The BMJ: Leading Medical Research, News, Education, Opinion
WEBLebanon: Israeli attack endangers a healthcare system reliant on Hezbollah. With 3.5 million people in need, a doctor exodus, and some regions served by the very military group that Israel seeks to rout, Lebanon’s healthcare system is in crisis. Sally Howard reports. News. ∙ Lebanon’s health system struggles as dozens of clinics close ...
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - The BMJ
WEBDec 30, 2021 · Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly encountered cardiac arrhythmia in clinical practice (box 1). 7 Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is intermittent episodes of atrial fibrillation that terminate within seven days either spontaneously or with intervention. 8 This excludes atrial fibrillation that is triggered by transient causes such as ...
Postural hypotension - The BMJ
WEBApr 23, 2021 · Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure (≥20 mm Hg systolic and/or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic) that occurs within 3 minutes of standing. Test for it in people who have symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness on changing from lying or sitting to standing posture or those with an unexplained fall. Age over 60 years, diabetes, …
Interpreting an isolated raised serum alkaline phosphatase level in …
WEBApr 3, 2013 · This article discusses the most common causes of raised alkaline phosphatase levels in an asymptomatic patient and provides advice on the relevant investigations. #### Learning points If alkaline phosphatase is raised in an asymptomatic patient and serum bilirubin, liver transaminases, creatinine, adjusted calcium, thyroid …
Acute coronary syndromes: summary of updated NICE guidance
WEBJan 15, 2021 · Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), comprising ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina, are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK and worldwide. 1 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) previously published four guidelines to …
Essential tremor: diagnosis and management - The BMJ
WEBAug 5, 2019 · Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in adults and can affect both children and adults. An updated consensus statement in 2018 redefined essential tremor as an isolated action tremor present in bilateral upper extremities for at least three years. Tremor may also be present in other locations, commonly the neck or …
Pregabalin and gabapentin for pain | The BMJ
WEBApr 28, 2020 · Pregabalin and gabapentin, collectively gabapentinoids, are primarily anticonvulsant drugs. Over the past decade, they have been increasingly prescribed for pain. 1 They are recommended for neuropathic pain in adults 2 3 (table 1), but are commonly used off-label for other pain disorders such as low back pain, sciatica, and …
Writing a case report in 10 steps - The BMJ
WEBMay 27, 2015 · Writing up. Write up the case emphasising the interesting points of the presentation, investigations leading to diagnosis, and management of the disease/pathology. Get input on the case from all members of the team, highlighting their involvement. Also include the prognosis of the patient, if known, as the reader will want …
Investigating raised creatine kinase | The BMJ
WEBJun 23, 2021 · A 76 year old man with hypercholesterolaemia is referred to the lipid clinic because of persistently raised creatine kinase activity of 1000 IU/L or above (reference range 40-320 IU/L) after trying multiple statins. He describes no significant myalgia but had some proximal muscle weakness, which is demonstrated when he stands up from a …
Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?
WEBJun 29, 2020 · Poor nutrition may be a causal factor in the experience of low mood, and improving diet may help to protect not only the physical health but also the mental health of the population, say Joseph Firth and colleagues ### Key messages Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions worldwide, making them a leading cause …