CU Anschutz In The News

In early November, an advisory panel to the FDA voted unanimously to approve expanded use of the prescription drug, Vascepa, which is made from one type of omega-3 fatty acid, called eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA for short. “Pharmaceutical drugs are regulated by the FDA, so the manufacturing has to meet high standards, so you can be sure that when you take it you are getting the amount listed on the label, and it is safe and free of impurities,” says Cecilia Low Wang, another member of the FDA advisory panel and a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

 People with type 1 diabetes may be more than twice as likely to develop potentially fatal complications when they use cannabis somewhat regularly than when they avoid the drug or rarely indulge, a study suggests. “Cannabis is a known addictive substance, and this potentially problematic aspect of cannabis use should be assessed in patients with type 1 diabetes,” study leader Gregory Kinney of the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora and colleagues write.

Canadian researchers analyzed blood samples from almost 200 babies seen at a hospital in Toronto, looking for levels of protective antibodies to measles, which indicate immunity. Dr. Sean O’Leary, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado in Aurora and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the new study offers more reason for all people to get their recommended measles vaccinations — to protect not only themselves but also others in the community who are at risk.

Because symptoms can be vague or families may not know if they have risk factors, some experts have argued that testing all kids for celiac antibodies is best. Dr. Marian Rewers, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Stahl’s colleague, regularly sees patients who, in his mind, could have benefited from universal screening.

Emily Daniels, who was a non-smoker in her early 30's, was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer just 21 months ago. She joined 9News with Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, professor and director of thoracic oncology, at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Emily has become an advocate for other people battling the disease. She and Brian organized a golf tournament – Links for Lungs – which tees off again on Sept. 11. Last year’s debut tournament raised over $130,000 for the Lung Cancer of Colorado Fund.

Dr. Laura Borgelt from the CU Skaggs Schools of Pharmacy explains the impact of Vitamin E being heated and inhaled. Vitamin C can be used as an agent that is added to THC and nicotine products and causes severe lung injury. There are almost 2,200 cases as of yesterday. 

A veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who suffered two traumatic brain injuries while overseas now serves as a resource for others trying to recover from the same experience at the Marcus Institute for Brain Health at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. James Kelly is the executive director of the Marcus Institute for Brain Health on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Milo said Kelly helped him to recover from his traumatic brain injury (TBI) and that eventually lead him to work for the doctor at the institute. 

A partnership between the Sheridan School District and CU’s College of Nursing is improving access to health care for students. The reach of the medical staff goes far beyond those appointments. Integrating the clinic into the Sheridan School campus provides access that Superintendent Pat Sandos says is invaluable for his community. “We have 1,350 kids, about 85% are free and reduced in some form and then we have a homeless population that’s about one out of four kids,” he said.