(December 9, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, neither vitamin C nor E supplementation reduces the risk of prostate cancer. In a study of over 14,600 male physicians who were randomized to receive vitamin C or E supplements or a placebo, researchers found that those taking supplements did not have a lower risk of prostate cancer or other site-specific cancers such as colorectal, lung, bladder or pancreatic.

From Geneva - According to another study in JAMA, the steroid medication dexamethasone, which is used to reduce nausea and vomiting after tonsillectomies, is linked with an increased risk for postoperative bleeding. In a study of 215 children undergoing tonsillectomy, researchers found that 24% of those who received 0.5 mg/kg of dexamethasone experienced postoperative bleeding, compared to only 4% of those who received placebo.

And finally, from Houston - According to research in the journal Circulation, women who suffer from a serious heart attack are almost twice as likely to die than men. In a study of nearly 80,000 patients, researchers found that the in-hospital mortality rate for women who had suffered an ST-elevation myocardial infarction was 10.2%, compared to 5.5% for men. The researchers suggest that differences in patient characteristics and treatment are both likely contributing factors.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Allison Chow from Queen's University.