NetWellness Research Center

Lung Scarring

James Allen, Jr MD — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:11:00 EST

Question: Read article in which states Serracor NK doesn`t help this lung condition. Have any studies been done with Russian medicine "Longidaza" (injections)??

Answer: Longidaza (also known as longidase) has been used experimentally in Russia for treatment of prostatitis. There are no medical studies of its use in interstitial lung disease.

Ask an Expert: James Allen, Jr MD, Research Center

Protecting my Confidentiality

Mary Lawless MA, RN — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:11:00 EST

Question:

If I participate in a research study how can I be sure my employer won`t find out?

Answer:

There are several ways to ensure a research volunteer's information remains confidential. First, in order for the research to be approved, the IRB, institutional review board, determines that, when appropriate, there are . . .

Ask an Expert: Mary Lawless MA, RN, Research Center

Finding a Research Study

Carson Reider PhD — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:11:00 EST

Question:

I have a relative who lives in Iowa and has lung cancer. How can I find research studies for her?

Answer:

Here are two options that I propose:

1. Go to ClinicalTrials.gov and conduct a search using "lung cancer"; as you scroll through studies, go to the location section to view where the study is being conducted, and then contact the listed c . . .

Ask an Expert: Carson Reider PhD, Research Center

Anesthesia Intravenous Catheter Blockage

Gareth Kantor MD — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:10:00 EST

Question: Hello: I would like to ask a medical procedures question. I have heard that during long surgical procedures the IV needle used to administer fluids may become blocked due to the human body`s immune system. I believe proteins cover the end of the needle, thus slowing the flow.

During the operati . . .

Answer:

Ultrasound is used by anesthesiologists to image blood vessels in order to accurately and safely place central venous catheters.

Intravenous lines do not generally block with protein deposits or due to an immune reaction.

Once an intravenous line is placed, it is not possible to replace . . .

Ask an Expert: Gareth Kantor MD, Research Center

Estrogen Depletion and ADHD Worsening

Cynthia Evans MD — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 12:03:00 EST

Question: I am a 51 year old female with lifelong ADHD. I have taken stimulant medication(Adderall) for eight years, and it has been mostly effective for me. For the past year, I have been in perimenopause and have noticed my ADD symptoms (attention and impulse control especially)are getting more frequent, se . . .

Answer: I'm not aware of any studies specifically looking at ADHD during menopause. Depression is more common during that time, and needs to be treated with antidepressants. Hormone therapy is not effective. I would see your psychiatrist for an adjustment of your medications.

Ask an Expert: Cynthia Evans MD, Research Center

Dental Amalgam

Daniel Reed DDS — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:11:00 EST

Question: What are some illnesses that may arise from the absorption of dental amalgam?

Answer: Other than one study done years ago and never duplicated, there are no illnesses associated with absorption of dental amalgam. There is mercury in the fillings, but it is not released once the filling is done.

Ask an Expert: Daniel Reed DDS, Research Center

Trial Drug: Pirfenidone

James Allen, Jr MD — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:11:00 EST

Question: I have a friend in China who suffers from severe pulmonary fibrosis. I heard of Pirfenidone, which is still under clinical trial, and is not available in Asia. I would like to know what we can do so he may be allowed to participate as a study subject for such a medicine. It is a life and death situa . . .

Answer: Pirfenidone is approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Japan and can be obtained in that country from licensed physicians. The U.S. FDA did not approve Pirfenidone for use in this country, and the company that owns the rights to pirfenidone has not yet decided about whether to do an additional . . .

Ask an Expert: James Allen, Jr MD, Research Center

Natural Vision Improvement

Aaron Zimmerman OD, MS — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 05:08:00 EST

Question: Is "natural vision improvement", under a method by Janet Goodrich, a valid approach to treating myopia in children? My children have been prescribed corrective lenses for myopia and my spouse wishes to treat them with this alternative method.

Answer: You have asked an excellent question that cannot be answered easily.

There are multiple websites available such as the "natural vision improvement" site that offer alternative methods to treat myopia. After reviewing the website I can assure you that many of the claims made by Ms. Goodric . . .

Ask an Expert: Aaron Zimmerman OD, MS, Research Center

Serracor-NK

Clay Marsh MD — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:07:00 EST

Question: Is SERRACOR-N K a viable treatment for pulmonary fibrosis? Has it been tested in clinical trials? I am interested in taking it, but I need more info. I don`t want to take something that may cause other problems.

Answer: Serrapeptase has not been tested in well-designed randomized controlled studies in humans and there is currently no compelling scientific evidence that it has any benefit to patients with pulmonary fibrosis. In fact, there are at least two reports of patients developing interstitial lung disease aft . . .

Ask an Expert: Clay Marsh MD, Research Center

Risks and Benefits of Coconut Water for High Blood Pressure

Julie Kennel PhD, RD, LD, CSSD — Sun, 30 May 2010 11:05:00 EST

Question: I have high blood pressure. I have tried unripe green coconut water several times, and it has increased my pressure every time. But, I read an online article that said unripe green coconut water is good for High Blood Pressure. I have found the following information about salt (sodium) levels in gre . . .

Answer: Coconut water contains 252 mg of sodium in one cup (240 grams).
That amount is about 11% of the Daily Value of one's sodium intake. The same amount has minerals that help protect from high blood pressure - 600 mg of potassium (17% Daily Value), 60 mg magnesium (15% Daily Value), and almost 60 . . .

Ask an Expert: Julie Kennel PhD, RD, LD, CSSD, Research Center