Interpreting iron studies | The BMJ
WEBJun 15, 2017 · What is included in iron studies? Ferritin—is the intracellular storage form of iron.A very small amount is found in serum. In inflammation, liver disease, and malignancy, ferritin levels can rise because ferritin is an acute phase protein.4 In these patients, ferritin can appear either falsely high or normal, when in reality stores are low. Serum …
Which pain medications are effective for sciatica (radicular ... - The …
WEBOct 12, 2017 · What you need to know. The most effective pain medication to treat patients with sciatica or radicular leg pain is unclear. In approximately one third of patients, symptoms improve within two weeks; in three quarters of patients, symptoms improve within 12 weeks, but about a third of patients have persistent and disabling symptoms after one ...
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - The BMJ
WEBDec 30, 2021 · Overall prevalence is estimated to be 2-4% in the general population, and increases with age. 1 Because of under-detection, the true prevalence is unknown. In prospective cohort studies, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among individuals aged 75-76 ranges between 12.3% and 14.3%, 2 3 and increases to 17.8% in those aged 85 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 …
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 …
Quality improvement into practice | The BMJ
WEBMar 31, 2020 · Definitions of quality improvement. Improvement in patient outcomes, system performance, and professional development that results from a combined, multidisciplinary approach in how change is delivered. 3. The delivery of healthcare with improved outcomes and lower cost through continuous redesigning of work processes …
Latest guidance on the management of gout | The BMJ
WEBJul 18, 2018 · Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis and its incidence in the UK has steadily increased from 1.5% in 1997 to 2.5% in 2012. 1 2 It is characterised by deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and tissues and usually presents with intermittent painful attacks followed by long periods of remission. 3 Here, we review the …
Low back pain and sciatica: summary of NICE guidance - The BMJ
WEBJan 6, 2017 · Low back pain is the leading cause of long term disability worldwide.1 The lifetime incidence of low back pain is 58-84%,2 and 11% of men and 16% of women have chronic low back pain.3 Back pain accounts for 7% of GP consultations and results in the loss of 4.1 million working days a year.2 More than 30% of people still have clinically …
Pernicious anaemia - The BMJ
WEBApr 24, 2020 · Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune disorder affecting the gastric mucosa with impaired absorption of dietary cobalamin (vitamin B12) resulting in B12 deficiency. Figure 1 depicts the pathophysiology of pernicious anaemia. Vitamin B12 is essential for production of blood cells and myelination of nerves. Its deficiency causes megaloblastic …
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 …