Annual COPD hospital admissions in Canada increased substantially between 2002 and 2017, with a notable rise in females and younger adults. The number of hospital admissions for COPD has rapidly increased since 2010, suggesting that progress may not be being made in improving COPD care and outcomes.
A new study assesses COVID-19's impact on ED visits in BC, revealing a 42% reduction in respiratory issues and 35% drop in mental health concerns during the pandemic. Visits returned to pre-pandemic levels in May 2021, with some areas experiencing higher volumes due to heat-related overdoses.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal published new guidance on take-home naloxone distribution and use by community overdose responders in Canada. The guidance prioritizes preserving life and mitigating harms, and is the result of a collaborative process involving diverse stakeholders from across the country.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found significant disparities in healthcare access and use among Indigenous female populations living 'off reserve' in Canada. The research highlights higher morbidity rates and longer wait times for appointments, particularly in rural areas.
A new study reveals that most Canadians now have hybrid immunity against SARS-CoV-2, with infection-acquired seroprevalence rising dramatically after the Omicron variant circulated in Canada. The study found that younger age groups showed faster increases in infection-acquired immunity, reaching over 75% by March 2023.
A commentary suggests that governments should consider publicly funding minimally invasive procedures, such as hair removal and facial injectables, to support transgender and gender diverse individuals. These procedures are already recommended by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care Version 8.
A Canadian woman's high blood lead level was diagnosed after multiple hospital visits for abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. The patient had taken Ayurvedic medicines daily for over a year, leading to the seizure of hundreds of contaminated pills.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents living in food-insecure households had a 55% higher frequency of physician visits for mental health reasons. The research also revealed a 74% higher prevalence of past-year acute care visits for mental or substance use disorders.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.
Collecting self-reported racial and Indigenous identity data on health card applications and renewals could facilitate the measurement of racial inequities in healthcare. This approach could aid in tracking progress and ensuring accountability, particularly for Indigenous and Black patients who face significant barriers to care.
A new study found significant reductions in breast, colorectal and prostate cancers as well as melanoma diagnoses in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diagnoses dropped by 43% for melanoma, 36% for colorectal and prostate, and 33% for breast cancer during the 'state of emergency' phase.
The prevalence of depression among adolescents increases with age, affecting up to 1 in 4 youths during the pandemic. More than 60% of adolescents with MDD also have co-occurring mental health conditions, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
Menopausal hormone therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for women without risk factors, offering relief from hot flashes and other symptoms. Non-hormonal therapies can also help alleviate symptoms in those with risk factors or preferring alternative options.
A new interactive online Fragility Fracture Decision Aid can help clinicians and patients visualize their individual risk of fracture. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends a "risk assessment–first" screening process for women 65 years and older, centered around shared decision-making with primary care providers.
A large Chinese study found that acute air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia, with the strongest link seen in atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide was found to persist for up to 24 hours after initial exposure.
A study of 7807 children found no increased risk of brain tumours, leukemia, or lymphoma after a single CT scan. However, exposure to 4 or more scans before adulthood significantly increases the risk of intracranial tumours, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Research found that newborns of low-income immigrant mothers had a significantly lower risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to those of Canadian-born mothers. The study suggests that immigration status may influence birth outcomes, with healthier immigrants possibly being more likely to migrate.
A new study published in CMAJ found that privately sponsored refugees were more likely to receive adequate prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Ontario. The study analyzed data from over 5000 pregnant women and found a significant difference in the use of prenatal care services between the two groups.
A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.
A new clinical review provides an overview of endometriosis causes, diagnosis, and management based on the latest evidence. The review aims to help clinicians and patients understand this complex condition, which affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
A new analysis finds that Canada's physician workforce is facing significant challenges due to an aging population and decreasing working hours. The study suggests that traditional metrics for workforce planning are misleading, and a more nuanced approach is needed to inform government and medical profession decisions.
A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.
A recent BC study found that midwifery care is safe and effective for clients with varying levels of medical risk. Midwife-led care resulted in lower rates of preterm births and low-birth-weight babies, as well as increased cesarean delivery rates at higher medical risks.
A new study explores the complexity of parents' decision-making processes regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for their children. The research highlights the importance of individualized discussions with healthcare providers to help interpret evidence and provide tailored recommendations.
Researchers found Paxlovid to be effective in preventing severe COVID-19 and reducing all-cause mortality in adults over 70 years old with mild disease. The study concluded that testing for SARS-CoV-2 and access to Paxlovid are crucial for those at risk of severe infection.
A recent review in CMAJ provides comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and managing migraine attacks. It emphasizes a stratified approach to treatment, empowering patients to choose medications tailored to their needs and attack symptoms.
A Hong Kong study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a 90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths among adults with multimorbidity who received a booster dose of vaccine. The study, which included over 120,000 participants, suggests that booster vaccination can significantly lower mortality rates in vulnerable populations.
Researchers analyzed data from Ontario, Canada and found no evidence that virtual care increased emergency department visits. The study controlled for various factors, including patient complexity and practitioner characteristics.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) is focusing on access to healthcare as a major concern. The organization recognizes the need for big ideas and radical changes to ensure Canadians' health needs are met and access is maintained for all.
A new study published in CMAJ found that COPD patients who undergo major surgery are more likely to die and incur higher healthcare costs than similar patients without COPD. The study included 932 patients aged 35+ in Ontario, with COPD patients being older, more frail, and having lower income.
Long COVID is a systemic condition with over 100 reported symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, and breathing issues. Treatment focuses on symptom management through structured programs and guideline-directed mental health supports.
A study found that metformin use significantly reduces the risk of total knee and hip replacements in patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers analyzed data from over 69,000 participants and discovered a significant association between metformin use and lower joint replacement rates.
A case of a 14-year-old girl who had a cardiac arrest at an overnight camp emphasizes the need for preparation and training for rare but often fatal events. The survival of the patient is attributed to the quick response of emergency medical services and bystander CPR.
A large study found that most Canadian children and adults younger than 60 had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through a combination of vaccination and infection. The study, conducted in British Columbia, shows a dramatic change in the proportion of the population with antibodies over the first 2.5 years of the pandemic.
A novel public health intervention, virtual overdose monitoring services offer timely and anonymous access to emergency care and can develop personalized response plans for individuals using substances. High-quality research is needed to better understand the benefits and risks of these services.
A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.
A large study found that mRNA vaccines increased myocarditis risk in younger males, especially after the second dose. Absolute rates were low, with higher observed rates compared to expected rates.
A new guideline aims to standardize human genomic sequencing research in Canada by establishing essential core consent elements. This will enable researchers to collect patient data in a consistent manner, ensuring transparency for participants and streamlining the review process.
Global immunization efforts have made polio a rare disease, but healthcare workers still need to be vigilant for acute flaccid paralysis. Dr. Marina Salvadori emphasizes the importance of alerting healthcare workers to this diagnosis as elimination is within reach.
Eczema affects 10-20% of Canadian infants, making it a common condition to manage. Optimally managing atopic dermatitis in infants is crucial, as it impacts the whole family.
A new comprehensive guideline, C-CHANGE, offers 83 actionable recommendations to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults. The updated resource incorporates new or revised recommendations from 11 guideline groups, addressing key risk factors such as dietary habits, smoking, and physical activity.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) publishes special issues on the impact of anti-Black racism on patient health and healthcare professionals. Research by Black health scholars and practitioners sheds light on systemic inequities, including cancer care disparities and gaslighting in academic medicine.
A study on long COVID found increased rates of healthcare use two months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly among women. The largest increase was seen in a small subset of patients, who required an extra week or more in hospital compared to uninfected individuals.
Researchers have developed an easy-to-use online prediction tool to estimate complication risks for patients undergoing laparoscopic and open hysterectomies. The study found that women of Asian background are at higher risk of major complications after abdominal hysterectomy, with adhesions being the most significant risk factor.
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
A better detection system for emerging and re-emerging respiratory pathogens is crucial in Canada, suggests a new analysis published in CMAJ. Waste-water testing, population-based testing, and genomic sequencing are key components of the proposed system.
For people at high risk of overdose enrolled in a safer opioid supply program, there was a rapid decrease in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and health care costs. The study found improved outcomes for participants compared to those not exposed to the program.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that vaccine uptake was low among First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Toronto and London, Ontario. The rate for 2-dose vaccination among First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Toronto was 58%, compared to 79% for the overall population.
Researchers found that nirmatrelvir–ritonavir and molnupiravir likely reduced the risk of hospital admission by 46.2 and 16.3 admissions per 1000, respectively. The findings have implications for health care systems and clinical guidelines.