Researchers found a 30% decline in UK coronary heart disease rates over two decades, but this was offset by rising rates of other cardiovascular conditions. The decline primarily benefited older age groups, with little improvement seen in younger or more deprived populations.
The UK government's plan to partially fortify flour and rice with folic acid will only prevent about 20% of neural tube defects, while full fortification could prevent around 80%. Neural tube defects can cause lifelong disability and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
A clinical trial found that heavy resistance training for 12 months preserved leg strength in older adults, while moderate intensity training and comparison groups experienced declines. The study suggests that resistance training with heavy loads at retirement age can have long-term effects on muscle strength.
A private school secondary education was associated with better cardiometabolic health outcomes than a comprehensive school education. Attending a higher status university was also linked to better cognitive function, while no degree was linked to poorer health compared to normal status university attendance.
The BMJ Commission outlines its vision for a healthier UK with recommendations to address the current NHS crisis, including an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility. The commission also prioritizes improving the workforce, addressing public health challenges, and investing in general practice.
The number of people aged 65 and older with type 1 diabetes increased from 1.3 million to 3.7 million between 1990 and 2019, while death rates fell by 25%. However, substantial global inequalities in diabetes care persist, with higher mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries.
Patient harms associated with medical procedures and treatment increased globally from 11 million to 18 million between 1990 and 2019. Older people, especially those aged 65-69, were disproportionately affected by these incidents.
New Alzheimer's drugs aim to halt condition progression, but UK patients may face limited eligibility due to lack of biomarker testing and diagnostic scans. The study suggests that over 20,000 people per year will need access to confirmatory investigations to determine suitability for treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy has been retracted due to fundamental flaws in the research design and data extraction. The journal BMJ Open announced the retraction after multiple issues were raised following publication.
Researchers found a coordinated effort by Mallinckrodt to reframe concerns about addiction as phobia and muddle dependence as pseudoaddiction. The company employed tactics like recruiting influencers, planting articles in scientific journals, and developing continuing medical education courses to boost sales.
Researchers used facial thermal imaging and AI to accurately predict coronary artery disease in a study of 460 people. The approach was found to be more effective than conventional methods, identifying traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol and smoking.
Researchers analyzed excess deaths in 47 countries and found that mortality rates remained high for three consecutive years, with significant variations among countries. The study highlights the need for governments to investigate underlying causes of persistent excess mortality.
A recent study found that the combination of alcohol and cabin pressure during long-haul flights can lower blood oxygen levels and raise heart rates, even in young and healthy individuals. The researchers suggest that restricting access to alcohol on board may be necessary to protect passenger heart health.
Despite efforts to cut ties with the tobacco industry, top medical journals continue to publish research funded by tobacco companies. The BMJ has updated its tobacco policy to exclude research funded by the industry and authors with personal financial ties to it.
The Cass Review found inadequate evidence for puberty blockers and hormones in children, yet many US professional bodies stand by their recommendations. The review calls for a more holistic approach to care, but its impact has been largely ignored in the US.
Experts say devolving responsibility to local organizations would spread resources thinly, compromising national oversight and increasing the risk of incidents going undetected. National quality assurance services have already been reduced, leading to fewer site inspections and potential problems not being picked up early.
A large observational study found that epidural analgesia during labor is associated with a significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity, including heart attacks, sepsis, and hysterectomies. Women with medical indications for epidurals, such as obesity or premature birth, saw greater reductions in risk.
A large long-term study found that regular fish oil supplement use might increase the risk of first-time heart disease and stroke among those in good cardiovascular health. However, it may slow the progression of existing poor cardiovascular health and lower the risk of death.
A recent Finnish study found that teenage girls spend close to 6 hours a day on their smartphones, with a significant proportion likely addicted to social media. This has been associated with poorer health and wellbeing, as well as increased anxiety and lower self-esteem.
Pedestrians may be twice as likely to be hit by electric or hybrid cars as those powered by petrol or diesel, according to a study of casualty rates in Great Britain from 2013-17. The risk is greater in urban areas, where background ambient noise levels are higher.
Research found that children and young people who spend more than 7 hours a day on social media are more likely to smoke, vape, or do both. The study suggests that social media platforms' marketing clout and addictive nature contribute to the increased risk.
A long-term study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that men with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, leg/foot complications, and eye disease compared to women. The study analyzed data from over 25,000 people with diabetes and found that men were 51% more likely to develo...
The updated medical guidance shifts away from using the controversial term 'excited delirium,' which has been linked to deaths in police custody. Experts argue that the term is outdated and potentially offensive, with a related term being more commonly used in the UK.
A new study shows that HPV vaccination in England has substantially reduced rates of cervical disease, with benefits seen across all socioeconomic groups. The study found that well-planned public health interventions can improve health and reduce inequalities.
A study of the first 200 athletes to run a mile in under 4 minutes found that they lived nearly 5 years beyond their predicted life expectancy. The runners, who were born between 1928 and 1955, outlived the general population by several years on average, with those whose first successful attempt was in the 1950s living an average of 9 ...
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted six further articles authored by Dr Paul McCrory due to plagiarism, and corrected two others due to inappropriate reuse of content. The investigation into his single-authored articles published in BMJ journals is now complete.
Dr Sarah Benn, a suspended climate activist GP, believes her actions are justified to raise awareness about the climate crisis. She advocates for doctors to take a leadership role in addressing this issue, which is a health crisis threatening life and future generations.
The BMJ investigation found that nine of the FDA's past 10 commissioners have ties to the drug industry, including Margaret Hamburg, who had relationships with regulated companies before and after her stint at the FDA. Despite pledging to divest, she and her husband retained significant holdings in an exclusive hedge fund.
A 30-year US study found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a slightly higher risk of death. The strongest associations were found with ready-to-eat meat, poultry, and seafood products, as well as sugary drinks and dairy-based desserts.
A systematic review of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression has been placed under expression of concern by The BMJ due to a methodological concern related to an error in the calculation of standardized mean differences. This may have resulted in overestimated benefits of psilocybin treatment.
Psilocybin has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression after one or two doses with few side effects and no current evidence of causing addiction. The study found a large effect size favouring psilocybin, but further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise its treatment potential.
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.