Internal GlaxoSmithKline reports suggest a large discrepancy in adverse event reporting for Pandemrix compared to other GSK pandemic influenza vaccines. The BMJ investigation raises questions about the transparency of information surrounding the vaccine's safety, with significant implications for public health.
Experts warn that Public Health England's partnership with the drinks industry may undermine efforts to reduce alcohol consumption. A new campaign encouraging middle-aged people to have more alcohol-free days per week has been criticized for its modest target and lack of clarity.
A high-gluten diet during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children, according to a large observational study. The researchers found that the child's risk of developing type 1 diabetes increased proportionally with the mother's gluten intake during pregnancy.
A senior doctor calls for a ban on the sale of caffeinated energy drinks to children in England, citing concerns over obesity and mental health problems. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health supports these restrictions, highlighting the need for improved evidence to protect young people's health.
A study found associations between air pollution and dementia diagnoses in London patients, with higher NO2 and PM2.5 levels linked to a 40% increased risk of dementia. The study's findings suggest that traffic-related air pollution may contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly for Alzheimer's disease.
Most supermarket yogurts contain high levels of added sugars, exceeding EU guidelines for low-sugar products. Organic yogurts are particularly concerning due to the perceived health halo effect, leading consumers to underestimate their sugar content.
A study found that only 49.5% of clinical trials in Europe reported results as required by EU regulations, with commercial sponsors being more likely to comply than non-commercial ones. The researchers also discovered inconsistencies in the EU Clinical Trials Register and developed a website to track compliance.
Crowdfunding sites have seen a surge in UK cancer-related appeals, with £8m raised since 2012. Critics argue that these platforms are not adequately vetting appeals, potentially leading to patients being exploited by unproven treatments.
A randomised controlled trial found that high dose folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester has no benefit for preventing pre-eclampsia. However, low dose folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy are still strongly recommended to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.
Researchers and regulators have conducted an expedited analysis of recalled blood pressure drugs, finding no association between use of potentially contaminated products and increased short-term cancer risk. However, a slightly increased risk of colorectal and uterine cancers was found in patients exposed to the impurity NDMA.
A study found a clear geographical split in opioid prescribing in England, with the North showing higher rates of chronic pain, anxiety, and poor general health. Opioid use was linked to intensity of pain, educational attainment, and general health, highlighting the need for alternative pain management strategies.
A recent study published in Open Heart reveals that UK heart failure patients are significantly more likely to die than their Japanese counterparts, with mortality rates being nearly twice as high. The disparity persists even after accounting for differences in patient severity and risk factors.
International experts advise against routine PSA screening for prostate cancer, citing small benefits and potential harm. However, clinicians should engage in shared decision-making with patients considering screening, especially those at higher risk of prostate cancer death.
A study by The BMJ reveals a small but significant pay gap between white and black minority ethnic (BME) hospital doctors in England. For consultant grades, the gap is larger, with white consultants earning an extra £4,644 per year compared to BME consultants. Further investigation into the reasons behind these differences is warranted.
A recent study found that statins do not reduce cardiovascular disease or death in healthy individuals aged 75 and older. However, in people with type 2 diabetes aged 75-84 years, statins were associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and death. The protective effect declined after age 85.
Hospital doctors in England and Wales are taking early retirement, with a significant increase in NHS pension claims due to ill health or voluntary early retirement. The data shows a 22% rise in total doctor pensions claimed between 2008 and 2018, with more doctors opting for early retirement on health grounds.
A study of 736 pregnant women found that fish oil supplements led to a sustained increase in BMI, primarily due to proportional increases in lean and bone mass. By age 6, children whose mothers took fish oil supplements had higher total mass, lean mass, bone mineral content, and fat mass compared to those who received olive oil.
A large-scale study found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that diclofenac should not be available over the counter and when prescribed, should come with a warning about its potential risks.
Researchers found that genetic variation was the only factor associated with increased fracture risk, while vitamin D levels and calcium intake were not linked. Bone mineral density remained a key predictor of fracture risk.
A comprehensive analysis of the evidence found exposure to toxic metals like arsenic, lead, copper, and cadmium to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that these metals may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even at relatively low levels of exposure.
Deaths from drug overdose and suicide in the US have surpassed those from diabetes, with rates increasing by 80% between 2000 and 2016. Researchers urge national initiatives to tackle common factors behind 'self-injury', citing trauma, adversity, and mental health issues as key drivers.
A data linkage study of over 1 million Danes found that childhood experience of parental cancer is linked to poorer school grades and lower educational attainment. Children whose parents had a poor chance of surviving five years or died from their disease also experienced lower earnings power as adults.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that open bench configurations led to higher levels of physical activity and lower stress outside the office. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 government workers, suggests that an open plan design may be a healthier alternative to cubicles or private offices.
Two studies reveal widespread declines in US life expectancy, with younger age groups affected by opioid-related deaths, and midlife mortality increasing across all racial groups. Systemic causes, including social deprivation and austerity policies, are suspected to contribute to these trends.
A small experimental study found that e-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation. The vapour impairs the activity of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial for removing dust particles, bacteria, and allergens from the air spaces.
Research reveals tobacco content remains common on UK prime time TV, appearing in 17% of programmes and 8% of adverts. This exposure is likely to influence young people's take-up of smoking, highlighting the need for revised guidelines and enforcement.
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma recommends stricter regulations on semi-automatic rifle sales, booster accessories and high-volume ammunition to reduce firearm-related injuries. The AAST aims to address the complex issue of gun violence through research, innovation, technology and cooperation.
Research reveals that hospitals struggle to collect forensic evidence from rape kits, with only a third of eligible patients completing the process and handing over evidence to police. Survivors face complex legal systems and potential trauma, emphasizing the need for proper support in emergency care departments.
A new study finds that long term abstinence from alcohol and heavy drinking are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers found that every 7 unit a week increase in consumption was associated with a 17% increase in dementia risk among those drinking above 14 units a week.
A study published in The BMJ found that US opioid use has not declined over the last decade, with higher average daily doses in 2017 compared to 2007. Disabled Medicare beneficiaries were particularly prone to opioid use, taking higher doses for longer periods.
Research published in BMJ Paediatrics Open found a link between parental depression and increased healthcare needs among children. The study revealed a 41% increase in emergency department attendance among children of depressed parents.
A survey of UK doctors found that they mostly lean left-wing but high earners tend to lean right. Most believe Brexit will negatively impact the NHS, with an average score of 2 out of 10.
A recent study found that US sexual minorities are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than their straight counterparts, with poorer health and quality of life reported. The disparities may be even wider due to the predominantly white and affluent sample used in the study.
A catheter-based procedure to close a type of 'hole in the heart' is strongly recommended for patients under 60 with a history of stroke, reducing the risk of future stroke more than antiplatelet therapy. The guideline also suggests anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy for patients who value preventing strokes over risk of bleeding.
A 60-year-old amateur weight-lifter developed non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy after taking high doses of testosterone and receiving illegal stem cell infusions. Doctors warn that AAS abuse can cause heart problems in people without usual risk factors, especially when taken at high doses.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that noise on children's medical wards at night exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended maximum limit. Children and their parents experienced significantly less sleep than when sleeping at home, with an average loss of over an hour.
An international survey of 16,000 employees and managers in 15 countries found that managerial support for depression is associated with lower rates of workplace absenteeism. Managers who offered help and support had employees take fewer days off work, while those who avoided discussing the issue led to more absences.
A 45% increase in rejected requests for knee and hip surgery has been revealed by an investigation by The BMJ. The number of patients being refused these operations has risen to nearly 1,700, causing stress for doctors and patients alike.
A study published in The BMJ found that adding sulfonylurea drugs to metformin for type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia. Continuing metformin when introducing sulfonylureas is safer than switching.
A study found a 65% increase in cirrhosis deaths and a doubling of liver cancer deaths among US adults between 1999 and 2016. Young people aged 25-34 experienced the highest average annual increase in cirrhosis deaths, driven by alcohol-related liver disease.
The BMJ's new collection aims to improve global health by integrating research into health systems and increasing its value. Despite progress since the introduction of a regional policy in 2009, challenges persist, including weak public health functions and varying levels of research capacity.
An observational study published in the BMJ Open journal found a strong association between an unhealthy blood fat profile before pregnancy and lower fertility rates. Women with high cholesterol, triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol were more likely to have only one or no children.
A review of available evidence suggests that older children who abuse animals are two to three times as likely to have been abused themselves. Girls are less likely to engage in animal abuse, but when they do, child abuse may be more prevalent.
Research found that invisible stool blood is associated with a heightened risk of death from bowel cancer, as well as circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and hormone diseases. A positive faecal occult blood test result was linked to an 8-fold increased risk of bowel cancer mortality.
The new guidelines will dramatically increase the number of people with hypertension, especially in China, where over half of those aged 45-75 years will be considered hypertensive. This could lead to a significant increase in treatment numbers, with up to 130 million untreated patients in China.
A study of over 250,000 British women found no overall increased risk of invasive breast or womb cancer after assisted reproduction. However, small increased risks of non-invasive breast and ovarian tumours were detected, with the former linked to a greater number of treatment cycles.
Healthcare leaders call on the UK government to lift restrictions on taking abortion pills at home, citing improved access for vulnerable women. The move would align with Scotland and Wales' existing policies and reduce unnecessary clinic visits, bettering women's dignity and wellbeing.
A study published in The BMJ found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with reduced risks of major bleeding compared to warfarin. Apixaban was shown to have the lowest numbers needed to treat over six months to avoid one extra major bleed.
A study published in The BMJ found that children of mothers who follow a healthy lifestyle have a substantially lower risk of developing obesity. The research suggests that if both mothers and their children stick to a healthy lifestyle, this could result in an even further reduction in the risk of childhood obesity.
A study of nearly 1000 emergency care patients found that visible body art has no discernible impact on perceived professionalism or competence. Patients rated doctors with tattoos and piercings highly for qualities such as caring attitude, approachability, and trustworthiness.