(December 3, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, brand name drugs are no better than generic versions. In an analysis of 47 clinical trials covering 9 subclasses of cardiovascular drugs, researchers found no statistically significant difference between brand name and generic drugs. This comes despite the general notion among doctors and patients that brand names are more effective when in fact they are simply more expensive.

From the Netherlands - According to research in the journal Thorax, asthma risk is higher in children born by cesarean section. In a study of almost 3,000 children who were followed up to age 8, researchers found that those born by c-section were nearly 80% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma than those delivered naturally. The increased risk rose to 200% among cesarean-born children with two allergic parents.

And finally, from Vancouver - According to research in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of cardiovascular death. In an analysis of 24 clinical studies involving over 111,000 patients, researchers found that those with rheumatoid arthritis had a 59% increased mortality risk from ischemic heart disease, and a 52% increased mortality risk from stroke.

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