Health Highlights: Sept. 18, 2009

Sept. 19 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

VA Facilities Improve Endoscopic Safety: Report

Progress has been made in correcting the endoscopic procedure problems at Veterans Affairs medical centers that put thousands of patients at risk for HIV and other infections, according to a report released Friday by the VA's inspector general.

The IG said surprise visits to 128 VA medical facilities found that all were compliant in following procedures and all but one of the facilities showed staff were being properly trained in the use of endoscopic devices, the Associated Press reported.

Inspections earlier this summer at several facilities found that less than half were in compliance.

Early this year, about 10,000 people were warned they may have been exposed to infections while undergoing colonoscopies or other endoscopic procedures at VA hospitals in Miami, Augusta, Ga., and Murfreesboro, Tenn. Equipment used in the procedures was improperly cleaned.

Of those patients, 50 subsequently tested positive for infections, including eight who tested positive for HIV, the AP reported.

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FDA Warns About Stolen Respiratory Medicines

Consumers should be watchful for stolen respiratory medications that may not have been stored or handled properly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday.

The medications are Ipratropium Bromide Inhalation Solution, 0.02 percent, and Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution, 0.083 percent, made by Dey L.P., a subsidiary of Mylan Inc. The medications were part of a shipment on a tractor trailer that was stolen in Tampa, Fla., United Press International reported.

The stolen drugs are from the following lots:

• Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Solution with the brand name "Dey," lot numbers 9GO4, 9FD8, 9FD9, and 9FE1.