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.
Patients with heart failure who receive early follow-up by a physician within 7 days of emergency department discharge have lower risk of death and hospital admissions. The study found that 47% of patients were seen by a physician within a week, with the lowest death rate in those who received care within 7 days.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care updates its guideline to emphasize shared decision-making between women and their doctors. The new recommendations favor regular mammography screening for women aged 50-74, but only if they prefer it, due to uncertain benefits and harms.
New research finds First Nations children and youth are more likely to experience physical pain and mental health conditions, yet face barriers to accessing specialist care. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to improve healthcare access and management for this vulnerable population.
Acute flaccid myelitis is a rare but serious condition in children that can progress rapidly and result in persistent health deficits. The disease is usually caused by enteroviruses and requires urgent testing and medical attention.
A new decision tool accurately predicts short-term serious complications in COPD patients, decreasing unnecessary admissions and unsafe discharges.
High-dose opioids are widely prescribed for chronic pain, but can cause self-perpetuating therapy and withdrawal. The Canadian government should recall these formulations to regulate dangerous prescribing practices. This would help fuel the opioid crisis, particularly among patients with addiction.
Implementing a national pharmacare program in 2020 would require $9.7 billion in public funding, resulting in $13.5 billion in savings to the private sector. The authors suggest using a mix of federal revenue sources, including small increases in personal and corporate taxes.
New research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that trazadone is associated with a comparable risk of falls and major osteoporotic fractures to atypical antipsychotics. This finding challenges the assumption that trazodone is a safer alternative for treating behavioral symptoms in seniors with dementia.
A systematic review by the Public Health Agency of Canada found that there is a negligible risk of transmitting HIV during sex when an individual has a suppressed viral load of less than 200 copies/mL. Condom use also significantly reduces transmission risk.
A collection of 17 innovative projects showcases the benefits of patient-oriented research, including improved health outcomes and enhanced care. Patient partners contributed to study design, recruitment, and data collection, highlighting the value of lived experience in research.
A decline in Canadian-based researchers winning major health research prizes has been observed over the past few decades. Funding patterns and inconsistent government funding may be contributing factors to this trend.
A large study found that people who experience major injuries requiring hospital admission are at substantially increased risk of being admitted for mental health disorders. The study also revealed a higher risk of suicide among these patients, with 70 suicides per 100,000 patients per year compared to the general population.
A recent study found that Canadians have good overall health, with a high level of health-adjusted life expectancy. The leading causes of death and disability are noncommunicable diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study also shows an aging population, with people over 65 years outnumbering younger Canadians.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that oral curcumin did not reduce inflammation or improve outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In fact, the study showed an increased risk of post-surgical kidney damage in patients taking curcumin.
The long-term effects of smoked cannabis on lung health are unclear due to conflicting research findings. The authors emphasize the need for well-designed studies to address pressing gaps in knowledge and resolve lingering myths.
A randomized controlled trial found that parental educational tools on pain relief during vaccinations increased use of pain interventions at future infant vaccinations, knowledge and confidence in parents' ability to manage infant pain.
If cannabis use increases after legalization, the Canadian government should alter its act to prevent negative health effects, according to an editorial. The Government of Canada must be vigilant in tracking cannabis usage and provide adequate funding for research into harms.
Researchers analyzed data from a province-wide survey of over 300,000 girls and found no correlation between HPV vaccination and increased risky sexual behaviors. The percentage of girls reporting ever having sex decreased, while the proportion engaging in intercourse before age 14 declined and condom use increased.
The updated C-CHANGE guideline offers enhanced management of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and high cholesterol. The new guidelines provide a single set of best practices for physicians across Canada.
A study published in CMAJ found that immigrant and refugee youth are more likely to visit emergency departments for new mental health issues, highlighting gaps in access to outpatient mental health care. The study suggests that barriers to primary care services, including language and cultural differences, contribute to this issue.
A large study in Shanghai, China found that socioeconomic development contributed to lower death rates for most diseases, likely due to lifestyle factors. Death rates from infectious diseases, maternal issues, and injuries decreased between 1974 and 2015.
A recent analysis suggests that improving health care in Canada requires expanding public funding for cost-effective treatments, investing in primary care, and embracing technology. The authors propose engaging patients to determine services and standardizing quality-improvement tools to improve healthcare quality.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that where people live before hospitalization affects their risk of readmission. Discharged to home care were most likely to be readmitted, while those discharged to long-term care were least likely.
A Canadian study found that frequent use of household disinfectants alters the gut microbiota in infants, leading to higher body mass index scores and increased risk of childhood obesity. In contrast, eco-friendly cleaners may reduce this risk due to healthier maternal lifestyles and eating habits.
A commentary suggests using smart technology and artificial intelligence to improve the detection of sepsis in children in Canada. The authors propose automating data combinations of sepsis symptoms and other relevant information to create more accurate and low-cost trigger tools.
A large Taiwanese study found that patients with sepsis are at increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack, within the first 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Younger patients with sepsis aged 20 to 45 years were particularly at higher risk.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients with acute critical illness without pre-existing kidney disease are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. The study also shows that these patients have a higher risk of death.
A Danish study has estimated 10-year absolute risk of dementia by age, sex and common APOE gene variation, identifying high-risk individuals who may benefit from early preventive interventions. The research found that a combination of these factors could lead to a 7-24% risk of developing dementia by age 80.
A national approach is needed for trialing cannabinoids in children due to the lack of high-quality evidence and unregulated use of products. Collaboration among academics, industry, and provincial governments is required to conduct multiple-site clinical trials with long-term follow-up.
A large study found that care coordination strategies significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve health in seniors with multiple chronic diseases. The review included 25 studies and 12,579 older adults, highlighting the potential benefits of managing co-existing chronic illnesses in a coordinated manner.
The sudden departure of 800 medical trainees from Canada will negatively impact patient care. The Canadian government must step up funding for residency spots to avoid future shortages and ensure timely healthcare delivery.
A simple laboratory score has been developed to diagnose patients with heart attack symptoms, reducing the number of blood tests and time spent in emergency departments. The score can identify patients at risk of subsequent heart issues after discharge.
The medical profession is plagued by bullying, harassment, and discrimination, which can negatively affect health and career pathways. Implementing measures of professionalism in review processes and creating safe reporting mechanisms are crucial steps towards addressing unprofessional behavior.
A siloed funding approach hinders innovation and care integration, argue authors of a CMAJ analysis. To overcome this, funding must be integrated and providers learn to collaborate.
A study published in CMAJ found that women with intellectual and developmental disabilities have a nearly double rate of having another baby within a year of delivering. Rapid repeat pregnancies are associated with smaller babies, preterm birth, and other adverse effects.
A large study found that delaying hip fracture surgery beyond two days increases postoperative mortality. The researchers suggest adopting a 'don't let the sun set twice' policy for timely access to the operating room, which could avoid up to 16.5% of in-hospital deaths.
A large study examining media reporting of suicide found significant associations between reporting details and suicide deaths, highlighting the need for responsible reporting. The study suggests that including crisis resources among recommendations can have a positive impact on vulnerable individuals.
Patient access to primary care medical records is crucial for fully patient-centered care, but obstacles such as authorization forms, fees, and long waits hinder this ability. Mandating patient portals would address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of universal healthcare systems.
The Cardiovascular Disease Population Risk Tool (CVDPoRT) uses a 'big data' approach to accurately predict an individual's risk of hospitalization or death from cardiovascular disease within the next five years. The calculator also provides heart age, an easy-to-understand measure of heart health.
A study of over 90,000 patients found women's heart failure mortality is higher and hospitalization rates have increased in women compared to men. The research highlights sex differences in heart failure outcomes, care delivery, and access in Ontario.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria screening in pregnancy may reduce kidney infections and low birth weight, but evidence is low-quality. Women's values and preferences play a significant role in screening decisions.