Two new studies examine the health risks of antenatal steroid treatment for premature infants, revealing increased risk of serious infection and long-term health issues. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to exercise caution when considering steroid treatment.
The BMJ investigation found that pharmaceutical companies contributed £7.5 million to royal colleges between 2015-2022, mainly for events and grants. Critics argue that voluntary industry transparency initiatives do not go far enough and do not guarantee full disclosure.
A nationwide Finnish study found that premature parental death is strongly linked to poor mental health and lower earnings in adulthood for both sexes. Boys are more vulnerable than girls, with nearly twice the odds of hospital admission for intentional self-harm after losing their mother prematurely.
A pooled data analysis of clinical trials found that static isometric exercises were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, with reductions of up to 8.24/4 mmHg after isometric training. The findings suggest that current exercise guidelines may be outdated and support the development of new recommendations.
A series of articles published by The BMJ highlights major pandemic failures in Canada's COVID-19 response, including fragmented leadership and poor data-sharing. Experts call for an independent national review to learn lessons and ensure accountability.
A programme to teach empathy through free Barbie dolls has raised questions about gender stereotyping and the use of research to justify marketing. Critics argue that companies like Mattel should not be allowed to freely market their products in schools.
A study found that people who experienced disrupted access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic were at increased risk of hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Disruptions in accessing procedures led to a higher risk of hospital admission, with 77% higher odds compared to those without disruptions.
A systematic review of 55 studies finds no consistently beneficial impacts of private equity ownership on healthcare, confirming the need for increased research and regulation. Private equity firms' ownership is associated with harmful impacts on costs, quality, and health outcomes.
The proportion of smokers buying duty-free tobacco rose from 5% to 16% between 2019 and 2022, but black market sales stayed relatively constant. This trend was more noticeable among higher social grades, where cheaper products were a key factor in smoking cessation attempts.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder are 6 times more likely to die from external causes and twice as likely to die from physical illness. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to the increased risk of death from somatic causes.
Conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for women with late-stage gynaecological cancers take too long and require too much stamina. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has shown promise in treating anxiety, depression, and end-of-life distress with rapid and sustained effects.
A UK-wide evaluation found that nearly all (93%) of dying hospital patients had demonstrable unmet needs for palliative care. The deficit was more apparent in district general hospitals compared to teaching hospitals and cancer centres.
A case-control study found associations between certain jobs and increased risks of ovarian cancer. Hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants were linked to higher risks, with cumulative exposure to agents like talcum powder and ammonia also contributing.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
Research in the BMJ Open journal suggests that mid-life structural changes to the jawbone may signal subsequent height loss in women. The study, conducted on a cohort of women in Gothenburg, Sweden, found that severe cortical erosion and sparse trabeculation in the jawbone predicted significant bone shrinkage over time.
A systematic review of published evidence finds patient aggression against general practice staff is common, boosting absenteeism and staff turnover; receptionist experiences are under-studied and under-represented in research.
Fewer than half of new drugs approved for multiple indications in the US and Europe between 2011 and 2020 offered significant benefits over existing treatments. A study found that supplemental approvals were substantially less effective, suggesting a need to clearly communicate this information to patients and reflect it in drug prices.
A large study suggests that higher levels of lean muscle mass may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used Mendelian randomisation to analyze the relationship between genetically proxied lean muscle mass and Alzheimer's disease risk, finding a modest but statistically robust association.
A newly developed risk calculator based on 11 key factors can accurately predict suicide risk in those who have self-harmed within 6-12 months. The OxSATS scoring system may help inform treatment decisions and resource allocation, pending further validation.
The number of GPs and hospital doctors retiring early has increased by an average of 9.3% year on year since 2008, according to official figures. This trend coincides with the introduction of pension taxation rules that penalize doctors for working extra hours.
A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.
A large clinical trial found that monthly vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks by 9% in older adults. The study involved over 21,000 Australians aged 60-84 and showed a significant reduction in heart attack rates, but no difference in stroke rates.
The age of individuals with gender dysphoria has decreased, especially among those assigned female at birth, according to research published in General Psychiatry. The estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria rose significantly between 2017 and 2021, while the average age of diagnosis fell from 31 to 26.
An analysis of court cases suggests that mediation might not have resolved conflicts about children's medical treatment, with only around half of cases potentially avoidable. The study highlights the limitations of mediation in resolving complex disputes, particularly when personal values are deeply involved.
The revised ruling on advance medical directives in India may force terminally ill patients to endure 'machine-related suffering' without autonomy or dignity. The authors highlight shortcomings, including a cumbersome procedure for withdrawing life support and omission of consideration for healthcare access inequality.
Patients treated by higher volume surgeons experience lower risks of reoperation and serious complications, as well as shorter hospital stays. A study found that a mean annual volume threshold of 10.4 procedures significantly reduces revision surgery risk.
Disgraced transplant surgeon Paolo Macchiarini's misconduct at top institutions has raised concerns about patient treatment and wasted research dollars. Institutions such as University College London and Hospital Clinic Barcelona are urged to launch full investigations into their support for Macchiarini.
A group of international experts developed a consensus statement on concussion management, including new tools and strategies for identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The statement includes evidence-based recommendations for return to active sport, education, and light intensity exercise to aid recovery.
Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.
The NHS struggles to address ethnic inequalities in healthcare until better ethnicity data is available. Analysis reveals stark disparities across various measures, including stillbirths, infant mortality, and mental health outcomes.
A study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer today can expect to become long term cancer survivors. The average risk of dying from breast cancer in the five years after a diagnosis has fallen from 14% to 5% since the 1990s.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 'Kangaroo mother care' reduces the risk of mortality by 32% and severe infection by 15%. Starting KMC within 24 hours and for at least eight hours a day also appears to be effective in reducing mortality.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children breastfed for longer had improved educational outcomes at age 16, with modest gains in academic achievement. The research analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study and found a strong association between breastfeeding duration and better exam results.
A Swiss study found that 17% of unvaccinated individuals did not return to normal health and 18% reported COVID-19 related symptoms 24 months after infection. The study aimed to address uncertainty about long-term treatment and support for post-COVID-19 condition.
A large UK case series reveals a predominance of young Asian men among those with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy, suggesting genetic or social factors. The study found that these patients often experienced severe symptoms such as pins and needles, bladder difficulties, and poor balance.
A study suggests that ketamine nasal spray is a convenient alternative to intravenous infusion for treating refractory chronic migraine. The treatment showed promise in reducing daily headaches and improving quality of life, with most participants reporting 'very effective' results.
The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.
A joint investigation reveals that NHS trusts are failing to protect staff and patients from sexual assault, with over 35,000 cases recorded between 2017-2022. The findings show that most incidents involve patients abusing staff or other patients, highlighting a disturbing trend in the healthcare system.
Experts warn that shared decision-making policies for prostate cancer testing lead to high rates of unnecessary testing and harm, particularly in older men and those from disadvantaged areas. A comprehensive risk-based approach or restricting testing to symptomatic cases could reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Researchers warn that patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions are vulnerable to long term opioid use. The study found that up to 1 in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may be at risk of transitioning to long term opioid use, highlighting the need for vigilance in practice prescribing.
Research found that meeting both recommended weekly physical activity targets was associated with a nearly half the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia as those who met neither. Meeting only the aerobic activity target was linked to a 36% lower risk, while muscle strengthening activities showed no significant difference.
The FDA approved Recarbrio, an antibiotic 40 times more expensive than a generic alternative, without adequate clinical trials showing substantial evidence of effectiveness. The approval has raised concerns that the agency's standards are being bypassed, and regulatory flexibility may have played a role in the decision.
Trials of Pfizer's maternal RSV vaccine suggest a possible increase in preterm births, prompting experts to call for further analysis and post-approval monitoring. The vaccine aims to protect infants from severe RSV illness, but its safety concerns have raised eyebrows.
An analysis of 172 countries and territories found that health worker shortages are strongly associated with higher death rates, particularly for neglected tropical diseases and maternal complications. The study highlights the need for targeted action to boost health workforces in priority areas.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests a strong association between environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. PAH exposure was found to account for most of smoking's impact on this disease risk, with one specific compound, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, showing a strong association.
The article highlights the risks of AI misuse, including its impact on democracy, job loss, and social division. Experts warn that self-improving AGI poses an existential threat to humanity, and call for regulation to minimize harm and maximize benefits.
A lack of women in sports medicine roles hinders progress and perpetuates inequity, with women making up less than 25% of senior authors and 20% of team doctors. The specialty can break the cycle by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities.
Research finds strong association between early life physical and sexual abuse and increased risk of adult premature death. Nurses who experienced severe abuse had a higher premature death rate compared to those without abuse. The study highlights the importance of providing trauma-informed care for those who have experienced child abuse.
A Swedish study of nearly 3 million women found weak and inconsistent associations between COVID-19 vaccination and contact with healthcare for postmenopausal bleeding. However, the researchers suggest that a causal effect is unlikely due to the limitations of self-reporting data.
A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.