Consumer Health Digest, Issue #22-40 (original) (raw)

Consumer Health Digest is a free weekly e-mail newsletter edited by William M. London, Ed.D., M.P.H., with help from Stephen Barrett, M.D., It summarizes scientific reports; legislative developments; enforcement actions; other news items; Web site evaluations; recommended and nonrecommended books; research tips; and other information relevant to consumer protection and consumer decision-making. The Digest’s primary focus is on health, but occasionally it includes non-health scams and practical tips. Items posted to this archive may be updated when relevant information becomes available. To subscribe, click here

Anti-vaccine pediatrician must surrender his medical license. The medical license of Paul Norman Thomas, M.D., an influential anti-vaccine activist, must be surrendered 60 days after entering into a stipulated order with the Oregon Medical Board October 6. Thomas also agreed to never reapply for a license to practice medicine in Oregon.

In December 2020, the Oregon Medical Board issued an order of emergency suspension to Thomas for putting his patients at risk with his anti-vaccine comments and other unprofessional practices. In 2021, the Board issued an Amended Complaint and Notice of Proposed Disciplinary Action to Thomas that alleged violations of the Medical Practice Act that included:

Syphilis screening recommendation reaffirmed. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has reaffirmed its 2016 recommendation for screening asymptomatic, nonpregnant adolescents and adults who have been sexually active and are at increased risk for syphilis infection. It concluded that the evidence is convincing that the benefits of recommended screening substantially outweigh the harms. [Syphilis infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Sept 27, 2022] A JAMA Patient Page explains what consumers need to know about syphilis and the screening recommendation. [Jin J. Screening for syphilis. JAMA, 328:1266, 2022]

Hype for cord-blood treatment of autism criticized. Stem cell biologist Paul Knoepfler, PhD, has criticized Viacord, one of the best-known for-profit umbilical-cord-blood banking firms, for claiming on its website that “special properties of cord blood stem cells” may help those with autism. Viacord cited a study that found no benefit of cord blood for autism, while “a subset of data was spun as potentially having a glimmer of usefulness.” The prices quoted on Viacord’s website include 2,595for“cordblood+tissuebanking”and2,595 for “cord blood + tissue banking” and 2,595for“cordblood+tissuebanking”and350 for “annual storage.” [Knoepfler P. Review of cord banker Viacord: Dubious autism claims & other concerns. The Niche, Sept 6, 2022] Professor Knoepfler previously provided a useful guide for parents contemplating banking their baby’s cord blood. [Knoepfler P. Fact-checking, pros and cons of cord blood banking. The Niche, Jan 19, 2021]

Evidence lacking for “bioenergy therapies” in cancer care. Researchers analyzed 21 randomized controlled trials of reiki, therapeutic touch, healing touch, or polarity therapy that included a total of 1,375 adult cancer patients. The trials were reported in English or German and located through a systematic search of five major databases. Effects on patients’ anxiety, depression, mood disturbances, fatigue, quality of life, neurotoxicity, pain, or nausea were considered. [Hauptmann M. and others. Bioenergy therapies as a complementary treatment: A systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of bioenergy therapies in relieving treatment toxicities in patients with cancer. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, Sept 27, 2022] The researchers concluded:

In the overall evaluation of bioenergy therapies, no advantage over placebo, massage, relaxation response therapy, yoga, meditation, relaxation training, companionship, friendly visit, resting, education and usual care was found. All in all, it can be assumed that the positive effects were only due to attention and expectation effects. The review also found no evidence that trained Reiki therapists have an advantage over sham therapy. Data on side effects are only mentioned in three studies… However, the instruments intended for recording side effects are not discussed. None of the studies could find relevant side effects.

Over-the-counter hearing aids now available. A final rule issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishing a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids took effect October 17th. Consumers 18 years of age or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment can now buy hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist. The rule applies to certain air-conduction hearing aids that meet specific performance specifications and device-design requirements. It also: (a) amends existing rules that apply to prescription hearing aids to ensure consistency with the new OTC category, (b) repeals the conditions for sale for hearing aids, and (c) includes provisions that address some of the effects of the FDA OTC hearing-aid regulations on state regulation of hearing aids. The FDA concurrently issued the final guidance Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) to clarify the differences between hearing aids, which are medical devices, and PSAPs, which help people with normal hearing amplify sounds. [FDA finalizes historic rule enabling access to over-the-counter hearing aids for millions of Americans. FDA news release, Aug 16, 2022] Narine Oganyan, director of Audiology and Speech Pathology at UCLA Health, advises that over-the-counter hearing aids are not suitable for people:

She advises: (a) people experiencing sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or fluid or blood coming from their ears to seek medical attention right away, and (b) anyone who has concerns about their hearing could speak to their primary care physician, who can then refer them for a hearing test. [Cohen S. Over-the-counter hearing aids are coming—what does that mean for you? UCLA Health, Sept 9, 2022]

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