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Good news for coffee drinkers
For a long time there has been a presumed association between caffeine exposure and cardiovascular disease, particularly arrhythmias. However, increasingly, the evidence seems not to support such a relationship. A systematic review and meta-analysis has revealed not only that caffeine exposure does not seem to be related to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, but that in low doses it may even be a protective factor (Heart 2013;99:1383–9).
Power of the internet
Physicians in six European countries took part in a study on the impact of internet training on antibiotic prescribing in patients with lower respiratory tract infections based upon point of care testing of C-reactive protein levels (Lancet 2013;382:1175–82). The authors use their results to extol the virtues of the internet as a useful tool in improving and maintaining standards in clinical medicine.
Penetrating abdominal trauma
Modern management of penetrating abdominal trauma in haemodynamically stable patients is progressing further away from ‘no questions asked’ laparotomy. Selective non-operative management of penetrating abdominal injury is gaining acceptance and is now even being used in some …