Rounds

Study compares contraceptives and lipids

Susan Hendrix, DO, associate professor of ob/gyn, participated in a national trial that studied lipid levels associated with contraception alternatives. Wayne State University was one of eight centers looking at lipid profiles of women who used either oral contraceptives or monthly injections of Lunelle.

A study published in the March 15 issue of Contraception showed that Lunelle does not contribute to increased risk for coronary heart disease over one year of use.

Although cardiovascular disease is relatively rare in premenopausal women, it has been a concern for women who use hormonal methods of contraception, particularly oral contraceptives, because the estrogen and progestin components cause changes in carbohydrate and lipoprotein metabolism. These changes have been associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease.

According to this study, women who used Lunelle for one year experienced decreases in total cholesterol, total triglycerides and apolioprotein B, which had a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease risk.

Improving care for schizophrenic patients

Unfortunately, some patients with schizophrenia depend  heavily on emergency psychiatric treatment, thereby indicating a void in the curent health care and support system, said Cynthia Arfken, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences.

With a three-year grant from the Ethel and James Flinn Family Foundation, Dr. Arfken is trying to improve health services for schizophrenic patients, beginning with the Detroit Receiving Hospital Crisis Center. Last year, some patients used the Crisis Center up to 60 times, according to Dr. Arfken's reports. This is a clear indication that their care needs are not being met, she said.

“Patients with schizophrenia need care, support and connection to ongoing primary care,” said Dr. Arfken. One of the major objectives of this grant is to help patients who frequently rely on emergency services to use treatment options that better suit their needs or develop new ones.

Medical student, former paramedic performs CPR

Year I medical student Theresa Marosi drew great praise from Detroit police officers and Children’s Hospital physicians when she attempted to revive and rescue a seven-year-old from the scene of a traffic accident.

While driving on I-75, Marosi and her classmate, Kristina Loomis, stopped at an accident scene after seeing that a child had been thrown from the car. Marosi’s previous training as a paramedic for Huron Valley Ambulance came in handy as she immediately performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the child while Loomis helped hold open the airway. Marosi accompanied the child to the emergency room in the back of a police car.

“It’s unfortunate that most people, including medical students, have not had CPR training,” said Marosi. “I’d love to see a requirement enacted for all medical students to have basic first-aid and life support classes very early in the curriculum.”

Police officers and physicians involved in the case called Marosi’s efforts “heroic” and they lauded her for being compassionate and professional.

WSU innovators recognized by Crain’s

A special section in Crain’s Detroit Business, called The Creators, recognized several Wayne State faculty members for their innovative and visionary medical research. Those honored include: 

• Jerome Horwitz, PhD, professor of internal medicine, who invented AZT, the first drug to fight HIV;

• Albert King, PhD, professor of bioengineering, who developed computerized crash test dummies;

• and J. Richard Spears, MD, professor of internal medicine, who uses aqueous oxygen for healing therapy.

Black Medical Association Continues Tradition of Outreach

“Why do I look like my parents?” “What happens when I eat?” “What do I look like on the inside?” On February 26th, 300 Detroit Public School students learned the answers to these and many more questions at the 11th annual Reach Out to Youth program.

Sponsored by WSU’s Black Medical Association (BMA), the program brings Detroit school children to Wayne State to learn about basic health care and nutritional issues. Workshops were also offered on Afrocentric self-esteem and career exploration both within and outside the medical field.

The purpose of the program, according to 2nd year medical student and event co-chair Ebony Hoskins, is to “explore the children’s curiosity about math and science through interactions with people in academic and professional positions.”

The BMA is the School of Medicine’s chapter of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), which represents minority student groups nationwide. With annual membership of more than 50 students, the Wayne State chapter is the largest SNMA chapter in the country. According to BMA president and 2nd year medical student Karriem Watson, the group’s mission is to “serve as a support system both academic and social for African-American students and to maintain matriculation levels.