Sound Medicine -- August 3, 2002

Barbara Lewis and Dr. David Crabb talk to physicians and experts about:

Direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests
Sun protection for babies and kids

Child and teen head injuries

Direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests

Direct-to-consumer marketing of drugs is already with us, but a new move is afoot to introduce direct-to-consumer marketing of genetic tests. These aren't exactly at-home pregnancy test equivalents, but the proposed marketing campaign would make women aware of the availability of genetic tests to determine her risk of ovarian and breast cancer.

We discuss the pros and cons of these new tests with Kimberly Quaid, PhD, director of the Predictive Testing Program at the IU School of Medicine. (Since the company preparing to advertise their genetic tests did not participate in the interview, SM does not mention the company's name.)

Dr. Quaid says the legitimacy of the marketing depends on whether it's trying to promote awareness or simply trying to sell products. Proper genetic testing involves many steps, she says, including time-intensive and thorough analysis of family history -- before any testing for gene mutations should be done. She also worries about false negative results.

Drs. Crabb and Quaid discuss problems primary care physicians might have if patients demand these tests, which are not cheap and involve analysis and counseling best handled by genetic testing professionals. Both Crabb and Quaid are skeptical of direct-marketing of genetic tests.

Dr. Quaid is professor of medical and molecular genetics, clinical psychiatry and clinical medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She's also a core faculty member at the IU Center for Bioethics.

Resources

For more information on the topic of bioethics, visit the Indiana University Center for Bioethics.

The Canadian BusinessEthics Web site offers an interesting, hypothetical case study on the subject in the article, "eHealth and Commercial Genetic Testing."

Sun protection for babies and kids

Quick test: What's the earliest age that an infant should be exposed to the sun? Parents, grandparents -- all childcare providers -- should know the basics of sun protection for kids. Today we talk kids-and-sun with Patricia Treadwell, MD, a pediatric dermatologist.

She emphasizes keeping newborns out of the sun and covering them with clothing when outside. She recommends broadbrim or foreign legion-style hats for kids and keeping them in the shade when possible. She also explains why sunscreens with titanium dioxide are best for children.

Dr. Treadwell talks about the different types of ultraviolet rays, about skin types and susceptibility to burns, and she makes recommendations for cosmetics and lotions that offer UV protection. She also offers tips for convincing teenagers to avoid tanning.

Dr. Treadwell is Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Cultural Diversity at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site provides tips on sunscreen use and other summer safety information for parents and grandparents.

Tips from the Federal Trade Commission for sun protection.

Head injuries in children and teens

Summer is prime time for children -- primarily boys -- to suffer brain or spinal injuries after a dive or fall. For youngsters it's accidents, but for teens (and adults) alcohol is often involved.

We hear more from Nena Ray, educator with the Indianapolis Neurosurgical Group. She conducts programs called Think First for Kids and Think First for Teens.

According to Ray, April through November is when accidents happen -- often due to the lack of adult supervision. She warns about extreme sports and about dangerous ways of riding bicycles. She tells anecdotes about the life-saving abilities of helmets.

Ray also discusses how to recognize a brain injury. When in doubt, she says, go to the emergency room and keep the child awake and go to the emergency room. In an outdoor emergency, she says yell for help, but don't move the victim, even if he's in the water.

Resources

For educational information on brain injuries and child safety, contact Nena Ray at 317-962-6101.

The national THINK FIRST Web site.

Consult the NIH's MEDLINEplus encyclopedia for comprehensive information on brain injuries and spinal injuries.

Upcoming program:
Often the first place child abuse is detected is in a hospital. How should the medical community handle suspected cases of child abuse?

What do you think?
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