Canada faces unpredictable and widespread drug shortages, affecting patient health and healthcare costs. A national approach with mandatory reporting and integrated leadership can minimize the impact of shortages.
A recent study found that the number of new heart failure cases in Ontario decreased by 33% between 1997 and 2007, suggesting that preventive measures may be working. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates for people with heart failure, particularly among those over age 85.
A study published in CMAJ found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, particularly moxifloxacin and levofloxacin, are linked to a higher risk of acute liver injury in older adults. The research suggests these drugs should be subject to regulatory warnings due to their potential harm.
A randomized controlled trial found that corticosteroids have no clinical benefit in treating acute sinusitis. Researchers from the Netherlands conducted a study involving 174 adults with clinically diagnosed acute rhinosinusitis and found that oral corticosteroids had no significant effect on facial pain or pressure.
A Canadian study found that 11.2% of children in academic pediatric centers experienced adverse events, compared to 3.3% in community hospitals. Surgical patients were most likely to experience non-preventable complications.
A training tool called DECISION+2 helps physicians involve patients in decision-making, reducing the need for antibiotics for acute respiratory infections. The study found that patients who used DECISION+2 were significantly less likely to report using antibiotics immediately after consultation.
A clinical trial found that iron supplementation reduced fatigue by almost 50% in nonanemic women with low ferritin levels. The study, involving 198 menstruating women, also showed positive effects on hemoglobin and blood levels after six weeks of treatment.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that uncircumcised boys are at a higher risk of urinary tract infections. The researchers did not find a significant association between the degree of urethral visibility and infection risk.
Bill C-31 could have serious negative impacts on the mental health of refugees, with proposals to separate children from their parents and delay family reunification. Detention reviews will not occur for six months after initial two-week review, potentially exacerbating depression and anxiety in vulnerable individuals.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a potential link between the use of pioglitazone, a type of thiazolidinedione diabetes medication, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 2.6 million patients to quantify this association.
A new Quebec report suggests medically assisted death should be considered an end-of-life care option for patients, rather than a criminal act. The proposal aims to protect healthcare workers and patients from potential abuses if adopted.
Researchers studied 552,672 patients and found a three-fold increase in acute dialysis after cardiac and vascular surgeries. The incidence of acute dialysis increased from 0.2% to 0.6% over the 15-year study period.
Brain injury in children is a complex and unpredictable condition, with no single best approach to predicting outcomes. Advanced imaging tests are often used in adults but have not been studied for use in children. Prevention of injury and tailored approaches are key to improving outcomes.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong association between psychological distress and an increased risk of death from stroke. The research, which analyzed data from over 68,000 participants, suggests that questionnaires could be useful screening tools for common mental illnesses to help redu...
A study found that First Nations children and those from families receiving government subsidies had significantly more visits to emergency departments for mental health crises. These visits were often due to anxiety- or stress-related disorders, emotional or behavioural issues from substance abuse, or unspecific diagnoses.
Efforts to green operating rooms can result in significant cost savings for hospitals while reducing their environmental impact. Implementing greening initiatives such as separating waste streams, using closed collection systems and reprocessing single-use devices can generate substantial cost savings.
Children are at risk of liver failure and death from acetaminophen overdoses, which can be prevented with improved labelling, dosing devices, and pharmacist counseling. N-acetylcysteine is the standard treatment for liver toxicity related to an overdose.
Off-label antibiotic use in farm animals poses a significant risk of promoting antibiotic resistance in humans. Canada should phase out antibiotics used for non-medical purposes in livestock and support producers who improve animal living conditions.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis has been shown to prevent HIV infection before exposure, with a 39% reduction in rates found in one recent trial. A four-week duration of therapy is recommended, based on evidence from macaque models of transmission.
A study published in CMAJ found that excess maternal weight before and during pregnancy is a significant predictor of larger-than-average babies. Researchers analyzed data from 472 women and found that maternal glucose levels and lipid levels also play a role, but to a lesser extent.
Canada provides scant support for large randomized controlled trials compared to Western countries, hindering effectiveness of medical therapies and procedures. Experts recommend increasing funding to remove bureaucratic barriers and conduct local studies due to unique social and health contexts.
A case study reported a severe anaphylactic reaction to bee pollen in a woman with seasonal allergies. The authors warn healthcare providers and patients about the potential risk of allergic reactions to bee pollen supplements, particularly among individuals with no known allergy history.
A large study published in CMAJ found that back pain symptoms improve significantly in the first six weeks, but pain and disability may persist even after one year. Patients with acute low-back pain experience a 90% reduction in pain intensity at one year, while those with persistent low-back pain see only a 50% improvement.
A randomized controlled trial found smoked cannabis to be effective in reducing spasticity and pain in people with treatment-resistant multiple sclerosis. However, the study also showed that smoking cannabis was associated with acute cognitive impairments.
Obesity affects 62% of Canadian adults, with a significant economic burden and increased risk of related diseases. The 5A model provides an effective approach to counselling patients, combining assess/ask, advise, agree, assist, and arrange steps for successful weight loss and maintenance.
Research suggests that PSA screening can reduce deaths from prostate cancer in younger, healthy men. The benefit of screening is particularly significant in men with risk factors such as black ancestry or positive family history. Screening may be discontinued for elderly men with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy.
A medical student with a severe reading disability overcame his condition through determination and hard work. This experience makes him more compassionate towards patients struggling with similar challenges.
A study published in CMAJ found that oral zinc treatments significantly reduced the duration of common cold symptoms in adults, with high doses being more effective. However, there was no apparent effect in children and a higher risk of adverse effects such as bad taste and nausea.
A study published in CMAJ found that WHO growth curves are not more effective than CDC curves in detecting cardiometabolic abnormalities in children aged 9 years. The WHO curves use older data, but did not offer a significant advantage in identifying overweight and obesity.
Bedwetting in children aged five years or older is common due to excessive urine production, overactive bladder, and inability to wake up. Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, medication, and bed alarms, with the latter showing long-term success in reducing nighttime water production.
Canadian provinces should adopt patient charters with independent enforcement to help patients resolve concerns and complaints easily and cost-effectively. A well-designed charter can improve the quality and timeliness of care, increase accountability and reduce costly litigation.
A Canadian study found opioids significantly improved the quality of life and relief from shortness of breath for advanced COPD patients. However, physicians were hesitant due to lack of guidance, fear of respiratory suppression, and concerns about censure. Innovative educational initiatives may help bridge this gap in care.
A recent shortage of prescription generic drugs in Canada has highlighted the issue for two years, with up to 98% of pharmacists experiencing shortages during working shifts. The problem is exacerbated by the affordability issues faced by 10% of Canadians who rely on these medications.
A new study found significantly more boys born to Indian mothers in Canada compared to those born to Canadian-born mothers. Indian-born women with prior children had even higher male livebirth rates, suggesting a possible link to prenatal sex selection or other factors.
A study by an international team of researchers found significant variations in salt levels among fast foods sold by major companies across developed countries. The study analyzed data on over 2,100 food items from six companies and found that some countries had much higher sodium content than others.
A formerly obese physician shares his experience with weight loss and finds that traditional calorie reduction and exercise methods may not be effective. Bariatric surgery played a crucial role in his success, helping him shed 110 pounds from an original weight of 320.
A new study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Canadian First Nations people reveals distinct genetic variations and immune response patterns compared to white populations. The research found lower numbers of genetic variants involved in recognizing bacteria, potentially impacting the disease's progression.
A growing global cancer epidemic threatens low- and middle-income countries with devastating health consequences. Canada has the capacity to provide leadership and action to tackle this crisis.
Rotavirus causes severe diarrhea in babies worldwide, resulting in over 450,000 deaths annually. Canada should ensure all infants are vaccinated and support GAVI funding to sustain the vaccine's sustainability.
Common osteoporosis medications may increase the risk of scleritis and uveitis, two inflammatory eye diseases that can severely impact vision. First-time users of oral bisphosphonates are at a higher risk compared to non-users.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal disputes the notion that older drivers are inherently poor. Frailty and driving habits contribute to their overrepresentation in fatal crashes. Despite this, many physicians base licensing decisions on incorrect beliefs.
Suicide rates in Canada are increasing among girls aged 10-19, with suffocation being the most common method. The rate for females increased from 0.6 to 6.2 per 100,000 between 1980 and 2008, while deaths by suffocation rose by an average of 8% annually.
A proactive solution could help prevent injuries by restricting driving privileges under favourable conditions. Exemptions would be granted for certified healthy seniors, shifting the onus from others to seek exemptions.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal analysis reveals a gap in consent policies for pelvic exams under anesthesia. The updated policy statement for medical students requires explicit consent, but residents are not subject to the same requirements, leaving some women less protected.
A randomized trial found that rosuvastatin reduced the incidence of pneumonia by 17.8% compared to placebo. The absolute risk reduction was small, and the effects on infection may be greater in other settings.
Blood testing for food sensitivity is increasingly common, but its limitations and potential misuse have been emphasized by European and American allergy and immunology societies. Physicians should caution patients about the controversy surrounding IgG4 testing and advise them on alternative diagnostic approaches.
Researchers find diacetylmorphine cheaper and more effective in keeping people with opioid dependency in treatment. The treatment strategy could reduce costs in treating chronic opioid addiction by retaining patients in treatment longer.
A study published in CMAJ found that younger children are 39% more likely to be diagnosed and 48% more likely to be treated with medication for ADHD if born in December compared to January. This discrepancy is due to the relative age effect, where children born in December may appear less mature than their older peers.
A study found that single-pass whole-body computed tomography is effective at detecting injured tissue, but variable in excluding injuries. The scan's performance improves after 30 minutes of admission, allowing healthcare teams to prioritize treatment while minimizing missed injuries.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a strong link between irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and cognitive decline, dementia, and loss of independence in daily activities. Researchers analyzed data from two large trials and found that patients with atrial fibrillation were 34% more likely to experienc...