Could there be a connection between Lyme disease and Parkinson’s -- and could a blood thinner be linked to kidney failure?
Our first Doctor on Call question is about a possible connection between Lyme disease and a debilitating condition that causes tremors. One viewer writes, "My aunt had Lyme disease 20 years ago. Now she's got Parkinson’s. Could there be a connection?"
There is a new documentary out called "Under Our Skin," and in that, there is a doctor who claims that there is a connection between Lyme disease and other conditions, including Parkinson’s, A.L.S., and multiple sclerosis.
But we called an infectious disease specialist and an internist here in Syracuse, and they say there is nothing in the medical literature that establishes a connection, but they are always open to reading about new information. As of right now, there is no official connection in the medical literature.
Another viewer asks: "I read that the drug Trasylol increases the chance of kidney failure if used as a blood thinner after heart surgery.”
Well, we called a few doctors at University Hospital who do heart surgery, and they said you are right. The connection between that drug and kidney failure has been established, and that is why it is no longer used for patients recovering from heart surgery.
If you have a question for the doctor on call you can email us here: familyhealthcast@9wsyr.com.
