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. …
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation - The BMJ
WEBDec 30, 2021 · Overall prevalence is estimated to be 2-4% in the general population, and increases with age. 1 Because of under-detection, the true prevalence is unknown. In prospective cohort studies, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among individuals aged 75-76 ranges between 12.3% and 14.3%, 2 3 and increases to 17.8% in those aged 85 and …
Essential tremor: diagnosis and management - The BMJ
WEBAug 5, 2019 · Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders in adults and can affect both children and adults. An updated consensus statement in 2018 redefined essential tremor as an isolated action tremor present in bilateral upper extremities for at least three years. Tremor may also be present in other locations, commonly the neck or …
Pernicious anaemia - The BMJ
WEBApr 24, 2020 · Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune disorder affecting the gastric mucosa with impaired absorption of dietary cobalamin (vitamin B12) resulting in B12 deficiency. Figure 1 depicts the pathophysiology of pernicious anaemia. Vitamin B12 is essential for production of blood cells and myelination of nerves. Its deficiency causes megaloblastic …
Pregabalin and gabapentin for pain | The BMJ
WEBApr 28, 2020 · Pregabalin and gabapentin, collectively gabapentinoids, are primarily anticonvulsant drugs. Over the past decade, they have been increasingly prescribed for pain. 1 They are recommended for neuropathic pain in adults 2 3 (table 1), but are commonly used off-label for other pain disorders such as low back pain, sciatica, and …
Gout: diagnosis and management—summary of NICE guidance
WEBAug 30, 2022 · Measure the serum urate level in people with symptoms and signs of gout to confirm the clinical diagnosis (serum urate level ≥360 μmol/L (6 mg/dL)). If serum urate level is <360 μmol/L during a flare and gout is strongly suspected, repeat the serum urate level measurement at least two weeks after the flare has settled.
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 …
Postural hypotension - The BMJ
WEBApr 23, 2021 · Postural hypotension is a drop in blood pressure (≥20 mm Hg systolic and/or ≥10 mm Hg diastolic) that occurs within 3 minutes of standing. Test for it in people who have symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness on changing from lying or sitting to standing posture or those with an unexplained fall. Age over 60 years, diabetes, …
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 …
Impact of vaping on respiratory health | The BMJ
WEBJul 18, 2022 · Widespread uptake of vaping has signaled a sea change in the future of nicotine consumption. Vaping has grown in popularity over the past decade, in part propelled by innovations in vape pen design and nicotine flavoring. Teens and young adults have seen the biggest uptake in use of vape pens, which have superseded conventional …