study: Safe blood lead levels should be lower than 10 mcg/dl

2009-09-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current safe blood lead level is 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl). However, this level, which was set in 1991, may be too high according to a recent study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Led by Dr. Alan Emond, director of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Health at Bristol University, British researchers obtained blood samples from 582 2-year-old children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. After evaluating the children when they were 7 or 8 years old, they found that those who had a blood lead levels between 5 and 10 mcg/dl at age 2 had poorer academic performance and were less social than those whose levels were below 5 mcg/dl.

Children who were found to have a blood lead level greater than 10 mcg/dl at age 2 were almost three times as likely to be hyperactive and unsociable at age 7 or 8 than those whose levels were lower than 2 mcg/dl. In addition, researchers noted that the younger a child is, the more severe the effects of lead exposure are, so it is extremely important to protect young children from exposure to lead paint inside and outside of the home and on some children's toys.

The findings of the study prompted researchers to suggest that the safe blood lead level be lowered to 5 mcg/dl in an attempt to prevent developmental problems associated with lead exposure. If your was exposed to lead paint and has an unsafe blood lead level, call or e-mail Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation. One of our experienced attorneys will review your case for free.

Walkers and Canes May Cause Serious Injuries in Older Adults

2009-09-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has found that about 47,312 elderly adults require treatment in emergency rooms each year in the U.S. after falls involving canes and walkers. For the study, researchers from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a division of the CDC, looked at records of emergency departments over a six year period, from 2001 to 2006. They found that on average, 129 elderly patients were treated daily in emergency units for falls involving these walking aids, which make up just about 3 percent of falls in adults 65 and older.

The researchers also determined seniors were seven times more likely to be injured while using a walker rather than a cane, with 87 percent of these falls involving walkers. Three out of four walker-related injuries occurred in elderly women, while two out of three injuries involving a cane were sustained by women.

Lead author of the study, Judy Stevens, Ph.D., noted the importance of elderly adults knowing how to use these walking aids safely, since many people rely on walkers or canes to get around as they get older. Doctors of elderly patients should take the time to teach them how to use these devices properly to prevent a fall, which can lead to serious injury in some cases.
According to the CDC, falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries in the U.S. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trip or slip and fall accident, call or e-mail the personal injury attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today. Our premises liability attorneys will evaluate your case free of charge.

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

2009-09-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Each year, thousands of children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children up to age 15. The need for awareness and resources to find a cure is always growing, so any donation of time or money is beneficial to these children and their families.

Some of the most common childhood cancers include bone, brain and spinal cord cancers, acute lymphocyic leukemia, Ewing's Sarcoma, Neuroblastoma and Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The types of cancer a child can suffer from differ from the types of cancer an adult can have, making more research necessary to find a cure for all forms of the disease.

Since September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, many individuals and organizations are taking the time to visit children with cancer or take part in events that help raise money for research. Others are helping by donating money to hospitals or research initiatives. By participating in events in your area or donating money to a hospital or research efforts, you can help find a cure for childhood cancers.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosing or treating cancer, we can help. Call or e-mail one of our cancer malpractice attorneys today for a free initial consultation. There is no fee to you unless we recover money.

Promising New Treatment for Women with Breast Cancer Relapse

2009-09-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women, following skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. The ACS estimates that there will be 192,370 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer and 40,170 deaths resulting from the disease in 2009 alone.

The growth of most breast cancers is aided by estrogen and/or progesterone, which are hormones that are naturally produced in the female body. To prevent these hormones from affixing themselves to hormone receptors, which in turn allow cancer cells to grow, many breast cancer patients receive hormone therapies, such as aromatase inhibitors. These drugs stop the cancer from growing by not allowing the cells to receive the estrogen they need.

Unfortunately, some breast cancers may become resistant to anti-estrogen treatments, making it possible for the disease to return and begin to grow again. For this reason, researchers conducted a study using a form of estrogen to treat 66 women whose cancer had returned after using anti-estrogen drugs for an extended period of time. The only other alternative for these women with advanced breast cancer would have been chemotherapy.

Instead, Dr. Matthew Ellis and his colleagues gave the women either 30 milligrams or 6 milligrams of estradiol, a form of the hormone estrogen. They found that both the high and low dose had a similar effect on the cancer, causing the tumors in 30 percent of the women to either stop growing or shrink in size. The high dose did have more side effects, including headaches, nausea, fluid retention, vomiting and other reactions, allowing researchers to determine that the lower dose was a better option for these women.

Breast cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. If you or a loved one has breast cancer medical malpractice questions in New York, contact the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today for your free consultation.

Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability for people of all ages. Nearly 1.5 million Americans suffer TBI every year. 50,000 of these victims die from their injury, while 85,000 will suffer long-term disability from theirs. Most cases of TBI are caused by automobile accidents, falls, sporting injuries, and firearm-related incidents. This being said, there are a number of other things that can cause severe brain damage.

Most would argue that the human brain is the most complex "thing" known to man. It is certainly one of the least-understood. We do know that it determines our personality and controls virtually ever part of our being. It should be no surprise then that when the brain sustains an injury, significant physical, mental, and emotional changes are bound to occur.

Unfortunately, most of these changes are not desirable. As a result, TBI can be devastating to the victims and their families. The brain does not heal itself like other organs and body parts do. This makes recovery from TBI very difficult to predict. Some symptoms may come and go, some may take years to develop, and others may become progressively worse. Recovery from TBI can be a source of chronic frustration to doctors, patients, and families alike.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you will want to consult with an experienced TBI attorney to ensure that you receive maximum compensation. Calculating damages can get extremely complex in TBI cases. Please call or e-mail our traumatic brain injury attorney today for a free consultation in the New York area, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, and New York City.

Children's Oxygen Supply Lowered by Car Seats

2009-08-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

In a recent study published in online journal Pediatrics, sitting in a car seat may lower a child's oxygen levels because their chest is compressed in that position. Experts advise that car seats only be used when a child is traveling to prevent limited oxygen levels for longer than necessary. Parents who keep their children in a car seat when they are sleeping or moving around may be putting their child at risk, especially when the child is sick. Parents who do not have a baby bed for their child and whose children sleep in car seats all the time are urged to purchase a bed to lower this risk.

For the study, researchers began monitoring 200 newborns at 2 days old that had no known heath issues. The infants were placed in a hospital crib for half an hour, a car bed for one full hour and a car seat for another hour, during which the researchers looked at oxygen saturation and other warning signs.

While in the hospital crib, the average oxygen saturation level was 97.9 percent. In the car bed and car seat, the levels were 96.3 percent and 95.7 percent, respectively. The average minimal oxygen levels were 87.4 percent in the crib, 83.7 percent in the car bed and 83.6 percent in the car seat.

The findings of the study may lead to changes in the way modern car seats are designed. Regardless, parents should still make sure they are only using car seats for their intended purpose, to protect children while in the car. If your child has suffered a severe or fatal injury as a result of an unsafe product, call or e-mail Silberstein, Awad and Miklos, P.C. today. One of our experienced product liability attorneys will evaluate your case for free.

Ways to Spot When You're Too Tired to Drive

2009-08-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the National Safety Council (NCS) is to educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death in homes and communities, at work and on the roads. Statistics show that it is more likely that a person between ages 1 and 33 will die from an automobile accident than from any other cause. One way to lower this risk is by making sure you are completely awake before getting behind the wheel.

The NCS suggests several signs that may help a driver know when they are too tired to be on the road:

Eyes are closing / unable to focus on the road
Frequent yawning
Having problems with concentration
Unable to remember driving last few miles
Impatience, restlessness or irritability behind the wheel
Swerving or drifting between lanes or onto shoulder
Tailgating or failing to follow traffic signs or minimum or maximum speed limits
Shallow breathing, burning eyes or back tension

According to a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37% of drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at some point in their years of driving, while 8% admitted doing so in the past six months. When a person is drowsy while driving, it is all too possible that a collision with another vehicle or object may occur.

If you are planning a lengthy trip, divide the driving between two or more people, if possible. Also, try to start the trip early in the day and take breaks for light meals and snacks throughout the trip. Keep the temperature in the car cool and try to pull over and take a break every 100 miles, or about every 2 hours. Exercising helps fight drowsiness, so even walking around the car can help keep you attentive when driving and help you avoid an accident.

If you or some you love has been injured in any type of collision, call or e-mail Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today. One of our experienced auto collision lawyers will evaluate your case for free and help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us toll-free 1-877-ASK4SAM.

Quitting Smoking Rapidly Reduces Inflammation in Women

2009-08-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

When a person smokes cigarettes, they are more likely to have inflammation, the process by which the body responds to injury or an infection, according to the American Heart Association. This higher risk of inflammation increases a person's risk of heart disease. However, a recent study has found that quitting smoking quickly reduces several markers of inflammation in women.

Along with colleagues, Dr. Christine N. Metz of the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, New York followed 36 women participating in a stop-smoking program. The research team performed four blood tests on each of the women to check for markers of inflammation over 6 to 7 weeks. Markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other materials.

Over the course of the study, the levels of TNF and two associated substances dropped continually, while CRP levels and interleukin-6 levels also fell. However, researchers are unsure whether these benefits of quitting smoking are visible immediately after a person stops.

The findings of the study, which was published in the journal CHEST, may help shape a new approach for helping smokers at risk of heart disease to quit smoking. By learning about their cardiovascular health and levels of inflammation, people who smoke may be more likely to quit.

Smoking is known to increase a person's risk of developing heart disease and lung cancer. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosing or treating cancer or heart disease, our medical malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Call or e-mail us today.

MRSA Infection Still Present in Some at Hospital Discharge

2009-08-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

According to a study out of France, almost 13 percent of people who are discharged after a hospital stay have MRSA, a staph infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a certain strain of staph that is resistant to commonly-used broad-spectrum antibiotics. It can be deadly.

The research team, led by Dr. Jean-Christophe Lucet of Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris, also found that about 20 percent of those patients who come home with the MRSA may spread the infection to other people they live with.

For the study, researchers screened 1,501 adult hospital patients for the staph infection before they were discharged from the hospital. They found that of those patients, 191, or 12.7 percent, were infected with MRSA. Lucet and his team followed the infected group for one year, testing them and others in their household every three months for the infection. Thirty-six of the 188 people living with someone with MRSA after hospital discharge contracted MRSA. However, none of these people actually developed an infection from the bacteria.

Of the people who lived with a person infected with MRSA after hospital discharge, those who helped care for the infected person and older adults had the greatest risk of acquiring the bacteria. Researchers found that sharing the same bed or bedroom as the infected person did increase a person's risk of contracting MRSA.

The article, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, noted that after one year, about 50 percent were clear of MRSA. If you have questions about the medical care you received while at a hospital, our medical malpractice attorneys can help. Call or e-mail Silberstein, Awad & Miklos today for a free consultation.

Restricted Diets Not Recommended for Children with Autism

2009-08-04T09:41:00.001-07:00

For more than a decade, many thought that an association existed between autism and a higher rate of gastrointestinal problems. This belief was based on a few cases of loose stools in children with autism in the late 90s that were made public. The cases led people to think that there was a higher incidence of GI dysfunction in these children and prompted some parents of children with autism to begin restricting what their child ate. However, a new study has found that children with autism do not have a higher rate of GI problems than other children, but do have a higher prevalence of constipation and are more likely to have food issues.

For the study, which is published in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics, researchers followed 124 children with autism and 248 children who did not have autism until they reached 18. The research team used five groups to classify different gastrointestinal problems: constipation, diarrhea, abdominal bloating, discomfort or irritability, gastroesophageal reflux or vomiting and feeding issues or selectivity.

They found that about 77 percent of the children with autism and 72 percent of the children without autism experienced GI symptoms, an insignificant difference between the two. Researchers did find, however, that nearly 34 percent of the children with autism experienced constipation, while only about 18 percent of the other children had that problem. In addition, they found that about 24 percent of the autism group had feeding issues, while just 16 percent of the other group had those issues. Researchers believe the constipation issues in children with autism may be a result of eating the same foods all the time and not getting enough fiber. They also believe that some medications children with autism are required to take can upset disrupt their appetite and what they choose to eat.

According to the CDC, about one in every 150 children in the United States has autism. If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the birth injury attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C.

Nationwide Recall for Gel-Filled Teethers

2009-07-27T08:47:00.000-07:00

Nationwide Recall of Gel-Filled Teethers After the FDA found that some gel-filled teethers manufactured produced by Luv N' Care, Ltd. contained Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans bacteria in the gel, the company began a recall of those products. Teethers under the brand names "Nuby," "Playschool" and "Cottontails" have been recalled after the FDA found that gel samples from two lots they collected contained these bacteria. Although no illness have been reported, if the product gets a hole and the gel is ingested, it is possible that these bacteria can cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea in infants and children with weakened immune systems. In less common cases, infants and children may also develop more serious disease from the bacteria present in these teethers.

Luv N' Care, Ltd. has ceased production and distribution of these teethers and is urging consumers who have purchased them to stop use immediately and throw them away or return them for a full refund. The following products are included in the recall:

UPC Code Brand Name
48526-00451 Nuby
48526-00452 Nuby
48526-00453 Nuby
48526-00454 Nuby
48526-00455 Nuby
48526-00459 Nuby
48526-00467 Nuby
48526-00472 Nuby
48526-00473 Nuby
48526-00482 Nuby
48526-00483 Nuby
48526-00487 Nuby
48526-00490 Nuby
48526-00519 Nuby
48526-00521 Nuby
50428-91511 Playschool
41520-87115 Cottontails
41520-91660 Cottontails

These products have been sold at retail stores nationwide, as well as on the Internet. If consumers have questions regarding any of these products, they can call the company's toll-free number, 1-800-256-2399 ext. 3106. Representatives are available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. If your child has experienced a reaction after using one of these products, it can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or faxed to 1-800-FDA-0718.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product in New York, please contact the product liability attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our experienced team has been representing clients in the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk for more than 25 years. Call or email us today for your free consultation.

3 New York Hospitals on Top 21 List

2009-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, U.S. News and World Report (http://www.usnews.com/) posted their 2009-10 Honor Roll (http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/best-hospitals/2009/07/15/americas-best-hospitals-the-2009-2010-honor-roll.html) of the top 21 medical centers in the country on their website. Three of those 21 were New York City hospitals, including New York-Presbyterian, NYU Langone Medical Center and Mount Sinai. New York-Presbyterian (http://nyp.org/) was New York's best hospital, ranking 6th on the overall list. Coming in second and third for New York, NYU Langone Medical Center (http://www.med.nyu.edu/) ranked 17th on the list, while Mount Sinai Medical Center (http://www.mountsinai.org/) ranked 19th.

New York-Presbyterian, which has made the 20-year-old list in the past, is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonsectarian hospital and performs the most heart transplants and treats the most burns. The hospital, which sees 2 million patients each year, gets the best medical students and best residents, according to president and CEO Dr. Herbert Pardes.

U.S. News and World Report looked at almost 5,000 medical centers throughout the United States, eventually bringing the list down to 174 hospitals that were found to be excellent in one or more of 16 specialties. Each hospital on the top 21 list received top scores in at least 6 specialties. Hospitals received 2 points if they ranked at or close to the top in a specific specialty and 1 point if they ranked slightly lower. Earning 30 points in 15 specialties, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland ranked as the best hospital in the country, which it has done every year since 1991.

Unfortunately, not all patients can be seen by the best doctors at the best hospitals. If you or a loved one was injured by hospital medical malpractice in the New York area, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk, please call or e-mail our medical malpractice attorneys today for a free consultation with one of Silberstein, Awad & Miklos' experienced attorneys.

What to do After a Motorcycle Accident

2009-07-20T14:31:00.000-07:00

If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, you will want to know what to do to protect yourself from further harm, protect your rights, and to ensure that you have the upper hand should you end up in court. Here are a few things to remember:

Secure the scene and get medical attention - Your safety and the safety of others should be your first priority. If you are able to move after the accident, call 911, or make sure someone else is calling.

Move any injured persons away from fire, gasoline, or other chemical spills. Use any available warning signals to alert oncoming traffic. Make sure you seek medical attention for yourself, and do not refuse medical attention if it is offered to you.

Document and photograph the scene of the accident - Be sure to get the names, phone numbers, addresses, and license plate numbers of all involved parties and witnesses. Get insurance information from all individuals directly involved in the accident. Take cell phone photographs of the accident, or instruct someone else to do so as soon as possible. Take detailed notes about anything that may have contributed to the accident. This should include weather conditions, the presence of any road hazards, the position of the vehicles before and after the accident, and any other pertinent information.

Note anything that is said immediately following the accident - Write down anything that is said after the accident. This often includes excuses, finger pointing, apologies, and confessions that can be very useful later on.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please call or e-mail our motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation in the New York area.

No Benefit from PFO Repair during Surgery

2009-07-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted by Dr. Richard A. Krasuski and colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic (http://my.clevelandclinic.org/default.aspx) has found that patients whose patent foramen ovale (PFO) is discovered during cardiothoracic surgery may not benefit from the repair of that defect. According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/), in normal fetal development, the foramen ovale, a small, flap-like opening, exists between the right and left upper chambers of the heart. In most cases, this opening usually closes during the first or second year of life, however, in about one out of four people, this flap never closes. This defect, known as PFO, may increase a person's risk of stroke and migraines, and allow blood to flow between the right and left upper chambers of the heart. People with PFO do not require treatment and are usually unaware that they have the defect, until it is discovered during tests or surgery on the heart.

This new study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (http://jama.ama-assn.org/), has found that patients who have their PFO repaired during cardiothoracic surgery may be at increased risk for stroke following their surgery. Additionally, the research team found that the repair of this defect did not benefit patients in terms of long-term survival or short-term outcomes in the cases they studied.

For the study, Krasuski and his team looked at nearly 2,300 patients whose PFO was found during cardiothoracic surgery, with 639 of those patients having their PFO repaired surgically. Researchers compared the rates of in-hospital stroke and hospital death, length of hospital stay and days spent in the intensive care unit in patients whose PFO was found during surgery and those without PFO and found that those rates were similar between the two groups. The team also found that patients whose PFO was repaired during surgery had a rate of in-hospital stroke of 2.8 percent, compared to 1.2 percent for those who did not have their PFO repaired.

When a patient has a bad result from a surgery, there is a possibility that negligence caused the problem. If you or a loved one was injured by surgical malpractice in New York City or Long Island, please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation with our experienced surgery malpractice attorneys.

Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. has been helping clients in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties for over 30 years, and they can help you too.

Incidence of Thyroid Cancer Continues to Increase

2009-07-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

According to the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/), thyroid cancer occurs in the cells of the thyroid, which is a gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. This gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Since the 1980s, the incidence of thyroid cancer has continued to rise, mostly due to an increase in screening. With more people being screened for this type of cancer, doctors have been able to identify more cases of thyroid cancer. Doctors can also now detect small tumors, making thyroid cancer even more prevalent.

Although an increase in screening has caused the incidence of thyroid cancer to rise, recent research by Dr. Amy Chen and her team at the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp) in Atlanta has found that environmental factors, diet and genetics may also play a role in the prevalence of thyroid cancer. The research team was able to identify over 30,000 thyroid cancer cases diagnosed between 1988 and 2005 using the National Cancer Institute's (http://www.cancer.gov/) SEER cancer registry (http://seer.cancer.gov/registries/). After reviewing the data, they found that incidence rates increased for all sizes of tumors. After taking age into account, they found that thyroid cancer was three times more common among women than among men. However, the rates increased similarly for both men and women. The age-adjusted number of cases in women increased from 6.4 per 100,000 in 1988 to 14.9 per 100,000 in 2005, while the number of thyroid cases in men increased from 2.5 per 100,000 in 1988 to 5.1 per 100,000 in 2005.

The study, which was published in the American Cancer Society's journal Cancer, noted that screening and detection of thyroid cancer at an earlier stage did not improve survival rates in either gender.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today at 877-Ask-4SAM, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours.

Autoimmune Disease in Mother May Increase Child's Risk of Autism

2009-07-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

Previous research has found that children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of autism. However, in addition to supporting those findings, a new study has found that children of mothers with celiac disease, another autoimmune disease, also have an increased risk of autism. According to the Mayo Clinic, celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is found in bread, pasta, cookies and many other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. The study found that the risk for autism is more than three times higher for children born to women with celiac disease than for children of mothers without the condition. For mothers with type 1 diabetes, the child's risk is about two times higher, and for mothers with rheumatoid arthritis, the child's risk is about 1.5 times higher. For the study, researcher William W. Eaton and his team collected data on 3,325 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Denmark that were born between 1993 and 2004. The group included 1,089 children diagnosed with infantile autism or autism. Data on all of these children was included in the Danish National Psychiatric Registry and data on their family members with an autoimmune disease was found in the Danish National Hospital Register. After analyzing this information, researchers were able to support previous findings connecting type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as make a connection between maternal celiac disease and autism in children. This study, which was published in the online edition of Pediatrics, is the first to find a link between autism and celiac disease. This association between autoimmune diseases in mothers and autism in their children may be helpful in future research aimed at finding the cause of autism. If you believe your child's autism was caused by a doctor's negligence, call or e-mail the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge to you. Call or submit and instant inquiry today for your FREE consultation.

Alimta Approved by FDA for Maintenance of Advanced Lung Cancer

2009-07-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

According to the National Cancer Institute an estimated 219,440 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 159,390 people will die from the disease in 2009. In most cases, patients with lung cancer whose tumors respond to chemotherapy receive no additional treatment after four to six chemotherapy treatments are completed.

However, on July 6th, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced their approval of Alimta (pemetrexed) for maintenance therapy of advanced lung cancer. The drug, which is the first to be approved by the FDA for this type of therapy, prevents the progression of the cancer after chemotherapy has helped shrink a patient's tumor or stabilized the disease. A clinical trial using the drug found that of the 600 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, those with predominantly squamous cell cancer did not see any improvement when using Alimta. Patients with other types of non-small cell lung cancer, including large cell, adenocarcinoma and mixed histology cancers, survived an average of 15.5 months after using the drug, compared with an average of 10.3 months for those who took a placebo.

Some patients using the maintenance drug reported fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, damage to blood cells and skin rash. In 2004, the drug was also approved for the treatment mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that develops after exposure to asbestos.

As with all cancers, lung cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours.

Experimental Obesity Surgery Using Tube Through Mouth

2009-06-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

According to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, more than 200,000 Americans are expected to have conventional forms of obesity surgery this year, which are most commonly gastric bypass surgery and adjustable gastric band surgery. These traditional procedures do carry risks, including infection, pain and scarring, and some patients may experience a long recovery. However, an experimental new obesity surgery comes with fewer risks and requires no incisions. For the procedure, doctors insert a tube about as thick as a garden hose into the mouth and down the throat of the patient. When the tube reaches the stomach, staples are placed to create a narrow passage that reduces the amount of food that can move from the upper stomach to the lower stomach, causing patients to feel fuller quicker and eat less. So far, this scar-free procedure has been tested on about 200 patients in the U.S. and about 100 patients in Europe, with the European group having lost an average of 45 percent of their body weight after about 18 months. These preliminary results seem promising, according to doctors involved in the two studies.

The research being conducted on this experimental surgery is being funded by Satiety Inc., the California-based company that developed the medical devices used in the procedure. So far, the procedure is only being performed in the studies, however, Satiety Inc. plans to see federal approval if results continue to be positive. Dr. Gregg Nishi, a surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, stated that so far, the results of this are somewhat better than the typical results a patient would experience with traditional stomach stapling. Patients receiving this procedure can expect a reduced chance of infection, less pain and a faster recovery than those receiving conventional obesity surgeries.

One risk of the procedure is perforating the esophagus, which did happen to one study participant. Aside from that, no other major complications have been reported by any of the 10 centers involved in the U.S. study. Side effects of the surgery include sore throats, abdominal pain lasting less than a week and nausea. Each patient involved in the study will be followed for a minimum of one year and researchers are expected to have the final results by 2010. Any medical procedure can have serious complications if performed incorrectly or carelessly by a doctor. If you or a loved one has medical malpractice questions in New York, please contact the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C., serving clients with Brooklyn surgery malpractice, Bronx surgery malpractice, Queens surgery malpractice, Nassau surgery malpractice and Suffolk surgery malpractice cases.

Motorcycle Accidents

2009-06-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

Any motorcyclist will be quick to tell you the many advantages a motorcycle has over the typical passenger vehicle. Fuel economy is the obvious one, especially now with gas prices being what they are. Motorcycles are generally cheaper to own and maintain than automobiles. In a city infamous for its traffic congestion and limited parking - New York City, for example - a motorcycle can make commuting and running errands far less frustrating and time-consuming. Not to mention the thrill and enjoyment that riding a motorcycle provides.

Like it or not, motorcycles are dangerous. The risk of serious injury or death in a motorcycle accident is exponentially greater than if you are behind the wheel of an automobile. Statistics show that in accidents involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle:

Motorcyclists are 34 times more likely to die than the driver of the passenger vehicle.
98 percent of total fatalities in such accidents consist of the operator of the motorcycle or a passenger on the motorcycle.
The motorcycle is recorded as the striking vehicle in 75 percent of these accidents, despite the widely held belief that it is usually the driver of the passenger vehicle striking the motorcyclist because they do not see them.

Motorcycle accidents are subject to a number of different laws, regulations, and insurance issues than other automobiles. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you will want to consult with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Please call or e-mail our motorcycle accident attorney today for a free consultation in the New York area, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, and New York City.

Top 10 Stroke Risk Factors & Ways to Lower Your Risk

2009-05-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability. Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable and a person can reduce their risk of stroke by following the Stroke Prevention Guidelines established by the National Stroke Association's Stroke Prevention Advisory Board. According to the Association, major risk factors for stroke include:

Age - Stroke risk increases with age. After the age of 55, the risk of stroke doubles every decade.
Gender - Stroke is more common in men than women, but women are more likely to die from stroke than men.
Race - The rate of stroke for African Americans is twice that of whites. Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islander also have a higher risk of stroke than non-Hispanic whites.
Genetics- People with a family history of stroke have a higher risk themselves.
Previous Stroke or TIA - Already having a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (ministroke) results in a 25 to 40 percent chance of having another stroke in the next 5 years.
Hypertension - High blood pressure increases the strain on the blood vessels in the brain, creating a higher possibility of stroke.
Heart Disease - By preventing heart disease, the risk of stroke can be reduced significantly.
Nutrition - Consuming too much sodium and not eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish can increase a person's stroke risk.
Fitness - The risk of stroke is higher for people that are overweight or obese. Getting a sufficient amount of exercise can reduce a person's risk of stroke.
Diabetes - Stroke risk is higher for people with diabetes, so it is important to treat the disease actively.

Although some stroke risk factors are unavoidable, others are. People with any preventable risk factors should work with their doctors to reduce their risk of stroke and other health conditions. If you or a loved one has been the victim of stroke malpractice in New York as a result of a delay in diagnosis or treatment, call or e-mail the malpractice lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our firm serves clients with Brooklyn stroke malpractice, Bronx stroke malpractice, Manhattan stroke malpractice, Queens stroke malpractice, Nassau stroke malpractice and Suffolk stroke malpractice cases. Call today for your FREE consultation.

Brain Surgery Patient Left on Table, Surgeon Steps Down

2009-05-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

On April 10, 2009, a 32-year old mother of three from Pennsylvania was scheduled to have a shunt inserted into her brain at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. The patient's head was shaved in preparation for the surgery and she was placed under general anesthesia, only to be woken up and falsely told that her surgeon, Dr. Paolo Bolognese, had a "family emergency" and that her surgery had not taken place. When Bolognese, a $2.4 million-a-year neurosurgeon at the Long Island hospital, failed to appear for the scheduled surgery, his boss and operating partner, Dr. Thomas Milhorat, refused to cover for him. On April 17th, North Shore University Hospital suspended both Bolognese and Milhorat, who was the chief of neurosurgery at the hospital and the highest paid surgeon in New York. Just two weeks later, Milhorat stepped down from his $7.2 million-a-year position. Hospital officials stated that given Milhorat's age of 73, they have been planning for his retirement for some time, although he will continue his academic research activities with the hospital. After four weeks of suspension, Bolognese, 48, was reinstated May 18th by North Shore University Hospital with the full support of the hospital administration.

Milhorat and Bolognese performed more than 3,000 neurosurgical procedures at The Chiari Institute, which North Shore University Hospital opened in 2003 to treat patients with a rare defect called a Chiari malformation. The Chiari Institute, which Milhorat also stepped down as the head of, treats patients from around the country suffering from the debilitating headaches, visual disturbances and other problems that are caused by the malformation. The institute is world renowned for the treatment they provide and Milhorat is thought of as an expert on Chiari malformation. However, with the announcement of Milhorat and Bolognese's suspensions, it was also reveled that the two surgeons, along with North Shore University Hospital, are facing several malpractice lawsuits. The state Health Department is investigating the April 10th incident involving Bolognese and Milhorat and a new chairmain will be announced later this month to replace Milhorat. If a doctor is negligent or makes a mistake that results in serious injury or death, that doctor may be held responsible for the injuries incurred. If you or a loved one was injured by surgical malpractice in New York City or Long Island, please call or e-mail us today for a free consultation with our experienced surgery malpractice attorneys. Our firm serves clients with Bronx surgical malpractice, Brooklyn surgical malpractice, Queens surgical malpractice, Manhattan surgical malpractice and New York City surgical malpractice cases.

Folic Acid Lowers Rate of Infants Born with Heart Defects

2009-05-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Back in1996, the Food and Drug Administration required that folic acid be added to cereals, pastas, rice, enriched breads, flours, corn meals and other grain products in the United States. About eight years later in 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the number of infants born with anecephaly, a defect in the closure of the neural tube during fetal development, or spina bifida, a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings during the first month of pregnancy, had dropped 26 percent. Anecephaly and spina bifida are both neural tube birth defects that have both been reduced by the addition of folic acid to these grain products. Now, a recent study out of Quebec has found that folic acid, a type of vitamin B, may also prevent infant heart defects. The study, conducted by researchers at McGill University in Montreal, looked at data on 1.3 million births from 1990 to 2005 in Quebec, where as of 1998 it was required to add folic acid to flour and pasta as part of Canada's fortification policy. Researchers found that of those 1.3 million births, 2,803 children were born with heart defects, which amounts to 1.57 per every 1,000 births. They also found that before the folic acid requirement, there was no change in the rate of infants born with heart defects. However, after those foods were required to be fortified with folic acid, there was a 6 percent decrease each year in the number of babies born with heart defects.

The study, which is published in the British Medical Journal's online edition, serves as new proof that the addition of folic acid to grain products is beneficial and should be adopted in other countries. According to the Mayo Clinic, congenital heart defects are problems in the heart's formation and depending on the severity can require a series of surgeries to treat the problem. Although serious heart defects are rare, evidence that the addition of folic acid to a mother's diet can lower the risks of the defects is substantial. To add more folic acid to their diets and further reduce the risk of giving birth to a child with heart and neural tube birth defects, pregnant women can take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Many birth problems are the result of negligence on the part of a doctor or medical professional. If your child has suffered an injury during birth that may have been preventable, please call or e-mail us today. Our experienced attorneys have helped clients with Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury, Nassau birth injury and Suffolk birth injury cases. Call or send an instant inquiry today and we will evaluate your case for FREE.

Weight Gain in Teen Years May Increase Heart Disease Risk

2009-05-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

According to a recent study conducted by researchers in Sweden, gaining large amounts of weight as a teenager increases a person's risk of eventually developing heart disease. Weight gain during adolescence usually results in deep abdominal fat, or visceral fat, which surrounds the organs of the abdomen. The researchers looked at 612 male study participants 18 to 20 and found that those participants whose body mass index (BMI) increased the most during their teen years had the largest amounts of visceral fat, raising their risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, those study participants that gained weight during adolescence generally had more superficial abdominal fat, which is just below the skin above the abdominal muscles and is less of a health risk than deep abdominal fat. Researchers involved in the study also reported that significant changes in BMI that occur later on in childhood were only associated with levels of superficial abdominal fat in adulthood.

The study's findings, which were published in Diabetes, a journal of the American Diabetes Association, suggests that preventing weight gain, especially during teen years, may prevent the development of visceral belly fat. The results of this study support preceding data suggesting that overweight and obese teenagers can experience an increased risk of developing heart problems, including heart disease, by middle age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a heart attack or other heart-related problem, call or e-mail the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. We serve clients with Manhattan medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Bronx medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice, Nassau medical malpractice and Suffolk medical malpractice cases. We also serve clients located in Staten Island and Westchester County.

Drinking Well Water May Increase Risk of Bladder Cancer

2009-04-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly 69,000 cases of bladder cancer were diagnosed last year in the U.S. and more than 14,000 people died as a result of the disease. One common risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking, which is also the major cause of lung, larynx, oral, throat and esophageal cancer and is associated with pancreatic, cervical, kidney and stomach cancers, in addition to certain leukemias. However, a recent study has revealed that drinking well water can increase a person's risk of developing bladder cancer. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that the consumption of well water was associated with a higher prevalence of bladder cancer in women, as well as a higher rate of death from the cancer in both genders. Researchers involved with the study suggested that this higher incidence may be caused by pesticides that enter the water in unregulated wells. This well water, along with those pesticides, is then consumed, increasing the risk of developing bladder and other types of cancer.

The study, which will be presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Urological Association, also found that a person's risk of developing or dying from bladder cancer is inversely related to their level of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In addition, the study supported earlier research suggesting that cigarette smoking is directly linked to the development of bladder cancer and death from the disease. The risk of developing bladder cancer is about three times higher for men than it is for women and there are various tests available to help detect this type of cancer. As with all cancers, bladder cancer treatment is most effective when the cancer is caught early on. If you or someone you love has been harmed by a delay in diagnosis or treatment of cancer, our cancer malpractice attorneys can help. Your initial consultation is FREE and there is NO FEE to you unless we recover money. Call Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today, or submit an instant inquiry now and we will respond within 24 hours. Our experienced attorneys serve clients with Bronx cancer malpractice, Brooklyn cancer malpractice, Queens cancer malpractice, Long Island cancer malpractice and Manhattan cancer malpractice cases.

Melatonin Supplements May Improve Sleep Problems in Autistic Children

2009-04-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

Nearly 90 percent of children with autism spectrum disorder and 77 percent of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) experience problems with sleep. These problems can make it extremely difficult for both the child and their parents when it comes time for bed. However, a recent study lead by Beth L. Goodlin-Jones of the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California Davis Health System in Sacramento, California has found that over-the-counter melatonin supplements may help reduce sleep problems in children with autism and FXS. The small-scale study included 12 children with autism spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, or both between the ages of 2 and 15. During the first half of the month long study, the children were randomly selected to take either a melatonin supplement or a placebo. After that two week period, the children were switched to the alternative for the remaining two weeks. On average, the melatonin supplement increased sleep duration by 21 minutes compared to the placebo. The supplement also shortened sleep-onset latency, or the amount of time it takes a person to fall asleep, by 28 minutes and reduced sleep-onset time by 42 minutes.

The findings of this study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, may be extremely helpful to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome who experience sleep problems. In addition to melatonin supplements, which can be purchased over-the-counter, behavior therapies and sleep hygiene practices may also be used to manage or improve these sleep problems. Easing the stress and frustration experienced at bedtime by both children with special needs and their parents can be extremely helpful, since children with sleep problems can sometimes take one or two hours to fall asleep. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder or fragile X syndrome should ask their pediatrician before using melatonin supplements to ease sleep problems. If you believe your child's autism was caused by a doctor's negligence, call or e-mail the attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. Our Manhattan birth injury, Bronx birth injury, Brooklyn birth injury, Queens birth injury and Long Island birth injury attorneys will evaluate your case at no charge to you. Call or submit and instant inquiry today for your FREE consultation.