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...
A randomized controlled trial found that vaccinating pregnant women against influenza increased mean birth weight and reduced small-for-gestational-age births. The study, conducted in Bangladesh, involved 340 healthy pregnant women who received either the influenza vaccine or a control vaccine.
Clinicians have 10 proposed rights regarding their electronic health record use, including uninterrupted access and succinct summaries of patient health histories. These rights aim to ensure safe, efficient, and effective use of electronic health records.
Researchers studied physician approaches to palliative sedation, finding some use mild sedation gradually deepening as needed while others opt for deeper sedation from the start. Patient preferences, communication needs, and fear of awakening influence sedation choice.
Research over 20 years shows physical punishment harms children's development, increasing aggression and mental health problems. Interventions like positive discipline can reduce difficult behaviour in children.
Skiers and snowboarders in Canada face inadequate protection from current helmet standards, which are less stringent than US and European ones. Health experts call for stricter regulations to ensure helmets can withstand multiple impacts and provide superior protection for various head sizes and weights.
Inquests are more likely for deaths involving younger people, childhood deaths, and those from fatal medical care complications. Meanwhile, suicides rarely prompt inquests, which can shape public knowledge and understanding of death.
A visit to the emergency department during nonsummer months was associated with a three-fold risk of acute respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in elderly residents of long-term care facilities. The study found that these residents had a higher rate of chronic illnesses and were more likely to be less independent.
Despite significant progress in treating chronic myeloid leukemia, a cure remains elusive for all patients. Research and adherence to treatments are crucial to advancing the field.
Female feticide in Canada is a small but significant issue, with some ethnic groups and immigrants choosing to abort female fetuses due to preference for sons. Prohibiting fetal sex disclosure until after 30 weeks of pregnancy can help curb this practice, according to Dr. Rajendra Kale.
A study by the University of British Columbia and others found that one in four people without drug insurance cannot afford to fill prescriptions. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 participants who reported cost-related nonadherence due to lack of affordable medication options.
Two randomized controlled trials found acupuncture to be equally effective as sham acupuncture in treating migraines. About half of patients showed improvement after 16 weeks. The clinical effect of acupuncture is considered minor and may be due to the placebo effect.
Repeated head trauma in hockey players causes irreversible brain damage and a condition called CTE. Experts urge a ban on intentional head trauma and severe deterrent penalties to protect player health.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal article argues that routine HIV disclosure prosecutions are unnecessary and harmful. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the transmission of HIV from treated individuals is now extremely low, making criminal prosecution ineffective in preventing infection.
A simple physician notification system improves postfracture care for osteoporotic patients, increasing bone mineral density tests by 13% and pharmacologic treatment initiation by 5%. Researchers suggest additional strategies may be more effective in combination.
Researchers analyzed data from 8972 patients with heart blockages to understand variations in cardiac procedures, including bypass surgery and stent placement. They found significant differences in procedure rates based on patient factors, physician recommendations, and hospital characteristics.
Addiction is a chronic neurobiologic response affected by genetic and environmental influences. Treatment approaches should be based on scientific evidence and rational argument, acknowledging personal responsibility while recognizing the role of addiction in impairing it.
Research on funding models in primary care practices found no association with superior preventive care delivery. Instead, female physicians, smaller patient loads, and electronic reminders were linked to better health outcomes.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that hospital-acquired C. difficile infection increases length of stay in hospital by an average of six days.
A study published in CMAJ found that cancer survivors have a 2.2-fold increased risk of developing a second primary cancer of the same type as their first, while a second cancer of a different type has only a 1.1-fold increased risk. The risk varies depending on the type of cancer.
Increasing physician pay to attract more doctors may lead to a shortage of services. Non-wage compensation like bonuses and relocation support can reduce the number of hours worked by physicians.
Hospital parking fees should be abolished as they create barriers to health care and distract patients from their concerns. Abolishing parking fees would validate patients' experience and support patient-centred health care.
Researchers found that more than one-quarter of Canadian adults will be diagnosed with hypertension by 2012/13. Higher rates were observed in women older than 65 and in the Atlantic provinces.
The new guidelines recommend no routine mammography screening for women aged 40-49, and extend the screening interval to every 2-3 years for women aged 50-74. The task force also advises against routine clinical breast exams and breast self-exams in asymptomatic women.
A study found that families of hospitalized children can provide valuable information about adverse events, but this information is not always documented by health care professionals. The study included 544 families and reported 321 adverse events, with most going unreported by the hospital.
A new study found that childhood aggression is strongly linked to poorer health in adulthood, with increases in medical visits, injuries, and lifestyle-related illnesses. People with lower education levels were more likely to use health services.
A vaccine seroepidemiology surveillance system would help track vaccine coverage, identify trends, and predict outbreaks in Canada. This system is crucial for informing vaccine policy and improving the country's immunization programs.
The natural health products industry lacks robust regulation, putting consumers at risk. The authors argue that uniform regulations can protect consumers while allowing choice.
A study found that drospirenone-containing oral birth control pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of venous thrombotic events, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk was highest in the early months of use and was also influenced by factors such as age, high blood pressure, and obesity.
The current system is broken due to complex rules and regulations leading to costly litigation between brand and generic companies. Reform options include a standard fixed period for market exclusivity or abolishing the Patented Medicines regulations, both aimed at reducing litigation and improving investment certainty.
A review article reveals historically low breast reconstruction rates in Canada, with only 7.7% of Ontario patients undergoing the procedure in 1994/95. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and geography influence the use of breast reconstruction, with women living in urban areas more likely to undergo the procedure.
A lack of understanding about the healthcare system leads to suboptimal treatment adherence and preventable outcomes. Education, including high school courses and community programs, is key to empowering patients and promoting optimal health.
Researchers found that patients and staff continue to smoke on hospital grounds, citing safety issues and lack of support. Hospitals should reframe smoking as an addiction requiring treatment, not just a personal choice.
The Common Drug Review introduced in 2003 standardized the process for public drug plans, covering 39% of Canada's $31 billion in forecasted drug costs. The review led to a significant decrease in drug listings, with smaller provinces experiencing earlier access to new drugs.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found daily smoking and low mastery to be significant risk factors for repeat episodes of depression. High levels of mastery appeared to be protective against further depression.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents in foster care are at increased risk of suicide attempts and hospitalizations, but rates decrease after they enter care. Children with psychiatric disorders had the largest decrease in attempted suicides and hospitalizations.
A lack of national suicide prevention strategy in Canada puts lives at risk, but education and targeted interventions have shown promise. Physicians can play a crucial role in prevention through early detection, treatment, and follow-up.
A study comparing parental and healthcare professional preferences reveals a significant disparity in decision-making regarding palliative care for children with cancer. Parents favor aggressive chemotherapy, while healthcare professionals prefer supportive care.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, a widely prescribed antibiotic, can cause life-threatening reactions and kidney issues due to drug interactions. Physicians should be aware of these risks when prescribing the drug, especially in pregnant women or patients with underlying conditions.
A meta-analysis found a strong association between CCSVI and multiple sclerosis, but the low quality of included studies prevents a definitive conclusion. The variation in study results suggests that factors such as sample size, ultrasound techniques, and training of operators may contribute to the heterogeneity.
Patients taking SSRIs with antiplatelet therapy have a higher risk of bleeding compared to those taking ASA alone. The study found that combining an SSRI with ASA increased the risk by 42%, while dual antiplatelet therapy increased the risk by 57%. Women and patients who underwent angioplasty had lower bleeding risks.
A study found that vaccinating children aged two to four years against seasonal influenza resulted in a 34% decline in flu-like illnesses. Vaccination of this age group also led to a 11% decline in other nontarget age groups, suggesting reduced transmission at home and in the community.