MUHC in the Media - October 23, 2023

Fewer than 5% of patients thought to be allergic to penicillin actually are, and this has major implications for health and the healthcare system. The results of a clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine show that a simple oral test would be a safe and effective alternative to traditional skin screening - which is painful and not very accessible - for adults at low risk of allergy. The study's first author, Dr. Ana-Maria Copaescu, a researcher at the Research Institute of the MUHC, spoke about it to Le Journal de Montréal. The story was also covered in Scientific American, Profession Santé, and on Radio-Canada's radio show Les Années lumière.

Macular degeneration causes vision problems in many elderly people. Several researchers are working to advance preventive and curative treatments for this disease, including Dr. Miguel Burnier at the Research Institute of the MUHC. La Presse

Some 25 per cent of mothers and 10 per cent of fathers experience postpartum depression every year in Quebec. Post-birth follow-up should be increased, says Dr. Tuong-Vi Nguyen, a perinatal psychiatrist at the McGill University Health Centre. Le Journal de Montréal

This year's flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus season is likely to be less severe than last year, believes Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatric infectious diseases specialist and medical microbiologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. City News

Dr. François de Champlain, MUHC emergency physician and trauma team leader, gave an interview to Annie Desrochers, host of Radio-Canada's radio program Le 15-18. He spoke about the 900 cardiac defibrillators deployed in public places across the province.