#FOAMed

An October 2020 appraisal of RECOVERY's hydroxychloroquine results in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. It reviews the lack of demonstrated benefit, concerns about harm and the arguments about timing and dosage, alongside an explanation of how the platform trial was organised.

Could intramuscular tranexamic acid be useful when intravenous delivery is difficult? This 2020 review examines a small pharmacokinetic study in trauma patients who had already received IV TXA, distinguishing encouraging absorption data from evidence of improved outcomes or effectiveness as an initial dose.

This September 2020 CODA Zero update introduces discussions of gender inequality and racism in healthcare. It explains how the postponed conference moved its global community online, using ethics-focused conversations to prompt reflection and action rather than simply describe familiar problems.

A September 2020 appraisal of the ISARIC 4C mortality score for hospitalised patients with COVID-19. It explains model development and internal validation, then examines methodological concerns, access to required tests and the limits of applying a UK inpatient score in other settings.

Does prehospital tranexamic acid improve neurological recovery after moderate or severe head injury? This September 2020 trial appraisal examines the absence of a clear primary-outcome benefit, missing follow-up data, injury severity and how the findings compare with CRASH-3.

Iain and Simon review August 2020 on the blog, from hydroxychloroquine and emerging COVID-19 research to the ACTS sepsis trial and GBL intoxication. The episode notes also highlight the personal costs of clinical leadership and the growing collection of St Emlyn's lesson plans.