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CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL TIP SHEET: Jan. 14, 1999

DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH BRAIN, SPINAL CORD TUMORS OPENS

A new diagnostic and treatment program for children with brain and spinal cord tumors opens this month at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute. The new center will provide a level of expertise and comprehensive care that is unmatched in the Southern California area, with access to therapeutic trials that may be available at no other center in the nation. With specialists in pediatric oncology, neurology and endocrinology, neuroradiology, radiation therapy, neuropsychology, genetics and more, this comprehensive program offers a well-orchestrated plan to ensure continuity of care from diagnosis, through therapy and into reintegration at school and long-term follow-up. Interviews: Paul M. Zeltzer, M.D., Specialist in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute Keith L. Black, M.D., Director, Cedars-Sinai Maxine Duntiz Neurosurgical Institute

BACTERIA BECOMING INCREASINGLY RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS, NEW VACCINES ON THE HORIZON

Streptococcus pneumoniae, bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections in adults and especially children, are rapidly becoming resistant to penicillin and cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone, the most widely used antibiotics currently available to treat bacterial infections, according to Moshe Arditi, M.D., author of a related article in Pediatrics and director of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Interviews: Moshe Arditi, M.D., Director, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

7 ACTIVE RESEARCH PROTOCOLS COMPRISE COMPREHENSIVE ìSUCCESS WITH HEART FAILUREî PROGRAM

Seven active research protocols currently under way at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are part of a new program that has set its sights on one of the largest single diagnoses in cardiology ñ congestive heart failure. The seven clinical trials, many of which are randomized and study the effectiveness and dosages of various medications, are collectively one part of the medical centerís Comprehensive Heart Failure program. The second component in this unique program involves making Cedars-Sinai cardiologists available to primary care and other physicians in the community in a consultative capacity. Interviews: Americo Simonini, M.D., Cardiologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

NATIONAL GLAUCOMA AWARENESS MONTH

Flight attendant Vesta McDermott credits a chance encounter with a passenger in the darkened cabin of a DC-10 with saving her sight. That passenger was Michael S. Berlin, M.D., an ophthalmologist on the medical staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who recognized the signs of advanced glaucoma in Vesta's left eye. Dr. Berlin's expertise so impressed Vesta, who had undergone treatment for the condition for many years, that she made an appointment with him. Today, her glaucoma is under control -- and she attributes it to impressive advancements in medical care and treatment. Interviews: Michael S. Berlin, M.D.; Vesta McDermott, Patient

CORONARY CALCIUM SCAN OFFERS MOST ACCURATE METHOD AVAILABLE FOR DETECTING HEART DISEASE EARLY

Heart Watch, a new cardiac program that features a coronary calcium scan, is now part of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's arsenal in the war on heart disease. This high-tech weapon, made by Imatron, Inc., is a C-150 Ultrafast CT Scanner. Also known as an Electron Beam CT or EBCT, this highly advanced CT scanner has no moving parts, uses an electron gun with a sweeping beam, and is able to detect very small amounts of calcium in artery walls. Interviews: Daniel Berman, M.D., Chief of Cardiac Imaging, Department of Imaging at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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