Health News Archive - January 26, 2005

Serum amylase and lipase levels are markers of pancreatic inflammation and are standard tests to diagnose acute pancreatitis.

Summary: Bowenoid papulosis is a pre-malignant condition affecting the ano-genital area. Pathogenesis may be associated with high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes, and sexual transmission is the most likely mode of acquisition. Risk of progression to invasive disease is low.

Your genes may be one reason your jeans are getting tighter, says a Saint Louis University School of Public Health study that found genetics can play a role in some peoples' weight problems.

It sounds like a good idea: Regular computed tomography (CT) scans of the entire body, looking for aberrations that might signal early signs of disease. But a new study suggests these scans do little to boost long-term health, and might even undermine patient care.