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.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a link between prolonged use of oral contraceptives and reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, breastfeeding was not associated with a significant protective effect after accounting for influential factors.
A UK study found that e-cigarette use among teens is associated with an increased risk of starting conventional cigarette smoking and escalating their habit. The study suggests that e-cigarette use may be a marker for those who would have started smoking anyway, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Experts call for more transparent conversations with women to avoid unnecessary disease labelling. A broader definition of polycystic ovary syndrome may lead to 'fear and anxiety', highlighting the need for a slower approach to diagnosis.
A recent study found improved survival rates among premature babies, with increased rates of survival without neuromotor and sensory disabilities at 2 years of age. However, a significant risk of developmental delay remains for children born between 24-34 weeks' gestation, with language development delays being the most common concern.
Research finds steady rise in premature mortality among 25- to 44-year-olds in the North of England since mid-1990s, compounding the country's long-established 'North-South' divide. Excess deaths among young and middle-aged people increased sharply between 1995 and 2015.
A 30-year-old woman had a dental brace wire removed from her bowel after 10 years, revealing a twisted intestine. The wire was surgically removed without complications, and the woman made a full recovery.
A 62-year-old man developed copper deficiency myelopathy (CDM) due to excessive zinc intake from denture fixative. The condition caused numbness, pain, and weakness in his legs, leading to complete loss of feeling.
In the wake of Charlie Gard's high-profile court case, Professor Dominic Wilkinson emphasizes the need for fair, accurate, and balanced discussion in cases involving life-prolonging treatment. One potential solution is to allow medical professionals to make public the medical evidence on which they are basing their decisions.
Bystanders can make a difference in acid attacks by removing contaminated clothing and washing off acid with water. Public education and clear guidance for health professionals are also crucial to limit long-term physical and emotional effects.
The study found a substantial increase in neonatal abstinence syndrome among infants whose mothers were prescribed opioids and psychotropic medications. The absolute risk was highest among women exposed to gabapentin, with concurrent exposure to psychotropic medications increasing severity of withdrawal symptoms.
In Scotland, tobacco companies are using financial incentives to encourage retailers to prioritize their brands and maintain point-of-sale displays despite the ban. Researchers found that 17 out of 24 small independent retailers reported receiving assistance from tobacco companies to adapt their ganties before the ban took effect.
The authors emphasize the need for a life course approach to address vaginal bleeding needs of girls and women across their lives. The lack of open discussion and access to clean water, sanitation, and factual information hinder effective management of bleeding, leading to anaemia and other health issues.
The UK's withdrawal from Euratom may threaten the supply of essential medical isotopes, used in some cancer treatments and medical imaging. Professor Martin McKee warns that this could put patients at risk if supplies are interrupted.
Experts argue that working 24-hour shifts may not negatively impact patient care, but can lead to burnout. The medical profession must address the issue of sleep deprivation and its effects on doctors' wellbeing and patient safety.
Experts argue that stopping antibiotics sooner is a safe and effective way to reduce antibiotic overuse, contradicting the long-held 'complete the course' message.
Research suggests that a cross-government strategy introduced in 1997 reduced health inequalities between the most deprived areas and the rest of England. However, since its end in 2010, these gains are being reversed due to current austerity policies.
A recent study published in The BMJ found a significant association between e-cigarette use and increased smoking cessation rates among US adult smokers. E-cigarette users were more likely to make a quit attempt and succeed in quitting for at least three months compared to non-users.
Child mortality rates in Iraq were not unusually high between 1991 and 2003, contrary to claims made by Saddam Hussein's government. A major national household survey conducted in 1999 was found to be 'a remarkable fiction' cooked up to stir international condemnation and get sanctions lifted.
Researchers found that dog owners who walk their pets regularly are more active and less sedentary on rainy days than those without dogs. Dog ownership is linked to increased physical activity levels, reduced daily sitting time, and improved health outcomes.