Monthly Archives: February 2012

A proposal to use new diagnostic criteria for autism has roiled the US medical community, with many experts concerned that the move could exclude children affected by some forms of the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association recommended last month that a new category called "autism spectrum disorder" be established to incorporate several forms of autism which were previously considered separately. These include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder. Under this new approach, all four would be considered a variation of autism. But critics are concerned that this may deprive patients of access to welfare, educational and health services that are based on the old definition set by the APA. The APA defended its decision, saying that the new criteria establishes degrees of severity for the disorder and would help provide more targetted treatment for patients. "The proposed criteria will lead to more accurate diagnosis and will help physicians and therapists design better treatment interventions for children who suffer from autism spectrum disorder," argued Doctor James Scully, medical director of the association. But Fred Volkmar, head of the Children's Psychiatry Department at Yale University, believes this revision would exclude up to 60 percent of children now … Continue reading →

Interview with Dr. Zannos Grekos Grekos contests that his office has done ... The state took action against Dr. Zannos Grekos because of the death of a 69-year-old breast cancer patient April 4, 2010, after undergoing the treatment at his Bonita Springs practice, at 9500 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 310. BONITA SPRINGS — Dr. Zannos Grekos may not have an attorney representing him at a hearing next month against a state complaint that he performed an unauthorized stem cell procedure on a patient who later died. Or maybe the Bonita Springs cardiologist will have new counsel for the three-day administrative hearing scheduled to begin March 20. His original attorney, Greg Chaires of Orlando, withdrew from the case Jan. 24, less than two months before the hearing. He's been Grekos' attorney since the state filed an administrative complaint against the doctor a year ago. Grekos couldn't be reached for comment at his practice, Regenocyte Therapeutic, 9500 Bonita Beach Road, Suite 310. Chaires stated in his withdrawal notice to the judge that he had good cause to stop representing him, but didn't elaborate. Florida health department spokeswoman Jennifer Hirst said this past week that Grekos has two weeks to hire a new … Continue reading →