(October 31, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Washington - According to research presented to the American College of Chest Physicians, using older blood for a transfusion may be harmful. In a study of over 400 patients given blood transfusions, researchers found that those who were given blood that was 29 days or more old developed conditions like blood stream infections, pneumonia, heart valve infections and sepsis at twice the rate of those who received blood that was only up to 28 days old.

From Baltimore - According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, a combination of drug and behavioral therapy offers the best results for children with anxiety. In a study of nearly 500 kids, researchers found that 81% of those who received both the drug sertraline and 14 sessions with a behavioral therapist had their symptoms improve, compared to only 55-60% who received drug or behavior therapy alone.

And finally, back to Washington - According to the advocacy group Public Citizen, the anti-diabetes drug rosiglitazone, sold under the trade name Avandia, should be taken off the market due to unacceptable liver risks. In a review of FDA data, the group found 14 previously unpublished cases of severe drug-induced liver failure, including 12 deaths. The drug's manufacturer insists that a review by an independent panel has said that the liver risks were acceptable.

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