A new test for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis is quicker and more cost effective than current tests, and has the potential to reduce complications and transmission to sexual partners.
Lourdes Mahilum-Tapay and colleagues – 30 November 2007
Archive for November, 2007
CHLAMYDIA TESTING
Posted in RISKS, STD's, Women's health, bmj, diagnosis, health on November 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
ME: a QUICK guideline for busy GP’s
Posted in CFS/ME, ME, NICE, Politics, bmj, chronic disease, diagnosis, health on November 25, 2007 | 1 Comment »
Many GP’s and other healthcare professionals don’t know much about ME. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis [WHO ICD-10:G93.3])
They think it is the same as tiredness and that impression is further reinforced by the recent NICE guidelines that proclaim that tiredness and a sore throat or headache equals ME. Nothing is further from the truth. Here is a quick guideline for [...]
US makers of joint replacements are fined for paying surgeons to use their devices
Posted in Orthopaedics, bmj, chronic disease, diagnosis, health, news on November 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
Janice Hopkins Tanne – 23 November 2007
Five US manufacturers of hip and knee replacements have settled with the federal government after being accused of paying orthopaedic surgeons to use their products.
ACUTE BRONCHIOLITIS
Posted in ASTHMA, CHILDREN, Respiratory disease, bmj, diagnosis, health on November 19, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
Acute bronchiolitis
Andrew Bush, professor of paediatric respirology. BMJ 2007;335:1037-1041 (17 November).
Acute bronchiolitis is a clinical diagnosis. It “is a seasonal viral illness, characterised by fever, nasal discharge and dry, wheezy cough. On examination, there are fine inspiratory crackles and/or high-pitched expiratory wheeze.
Summary points:
• Bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus is an important and seasonal cause of respiratory morbidity in [...]
High mortality after acute urinary retention in men over 45
Posted in Men's health, RISKS, Science, bmj, chronic disease, health, life, news on November 17, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
James N Armitage and colleagues – 9 November 2007
A database analysis reported by James N Armitage and colleagues shows that mortality in men admitted to hospital with acute urinary retention is high and increases strongly with age and comorbidity – as many as one in four men admitted to hospital with acute urinary retention will [...]
DEATHS IN US FROM RISKY BEHAVIOUR
Posted in RISKS, bmj, health, life, news on November 12, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
BMJ 2007;335:639 (29 September).
The US has a dismal record on health, despite outspending by a considerable margin every other developed nation in the world.
Americans and their elected politicians are generally complacent about this sorry state of affairs, writes one leading doctor. Healthcare professionals are probably the best people to unite and shake them out of their complacency.
To [...]
Triglycerides have an independent effect on risk of heart disease
Posted in HEART, HEART ATTACKS, RISKS, bmj, chronic disease, diagnosis, health, life, news on November 11, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
BMJ 2007;335:639 (29 September) NEWS:
Serum concentration of triglycerides is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Because triglycerides are so closely linked to obesity (p 425). Losing weight and taking more exercise is one of the best ways to keep triglycerides under control. In this study, lower concentrations were also associated with eating a decent breakfast.
INFERTILITY AND POLYCYSTIC OVARIES
Posted in CHILDREN, Diabetes, Women's health, bmj, chronic disease, diagnosis, health on November 3, 2007 | 1 Comment »
BMJ 2007;335:663-666 (29 September).
Managing anovulatory infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome
BY: Adam H Balen, professor of reproductive medicine and surgery, Anthony J Rutherford, consultant in reproductive medicine and surgery.
Summary points
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine problem affecting women and the most common cause of anovulatory infertility
Oral clomifene citrate remains the first line treatment to induce ovulation
Gonadotrophin treatment [...]
German doctors may have to report patients who have piercings and beauty treatments
Posted in Politics, QUOTE of the WEEK, RISKS, Science, bmj, health, life, news on November 2, 2007 | Leave a Comment »
Plans to introduce a law in Germany that would force doctors to notify a patient’s health insurance company if medical treatment is for a complication of a beauty operation or piercing have been heavily criticised by doctors and welfare organisations. BMJ 2 November 2007.
Exercise is an important treatment for type 2 diabetes
Posted in Diabetes, bmj, chronic disease, health, life, news on November 2, 2007 | 2 Comments »
BMJ 2007;335:638 (29 September).
We know that regular exercise can help people with type 2 diabetes achieve better glycaemic control. Aerobic activities such as cycling or resistance training with weights can bring down serum concentrations of glycated haemoglobin.
But these activities are even more effective when combined, according to a randomised trial. Participants exercised three times a week for six [...]
