Interpreting iron studies | The BMJ
WEBJun 15, 2017 · It is essential for uptake of oxygen and its delivery to tissues, utilisation of oxygen by muscle cells, and mitochondrial energy production. 3 Normal iron metabolism and regulation is outlined in Figure 1 ⇓. The adult male body contains 3-5 g of iron. Less than 0.1% of total body iron stores circulate in plasma.
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 …
Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica | The BMJ
WEBNov 19, 2019 · Sciatica is commonly used to describe radiating leg pain. It is caused by inflammation or compression of the lumbosacral nerve roots (L4-S1) forming the sciatic nerve. 1 Sciatica can cause severe discomfort and functional limitation. Recently updated clinical guidelines in Denmark, the US, and the UK highlight the role of conservative …
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 ...
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 …
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 ...
Strengthening the basics: public health responses to prevent the …
WEBNov 29, 2021 · Victoria Haldane and colleagues argue that to make covid-19 the last pandemic, public health responses to outbreaks must be strengthened, starting with their most basic functions The covid-19 pandemic has challenged countries to mount and sustain comprehensive public health responses that identify and control an emerging infectious …
Management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding | The BMJ
WEBMar 25, 2019 · Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency, with a reported mortality of 2-10%. Patients identified as being at very low risk of either needing an intervention or death can be managed as outpatients. For all other patients, intravenous fluids as needed for resuscitation and red cell transfusion at a hemoglobin …
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 …
Interpreting raised serum ferritin levels | The BMJ
WEBAug 3, 2015 · Ferritin is an intracellular iron storage protein and a marker of iron stores. Normal serum ferritin levels vary between laboratories but generally concentrations >300 µg/L in men and postmenopausal women and >200 µg/L in premenopausal women are regarded as elevated. 1 Low ferritin values provide absolute evidence of iron deficiency. …