Experts weigh in on whether keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets should be restricted due to public health and animal welfare concerns. A team from Ghent University argues that with proper information and care, these animals pose no greater burden than traditional pets.
Consultants argue that the four-hour wait target remains essential for driving flow through the urgent care system, reducing mortality rates. Experts caution that abandoning the target could worsen hospital overcrowding and performance issues due to perverse incentives.
A growing proportion of public monies are being diverted to profit margins, warns Professor Neena Modi. She argues that a mixed system reduces healthcare effectiveness and calls for 'visionary leadership' and investment in the NHS to address its challenges.
UK hospitals face unprecedented challenges in receiving major trauma patients, requiring extended surgery hours, rehabilitation, and support. Healthcare staff experience severe physical and psychological effects, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A small study found that gut bacteria undergo significant changes within 72 hours of serious injury/trauma, which may impact recovery outcomes. These changes could be used to inform probiotic regimens or guide microbial composition shifts, potentially improving critical care outcomes.
By 2047, an estimated 21% of women and 17% of men aged 65+ will be physically disabled, severely restricting everyday activities. The absolute numbers are expected to rise significantly despite little change in proportions over the next 30 years.
Long-term statin use is associated with a 30% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in susceptible individuals, according to a large study. The findings held true regardless of the clinical criteria used to determine the need for treatment.
Experts warn that new NHS rules charging overseas visitors could compromise patient safety and should be withdrawn until a thorough impact assessment is carried out. The proposals pose significant challenges for healthcare teams in establishing entitlement to care and may lead to treatment being refused if patients cannot pay.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that teenage girls are more likely to self-harm than boys, with a sharp rise in self-harm rates among UK girls aged 13-16. The study analyzed data from 16,912 patients and found that girls were nine times more likely to die unnaturally than unaffected children.
A study published by The BMJ found that lying down during the second stage of labor for women with low-dose epidurals increases the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. This approach shows no adverse consequences for mothers or babies.
Experts argue that increasing physical activity can help older people live independently and reduce the need for social care. Regular exercise can reverse age-related decline and improve cognitive ability, reducing the risk of dementia.
A large observational study compared the safety of new anti-clotting drugs with warfarin. The results show that DOACs are not associated with a higher risk of major bleeding, similar to warfarin. This suggests that DOACs can be a viable alternative for treating serious blood clots.
A 10 pence levy on sugar sweetened drinks at UK-based Jamie's Italian led to a 9-11% decrease in sales, with the impact greatest in restaurants with highest pre-existing sales of these beverages.
A commercial weight management program delivered by Weight Watchers helped more than half of patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk or get their blood sugar levels back to normal. The program led to significant reductions in diabetes risk, with an average fall in HbA1c levels and notable weight loss.
The abdominal hypoppressive technique, widely marketed as a treatment for leaky bladder and pelvic organ prolapse, has no scientific evidence to support its benefits. Despite its widespread use by over 1500 coaches in 14 countries, experts conclude that it lacks the necessary evidence-based validation.
Patients treated by female surgeons have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after operation, but results do not support preferential selection of a surgeon based on sex. Researchers found no significant difference in readmissions or complications.
Significant declines in sperm counts among men in Western countries are alarming, with a 52% fall between 1973 and 2011. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the causes of these trends, which may be linked to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
A study found that changes in marital relationship quality over time are associated with variations in cardiovascular risk factors for men. Improving relationships were linked to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and relatively lower weight, while deteriorating relationships were associated with worsening diastolic blood pressure.
Research suggests that multivitamin use during pregnancy is associated with a lower likelihood of child autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with intellectual disability. However, study limitations and inconsistent findings warrant further investigation to verify these results.
Most new cancer drugs fail to extend or improve patient life, with many approved on surrogate measures. Only 51% of cancer indications showed survival or quality of life gains after a median 5 years on the market. This raises concerns about regulatory standards and the need for rigorous testing.
A study predicts that if large numbers of cigarette smokers switch to e-cigarettes, 6.6 million fewer premature deaths and 86.7 million fewer years of life lost could be avoided. The average smoker switching to e-cigarettes could increase their life expectancy by 0.5 years.
UK researchers found a link between delayed hospital discharges and rising mortality rates, with increased funding needed for the NHS and adult social care to address this issue. The study suggests that each additional day of delay in discharge is associated with an increase in deaths.
A 38-year-old man suffered serious liver damage after using Epsom salts to treat gallstones. He was advised to stop taking the salts and drink plenty of fluids after rapid worsening of fibrosis prompted by excessive salt intake.
Experts predict reduced access to care, widening inequalities and increased private provision as the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and STPs lead to blurred distinctions between health and social care. The lack of consideration for different funding bases has led to concerns about equitable distribution of resources.
The NHS plans to sell off unused land to raise funds for essential maintenance and modernization of healthcare services. Kailash Chand, a GP, raises concerns that this approach may not address underlying shortfalls in the health budget and could lead to long-term costs.
A telephone-first approach to general practice reduced face-to-face consultations and increased telephone calls, but also led to an increase in emergency admissions. Despite its potential for managing some workloads, the approach was found to be associated with increased GP workload.
A study found that women with a specific strain of Lactobacillus iners had an increased risk of chlamydia infection. The researchers suggest that specific signatures of vaginal microbiota may indicate increased susceptibility to acquiring STIs.
A 45-year-old woman developed a rare but life-threatening condition called fat embolism syndrome (FES) after undergoing liposuction. FES is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the need for clinicians to think outside the box and consider alternative diagnoses.
A recent evidence review found that collision sports, such as youth rugby, carry high rates of injury, including concussions. Experts argue that banning tackle and scrum in school rugby could significantly reduce these risks. In contrast, other strategies like wearing protective equipment have weak evidence supporting their effectiveness.
A study explored boundaries of parental choice in medical decision making for children, identifying thresholds of acceptable levels of harm and cost. More than half of participants were willing to provide treatment with a small increased risk of death and up to $500 in cost increase.
Men who are physically active in mid-life are nearly three times as likely to be active 20 years later. Sport participation in midlife is key to maintaining physical function and self-efficacy into older age.
A recent study found that women with coronary heart disease are less likely to achieve treatment targets than men. Women were more likely to have better control of blood pressure and be non-smokers, but struggled with cholesterol levels, physical activity, and obesity.
A three-day training programme called the Lightning Process has been shown to improve physical function and reduce symptoms in children with chronic fatigue syndrome. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggests that the LP is more effective when combined with specialist medical care.
A large study found that childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased risk of any cancer, especially gastrointestinal cancers. Absolute risks are low, but the higher risk persists into adulthood. Chronic inflammation and family history are key risk factors for cancer in children with IBD.
Three people were treated for serious eye injuries after being shot with Nerf guns, including a child who developed swelling in the cornea and retina. Doctors urge parents to consider protective eyewear when allowing children to play with these guns.
Research found owners of chronically ill pets experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as poorer quality of life. The study's findings may also inform veterinarian wellbeing and highlight the need for improved training on long-term care.
Researchers describe three cases of eyeworm infection in UK dogs with recent travel to mainland Europe. The parasite, Thelazia callipaeda, is found in fruit flies and can infect dogs, cats, and humans, posing a significant threat to the UK canine population.
Experts debate the value of an online screening test for depression, with some arguing it could prompt informed conversations with clinical professionals and provide potentially helpful resources. However, others express concerns about inadequate treatment resources and misuse of data, warning that unregulated screening may cause harm.
Weight loss of around 15 kg can reverse type 2 diabetes, extending life expectancy and reducing healthcare costs. However, remission is rarely recorded due to lack of agreed criteria and guidance.
A 67-year-old man developed cyanide poisoning after taking apricot kernel extract daily for five years, exceeding safe levels by 25 times. The case highlights the risks of consuming unregulated herbal supplements and the importance of proper medical evaluation.
A review of high-quality observational studies found that drinking up to four units a week during pregnancy was associated with an 8% higher risk of having a small baby. The researchers conclude that the evidence is sparse, and guidance should advise abstention as a precautionary principle.
Research in the UK found that people with disabilities face significant hurdles accessing healthcare services, with disabled women being disproportionately disadvantaged. Long waiting lists and cost of treatment were major obstacles, affecting over one-fourth of those with severe disabilities.
International panel recommends older alternative medications to reduce risk of premature birth and neonatal death, supporting patient-centered decision-making. The new guidelines take a public health perspective into account, acknowledging operational challenges in low-resource settings.
A study published in The BMJ found an association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and a higher risk of psychiatric disorder diagnosis in children. Researchers stress that this finding should be interpreted with caution, as the underlying maternal illness may contribute to the increased risk.
A study published by The BMJ found that staying in education is associated with a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Increasing the number of years spent in education may lower this risk by a substantial amount, say the authors.
A comparative analysis of trauma data from India and the US reveals that women in India are nearly 40 times more likely to die after being assaulted. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including delayed medical attention and unequal access to healthcare services.
A study found that climate change may have contributed to the 7% surge in US road traffic collision deaths in 2015. Warmer temperatures led to an increase in miles driven, resulting in higher CO2 emissions and further temperature increases.
A review of available evidence links methamphetamine use to a heightened risk of stroke among young people, with men twice as likely to succumb to haemorrhagic strokes. The most common type associated with taking the drug is a brain bleed rather than a clot.
Research published in BMJ Open found that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) cause more severe injuries than landmines, particularly among children. IED victims are more likely to suffer multiple amputations, genital/gluteal injuries, and pelvic fractures.
Researchers conclude that a daily supplement combining antioxidants with zinc and copper is a relatively inexpensive and effective means of halting the progression of degenerative eye disease. The study shows that this treatment could save the NHS nearly £3000 per patient, adding up to around £131 million a year.