(February 28, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Geneva - The WHO has revealed that a surprisingly high number of TB cases are now drug resistant. The survey included over 90,000 TB patients, and has determined that half of the countries studied have recorded cases of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. Incomplete treatment of the bacteria is believed to be the cause of the resistance.

From Nottingham - Smoking in those with pre-eclampsia, a condition in which pregnant women develop high blood pressure, can result in problems with a newly delivered baby. In a study of over 1000 women with pre-eclampsia, smoking nearly doubled the risk of having an underweight baby and raised the risk of having a premature baby by 50%. Smoking during pregnancy is also a risk for premature birth, low birth weight, and mental deficits.

And finally, from Atlanta - The CDC now recommends that children between 6 months and 18 years be vaccinated every year. While the flu is usually a benign self-limiting condition, infection with the influenza virus can be lethal in a small number of cases, particularly in the very young and elderly. Last year nearly 70 children between 5 and 17 died from the flu.

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