A study published in CMAJ found that heart attack patients with a history of depression received lower priority care in emergency departments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. This disparity may be due to healthcare staff assuming symptoms are anxiety-related rather than an actual heart attack.
A study published in CMAJ found patients with COPD are at a greater risk of developing shingles compared to the general population. The risk is highest for those taking oral steroids to treat COPD.
A study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the need for an e-health policy to guide the implementation of health information technologies. The policy should align with major strategic priorities, such as patient safety and chronic disease management, to promote electronic health record adoption and data exchange.
A recent study has found that bisphenol A levels in Canadians are lower than those in Americans, with children and adolescents having the highest levels. The reason for this difference is unknown, but possible factors include differences in food packaging and thermal receipt papers.
A study published in CMAJ found that nonmilitary personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan were more likely to be medically evacuated with non-war-related injuries, returning to duty after such injuries. Military personnel, however, were more likely to be evacuated for war-related injuries.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new clinical practice guidelines for noninvasive ventilation, addressing its use in various settings. Key findings include recommending noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation as the first choice for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
A recent outbreak of tuberculosis in Nunavut, with a population infection rate 62 times the Canadian average, underscores the need for rebuilding trust in public health. The territory's historical legacy of mistreating patients and lack of consistent screening measures have hindered control efforts.
A case report published in Canadian Medical Association Journal details the probable transmission of a vaccine strain of yellow fever virus from an infected mother to her infant through breastfeeding. This supports current recommendations for lactating mothers to avoid vaccination with yellow fever vaccine.
A new study found a link between low-dose ionizing radiation exposure from cardiac imaging and therapeutic procedures and an increased risk of incident cancer. Patients who underwent more procedures were more likely to develop cancer, particularly in the abdomen and chest areas.
A comprehensive public health approach is needed to address Canada's significant alcohol burden, with population-level policies and targeted interventions recommended. Estimated direct healthcare costs of alcohol in 2002 were $3.3 billion, with per capita sales rising 13% since 1996.
Experts argue that Canada's assisted death laws should be linked to equal access to palliative care, highlighting a need to address the country's inequitable healthcare system. The Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary emphasizes the importance of optimized palliative care before considering legalization.
A 28-year study found that poor work ability in midlife predicted decline in health and functioning, with similar risks among blue- and white-collar employees. The risk of death was higher among blue-collar workers.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy significantly reduces mortality among patients with mildly symptomatic or advanced heart failure, improving long-term outcomes. The addition of CRT to optimal medical therapy or ICDs can be extended to a wider proportion of patients, benefiting the growing population affected by heart failure.
Partnerships with major food companies bring funding and support, but may obscure health messages. Health charities must tread carefully to avoid brand co-branding and maintain public health focus.
Potential risks of sex in pregnancy include premature labour, pelvic inflammatory disease, and blood clots, but the evidence is often contradictory and limited. For low-risk women, frequent intercourse may increase the risk of premature labour, while restricted activity is recommended for those at high risk
The study highlights the risk of dosing errors in pediatric medication, particularly with potent narcotics and sedatives. Researchers found that over a quarter of children studied experienced errors resulting from small volume stock solutions.
A study published in CMAJ found that showing clinical empathy to patients can improve their satisfaction of care and motivate them to stick to their treatment plans. Empathy is a distinct ability to understand another's experience and act in a helpful manner, which can be acquired and taught in medical school.
A study published in CMAJ found that restricting angiotensin-receptor blockers could save Canada $77.1 million without negative effects on health. The policy would benefit from the cheaper and effective alternative, ACE inhibitors.
A Canadian study found that high birth weight among First Nations babies is associated with a significantly higher risk of postneonatal death. The research, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, compared over 5,000 births to First Nations mothers to over 630,000 births to French-speaking women.
Binge drinking is associated with high rates of adverse health effects, including increased risk of injury, violence, and death. The editorial emphasizes the need for a collective approach to controlling alcohol use across various stakeholders.
A study found that mixing macrolide antibiotics with calcium-channel blockers increases the risk of hypotension and hospitalization in older patients. Erythromycin and clarithromycin were linked to a significant increase in hospitalizations, while azithromycin appeared safe.
A new study published in CMAJ found that people over 65 undergoing latent tuberculosis infection therapy are at a higher risk of severe adverse reactions requiring hospitalization. The study provides age-stratified estimates of the risk of these events, accounting for comorbidities and similar health events in the general population.
A commentary highlights the shortcomings of Canada's current drug surveillance system, citing the off-label use of recombinant activated factor 7 (rFVIIa) as a case in point. The authors emphasize the need for improved collaboration between payers, insurers, and manufacturers to ensure safe monitoring of high-risk drugs.
Research suggests that secondhand smoke in cars carrying children can cause significant health risks due to fine particulate concentrations. Legislation against smoking in cars with children may be warranted given the exposure to smoking and vulnerability of children.
A systematic review found that one in every 200 inpatients taking acid suppressive medications developed pneumonia. The study suggests that deaths from hospital-acquired pneumonia could be caused by these medications.
Researchers found less than 1% of Canadians had folate deficiencies, while 22% of women of childbearing age were below safe levels for preventing neural tube defects. The study suggests that high folic acid consumption may not be as effective in reducing birth defects as previously thought.
A study of 41 randomized controlled trials found disease-management programs reduce glycated hemoglobin levels in diabetic patients. Frequent doctor visits are associated with greater effectiveness.
A study of 25,910 adult patients found that starting dialysis too early is associated with a higher risk of death. In contrast, early referral to a nephrologist is consistently linked to improved survival rates.
A study found that exposure to death and dying can help palliative care professionals develop a better understanding of life's meaning, become more spiritual, and come to terms with their own mortality. The study challenges widely held misconceptions about the inherently morbid nature of caring for the dying.
Health care costs in Canada are expected to increase due to rising expenditures. Governments have options to deal with this, including increasing revenue through taxes or social insurance.
A new evidence-based clinical practice guideline aims to reduce pain and distress of immunization in children, based on 71 studies involving 8050 children. The guidelines suggest various strategies to alleviate pain, including breastfeeding, topical anesthetics, and vaccine administration technologies.
A six-month exercise program improved leg strength and flexibility in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome, a frequent complication of deep vein thrombosis. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise training for managing this condition.
A systematic review of recombinant activated factor 7 (rFVIIa) use in patients without hemophilia found uncertain benefits and potential risks. The review suggests that the drug's use should be restricted to clinical trials due to its limited effectiveness.
The Canadian medical journal criticizes Canada's military for insufficient privacy safeguards, citing recent breaches and the need for clearer rules. The authors urge General Walter Natynczyk to develop recommendations for improving military privacy protocols.
Health Canada's decision to cancel plans for new cigarette warning labels may result in increased smoking rates and a surge in smoking-related illnesses and deaths. Warning labels are an effective communication strategy that deter smokers and non-smokers alike, with international guidelines recommending large pictorial warnings.
The study found that while the second wave was substantially larger, with 4.8 times more hospital admissions and 53% of deaths, fewer patients had severe outcomes due to public health interventions. The percentage of severe outcomes decreased in the second wave compared to the first.
A study found that adding monounsaturated fats to a low-cholesterol diet increased HDL by 12.5% and lowered LDL levels by 35%. The Mediterranean diet is an effective approach to cholesterol control. Increasing dietary monounsaturated fat may enhance the cardioprotective effect of cholesterol-lowering diets.
Inequities in health care exist across circumpolar countries, with some nations having healthy populations in the north and others facing lower health outcomes despite high expenditures. Canada can strengthen partnerships and adopt best practices to improve its northern health care system.
Researchers found that high erythropoietin levels are associated with increased mortality in older adults. High levels were linked to higher mortality rates independently of other factors, highlighting the hormone's potential prognostic value.
The H1N1 pandemic showed the need for faster vaccine production and clear communication to address risks to vulnerable populations. The delay in vaccine manufacturing and unclear messages hindered efforts, resulting in significant years of life lost among younger age groups.
A study analyzing H1N1 antibody levels suggests a third wave is unlikely in 2010. Adults aged 50-79 years are at a higher risk of severe outcomes if infected.
A study of post-menopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancers found that consuming high amounts of soy isoflavones lowered the risk of recurrence. The research, published in CMAJ, involved 524 women who were followed for five to six years.
Patients admitted with malnutrition or bedridden have a prolonged hospital stay risk, according to a study. Those with lower BMI, nutritional risk and severe diseases face longer stays, with a 65% greater risk compared to non-malnourished patients.
The new guidelines, published in CMAJ, focus on identifying and managing fractures and assessing risk. Current data indicate that many fracture patients are not appropriately assessed or treated, highlighting the need for improved management of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.
Experts advocate for phasing out codeine due to its significant risks and unpredictable pharmacokinetics. Morphine, its active metabolite, is proposed as an alternative, offering more predictable metabolism and cost savings.
A study in CMAJ highlights areas for improvement in end-of-life care in Canada, including emotional support, communication, and decision-making. Patients and families reported high satisfaction rates but identified key gaps in understanding end-stage care expectations and technological use at the end of life.
A multicenter study in Canada found that shingles affects not only physical health but also mental well-being, including sleep quality and enjoyment of life. After the acute phase, 24% of participants developed postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent pain condition.
A comprehensive review of 10 studies involving 711 patients found no evidence that acupuncture aids in stroke recovery. The researchers concluded that the existing evidence is negative, calling for large-scale trials to better understand its effects.
A study published in CMAJ found that an increased waistline and high triglyceride levels during the first trimester are linked to higher glucose intolerance levels later in pregnancy. Researchers suggest that measuring waist girth in combination with triglyceride concentrations may be useful for early screening of gestational diabetes.
The seasonal flu vaccine has been shown to lower the risk of first heart attack in adults, with a 19% reduction found in the study. Early vaccination for influenza between September and mid-November was associated with an even higher 21% reduction.