Scleroderma Information » Scleroderma » THR/TKR & Scleraderma Articles
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Contact: Penny Fuller 215-351-2656 American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine Annals of Internal Medicine, tip sheet, June 6, 2000 Long-term anticoagulant probably not needed after knee or hip surgery Although the anticoagulant low-molecular-weight heparin is often used after knee and hip replacement surgery to prevent development of leg blood clots, a new study found that extended out-of-hospital use does not significantly reduce venous thromboembolism or death (Article, p. 853). An editorial says that the most promising approaches to prevent leg blood clots after knee and hip replacement surgery are to minimize clot formation while patients are in the hospital and lower the cost of the drug (Editorial, p. 914). * * * Recombinant hormone may help scleroderma In an early drug trial, recombinant human relaxin significantly reduced skin thickening and improved mobility in patients with moderate to severe diffuse scleroderma (Article, p. 871). Scleroderma is a progressive, disabling disease in which the skin and some internal organs harden. It is difficult to treat, and no therapies to date prevent or reverse the hardening. In the phase-two trial involving 68 patients, recombinant human relaxin showed promise at a dose of 25 micrograms of body weight per day for 24 weeks but had no effect at 100 micrograms.
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Speaking of scleroderma, this month is Scleroderma awareness month and they’ve found a great spokesperson. Tylyn John, Playboy Playmate
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