(October 20, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the Archives of Surgery, those who receive beta-blockers before undergoing surgery are more likely to suffer a heart attack or die within 30 days. In a study of over 1,200 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, researchers found that the rate of heart attack among those taking beta-blockers was nearly 3% compared to 0.74% of controls, and the rate of death was 2.5% compared to 0.25% of controls.

From New Hampshire - According to research in the Archives of Dermatology, children and adults who undergo patch testing for allergens are equally likely to have allergic contact dermatitis. In a study of nearly 400 children and over 9,600 adults, researchers found that participants tested positive for at least one allergen at about the same rate: 51% in children and 54% in adults. However, 15% of children reacted to supplemental allergens that are not included in common patch tests.

And finally, from Taipei - According to research in the Archives of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, chest scans may help detect disease progression in the lungs among those with head and neck cancer. In a study of 270 chest CT scans, researchers found that the rate of abnormal scans was 44% in a follow-up case group, compared to 14% in a new case group. The researchers conclude that chest CT is recommended for high-risk patients, particularly during the follow-up period.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.