A middle-aged man suffered from toxic leukoencephalopathy after fentanyl inhalation, leading to inflammation and damage to white matter in the brain. Despite prolonged hospitalization, he eventually recovered with rehabilitation therapy.
A healthy lifestyle can reduce the effects of life-shortening genes by more than 60%, according to a large-scale study. Those with an unfavorable lifestyle are 78% more likely to die prematurely, regardless of genetic predisposition.
Research suggests that frequent teen vaping may boost the risk of toxic metal exposure, potentially harming brain and organ development. Analysis of urine samples showed higher levels of lead and uranium among frequent vapers compared to occasional users, with sweet flavours linked to increased uranium levels.
Medscape has removed its accredited medical education courses on smoking cessation funded by Philip Morris International following a BMJ investigation. The move comes as doctors and academics call for a global ban on industry-funded medical education, citing concerns over ethics and the potential to prolong tobacco use.
Research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that living at higher altitudes in India increases the risk of childhood stunting. Children living above 2000m are 40% more likely to be stunted than those below 1000m. Mother's education and access to healthcare also play a crucial role in preventing stunting.
A large study found a slightly increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders among children exposed to prescription opioids during pregnancy, particularly at higher doses and longer durations. However, the researchers interpret this as clinically insignificant.
Industry-funded programs in UK universities and schools promote responsible drinking skills while overlooking long-term health risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Experts argue that these initiatives are problematic due to selective quoting of guidelines and omission of critical information.
A systematic review of 21 studies on women's reproductive health found that active military service may be associated with a higher risk of low birthweight babies. However, the evidence is limited by methodological differences and small sample sizes, cautioning against drawing firm conclusions.
A recent analysis of national survey responses found that cost is now a key factor for more than 1 in 4 adults in England who want to quit smoking. Health concerns remain the primary motive for over half of those trying to stop, but financial pressures may be encouraging more people to stub out for good.
A comparative analysis of 194 national COVID-19 treatment guidelines found significant variations worldwide, with under-resourced countries diverging from gold standard recommendations. Most guidelines recommend ineffective treatments and lack assessments of therapeutic strength.
A study published by The BMJ found that antipsychotics for dementia are associated with a wide range of serious adverse outcomes, including stroke, blood clots, heart attack, and pneumonia. Risks are highest soon after starting the drugs, highlighting the need for increased caution in early treatment.
A study found that the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation has increased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 over the past two decades. Among those with the condition, 41% are likely to develop heart failure and 21% encounter a stroke. Researchers call for better prevention strategies for heart failure among patients with atrial fibrillation.
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that efforts to keep hospital clinicians in post need to be tailored to age and profession, rather than applying a 'one-size fits all' approach. The findings indicate that better reward systems are needed to boost staff retention and ensure the sustainability of the NHS.
Research finds excessive internet use, lack of sleep, and exercise linked to truancy and school absences among teens. A trusting relationship with parents is a protective factor for both boys and girls.
Qualitative research finds that locum doctors face significant patient safety challenges due to unfamiliar work environments, lack of support, and inadequate governance arrangements. The study calls on NHS leaders to rethink their approaches to engaging and supporting locums, and for locums themselves to reflect on their experiences.
A single low dose injection of esketamine given immediately after childbirth reduces major depressive episodes in individuals with depressive symptoms during pregnancy. The results suggest that low dose esketamine should be considered in new mothers with prenatal depressive symptoms, potentially preventing one major depressive episode ...
A long-term study found that young adults experiencing job insecurity are more likely to develop serious alcohol-related illnesses. Men in precarious employment were particularly at risk, with a heightened risk of 50% compared to women.
Researchers suggest swapping red meat for herring/sardines could prevent half a million to 750,000 deaths from diet-related disease in 2050. Adopting this type of diet would be especially helpful for low and middle-income countries where these fish are cheap and plentiful.
Systematic reviews reveal inadequate evidence on puberty blockers and hormones for gender-related distress in children and young people. Clinical guidelines are often independent and lacking scientific rigor, with unclear links to recommendations.
The number of suicides among US college student athletes has doubled over the past 20 years, with males and cross-country competitors most affected. The study found that suicide rates increased throughout the study period, with a peak age of 20, and were higher in male athletes than female athletes.
An investigation by The BMJ found that most NHS trusts in England did not make derogation requests due to concerns around patient safety. However, some trusts warned of potential harm to patients from cancelling operations at the last minute and short staffing, leading to rejected requests.
A large retrospective cohort study found that delirium in hospital patients aged 65+ is associated with a threefold increased risk of dementia. Delirium was linked to a higher risk of death and a tripled risk of dementia diagnosis compared to patients without delirium.
The report highlights key challenges and priorities in ensuring the NHS vision is realized, including improving workplace conditions, effective people management, and workforce planning. The authors emphasize the importance of operational management and new technologies to support the effective running of the NHS.
A French study found prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs is associated with an increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma. Medrogestone and medroxyprogesterone acetate were linked to a significant increase in risk, particularly among women using these medications for extended periods.
A shared digital prescribing record across the NHS in England could avoid nearly 1 million annual drug errors, stopping up to 16,000 patient harms and saving up to 22 lives every year. Implementing such a system could also save £millions for services in England.
A 10-year study found that consistently exercising 2-3 times a week is linked to lower current insomnia risk and improved sleep duration. Participants who were persistently active were less likely to experience insomnia symptoms, daytime sleepiness, and had better sleep quality.
A brief intervention based in an emergency department, comprising advice and e-cigarette starter kit, can help smokers quit. After 6 months, the intervention group showed a 76% higher rate of continuous abstinence compared to those signposted to smoking cessation services.
The NHS requires an immediate cash injection of £8.5bn a year over four years to address the current crisis, particularly in areas such as waiting times, primary care, workforce, and capital investment. Experts recommend key priorities for extra funds, including sustainable reduction of elective, mental health, and cancer waiting times...
A 25% decline in doctors' real terms salary since 2008 has significantly reduced their purchasing power, with junior doctors facing particularly challenging affordability issues. The study reveals a substantial rise in the cost of living and house prices, making home ownership and financial stability unaffordable for many doctors.
Researchers tested publicly accessible AI assistants on two health disinformation topics, finding that many consistently generated disinformation despite having built-in safeguards. Experts call for enhanced regulation, transparency, and routine auditing to prevent LLMs from contributing to the mass generation of health disinformation.
The air quality around new schools in England is alarming, with 86% of sites exceeding World Health Organization targets for major pollutants. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing bodies and organs.
A case-control study found that individuals with joint hypermobility were 30% more likely to not fully recover from COVID-19 infection and experience persistent fatigue associated with long COVID. The study, published in BMJ Public Health, also identified other underlying health conditions as risk factors for developing long COVID.
A study published in The BMJ found a modest rise in UK cancer cases among men and women aged 35-69 years over the last quarter century, but a substantial decline in deaths. The researchers attribute the decline to factors such as reduced smoking rates, improved screening programs, and better treatment options.
A large population-based study found that taking 9000 to 10000 steps daily reduces death and cardiovascular disease risk in highly sedentary individuals. The optimal number of steps per day to counteract high sedentary time is between 4000 and 4500 steps/day, lowering mortality risk by 39% and incident CVD risk by 21%.
A pooled data analysis of 752,050 adults found that even modest amounts of leisure-time physical activity can lower stroke risk by 18-29%. The effects are independent of age and sex, suggesting that everyone should be encouraged to engage in some form of physical activity.
Research found a consistent association between green space and reduced risk of osteoporosis, with each increase in NDVI corresponding to higher bone mineral density and 5% lower risk. Lower levels of air pollution in green spaces were also significant contributors.
A comprehensive review of 45 meta-analyses found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and 32 adverse health outcomes, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. Higher exposure was linked to increased risks of death from any cause, heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
A study found that over half of cancer drugs approved through expedited pathways recover research and development costs within three years, despite lacking proof of added benefit. The researchers emphasize the need for better alignment between regulatory and reimbursement processes to promote effective drug development.
A study of 236,506 patients found that poorly controlled asthma generates more greenhouse gas emissions than well-controlled asthma. The excess emissions are equivalent to those from over 124,000 homes in the UK each year, with most coming from inappropriate SABA use.
Research published in RMD Open journal found a strong association between sinusitis and rheumatic disease, with the highest risks for blood clotting disorder and Sjögren’s syndrome. The study used data from Rochester Epidemiology Project and included 1729 adults diagnosed with various rheumatic diseases.
The 2030 Global Alcohol Action Plan aims to reduce alcohol consumption by 20% by 2030, but few countries are implementing measures to reduce affordability, availability, and marketing. Health scientists warn that failure to meet targets will have dire consequences for low/middle-income countries with expanding alcohol markets.
The article argues that US covid-19 outcomes are disproportionately affected by systemic racism and economic inequality. The authors suggest strategies for improving health equity, including anti-racist action, separating health insurance from employment, and rethinking vaccine distribution.
A US study published in The BMJ found that children born in October are less likely to get the flu and more likely to be vaccinated. The study suggests that October is the optimal time for young children to receive an annual flu shot, aligning with current recommendations.
Two large US studies link short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution to increased risk of hospital admission for major cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease. Exposure to PM2.5 accounts for an estimated 7.6% of total global mortality, with no safe threshold found for heart and lung health.
Research found that adopting healthy lifestyles can significantly lower the risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. Middle-aged participants who engaged in at least three healthy behaviors had a 42% lower risk of IBS compared to those who did none.
Research finds minority ethnic NHS staff more likely to experience workplace harassment, discrimination, and unavailability of PPE than their White colleagues during the pandemic. The study highlights urgent need for diversity and inclusion training and workforce equality standards.
Research published in General Psychiatry finds a J-shaped association between dietary thiamine intake (0.68mg/day) and cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older Chinese individuals, with optimal maintenance dose below 1mg/day.
Researchers argue that commercial interests hijack feminist health narratives to market unproven technologies and treatments. Health professionals and governments must ensure balanced information based on high-quality scientific evidence. The authors call for wariness of simplistic messages that claim 'any knowledge is power'.
A systematic review found large reductions in depression for dance and moderate reductions for walking, jogging, and strength training. Exercise combined with SSRIs or psychotherapy showed added benefits. Vigorous exercise had greater effects than low-intensity activities.
Processing times for complaints against UK drug companies have tripled over nearly two decades, from less than three months to over eight and a half months. The industry's trade body has raised fees related to these complaints by more than 40% in an effort to tackle the backlog.