Research found symptomatic GERD a risk factor for TMD, with longer GERD history linked to higher TMD risk. Multidisciplinary management programs may help patients with co-occurring conditions.
Women with BRCA1/2 gene mutations are at high risk of developing ovarian cancer, with a lifetime risk of 39-44% for BRCA1 and 11-17% for BRCA2. A new review provides guidance on screening, preventive surgery, contraception and management of menopausal symptoms to reduce this risk.
A new study estimates that hospital harm in Ontario cost the healthcare system over $1 billion in 2015/16, with patients experiencing a significant increase in length of stay and subsequent health costs. The study found that the most common harm was medication-associated conditions, with costs ranging from $800 to $51,067.
The 5-year $50-million strategy aims to overcome challenges with measures like research funding and ageism stigma reduction. Canada needs to learn from provinces and other countries to ensure the strategy's success.
A large international study found that only 0.7% of deaths in noncardiac surgery patients occurred during the operating room period, while 29% occurred after discharge. Major bleeding, heart injury, and severe infection accounted for a significant portion of deaths.
Introducing peanut protein regularly can lower a baby's risk of developing a peanut allergy. Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends introducing peanut butter or powdered puff at home between 4-6 months for most babies.
A Canadian study reveals a dramatic increase in emergency department visits related to alcohol consumption among young adults. The research found that the number of ED visits for alcohol-related issues skyrocketed by 175% in people aged 25-29, with women being more likely to visit due to binge drinking. The study also highlights dispro...
Growing measles outbreaks require strong regional public health systems and sustained immunization coverage to prevent disease spread. Public health experts emphasize the need for coordination at the local level to overcome challenges posed by anti-vaccination proponents.
A new study found that mothers who had surgery before pregnancy had a 1.6 times higher risk of their newborns experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed data from almost 2.2 million births in Quebec between 1989 and 2016.
Recent evidence highlights the need for physicians to ask athletes about symptoms and family history to determine inherited conditions. Automated external defibrillators can significantly increase survival rates after sudden cardiac arrest in athletes.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that quitting alcohol can lead to improved mental well-being and health-related quality of life, particularly among women. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and suggested that moderate drinking may not have the same benefits as previously thought.
A large study found that people with both physical illnesses and mental disorders experience a significant increase in frequent visits to emergency departments, compared to those with multiple physical illnesses or mental illness alone. This synergy between physical multimorbidity and mental disorders can lead to a greater impact on pu...
A study of over 40,000 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica and/or giant cell arteritis found that oral steroid use significantly increased the risk of infection. The risk increased with higher doses, even at low daily doses.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission from mothers to babies can be largely prevented with universal HCV screening in pregnancy. Almost half of women infected with HCV are unaware of their infection, highlighting the need for increased awareness and early detection.
A study in CMAJ provides new insights into the decision-making processes of critical care physicians and families in withdrawing life-sustaining treatments from critically ill patients with severe brain injury. Key findings include the influence of patient circumstances, family wishes, severity and location of the injury, past physicia...
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that marijuana use can decrease sperm count and delay ovulation. The study also suggests that marijuana may affect couples with subfertility or infertility but has no impact on those without fertility issues.
A multicentre study analyzed over 1.9 million pediatric emergency department visits and found no significant association between overcrowding and death within 14 days or hospital admission within 7 days. However, the study saw an increase in admissions among sicker children and return visits from less sick kids with increasing crowding.
A new publication provides recommendations for policy makers to support organ and tissue donation in patients who choose medical assistance in dying or withdrawal of life-sustaining measures. The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting patient autonomy, ensuring consent is informed and withdrawn at any time.
A new study found that one-third of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer do not see a medical oncologist, and even more do not receive cancer-directed treatment. The data suggest that there are many missed opportunities for important discussions between patients and cancer specialists.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial argues that the Motherisk program should be reinvented to support healthy pregnancies and births. The proposed program would involve collaboration among clinical experts, front-line providers, and health organizations to ensure responsible conduct and independence from industry.
A case study reveals that excessive licorice root consumption can lead to severe hypertension, headaches, and fluid retention. Physicians are advised to screen for licorice root intake in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension due to its potential health risks.
The introduction of Nutrition North Canada led to a significant increase in food insecurity, affecting 46% of households in 2014 compared to 33% in 2010. Despite the program's focus on nutritious foods, high prices and other factors contributed to worsening food access issues in Nunavut communities.
Research published in CMAJ found that women whose physician infrequently performs surgical abortions have almost twice the risk of severe complications. High-volume physicians are more likely to recognize and troubleshoot potential problems, resulting in lower complication rates.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer linked to sun exposure, with common areas affected including face, neck, arms, and torso. Genomic sequencing helps identify markers for diagnosis and treatment, while ABCDE criteria aid in suspicious lesion detection.
Physician suicide is a serious issue with increased suicidal ideation beginning as early as medical school, nearly 1 in 4 students reporting suicidal thoughts within the last 12 months. Suicidal physicians face unique barriers to care due to confidentiality and stigmatization concerns from peers, employers, and licensing bodies.
High rates of Indigenous incarceration in Canada lead to significant health consequences, including more years of life lost than premature death from common health conditions. The issue is exacerbated by post-release risks, including overdose and suicide, highlighting the need for government action to address systemic racism.
A new research study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a community volunteer program can reduce healthcare usage among older adults and shift care from hospitals to primary care. The Health TAPESTRY program combines volunteers with electronic software to support optimal aging, leading to increased physica...
A multidisciplinary approach called enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is being reviewed for its benefits in speeding up patient recovery from surgery. ERAS involves a holistic approach by involving various healthcare professionals before, during, and after surgery to improve outcomes.
Loneliness is a common emotional state in older adults linked to declines in health and increased healthcare usage. Social prescribing may alleviate loneliness by connecting lonely individuals with community supports.
Researchers found that patients with cancer requiring emergency department care had lower admission rates and higher mortality rates at non-cancer center hospitals. This may be due to a lack of cancer expertise and missed markers of worsening disease.
Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes before age 22. Early detection is crucial, as many cases are diagnosed when symptoms like frequent urination and weight loss arise.
A new computer-aided model developed in the UK can predict sepsis risk using routinely collected data. The cNEWS score can trigger screening within 30 minutes of admission and support clinical judgment.
A case study reveals that taking high doses of vitamin D can lead to kidney damage and malfunction. Patients should be better informed about the risks of using excessive amounts of vitamin D, particularly in low-risk individuals.
New research published in CMAJ found a higher risk of severe maternal complications after cesarean delivery, particularly among women aged 35 and older. Women under 35 had 1.5 times the odds of complications, while those over 35 had almost twice as high odds.
A study found persistent income-related inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviors among Indigenous peoples. Improving social determinants of health, such as income and food availability, may help address these mental health issues.
Guidelines issued by North American specialty societies recommend health services linked to their specialties, differing from European guidelines. This phenomenon, known as 'specialty bias,' may exacerbate healthcare costs and worsen patient outcomes.
A new cardiac-specific comorbidity index outperforms existing general indexes in predicting death after hospital admission for patients with heart disease. The index was derived from administrative data and tested on almost 19,000 cardiac patients in Alberta.
A randomized controlled trial conducted across 18 countries found that steroid use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients at high risk of death. The study included 7286 patients and found no significant difference between those receiving steroids and those on placebo.
Caregiving in Canada is becoming increasingly demanding and stressful, with many untrained individuals providing medical and nursing care. The need for caregiving will increase as the ageing population grows, posing a risk to caregivers' mental and physical health.
A Canadian study found that mothers whose first child was taken into out-of-home care were more likely to have inadequate or no prenatal care during subsequent pregnancies. These women are also more likely to face barriers such as substance use disorders and poverty, highlighting the need for accessible and nonjudgmental prenatal care.
Research published in CMAJ found that taking oral fluconazole during pregnancy may be associated with a higher chance of miscarriage and birth defects. The study analyzed data from 441,949 pregnancies and linked it to filled prescriptions, highlighting the need for safe prescribing practices.
A new review highlights the importance of identifying premenopausal women with elevated risk factors, such as ovarian dysfunction and pregnancy complications. These women should be screened early for cardiovascular disease and receive close follow-up and lifestyle modifications.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that women are less likely than men to receive geriatric care during hospitalization for emergency hip surgery. Women from low-income neighborhoods and those with dementia were also excluded from receiving anesthesiology consultations before surgery.
Women who undergo infertility treatment are more likely to experience severe pregnancy complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis. Researchers found a 40% increased risk among women who received in vitro fertilization compared to those without treatment.
A study of people who inject drugs found a significant increase in the risk of infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart lining, possibly linked to increasing use of hydromorphone. The risk rose from 13.4 to 35.1 admissions per three months between 2011 and 2015.
Dietary inequities in Canada refer to differences in diet quality between people of lower and higher socioeconomic status. Existing nutrition policies are insufficient to address the root causes of poor diets, particularly among those with lower social positions.
A review aims to help primary care physicians care for vulnerable adolescents with gender dysphoria, emphasizing individualized approaches and collaborative decision-making. The review highlights the need for optimal care for this population, particularly in addressing gaps in research and ethnocultural diversity.
A Canadian study found that asking patients about their sexual orientation and gender identity in primary care can lead to more inclusive and affirmative care for trans and nonbinary individuals. The study's findings suggest that including flexible response options and clear definitions can improve patient experiences.
A single national electronic health record will simplify information exchange among primary care sites, improving patient care and hospital coordination. Canada Health Infoway should select and adapt the system with physician and patient input.
Research finds people with heart attacks, strokes, or cardiac arrests are less likely to be working and have lower incomes than healthy peers. Employment loss can lead to substantial earnings reductions, ranging from 8% to 31%. The study aims to develop interventions to support return to work.