Can antibiotics offer an alternative to surgery for selected adults with appendicitis? This 2020 trial appraisal weighs short-term health status against subsequent operations, recurrence and the limits of follow-up, explaining why the choice needs a more nuanced conversation than a simple yes or no.
JC: Antibiotics or Surgery for appendicitis. Read More
How can resuscitation improve beyond knowing the next clinical intervention? Simon Carley’s conference teaching brings together preparation, team pauses, maintaining control of the patient, peer review and hot debriefs, with practical tools for thinking and learning under pressure.
Be a better Resuscitationist at #iMEDconference12 Read More
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.
JC: Can we give tranexamic acid (TXA) via the IM route? St Emlyn’s Read More
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.
CODA ZERO update: Gender and Ethics Read More
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.
JC: ISARIC. Possibly The Best COVID-19 Risk Prediction Tool To Date Read More
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.
JC: TXA in severe head injury. St Emlyn’s Read More
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.
Podcast – August 2020 Monthly Round Up Read More
A September 2020 appraisal of REMAP-CAP’s hydrocortisone results in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Dan Horner and Simon Carley explain adaptive trials, Bayesian analysis and organ support outcomes, weighing the findings against early stopping, treatment crossover and the wider corticosteroid evidence.
The ‘Roid’ to Recovery? REMAP-CAP @ St Emlyn’s Read More
