Researchers found a slight increase in abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) in children and young people with ADHD who use methylphenidate, which may trigger arrhythmia in individual patients. The benefits of the medication should be carefully weighed against its potential cardiovascular risks.
A leading physician argues that family planning is highly cost-effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for voluntary family planning as a crucial strategy. Studies show that having one less child can reduce carbon legacy by up to 9441 tonnes, more than other eco-actions.
Research reveals significant gender disparity in referrals to a cardiac center in Northern India, with boys outnumbering girls by more than two-to-one. The study suggests that societal attitudes towards the value of girls contribute to this disparity, prompting calls for medical professionals and policymakers to address these issues.
An editorial published by The BMJ argues that money back guarantees are not the answer to improving data reproducibility in research. Instead, it advocates for open science and open data as key solutions. This approach would involve making all protocols, hypotheses, raw data, methods, and analyses publicly available.
A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.
A systematic review of research published up to 2015 found an association between exposure to air pollution and a heightened risk of stillbirth. Specifically, small particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide were linked to a 2% increased risk of stillbirth.
A UK-based service using DIY home sampling kits and online dating apps has successfully detected over three-quarters of new HIV cases before late-stage infection. The approach catches most men before their infection reaches an advanced stage, making it easier to treat effectively.
A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.
The next WHO director general must establish a well-coordinated system for preventing and responding to outbreaks, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and engage private sector foundations during public health emergencies. This is according to experts' analysis of key questions for prospective candidates.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher intakes of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes and French fries are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Replacing one serving a day of potatoes with non-starchy vegetables is linked to a lower risk of hypertension.
A study published in The BMJ found that the accuracy of coding for acute stroke admissions differed substantially between weekend and weekday admissions. This suggests that previous studies based on hospital coding data alone may be undermined by inaccurate coding, leading to an apparent 'weekend effect'.
A sharp increase in teen poisonings has been reported in the UK over the past 20 years, particularly among girls. Socioeconomic deprivation is strongly linked to this trend, with those from the most deprived areas two to three times more likely to poison themselves.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that methadone was responsible for 57% of pediatric fatalities due to prescribed drug poisoning. Additionally, benzodiazepines accounted for nearly one in five cases. The study highlights the need for robust data recording to prevent such tragedies.
A study of 90,000 nurses found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age. Increasing alcohol intake in later life was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
The NHS should significantly increase weight loss surgery rates to help patients reduce weight and obesity-related conditions. Studies show surgery is clinically effective and cost-effective, with benefits including reduced healthcare costs in the long term.
The BMJ OnExamination tool helps overseas nurses prepare for the NMC's Test of Competence, a mandatory computer-based test. After passing the test, they can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.
Research published in BMJ Open found that single dose targeted intraoperative radiotherapy can save patients thousands of hours of time, journeys, and CO2 emissions compared to standard treatment. The study estimates that widespread adoption of TARGIT could save millions of miles, tons of CO2, and hundreds of hours of travel time annually
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that smoking during pregnancy and being overweight before pregnancy are key factors contributing to the social divide in childhood obesity rates. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 children born in the UK between 2000-2002 and found a significant association be...
A teenage boy's liver injury from paintballing highlights growing pellet-related injuries. Black henna tattoos have also been linked to allergic reactions. A former WWII soldier's body revealed various war injuries, including shrapnel fragments.
A large study published in The BMJ found that people with a heavy body shape from childhood to middle age have the highest mortality rate. Those who remained lean throughout life had the lowest mortality risk, with a 15-year risk of death being 11.8% in women and 20.3% in men.
A leading public health expert argues that the NHS is safer within the European Union due to international trade agreements protecting public services. The UK's withdrawal from the EU threatens the NHS more than the EU itself, according to Professor Martin McKee.
Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with estimates suggesting 210,000 to 400,000 deaths per year among hospital patients. Experts call for better reporting and strategies to reduce medical errors, including making errors more visible and having remedies at hand.
Research reviewing 434 patients with metal on metal total hip replacements found a revision rate of 16.4%, significantly higher than expected. The study suggests that manufacturing issues, particularly with the taper surface and liner thickness, may be to blame for early failure.
Research found that hospital self-harm cases increased among men in England between 2000 and 2012. The study also revealed that nearly half of those who went to the hospital for self-inflicted harm did not receive a specialist mental health assessment, despite national guidelines recommending it.
E-cigarettes offer potential to radically reduce harm from smoking in UK society, with benefits found at individual and population levels. The Royal College of Physicians report finds that e-cigarette use is primarily among smokers seeking to cut down or quit, and no grounds to suspect renormalization of smoking habits.
A study published in The BMJ found that hip fracture surgery is inconsistent and inequitable, with patients from higher socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to receive it. The use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) also varies by day of week, with weekends seeing lower rates.
Leading experts argue that food industry funding can support health research, but only if safeguards are in place to prevent bias. Anna B Gilmore and Simon Capewell suggest that industry funding distorts the research agenda and produces biased results. In contrast, Paul Aveyard and Derek Yach recommend co-funding with clear guidelines.
An estimated 140,000 women die in conflict every year, with many more expected to die in pregnancy and childbirth due to inadequate protection and medical care. Doctors argue that a focus on women's health could provide an area of common interest between warring parties seeking political solutions.
Experts say pre-participation screening should be abandoned due to the lack of evidence confirming it saves lives. The harms of overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and false positives far outweigh any potential benefits in preventing sudden cardiac arrest among young athletes.
Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.
Despite concerns, leading eye specialists find no evidence to suggest lasers pointed at airplane cockpits damage pilots' eyesight. However, the dazzle and distraction from such incidents could prove disastrous during critical moments like landing.
A team of doctors analyzed brain scans of 23 babies born with microcephaly associated with Zika, revealing severe brain damage and abnormalities. The study found extremely severe brain calcification, malformations of cortical development, and delayed myelination in most cases.
A doctor warns that many Europeans are denied access to healthcare, with two-thirds of migrants having no access and four in five unable to see a GP. The doctor calls for governments to honour their humanitarian obligations and provide care to those in need.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid does not curb heart disease risk or help people live longer. Despite lowering cholesterol levels, participants who had greater reductions in blood cholesterol actually had higher risks of death.
A Lothian improvement project has seen a 13% increase in eligible women receiving food and vitamin vouchers compared to an 8% decline across Scotland. The scheme has also boosted family budgets by £4,500 on average.
A review of 20 studies found little evidence that co-located primary care services can curb patient demand or improve emergency department throughput. In fact, set-up costs often outweigh marginal savings, and diverting patients to primary care may not be cost-effective.
The international blueprint for action emphasizes the enormous human and economic cost of neglecting surgical conditions, which far exceeds investment required. Investing in safe surgery and anaesthesia is extremely cost-effective, with a fraction of the estimated US$12.3 trillion lost in economic productivity.
The Royal Society of Public Health advocates for introducing activity equivalent calorie labelling on food packaging to prompt people to be more mindful of their energy consumption and encourage physical activity. Public polling shows that almost half of people find current front-of-pack information confusing, but 53% would positively ...
Experts predict a rise in alcohol-related deaths in England due to income growth outpacing tax increases, but Scotland's minimum unit pricing law may lead to a decrease. In contrast, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are likely to follow Scotland's lead, resulting in lower death rates.
Two studies published in The BMJ question the effectiveness of delaying second heart shocks in hospital patients with cardiac arrest. Deferred second defibrillation attempts were not associated with improved survival rates.
Research found that the death of a partner is linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The risk is highest among people under 60 and when the loss is least expected.
Research links cannabis use during pregnancy to increased risk of low birthweight and need for intensive care. Infants exposed to cannabis in the womb are 77% more likely to be underweight at birth.
Asthma diagnosis has swung too far in the opposite direction, with inhalers prescribed for unnecessary reasons due to side effects such as growth suppression and increased risk of respiratory infections. Key findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis using breathing tests and objective documentation.
A landmark report has called for radical reform of the Medical Council of India to address corruption, lack of uniform standards, and quality issues in healthcare. The report highlights the need for a rigorous transparent system for accrediting medical colleges and creating a robust regulatory framework.
Whole body electrical stimulation has emerged as a popular fitness trend, but several cases of muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis have been reported. Doctors argue that the technology needs to be regulated due to limited scientific evidence on its safety and effectiveness.
A leading doctor argues that doctors are failing to treat people with gender dysphoria, with one in five GPs refusing hormone prescriptions. The need for treatment is high, with a combined waiting list of over 5,000 people worldwide.
A recent study published in The BMJ has confirmed the association between diabetes drug pioglitazone and an increased risk of bladder cancer. The study analyzed data from over 145,000 patients treated with diabetics drugs between 2000 and 2013, finding a 63% increased risk of bladder cancer with pioglitazone use.
A study published in The BMJ found that adherence to Japanese dietary guidelines is associated with a lower risk of death. Balanced consumption of grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat contributes to longevity in the Japanese population.
A new study published in The BMJ found no evidence that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes in people under 65. In fact, SSRIs may reduce the risk of heart attacks, particularly with fluoxetine use.
Experts call for legislative action to reduce food waste, citing 7% global emissions contribution and need for sustainable food system. Voluntary agreements deemed insufficient, smaller portions and healthier diets proposed as complementary measures.