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.
A study published by The BMJ finds that healthy eating and physical activity during pregnancy limits weight gain and lowers the odds of having a caesarean section. The benefits are consistent regardless of age, ethnicity, BMI, or underlying medical conditions.
A large Swedish study found a link between antidepressant use in pregnancy and autism risk, with 4.1% of exposed children developing autism compared to 2.9% of unexposed children. However, the absolute risk was small, and researchers stress that these results should not be considered alarming.
A study found that 67% of pet owners surveyed couldn't accurately recognize veterinary emergencies, with many calling out-of-hours services for convenience or reassurance. Veterinary practices can help by providing guidance on emergency conditions and training receptionists in telephone triage.
Researchers argue that excluding mothers-to-be from clinical studies perpetuates the knowledge void around the impact of drugs taken during pregnancy. They found that lack of scientific data on the potential impact of drugs during pregnancy renders pregnant women vulnerable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has downgraded the status of Tamiflu due to limited evidence. A study published in The BMJ found that oseltamivir had no significant impact on complications, hospital admissions, or mortality from influenza. This decision comes after years of stockpiling and promotion of the drug.
Liver specialists recommend screening high-risk patients for cirrhosis due to its growing prevalence as a cause of death, but others argue that the test's accuracy and cost-effectiveness are questionable. Implementing widespread screening could lead to disinvestment in other interventions and risks population health.
Research found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and increased odds of juvenile conduct disorder and adult antisocial personality disorder. The association was independent of other risk factors often present in smokers, suggesting a small to moderate causal effect on offspring's behavior.
Experts warn that concussions in Para athletes are a growing concern due to the high-risk nature of certain sports. Key findings include a lack of guidance on managing concussion in Para sports and inadequate assessment tools, making it challenging to identify and address potential head injuries.
By 2040, over 1.2 million people will live with dementia in England and Wales, mainly due to longer lifespans. The incidence of new cases is declining, but overall prevalence is expected to rise substantially.
Research reveals that naturally produced testosterone in some elite female athletes gives them a competitive advantage in athletics events that depend on stamina and visuospatial abilities. Women with high levels of free testosterone performed significantly better in certain events, such as the 400m sprint and hammer throw.
Researchers found a 25% increased risk of death from all causes among PPI users compared to H2 blocker users. The study also suggested that PPIs may boost oxidative stress and shorten telomeres, potentially leading to tissue damage.
A study of US pathologists reveals that melanoma diagnoses can be inaccurate and non-reproducible, particularly in the middle of the disease spectrum. The results suggest that only cases at the polar ends of the spectrum are accurately diagnosed.
A large study found that higher childhood intelligence is associated with a lower lifetime risk of death from various causes, including respiratory disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. The study of over 65,000 individuals suggests that lifestyle factors like tobacco smoking play a significant role in this relationship.
Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.
Research published in the journal Heart found a significant association between persistent moderate to severe mental distress and increased risk of death among patients with stable coronary heart disease. Conversely, mild or occasional distress over the long term showed no such link.
A recent study published by The BMJ found that cancer control measures have led to rising life expectancy in rich populations but not in poorer ones. Urgent global action is needed to develop effective and affordable cancer control measures for countries undergoing socioeconomic transitions.
A plan to develop more trustworthy medical evidence is set out by experts from The BMJ and Oxford University's Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. The manifesto outlines nine steps towards more trustworthy evidence, including expanding patient involvement and reducing questionable research practices.
A long-term study found a significant link between aircraft noise and an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Exposure to night-time aircraft noise was associated with a doubling in risk of heart flutter and stroke, with every additional 10 dB of noise linked to a 69% heightened risk of high blood pressure.
Research finds that regular and occasional teen cannabis use is associated with a heightened risk of problematic substance misuse in early adulthood. Teens who used cannabis regularly were 37 times more likely to be nicotine dependent and three times more likely to have a harmful drinking pattern by age 21.
A recent study found that even moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of adverse brain outcomes and steeper decline in cognitive skills. Higher alcohol consumption over 30 years was linked to hippocampal atrophy, poorer white matter integrity, and faster decline in language fluency.
Researchers found that only 20.2% of major birth defects had a definite cause, highlighting the need for better research to prevent and care for these conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of population-based preventive interventions for known causes, such as smoking or diabetes.
Research finds a strong association between maternal pregnancy complications and early coronary heart disease in young adult offspring. The study suggests that optimal health and nutrition for expectant mothers may help reduce the risk of heart disease in their children.
Cuts to addiction services in England have led to a surge in drug-related deaths and increased pressure on the NHS. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is calling for more training posts and no further cuts to addiction services.
Researchers find pharmaceutical-grade chondroitin sulfate comparable to celecoxib in reducing pain and improving joint function; long-term treatment recommended for older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Effective and safe alternatives are needed due to risks associated with NSAIDs and paracetamol.
Research published in the journal Heart found that regular chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. For women, one weekly serving was linked to a 21% lower risk, while for men, two to six weekly servings were associated with a 23% lower risk.
Two large US studies found a significant association between high fiber intake and reduced risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. High cereal fiber intake was also linked to lower worsening knee pain.
A study published in The BMJ found that patients treated by older physicians have higher mortality rates than those cared for by younger physicians, except for those with high patient volumes. However, the researchers note that clinical skills and knowledge accumulated by more experienced physicians can lead to improved quality of care.
A study published in The BMJ found that online telemedicine-based medical abortion is effective and safe, with low rates of adverse events. The research provides real-world evidence on the effectiveness of self-sourced medical abortion through telemedicine, supporting growing calls for reform of highly restrictive abortion laws.
Researchers estimate that achieving a smoking prevalence of less than 5% by 2035 would avoid nearly 12,500 new cases of serious disease. The UK could save £600 million in healthcare and lost productivity costs in 2035 alone, mainly due to declines in smoking rates among the wealthy rather than the poor.
A growing number of cases in Western countries have been linked to the consumption of raw or undercooked fish, specifically sushi. Anisakiasis is caused by eating infected fish and can lead to symptoms such as upper gut pain, vomiting, fever, bowel obstruction, and bleeding.
Researchers found that a 61-year-old man with severe alcohol dependence and stuttering stopped stuttering after taking baclofen, a muscle relaxant. Further studies are needed to confirm the finding, but the authors propose plausible biological explanations for the effect.