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.
An analysis of media reporting on celebrity suicides found a significant association with increased suicide rates in the general population. Reporting on the specific methods used was also linked to an increased risk of suicide by the same method.
Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.
A renowned expert urges the establishment of an independent international safeguarding agency to handle athlete disclosures, investigate and process allegations, and support victims of abuse. An international offender database is also needed to prevent 'perpetrator migration' to new sport organisations.
A UK study found that cyclists have a 45% higher risk of hospital admission for a first injury compared to car commuters, but lower risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and death. Cycling also offers health benefits such as improved fitness and lower body fat.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that around 100,000 convicted felons in the US may still possess firearms, with California being the only state to enforce a recovery program. The researchers estimate this number is based on data from the Armed and Prohibited Persons System database.
Around 1 in 20 NHS 111 calls lead to unnecessary emergency care visits, with factors like female sex and young age increasing the risk. The study analyzed 16 million calls and found that 83% of those advised against emergency care still visited within 24 hours.
Persistent sleep difficulties in infancy are associated with heightened risks of childhood anxieties and emotional disorders. Infants with persistent severe sleep problems are nearly three times as likely to have emotional problem symptoms when they are 4 years old.
Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.
A large US-based observational study found no association between moderate egg intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Egg consumption was not linked to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, or coronary heart disease. However, replacing eggs with processed red meat may be associated with an increased CVD risk.
A large UK Biobank study found that regular fish oil supplement users had a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality, a 16% lower risk of CVD mortality, and a 7% lower risk of CVD events. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce mortality.
Research found a short-term drop in the proportion of boys born in Ontario, Canada's most populated province, following the 2016 US presidential election. This effect was observed only in politically liberal areas, not in conservative ones, suggesting a potential impact of societal stressors on birth ratios.
A survey of UK parliamentarians found that those with additional work roles or probable mental health issues were more likely to engage in hazardous drinking. The study suggests that the high-stress nature of MP work may contribute to increased alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for better support and resources for MPs' wellbeing.
A large-scale malaria vaccine study by the World Health Organization has been criticized for failing to obtain informed consent from parents whose children are taking part in the study. The WHO claims that a 'pilot introduction' and not a research activity, but experts argue that this violates international ethical standards.
Research suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with menopause age, but estrogen loss does compromise heart health. Women should be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent this harm, according to specialists in a linked editorial.
A portable 'electronic nose' device detected Barrett's oesophagus with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 74%, comparable to breast and bowel cancer screening methods. The non-invasive technique shows high acceptability and low costs, making it a promising approach for primary care screening.
A 20-year study found that mid-life weight gain accelerates the natural decline in lung capacity with aging, while weight loss slows it down. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to stave off serious respiratory illness and extend life expectancy.
A study analyzing global data found that chronic respiratory diseases have increased by 18% between 1990 and 2017, with the poorest regions experiencing the greatest disease burden. Smoking, environmental pollution, and body weight were identified as key risk factors for deaths and disability.
A study found that macrolide antibiotics prescribed during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations. Alternative antibiotics should be used instead until further research is available.
Eating a Mediterranean diet for a year boosts beneficial gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and may help curb frailty and cognitive decline in older people. The diet is associated with increased diversity of the microbiome, improved brain function, and reduced harmful inflammatory chemicals.
A comprehensive review of published evidence links 24 genetic variants to a heightened risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women with most or all of these variants may be twice or three times more likely to develop the disease.
A recent study published in BMJ Case Reports highlights the serious complications of measles, including hepatitis, appendicitis, and viral meningitis. The authors report on three cases of adults treated for measles, highlighting the need for urgent efforts to ensure global coverage with two-dose measles vaccines.
A study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health found that having 10 or more lifetime sexual partners is associated with a heightened risk of cancer diagnosis in both men and women. Women who reported this number were 91% more likely to be diagnosed, while those with limiting chronic conditions were 64% more likely. The study sug...
A recent analysis of GMC data reveals that doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to be appointed for specialty training posts compared to their white counterparts. The findings suggest that little progress has been made in addressing bias since a landmark paper published in 1993.
Growing concern that AI may exacerbate existing health disparities due to biased data, particularly in skin color recognition for melanoma detection. Experts warn that market incentives alone cannot overcome historical gaps in medical research for ethnic minority groups.
Investigation by The BMJ reveals that UK medical schools are unprepared to deal with racism and racial harassment experienced by black and ethnic minority students. Only half of the 40 public undergraduate medical schools in the UK collect data on complaints, with just 11 recorded since 2010.
Doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are up to three times more likely to fail exams than their white peers. Improved learning experiences and inclusive curriculums can help address this institutional problem. Strong leadership and tackling prejudice are key to creating a more equitable healthcare system.
A large study found daily exposure to ground level ozone in cities worldwide is associated with an increased risk of death. The study suggests that more than 6,000 deaths each year could be avoided if countries implemented stricter air quality standards.
A review of evidence published in The BMJ found that smartphone apps assessing mole risk cannot detect all skin cancers. While AI-powered apps offer potential for earlier detection and treatment, limitations and variable performance indicate insufficient promise to recommend their use.