Daily Rounds: Prozac And Stroke; Sibling Spacing And Autism; Genzyme Talks; Kraft Gift To Primary Care

Antidepressants May Aid Stroke Rehabilitation "The study is part of a small but growing cache of evidence that suggests that SSRI antidepressant medications such as Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft may help stroke patients not simply by relieving mood symptoms, which can hinder recovery in their own right by causing people to feel hopeless and tired, but also by helping neurons grow and re-establish connections in the brain that are vital for physical functioning. If further research continues to confirm the finding, experts say SSRI antidepressants would be only the second kind of drug therapy found to offer any benefit to stroke patients." (WebMD)

Sibling spacing may be tied to autism risk: study | Reuters "Of all second siblings whose mothers became pregnant with them less than a year after giving birth to the older sibling, about 7.5 in every 1,000 were diagnosed with autism...But the authors of the research, published today in Pediatrics, say they don't know if younger siblings of closely spaced pairs are actually more likely to have autism. It could also be that parents can more easily recognize warning signs of autism when they have more recently watched another kid pass through developmental stages, the researchers say." (Reuters)

Drug talks bring Sanofi, Genzyme closer to a deal | Reuters "The two sides are discussing a way to bridge the valuation gap and sweeten Sanofi's offer by focusing on prospects for Campath, Genzyme's most promising drug, via a deal structure known as a contingent value right (CVR)." (Reuters)

Krafts give $20m to draw doctors into community - The Boston Globe “We wanted to do something to support everyone getting the kind of health care my family gets,’’ said Kraft, during an interview at Partners’ headquarters in the Prudential Tower last week. “What I worry about in this country are the people who are hurting the most.’’ Over the next five years, Partners chief executive Dr. Gary Gottlieb estimates, the Kraft donation will support more than 100 physicians, nurse practitioners, and other providers caring for about 200,000 patients." (Boston Globe)