(June 17, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From the Netherlands - According to research in the Annals of Internal Medicine, stents do not seem to be beneficial for renal artery stenosis. In a study of 140 patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, researchers found that stents had no obvious effect on the progression of impaired renal function. In addition, two patients died of procedure-related causes within 30 days of placement.

From Copenhagen - According to research presented to the European League Against Rheumatism, gum disease may be linked to rheumatoid arthritis. In a study of over 5,400 patients, researchers found that periodontitis is much more common among people with rheumatoid arthritis than it is in the general population. Accordingly, patients with one disease may benefit from screening for the other.

And finally, from Washington - According to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, calcium supplements are not helpful for weight loss. While previous research had indicated there might be some benefit, a randomized controlled trial of 340 overweight adults given either a 1500 mg daily calcium supplement or placebo found no statistically significant change in body weight or body fat between the two groups.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.