Treatment outcomes are similar to those of laparoscopic procedures, but operating times are shorter and surgeons operate with ergonomic comfort.

The trend could be a response to cases of transplant-related HIV transmission in November 2007.

Nephrologists and other renal care professionals faced formidible obstacles in treating individuals with earthquake-related kidney injuries.

Intrinsic Bioprobes, of Tempe, Ariz.,a privately held biotechnology company, has licensed two novel biomarkers for diabetes to Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., of Raritan, N.J.

Gambro, which has its U.S. headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., has acquired CHF Solutions, a privately held medical device company in Brooklyn Park, Minn., that manufactures and distributes ultrafiltration devices to treat fluid overload, both companies announced recently.

Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), headquartered in Waltham, Mass., has acquired Nashville-based Health IT Services Group and its portfolio of products, including Acumen nEHR, a nephrology-specific electronic health record.

Roche has received marketing clearance for Actemra (tocilizumab) as a treatment for moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults who have had an inadequate response to one or more treatments that block tumor necrosis factor.

The FDA has issued a warning to consumers about a counterfeit and possibly harmful version of Alli 60 mg capsules (120 count refill kit). Alli is an over-the-counter weight-loss product.

Wyeth has notified health care professionals of changes to the Rapamune (sirolimus) prescribing information related to changes in the performance of an immunoassay used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of the medication, according to the FDA.

Brachytherapy offers excellent oncologic outcomes and is associated with a low rate of adverse events, data show.