One study found that 2% of patients with a first-recognized episode of venous thromboembolism who were younger than 40 years, died in the hospital, most of them probably from a pulmonary embolism.[1] In addition to a risk of a fatal pulmonary embolism, venous thrombosis contributes to significant functional disability, with an estimated one-third to over one-half of patients with venous thrombosis developing post-thrombotic syndrome, a chronic complication that consists of pain, swelling,… [read post]

Children may excrete HAV longer than adults.[29] Seventy percent of HAV infections in children younger than six years of age are asymptomatic; in older children and adults, infection tends to be symptomatic with more than 70% of those infected developing jaundice.[30] Symptoms typically begin about 28 days after contracting HAV, but can begin as early as 15 days or as late as 50 days after exposure.[31] The symptoms include muscle aches, headache, anorexia (loss of appetite), abdominal… [read post]

Children younger than 5 years of age, immunocompromised persons, and the elderly should avoid eating alfalfa sprouts until their safety can be assured. [read post]