Filed under: In the news
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The Government has issued new advice which recommends that people who have undergone large head metal-on-metal hip replacements should have annual check-ups to safeguard their health.
The BBC reports that all-metal hips have a high failure rate and rubbing between the ball and up an cause metal to break off.
According to
The Independent , the cobalt-chrome alloy used to make the hip implants can be toxic and can cause local reactions that destroy muscle and bone and can cause severe pain and long-term disability. The metal particles can also enter the bloodstream, spreading to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and kidneys, before being excreted in the urine. There is also concern that they could damage chromosomes, leading to genetic changes which could increase the risk of cancer.
A joint investigation between BBC news night and the British Medical Journal reports that problems with these hips have been known for a long time, but no action has been taken to prevent their use.
The Independent reports that a leading manufacturer of the implants has known about potential dangers to patients since 2005, and health regulators and the Department of Health have been aware since 2006.
Now orthopaedic surgeons have been told to contact affected patients, so that they can be tested to find out if they are at risk.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said on Tuesday that around 49,000 UK patients with large-head hip implants, out of 65,000 with all-metal hips, were at risk.
The regulator said that they should have blood tests to check for metal ions, and MRI scans if they have raised metal levels or show any symptoms.
Dr Susanne Ludgate, Clinical Director of the MHRA, said in a statement: "Clinical evidence shows that patients have a small risk of suffering complications from having metal-on-metal hip implants...
"As a precautionary measure, we have today issued updated patient management and monitoring advice to surgeons and doctors that they should annually monitor patients for the lifetime of their metal-on-metal total hip replacements that are sized 36 millimetres or more because this particular type of hip replacement has a small risk of causing complications in patients.
"This updates previous advice that patients with this type of hip replacement need only be monitored for a minimum of five years after their operation."
Carl Heneghan, Director of the Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine in Oxford, told the BBC that the main problem is that artificial hips, breast implants and other devices which are implanted into the body don't have to face the same rigorous tests as new drugs.
They do not have to pass any clinical trills and only have to obtain a CR manufacturing mark from a notified body that assesses medical devices for use in Europe.
Dr Fiona Godlee, editor in chief of the British Medical Journal, told
The Independent: "Hip replacements are one of the great successes of modern medicine. But a combination of inadequate regulation and untrammelled commercialism has caused actual and potential harm for large numbers of patients."
Have you or a member of your family had hip replacement surgery? Let us know below...
Click on the image below to find out about some common allergy triggers...
- Hair dye
<p>
If you're dreaming of a new hair shade, make sure to take precautions and do a 48-hour patch test first. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is one of the more toxic chemicals found in many types of hair dye and can cause allergic reactions ranging from a tingling of the scalp to severe swelling (sometimes requiring hospitalisation). Look for chemical-free or vegetable-based alternatives. </p>
- Pollen
<p>
While spring and summer herald in sun and fun, the warmer months are also the time of year when hay fever is likely to strike, as a result of breathing in pollen articles or getting pollen in your eyes. Symptoms include itchy eyes, nose, ears or throat, sneezing, a runny nose and sometimes wheezing. Decongestants, anti-histamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays can soothe symptoms and you should keep car and bedroom windows closed at peak pollen times (mid-morning and early evening), wear sunglasses and avoid being out on days with especially high pollen counts. </p>
- Fragrance
<p>
Sneeze every time you get a whiff of certain perfumes? Smells like an allergic reaction, even though fragrances are irritants - not allergens. Symptoms include itchiness and rashes and can appear when a scent has been touched or inhaled. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives in soaps, skincare and cleaning products.</p>
- Dust mites
<p>
Microscopic dust mites like to live in warm, humid environments - like our comfy beds. If that's not unpleasant enough, people develop allergies to their excretions (which can get into the air when someone shakes out the bedsheets or fluffs a pillow). Symptoms are similar to hay fever with asthmatic breathing and itchy eyes. Antihistamines can help relieve symptoms, and becoming a clean freak can help prevent an attack: frequently wash bedding, toys, rugs and pillows, clean furniture regularly and air out the house.</p>
- Latex
<p>
Dishwashing gloves, condoms, some baby bottles and toys, balloons, adhesive bandages and a variety of medical supplies often contain natural rubber latex, which, for some people, causes minor allergic reaction symptoms like bumps, sores, and sneezing. Those with serious latex allergies may be at risk for anaphylactic shock (symptoms include wheezing, nausea, vomiting and loss of breath). In addition to ensuring you use latex-free products, you may want to discuss the possibility of getting an epinephrine pen (in case of emergency) from your doctor.</p>
- Nail varnish and cosmetics
<p>
The reason nail varnishes look so appealing (and smell so strong) is because they are filled with chemicals, which can not only irritate the nail and nail bed but can also cause rashes throughout the body and asthma-like breathing difficulties. Toxic solvents like formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate are now banned from varnishes in the EU, but your best bet is an entirely chemical-free, non-toxic version. Other makeup and cosmetic products can cause similar allergic reactions, so opt for natural, chemical-free alternatives whenever possible.</p>
- Pets
<p>
<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; ">A new study found that </span><a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/28/pet-cats-double-allergy-risk-in-adults/" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; " target="_self">pet cats double the allergy risk in adults</a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 12pt; ">, and animal dander is most often the cause of allergies, resulting in symptoms like itchy eyes, asthmatic breathing and a reddish rash. If you're willing to suffer for your beloved pet, just don't let them into your bedroom - it increases the risk of sensitisation. </span></p>
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