Health trends

UWI's Cytogenetics Lab opened

On July 29, 2011, the Department of Pathology, UWI, opened its new Cytogenetics Laboratory, which will provide facilities for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, a service which has been unavailable in Jamaica for several years.

The laboratory, the only one in the English-speaking Caribbean, was financed by the CHASE Fund at a cost of about $20 million. The new laboratory will allow the identification of disease-causing chromosomal abnormalities in a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to: children with developmental abnormalities, mental disorders, congenital anomalies (including congenital heart disease), and some seizure disorders, adults with infertility and some women with recurrent miscarriages.

Chromosomal abnormalities are also responsible for many cancers, and characteristic recurrent abnormalities are seen in many leukaemias, lymphomas and soft tissue sarcomas. In these cancers, the identification of chromosomal abnormalities allows for crucial sub-classification of the cancer, and in some cancers, the specific abnormality also gives an indication of prognosis and determines the type of therapy that the patient should receive. Patients who require chromosome analysis will no longer need to access this service outside the region.

- Source: The CHASE Fund

Vasopressin injection recall

American Regent, Inc. is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of multiple lots of Vasopressin Injection, USP to the Retail/Hospital level. This product recall was initiated by American Regent, Inc. because some vials may not maintain potency throughout their shelf-life. Potential adverse events after administration of solutions that are below potency limits may include reduced effectiveness.

The products were distributed to wholesalers and distributors nationwide. Affected lot numbers are available on the website. Vasopressin Injection, USP is indicated for prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal distention, in abdominal roentgenography to dispel interfering gas shadows, and in diabetes insipidus.

- Source: US Food and Drug Administration