A woman was rushed to hospital after mistakingly using foxglove leaves instead of comfrey for an herbal remedy. She experienced symptoms such as palpitations and lightheadedness due to the high levels of digoxin in foxglove, a heart rhythm medication.
A 69-year-old Vietnam war veteran was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, after exposure to Agent Orange during his service. The patient's cancer has a high rate of local recurrence and ability to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial.
A young bodybuilder's use of non-prescribed injections, including coconut oil and insulin, led to severe complications, including a ruptured triceps and multiple cysts. The case highlights the risks of self-administered natural oils and steroids used to achieve a desired body image.
A study found a sixfold increase in thyroid cancer incidence in South Korea between 1999 and 2008, mainly due to overdetection by screening. The researchers call for reduced ultrasound examinations in the general population to mitigate the economic burden of unnecessary treatments.
Fertility preservation for girls and young women with cancer is hindered by lack of awareness and funding. Despite guidelines, access to treatment is restricted due to variable oncologist awareness and conflicting funding policies.
Starting testosterone treatment increases risk of serious blood clots, with the risk peaking within six months and declining gradually thereafter. Although the risks are temporary and low in absolute terms, researchers warn that investigating timing and duration of use may have masked conflicting findings.
Smokers under 50 are significantly more likely to have a major heart attack than older smokers, with the risk dropping with age. The study found that younger smokers face an almost 8-fold higher risk of STEMI than non-smokers, making them particularly vulnerable.
Research found that swimming, racquet sports, and aerobics are associated with reduced risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. Racket sports showed the strongest association, followed by swimming and aerobics.
A study published in BMJ Open found that many fertility clinics make unsubstantiated claims about treatments beyond standard IVF procedures. The researchers identified a lack of supporting evidence cited by websites and clinics, with only a few interventions having moderate quality evidence to support their benefits.
Researchers conclude that vitamin D supplementation does not improve musculoskeletal outcomes such as falls or fractures. For those at high risk of deficiency, sunlight exposure and diet should be prioritized, with low-dose supplements considered on an individual basis.
A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.
A large study published in The BMJ found that high intake of major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, or plant-based sources can reduce this risk by 6-8%.
Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.
Research suggests that pre-teens whose dads adjust well to parenthood and feel confident about their new role may be less likely to have behavioral problems. Fathers' emotional response and confidence in their new role are most strongly associated with lower odds of behavioral issues.
Global health experts call for UN Security Council mandate to protect healthcare facilities from attacks, amid persistent and blatant breaches of Geneva Convention. The international community needs to stand up for medical neutrality, mandating the UN Security Council to provide protection for health facilities.
A study of English schoolchildren found that the London 2012 Olympics inspired many to try new sports and activities, but levels of physical fitness worsened. Despite positive associations with increased activity and lower BMI among some participants, overall cardiorespiratory fitness declined significantly after the event.
A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.
A new online calculator estimates individualised chances of couples having a baby through IVF or ICSI, considering specific characteristics and treatment information. The tool provides cumulative chances over up to six cycles, helping clinicians communicate personalised chances to couples and shape their expectations.
A large European study reveals that replacing professionally qualified nurses with lower skilled nursing assistants is associated with a 21% rise in patient deaths and other indicators of poor quality care. The study found that higher proportions of professionally qualified nurses were linked to significantly lower risks of death, pati...
Prohibition laws on drugs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing addiction and violence, with a quarter of a billion adults worldwide taking illegal drugs. Doctors are calling for health and human rights to be prioritized over punitive responses.
A new study raises concerns about the effectiveness of expensive new cancer drugs in improving survival rates, citing limitations in clinical trials and high costs. Experts call for stricter approval criteria and improved patient consent processes to ensure fair and equitable treatment.
Experts question whether following up low-risk patients with symptoms can improve cancer detection, citing a lack of evidence. Researchers recommend ways to improve safety netting, including doctor-patient communication and system reviews.
Research published in BMJ Open found that people with health anxiety were twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without it. The study, based on 7,052 participants, suggests that health anxiety can be a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.
A large international study found that living in northerly climes is linked to an earlier age of starting MS symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found that each 10° increase in latitude was associated with a 10-month earlier onset.
A man developed acute hepatitis from consuming energy drinks, while another patient suffered serious heart complications after multiple bee stings. A third patient, an opium smoker, was diagnosed with lead poisoning due to contaminated tobacco products.
Current system may not detect outliers in surgeon performance, as low caseloads limit statistical power to identify high mortality rates. The analysis suggests that more meaningful outcome measures, such as patient satisfaction and functional health status, are needed for accurate evaluation.
Reducing exposure to environmental synthetic chemicals by 25% could ward off over 150,000 new cases of diabetes in Europe and save €4.5 billion every year. A 40% reduction in BMI would lead to a 40% decrease in diabetes prevalence among 70-75 year olds.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant differences between ultrasound and sham treatment for tibial fracture healing or functional recovery. The study suggests abandoning low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography (LIPUS) as an ineffective treatment option for patients with tibial fractures.
The study finds that women are closing the gap with men in terms of alcohol consumption and related health issues. The trend is most noticeable among young adults, with women's drinking habits approaching parity with those of men, particularly among those born between 1991 and 2000.
The BMJ Group recommends restoring the correct dietary balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to combat soaring obesity rates. The current ratio is 16:1, whereas human evolution suggests a healthier balance of 1:2/1. This imbalance promotes inflammation, white fat tissue, and chronic diseases linked to obesity.
The UK government's shift from harm reduction to abstinence-based policies has contributed to the rising number of drug-related deaths. Experts recommend expanding treatment options and investing in naloxone, safer injecting equipment, and immunization programs to combat the crisis.
Research suggests strenuous exercise has no significant impact on labor duration or risk of premature birth. Exercise is found to reduce excessive birthweight and lower the risk of C-section births. However, more research is needed in elite athletes to fully understand its effects during pregnancy.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
The Vote Leave campaign used the NHS logo in their advertising, despite being warned by the Department of Health not to do so. The NHS logo is a registered trademark and was found to be misleadingly associated with funding for healthcare services.
Economist Christopher Smallwood argues that private top-up insurance could prevent declining healthcare standards in the NHS. He proposes a French-style scheme where treatment costs are covered by the state and individuals make contributions for minor treatments.
Children who experienced parental absence before age 7 were more than twice as likely to start smoking and 46% more likely to drink alcohol by age 11. The findings held true even after accounting for influential factors such as education and birthweight.
A recent case report highlights the dangers of alternative therapies in children, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, and weight loss. In another case, a woman developed tick-borne illness, including seizures and multiorgan failure, after removing a tick from her skin.
A leading doctor argues that the junior doctors' contract should be discarded and replaced due to a breakdown of trust between government and healthcare staff. The current contract has been criticized for being inefficient and damaging to morale among young doctors.
Extending cervical screening intervals for HPV negative women aged 40+ is safe due to low risk of CIN3+, but not recommended for those testing positive for HPV. Tailoring screening to individual risks using HPV test results and age may improve efficiency and optimal prevention.
Leading health professionals call for drastic reductions in CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants to stabilize the climate and reduce major health threats. Reducing these pollutants can prevent up to 2.4 million premature deaths annually, they argue.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...
Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.
BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.
A large international study found that delivery at 37 weeks minimizes stillbirths and newborn deaths in twins. The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on uncomplicated twin pregnancies and concluded that delivery before 36 weeks may not be necessary for monochorionic pregnancies.
A review of studies on the 2008 European recession found an association with adverse health outcomes, particularly for suicides and mental health problems. The evidence is strongest for these outcomes, but the quality of the research varies greatly.
A large study found that atrial fibrillation is associated with a wide range of serious events, including heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, and sudden cardiac death. The risk of these events is higher than stroke, prompting calls for interventions to reduce non-stroke outcomes.
The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
A study of 6,120 Danish women found that high alcohol intake was associated with a slight decrease in fertility, while low to moderate consumption showed no effect. The authors recommend abstinence from alcohol during the fertile window until pregnancy is ruled out.
A large study published in The BMJ found that patients with cancer have a high risk of unintentional and intentional injuries during the diagnostic process. Injuries range from medical complications to accidents and self-harm, affecting specific types of cancer and patient groups differently.