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Anemia treatments have greatly improved patient life expectancy in the past decade. However, few economic studies have evaluated the budgetary impact and cost effectiveness of these new therapies. The purpose of this study is to review published economic studies in severe red blood cell disorders, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, beta-thalassemia, chemotherapy-induced anemia, chronic kidney disease anemia, and severe aplastic anemia to inform the conceptual framework for future economic research in severe anemia. [Extracted from the article]

Since 1975, the Hmong refugee population in the U.S. has increased over 200%. However, little is known about their dental needs or self-rated oral health (SROH). The study aims were to: (1) describe the SROH, self-rated general health (SRGH), and use of dental/physician services; and (2) identify the factors associated with SROH among Hmong adults. A cross-sectional study design with locating sampling methodology was used. Oral health questionnaire was administered to assess SROH and SRGH, past dental and physician visits, and language preference. One hundred twenty adults aged 18-50+ were recruited and 118 had useable information. Of these, 49% rated their oral health as poor/fair and 30% rated their general health as poor/fair. Thirty-nine percent reported that they did not have a regular source of dental care, 46% rated their access to dental care as poor/fair, 43% visited a dentist and 66% visited a physician within the past 12 months. Bivariate analyses demonstrated that access to dental care, past dental visits, age and SRGH were significantly associated with SROH (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses demonstrated a strong association between access to dental care and good/excellent SROH. About half of Hmong adults rated their oral health and access to dental care as poor. Dental insurance, access to dental care, past preventive dental/physician visits and SRGH were associated with SROH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summarizes an investigation by the Wisconsin Division of Public Health of dental offices in the state, which indicated that storage boxes for intraoral radiograph film in the offices contained lead oxide. How patients were at risk for exposure to a substantial amount of lead during a dental radiograph procedure if the office stored dental film in these boxes; Danger of lead exposure to children and pregnant women; How advances in dental radiograph technology have made lead-lined storage boxes unnecessary.