A study found that an inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19 is more common among children of African ancestry, with notable gastrointestinal symptoms and heart inflammation. The researchers urge doctors to be vigilant, particularly in countries with a high proportion of African children.
A study of Chinese families found that wearing face masks at home was 79% effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among household members before symptoms developed. However, daily contact and certain hygiene practices were associated with an increased risk of transmission.
A recent study on cruise ship passengers reveals that more than half tested positive for COVID-19, with only 19% displaying symptoms. This finding emphasizes the need for accurate global data on the prevalence of asymptomatic infections.
A recent study found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at a significantly higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer and dying from breast cancer, even up to 20 years after diagnosis. The risks were more than double those of the general population.
A study found that up to 80% of US medical doctors leading influential professional associations had financial relationships with industry. The largest payments flowed to leaders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Cardiology. Researchers call for policy reform and greater independence from industry.
The largest cohort study to date found age, male sex, obesity, and underlying illness risk factors for severe COVID-19 or death. The study analyzed 43,000 patients hospitalised in the UK with COVID-19 and their outcomes.
Around 1 in 4 police officers may drink at hazardous levels, while 1 in 7 meet PTSD or depression criteria. Effective treatment and monitoring programs are needed to address these issues.
Over half of mums-to-be at risk of pre-eclampsia are not receiving preventive aspirin treatment, says consultant obstetrician. Making aspirin available from local pharmacies could help ward off the condition, says Dr Joanna Girling.
Healthcare professionals are risking their lives to care for patients with COVID-19 infection due to inadequate PPE. Governments and voters are partly to blame for this situation, which is a preventable consequence of underfunding health services.
Experts warn that increased alcohol harm during lockdown will have long-term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The UK's recovery from COVID-19 requires addressing the nation's addiction crisis, which costs the NHS over £3.5bn annually.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations in babies born to mothers who took fluconazole during the first trimester, but no association with oral clefts or heart defects. The risk was higher for women taking higher doses.
Early warning scores (EWS) used in hospitals have methodological and reporting weaknesses, which may lead to detrimental effects on patient care. The research found that most EWS were developed for UK and US use, but many studies had poor methods and inadequate reporting.
A large international study found that consuming at least two daily servings of dairy products is associated with lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure. Full-fat dairy products showed the strongest associations, particularly in countries with low dairy intakes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 international clinical trials found that yoga eases depressive symptoms compared to usual treatment, self-help, or no current treatment. The more weekly sessions completed, the greater the effects on easing depressive symptoms.
A study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 death counts are a substantial underestimation of the actual number of deaths from the disease in some Italian regions. Researchers analyzed all cause mortality data to determine this discrepancy.
Two studies from France and China found no significant reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths with hydroxychloroquine treatment. Adverse events were more common in patients receiving the drug, contradicting previous lab test results and guidelines that recommended its use.
Nearly a quarter of Africa's population will catch coronavirus and up to 190,000 may die unless urgent action is taken. The World Health Organization warns that strained health resources will worsen the impact of the virus.
A clinical trial found that anti-clotting drugs alone are as effective as graduated compression stockings in preventing blood clots. The study suggests that current guidelines should be revised for patients undergoing elective surgery who are at moderate or high risk of VTE.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that 1 in 4 most viewed COVID-19 videos on YouTube in English contain misleading or inaccurate information. This misinformation has the potential to harm, especially with its high viewership.
The study reveals nearly 303 million existing cases of hip and knee osteoarthritis globally, with an estimated prevalence of 3754.2 per 100,000 people. Disability attributed to the condition has risen by nearly 10% since 1990.
A large-scale study of Danish workers found that physically demanding jobs are associated with shorter working life expectancy, more sick leave, and unemployment. The research highlights the need to address physical work demands in relation to increasing statutory retirement ages.
A study published in The BMJ found that Mexico's sugary drinks tax led to significant reductions in soft drink consumption. After three years, the probability of non-consumers increased by 4.7 percentage points and low consumers by 8.3 percentage points.
Experts advise governments to use segmented, age-, culture- and geography-specific messaging to curb Covid-19 infection spread. Clear, specific guidance and 'protect each other' principles are key to achieving desired outcomes.
A study published by The BMJ found that childhood body size is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in later life. However, a larger early life body size may help protect women against breast cancer. The study suggests that maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI) in adulthood can reduce th...
Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.
An analysis of medical insurance claims and productivity data reveals that non-fatal US injuries result in an estimated $1,590 and 11 days off work per injured employee every year. The study found that total medical costs for emergency care visits exceed $133 billion annually.
The study suggests that women have a lower threshold for seeking primary healthcare compared to men, with older women living longer with disabling conditions. This difference may be due to various factors such as fear of diagnosis or differences in symptom recognition.
The NHS is under fire for its handling of labor rights violations in the production of masks and gloves, with allegations of human exploitation and child labor emerging. The organization has faced criticism for its response to the issue, with some experts calling for a more proactive approach to addressing modern slavery in supply chains.
A Norwegian study found that women who experience complications during their first full-term pregnancy are more likely to deliver preterm in subsequent pregnancies. The researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 women and discovered a significant link between term complications and increased preterm risk.
A study found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce serious renal events in type 2 diabetes patients, with a 58% lower relative risk compared to DPP-4 inhibitors. The findings provide further support for the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients at risk of kidney disease.
A 'do it yourself' breathing circuit using readily available intensive care accessories can ventilate two critically ill patients at once, but its use is fraught with ethical issues and unclear pros outweigh cons. Clinicians should only consider this approach as a last resort due to the need for close patient matching and potential harm.
Healthcare worker deaths during the pandemic should be independently reviewed by coroners. The BMJ editor advocates for no further delay in providing effective PPE to prevent such deaths.
Experts argue that age should not be used to decide who receives life-saving treatment, as it leads to unfair discrimination. Dave Archard suggests the fair innings argument, while Arthur Caplan believes age can be a valid criterion supported by data.
The current NHS regulations for charging non-residents are poorly understood and applied by healthcare staff, leading to cases of patients being deterred from accessing care and eligible patients being incorrectly billed. Survey responses also highlight the need for independent review and training on the regulations.
A recent study published in Thorax found that social isolation is independently associated with a heightened risk of hospital admission for respiratory disease among older adults. Living alone and poor social engagement were linked to increased risks of 32% and 24%, respectively.
A study of 10 on-demand streaming series found that 70% depicted tobacco incidents, with non-compliance to India's rules rampant. Researchers emphasize the need for stricter enforcement and update of WHO guidelines to include streaming services.
Despite limited evidence, wearing face masks could have a substantial impact on transmission and social distancing measures. Experts argue that proper mask use can be taught and implemented consistently, reducing the risk of transmission.
A study published in The BMJ found that children with parents who have mental illness are at a higher risk of injuries, especially during the first year of life. The risk is highest for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A recent study published in Injury Prevention journal reveals that men are more likely to drive dangerous vehicles and pose a higher risk to other road users. The researchers suggest that greater gender equity in road transport jobs could help lessen these risks.
A scoping review found that many popular fertility and pregnancy planning apps lack accuracy, particularly in predicting fertile windows and preventing unplanned pregnancies. The studies suggest that these apps should be developed with the involvement of fertility specialists to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Doctors propose using antimalarial drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 patients with pneumonia or as primary prophylaxis for healthy individuals at highest risk. However, limited global supplies may hinder this approach.
Research published in Thorax journal found a heightened risk of lung cancer in people with COPD who have never smoked. The risk is comparable to that of smokers without chronic lung disease, suggesting early detection may reduce treatment complications.
A comprehensive analysis of 121 randomised trials found that most diets result in modest weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors over six months. However, the benefits often disappear at 12 months, except for the Mediterranean diet which saw a small reduction in LDL cholesterol.
Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.
Researchers warn of 'exaggerated' AI study claims, highlighting poor quality evidence and methodological flaws in studies. The majority of deep learning medical imaging studies have high bias and lack transparency, fueling hype for rapid implementation.
A new study finds that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of migraine days and attacks, with manual acupuncture showing greater benefits than sham or usual care. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in migraine episodes, making it an effective alternative to drugs for patients who prefer not to use them.
A long-term study found that regular tub bathing is associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke, with higher frequencies seeming to offer greater protection. The study tracked over 61,000 middle-aged adults in Japan and found that daily hot baths were linked to a 28% lower overall risk of cardiovascular disease.
Infections are responsible for one in five childhood deaths in England and Wales, with respiratory infections leading the way. The proportion of deaths caused by infections has declined, but not among infants and young children, who saw a significant increase in cases.
Animal welfare experts call for tighter laws on keeping dangerous snakes as pets, citing difficulties in managing them at home and treating them in veterinary practices. Many vets are also concerned about the lack of expertise and insurance to handle venomous snakes.
A recent investigation by The BMJ uncovered links between groups advocating for wider medical cannabis access and those pushing for recreational legalization. Industry funding for research into medicinal properties of cannabis has raised concerns about conflicts of interest and the potential normalization of cannabis use.