Respiratory

A June 2021 look at the first RECOVERY results for aspirin in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. The review considers the absence of a demonstrated mortality benefit, the balance between bleeding and thrombotic events, and the limits of the early results.

Iain and Simon's March 2021 round-up covers RECOVERY results, trauma triage, cricothyroidotomy and COVID-19 thromboprophylaxis. The episode also discusses emerging concerns about vaccine-induced thrombosis, alongside the FRCEM revision guide and changes to undergraduate medical education.

An April 2021 discussion of post-vaccination headache as evidence about vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia was emerging. It explores VITT, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and the role of clinical probability, targeted investigation and specialist input, reflecting the uncertainties and guidance available at that time.

A March 2021 appraisal of anticoagulation trials in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Simon Carley and Dan Horner examine therapeutic-dose versus usual-care thromboprophylaxis, organ support outcomes and bleeding, explaining why the findings cannot simply be extended to ward patients or treatment of confirmed thrombosis.

Iain and Simon revisit February 2021 on the St Emlyn's blog and podcast. The accompanying article links cover TIA risk assessment, proposed emergency care standards, tocilizumab evidence, TXA for epistaxis and conversations with patients about COVID-19 risk.

A March 2021 review of the RECOVERY convalescent plasma preprint in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. It examines the absence of a survival benefit, donor antibody testing and subgroup findings, and reflects on why promising treatments still need randomised evidence.