BMJ Best Practice Podcast (BMJ Group)

Hypercholesterolemia is common condition with serious consequences. It is important that we assess, diagnose and manage it appropriately.

To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this BMJ Best Practice podcast interview with Thorsten Leucker, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

For more on hypercholesterolemia, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: TL has received grant funding for his university from Amgen and Merck.

 

The Darzi report states that “a recurring theme is that the recommendations of previous reviews have not been universally adopted.” So can we do better this time? In this podcast, Professor Martyn Patel discusses how healthcare professionals can use BMJ Best Practice to improve care in areas where Darzi says that it needs to improve. In things like comorbidities, cardiovascular care, and emergency medicine. Martyn works for Norwich Medical School, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and is also an expert panel member of BMJ Best Practice. 

COPD is common. It is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. And anyone who has worked in a hospital will know that exacerbations are common also. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more details about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Neil Greening, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Physician at the Institute for Lung Health, Leicester. Competing interests: Dr Greening has received honoraria, lecture fees, travel for conferences and consultancy fees from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Chiesi, Sanofi and Pulmonx. His Institution has received grant funding and consultancy fees from GSK, and Roche.

Acute severe asthma is common. The global prevalence, morbidity and mortality, and economic burden caused by asthma have progressively increased over the last few decades. About 300 million people worldwide currently have asthma. About 180,000 deaths annually are caused by asthma. And most asthma deaths are preventable. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Richard Russell, Specialty Registrar in Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK. Richard is one of the authors of our topic on acute asthma on BMJ Best Practice. Competing interests: RR has received support from Chiesi. 

The diagnosis of menopause is clinical, based on the absence of menses for 12 months, and does not require further testing for appropriately presenting patients.

Oestrogen therapy is an effective treatment for the management of menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, and urogenital symptoms.

In this podcast, Bradford W. Fenton, Independence Park Medical Services, Anchorage, Alaska, gives us further details of diagnosis and management.

For more on menopause, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Disclosures: BWF declares that he has no competing interests.

A US study of high-risk drinking patterns suggests that deaths due to alcohol-associated liver disease are expected to double in the next twenty years. And this condition is associated with a range of complications - including hepatic encephalopathy, GI bleeding, and hepatorenal syndrome. So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor Craig McClain, Chief of Research Affairs and Associate Vice President for Health Affairs and Research at the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Louisville School of Medicine. 

For more on alcohol-associated liver disease, visit BMJ Best Practice.

CM acts as a consultant for Nestlé, Durect, Allergan, Intercept, and DISCUS. He works for the Veterans Administration on a part-time basis, has received grants from the NIH and VAMC, and is working on the update of the AGC nutritional guideline.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined by endometrial stroma and glands found outside of the uterine cavity. The most common sites affected are the pelvic peritoneum and ovaries.

May present incidentally in asymptomatic women, or more commonly in women of reproductive age who complain of chronic pelvic pain and/or sub-fertility.

M. Jonathon Solnik, Professor of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Medical Imaging by Cross-Appointment, Temerty School of Medicine at the University of Toronto, gives us an overview of diagnosis and management of the condition.

For more on endometriosis, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: MJS is an author of a number of references cited in the Best Practice topic. He acts as a consultant for AbbVie (manufacturer of depot leuprolide and elagolix), Medtronic, Felix Health and Olympus.

 

Burns are a common injury. The exact prevalence is difficult to know, as many people will not seek medical advice. But we do know that around 13,000 people in the UK require hospital attention from specialist burns services. And burns can cause a range of complications from scarring to sepsis to psychological trauma. So it is important that we get the management of burns right. To find out more details about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Professor Rob Sheridan, Associate Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School. Competing interests: none

Hyperthyroidism

The global prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism is between 0.2% to 1%. Graves disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism in most areas of the world but there are other causes including toxic nodular goitre. Complications of hyperthyroidism are common - from bone loss to atrial fibrillation to heart failure.  So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Dr Salman Razvi, Consultant Endocrinologist and Senior Lecturer at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead. Competing interests: SR has received speaker fees from Merck, IBSA and Abbott Pharmaceuticals Ltd and research funding from Merck.

Acute otitis media is common. More than 80% of children experience at least one episode of acute otitis media before the age of 2 years. And complications are common also - from perforated tympanic membrane to otitis media with effusion. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Dr. Carlos Armengol of the Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville in the US. Competing interests: none

Sepsis is common. In 2018, more than one million US Medicare patients were admitted to hospital with sepsis.

And complications are serious - from renal failure to ARDS to DIC.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, have a listen to this podcast with Professor Andre Kalil, from the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

For more on sepsis, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: none

Syncope is common. It accounts for approximately 1% of all emergency department visits and 2% of all hospital admissions from the emergency department. Causes include dysrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and acute coronary syndrome - to name but a few. So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly? To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor Shamai Grossman, Associate Professor of Medicine and Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Competing interests: none

The purpose of BMJ Best Practice is to provide knowledge that will help healthcare professionals deliver better care. In this podcast, Dr Clare Mock explains how you can put evidence based knowledge into practice to ensure that we achieve high quality and safe healthcare.

Clare is Clinical Engagement Physician at BMJ and has a great deal of experience in safety, quality improvement and implementation science.

Competing interests: CM works for BMJ. 

Hypothyroidism is common. The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism in the general population ranges between 0.2 and 5%. And it can cause a range of complications - from heart to brain problems to problems during pregnancy. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right.

To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, listen to this interview with Dr Wail Malaty who works as a physician in Houston, Texas. Wail is our BMJ Best Practice author on hypothyroidism. Competing interests: None

For more on hypothyroidism, visit BMJ Best Practice.

BMJ Best Practice is freely available in England, Scotland and Wales. And in many other institutions around the world. We want to ensure that it is used. But we want more than just clicks. We want people to use it to improve individual patient care, to improve care processes and quality and safety, to improve education at all levels. So how should we do this? Please do listen to his podcast interview with Dr Dan Bunstone, GP Principal and Clinical Director of Warrington Innovation Network. Competing interests: none

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) has an incidence of 64 per 100,000 per year, increasing by 40% with each decade of life. This means about 200,000 new patients per year in the USA. And BPPV can cause problems - including falls and accidents and of course injuries. So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor Lorne Parnes of the Departments of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery and Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario.

For more on BPPV, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: none

Comorbidities are common and important in all countries around the world. They have a significant impact on patients and healthcare providers. The BMJ Best Practice Comorbidities Manager has been designed to help healthcare professionals better manage patients with common combinations of comorbidities. This BMJ Best Practice podcast is an interview with Professor Neera Ahuja, Professor of Medicine, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President at Stanford Healthcare. Competing interests: NA has received honoraria for editorial work on BMJ Best Practice

Croup is a frequent cause of acute respiratory distress in young children. Typically, it affects those between six months and three years of age, peaking in the second year of life. And croup can be serious and can cause complications - such as pneumonia.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor David Johnson who is from the Department of Pediatrics and Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Calgary, Canada.

For more on croup, visit BMJ Best Practice. 

Competing interests: none

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Diabetic foot disease is an all too common complication. And it can cause a range of problems - including the ultimate complication - amputation. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right.

In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Dr. Kieran Walsh talks to Nicole Mottolini about safer management of diabetic foot disease. Nicole is a Podiatrist and Clinical Fellow at NHS Resolution. Competing interests: none

For more on diabetic foot disease, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Cervical spine injuries result primarily from motor vehicle accidents, sports activities, and diving into shallow water. These mainly happen with young people. In older people, falls are a common cause. And such injuries can cause a range of complications from pain to radiculopathy to other neurological disability.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that cervical spine trauma is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, listen to this interview with Michael Fehlings, Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto, and author of our BMJ Best Practice topic on this condition.

Competing interests: MGF served as a consultant for Zimmer, In Vivo Therapeutics, and Pfizer. He receives institutional fellowship grant support from AOSpine, Medtronic, and Depuy-Synthes.

Tourette syndrome has a prevalence of 0.6% in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years, with about half of patients undiagnosed. And Tourette syndrome is associated with distress, substance abuse, and treatment-related side effects. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right.   To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Marco Grados, Clinical Director and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Division for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins.   Marco is the author of our topic on Tourette syndrome on BMJ Best Practice. Competing interests: None

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disorder affecting 1 in 500 women and 1 in 2000 men aged over 40 years. It can cause a range of complications from osteoporosis to fractures to nephrolithiasis.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly? To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Dr John Ayuk, Consultant Endocrinologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. 

For more on primary hyperparathyroidism, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Disclosures: JA declares that he has no competing interests.

Wrist fractures are common. They can occur in older women with osteoporosis and low-impact injury. Or young men with high-impact injuries.   And they can cause complications from malunion to joint stiffness to complex regional pain syndrome.   So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right.   To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, listen to this podcast with Michael Barrett, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and BMJ Best Practice author on wrist fracture.   For more on wrist fractures, visit the BMJ Best Practice topic.   Competing interests: MB is a director of Orthohub.xyz, an online education platform for orthopaedic surgeons. Orthohub.xyz receives sponsorship from the healthcare industry.  

Animal bites

Each year in the UK, approximately 250,000 people attend emergency departments for the treatment of dog bites. And about 10% of patients will develop an infection. And that is just dogs. Animal bites are a common and serious problem - it is important that we get the assessment and management of this condition right. To find out more details about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Dr Oliver Spencer, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Croydon University Hospital NHS Trust.

Competing interests: none

Fibrocystic breasts are common. The incidence peaks at 400 per 100,000 woman-years at the age of 40 to 44.

The condition can cause  pain and tenderness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. And there is a higher prevalence of cysts as women approach the menopause.

In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Kieran Walsh talks with Professor Ingrid Lizarraga, Clinical Associate Professor at the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Competing interests: None

For more on fibrocystic breasts, visit BMJ Best Practice.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction is a common and important condition. Myocardial infarction is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality so it is vital that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Mahi Ashwath, Professor of Medicine and Radiology and Inaugural Reuben Jacobs Chair in Internal Medicine at the UHS/UT Heart and Vascular Institute, San Antonio, Texas. Mahi is author of this topic on BMJ Best Practice. Competing interests: MA is a consultant for Tersera.

Hyperkalemia is common and can be serious. It can result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. So it is important that we assess this problem properly, find an underlying diagnosis if there is one, and manage appropriately.

To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this BMJ Best Practice podcast interview with Sri Yarlagadda, Associate Professor at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Competing interests: None declared

For more on hyperkalemia, visit BMJ Best Practice.

In the UK, the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes in children is approximately 2.9 per 100,000. This number is rising and another constant has been the increasing rates of obesity. So it is vital that we get prevention and management of this condition right.

In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Dr Christine Bowen talks to Professor May Ng, OBE, Honorary Professor at Edge Hill University, Hon Associate Professor at University of Liverpool, and Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Endocrinologist at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust.

For more on type 2 diabetes in children, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: none

 

Cervical spine injuries result primarily from car accidents, falls, and sports activities (such as rugby or diving into shallow water).

They can occur in young and old, and can cause considerable complications - from chronic pain to medication dependence.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this interview with Muhammad Dherijha, Consultant in Complex Spinal Surgery at the Northern Care Alliance in Manchester.

For more on cervical spine injuries, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: none

Chronic cough is common. And from 10% to 70% of patients with chronic cough may have upper airway cough syndrome. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Professor Fan Chung who is Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Head of Experimental Studies Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London. Competing interests: FC has received remuneration for taking part in advisory board meetings on asthma, COPD, and cough, organised by GSK, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, TEVA, Menlo Therapeutics and 4D pharma. KFC has also been on a speaker's bureau for AstraZeneca and Novartis, and has received educational grants from AstraZeneca, GSK, Bionorica, PGT Healthcare, and Vernalis Therapeutics, for supporting the Ninth London International Cough Symposium held in London in 2016.

Type 2 diabetes is common. It accounts for over 90% of all diabetes, and has a prevalence of 8.5% in the US. And complications are common as well - from blindness to amputation to chronic kidney disease. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this podcast interview with Gregg Simonson, Director of Professional Training at the International Diabetes Center at Park Nicollet Minneapolis. Competing interests: GS declares that his employer, HealthPartners Institute International Diabetes Center, has organizational interests that include receiving unrestricted educational grants from Abbott Diabetes Care and Sanofi.

Insomnia is common and can be serious.

It is estimated that 10% to 30% of the population may have insomnia. Insomnia can cause accidents and poor productivity at work. Psychiatric disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, are common comorbidities.

To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this BMJ Best Practice podcast interview with John Winkelman, Chief of the Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.

To find out more about insomnia, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: JWW has received honoraria for consulting to Avadel, CVS, Eisai, and Merck, and research grants from Merck and the RLS Foundation.

Uterine fibroids are common. They represent the most common solid tumours of the female pelvis and are a leading indication for hysterectomy. And complications are frequent also - from bleeding to obstetric complications. So what can we do to ensure that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right? To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor Ayman Al-Hendy, Tenured Professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago. Competing interests: AAH has served on the external advisory boards of Bayer, AbbVie, Myovant, Pfizer, ObsEva and Allergan, and has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health.

In 2019, lower respiratory tract infections affected 489 million people worldwide, and were the cause for approximately 2.5 million deaths. Children less than 5 and adults older than 70 were the populations most affected by pneumonia. Mortality was highest in patients aged over 70.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that pneumonia is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please do have a listen to this podcast interview with Dr Catia Cillóniz, Associate Professor at the University of Barcelona.

For more on community acquired pneumonia, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: none  

As the climate changes, we are getting more diseases associated with extremes of temperature - such as frostbite.

Frostbite is classically associated with mountaineering and winter activities. But it also occurs in armed conflict and of course in homeless people. Frostbite can result in wound infection, gangrene and amputation.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly? To find the answer to this and other important questions, please have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor Chris Imray, Consultant Vascular and Renal Transplant Surgeon.

For more on frostbite, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Disclosures: CI has been paid for medicolegal work and receives royalties for the Oxford Handbook of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.  

Among men aged 15 to 44 years, testicular tumours are the most common cancer diagnosed. And testicular cancer can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Corbin Eule, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. And importantly Corbin is BMJ Best Practice author on testicular cancer. Competing interests: None

 

Pre eclampsia Pre-eclampsia is common. It has been reported to affect between 2% and 8% of all pregnancies worldwide.  And complications are common as well - from eclampsia to fetal growth restriction to pulmonary oedema. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Emeritus Professor James Walker of the University of Leeds. Please note: Remember to do a FBC, U&E, and LFTs in affected patients. Competing interests: JJW is Honorary President of the Baby Lifeline Training Company and Honorary Medical Director of Action on Pre-eclampsia. He lectures and teaches on pre-eclampsia and maternal safety both nationally and internationally, and is the author of national and local reports into safety investigations for the Healthcare Services Investigation Branch and national and local bodies as Clinical Director.

Panic disorder is common. The prevalence of panic disorder is 2% to 3% in adults and adolescents. And panic disorder can cause distress, substance abuse, and treatment related side effects. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to his podcast interview with Professor Craig Sawchuk of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Craig is the author of our topic on panic disorder on BMJ Best Practice. Competing interests: None

 

Acne is a common condition. The Global Burden of Disease estimates the prevalence of acne to be 8%, ranking it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide.

And acne can cause complications - from scarring to dyspigmentation to mental health problems.

So what if anything can we do to ensure that it is diagnosed and managed correctly?

To answer this and other important questions, please have a listen to this podcast interview with Professor John Barbieri, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard. 

For more on acne, visit BMJ Best Practice.

Competing interests: JB has received consulting fees from Dexcel Pharma.

The prevalence of precocious puberty is difficult to estimate - it is probably between  1 in 500 and 1 in 5000 children. Unfortunately, complications are common - from distress to short stature to psychological problems. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To find out more about this problem and what we can do about it, please do listen to this podcast interview with Dr Comfort King of BMJ and Dr Talat Mushtaq, Consultant in Paediatric Endocrinology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Competing interests: TM has received support from Novo Nordisk and Pfizer to attend overseas conferences. He has also received honoraria from Kyowa Kirin for lectures and educational events.

Prof Mike Morgan, National Clinical Director Respiratory NHS England, gives us a clinical guide to COPD. To learn more about COPD, visit BMJ Learning: Managing acute exacerbations of COPD in primary care - bit.ly/2sQPK1R Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnosis and assessment of severity - bit.ly/2TdNgpU Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: long term management - bit.ly/2FSYAoj Spirometry in practice - bit.ly/2RQ6ntD _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Lisa Bebell, Instructor in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, and who conducts research in to infectious diseases and critical care medicine, gives us a clinical guide to Marburg Virus. To learn more about Marburg Virus, visit BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1615 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Susan Smolinske, Director of the New Mexico Drug and Poison Information Centre, and Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, University of New Mexico, gives us a clinical guide to ricin poisoning. To learn more about ricin poisoning, visit BMJ Best Practice. bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1051 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

This podcast is a clinical guide to abrin poisoning, with Scott Phillips, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Clinical Pharm & Toxicology, University of Colorado - Denver. To learn more about abrin poisoning, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1051 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Asthma exacerbations present with acute or sub-acute onset of wheeze and respiratory distress, the symptoms and signs of which vary depending on the developmental and maturational age of the child. Triggers include viral or bacterial infection, inhaled allergens, environmental irritants, emotion, medications, and poor adherence with preventive therapy. Paul D. Robinson, Respiratory and Sleep Physician, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and Associate Professor, Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney, gives a clinical overview of acute asthma exacerbations in children. For more on acute asthma exacerbations in children, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1098 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks Matt Castleden, GP and editor for BMJ Best Practice and BMJ Learning, to summarise the latest clinical guidance in acute medicine. Dr Castleden updates us on recent recommendations on pulmonary embolism, and also acute respiratory distress and vaping associated lung injury. For more information, take a look at the BMJ Best Practice topic on pulmonary embolism: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000115

The BMJ Best Practice topic on acute respiratory distress syndrome: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/374

Acute pancreatitis: an update on diagnosis and management Acute pancreatitis is a common and serious condition. The incidence of acute pancreatitis in the UK is about 50 per 100,000 per year. And it can cause a range of complications including acute renal failure, pancreatic abscess and of course chronic pancreatitis. So it is important that we get diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on acute pancreatitis, Kieran Walsh talks to Professor Scott Tenner, Clinical Professor of Medicine, State University of New York. ST is an author of references cited in the BMJ Best Practice topic on acute pancreatitis. He declares that he has no other competing interests. BMJ Relevant topic link - https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000118 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder presenting with inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, persisting into adulthood. It is characterised primarily by inner restlessness rather than hyperactivity; impatience; sensation seeking and excessive spending rather than impulsivity; inattention; and functional impairment with underachievement and disorganisation. Marios Adamou, Consultant Psychiatrist, South West Yorkshire NHS Partnership Foundation Trust, University of Huddersfield gives us a clinical overview of the condition. For more on ADHD in adults, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/814 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Adhesive capsulitis affects 2% to 5% of the population. It is slightly more common in women than in men, and is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 70. And it can cause a range of problems - including pain, stiffness, and loss of function. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. To give us more details about this problem and what we can do about it, Kieran Walsh, Clinical Director at BMJ, speaks with Professor Lance LeClerc, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville. For more on adhesive capsulitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1043

Competing interests: None

Age-related macular degeneration is the third most common cause of visual impairment worldwide. The main risk is advanced disease and resultant visual loss. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to the outcome - so it is vital that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on macular degeneration, Kieran Walsh talks with Dr. Sajjad Mahmood, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Medical Retina Specialist, and Honorary Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester. For more on age-related macular degeneration, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/554

Competing interests: SM has done consultancy work and received honoraria for lecturing and travel from Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Novartis. He has also been a principal investigator for clinical trials on behalf of Bayer, Novartis, and Roche.

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease with an insidious onset and progressive but slow decline. It is the most common type of dementia. Judith Neugroschl, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, gives us a clinical overview of the disease. For more on Alzheimer's, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/317 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Anaphylaxis is a severe, generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. It is characterised by rapidly developing life-threatening airway and/or breathing and/or circulation problems usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Adriana Andreae, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics Division of Allergy and Immunology, Penn State University, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on anaphylaxis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000099 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic progressive inflammatory arthropathy, which ultimately may lead to radiographical changes in the spine and sacroiliac joints. This radiographical stage is known as ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammatory back pain is the hallmark clinical feature. This is defined as back pain that is of insidious onset, is worse in the morning, and improves with exercise. In this podcast, Markku Kauppi, Professor of Rheumatology, Helsinki University, gives a clinical overview of the condition. For more on ankylosing spondylitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/366 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Patients with anorexia nervosa typically have low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a body image disturbance. In this podcast Evelyn Attia, Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, gives a clinical overview of the condition. For more on anorexia nervosa, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/440 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Anthrax is a rare infection caused by the spore-forming, gram-positive soil organism Bacillus anthracis . Cutaneous disease is the most common manifestation; however, fatal systemic illness due to spore ingestion, inhalation, or injection can occur. In this podcast Ali Hassoun, Infectious Disease Specialist, Alabama Infectious Diseases Center, USA, gives us a clinical overview of anthrax. For more on anthrax, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/604 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Chest pain is a common chief complaint. It may be caused by either benign or life-threatening aetiologies and is usually divided into cardiac and non-cardiac causes. James E. Brown, Professor and Chair, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Kettering, Ohio, gives us an overview of assessing chest pain in the emergency setting. For more on assessing chest pain, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/301 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Patients with asthma present with recurrent episodes of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or coughing. Examination typically demonstrates an expiratory wheeze; however, in severe asthma there is poor air entry and the chest is silent. Lauren Eggert, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, gives us a clinical overview of the condition. For more on asthma, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/44 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Atrial fibrillation is chaotic and irregular atrial arrhythmia, the prevalence of which increases progressively with age. It causes significant morbidity and death. Many patients are asymptomatic or have symptoms that are less specific for cardiac arrhythmias, such as mild dementia or silent strokes. Gregory Lip, Price-Evans Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Liverpool, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on atrial fibrillation, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Bacterial meningitis represents a life-threatening inflammation of the meninges. Elisabeth Adderson, Associate Member, St. Jude Faculty, Director, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, gives an overview of the condition. For more on bacterial meningitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000104 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

We release episodes fortnightly. Bell's palsy is the most common unilateral facial palsy in adults. It is most prevalent in people between 15 and 45 years of age. And it can cause a range of complications - including ongoing facial weakness, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, exposure keratopathy, and ectropion. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Kieran Walsh talks with Professor Matthew Miller about Bell's palsy. Matt is Assistant Professor Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Competing interests: none declared

Sudhakar Selvaraj, assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas Health Science Centre, gives us a clinical overview of bipolar disorder. For more on bipolar disorder, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/488 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Dr Mary-Margaret Fill currently works as a Medical Epidemiologist in Communicable and Environmental Diseases and Emergency Preparedness at the Tennessee Department of Health. To learn more about Avian Influenza, visit BMJ Best Practice. http://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/455 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Hypertension: everything you need to know about the new 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines This podcast covers the implications of the new 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines for clinicians and their patients, including changes to the definition of hypertension, self monitoring, management and new recommendations in relation to existing guidelines. Dr Jeffrey Brettler is a general internist who practices at the Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center and is the author of the BMJ Best Practice topic, Essential Hypertension. Dr Brettler is interviewed by Dr Alison Walker, a Clinical Editor for BMJ Best Practice and BMJ Learning. To learn more about Hypertension, visit BMJ Best Practice (bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/26). 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults (acc.org/guidelines#doctype=Guidelines) _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Botulism: a guide to recognition, reporting and referral - with Dr Claudia Kraft Dr Claudia Kraft, MD, CCFP (EM), MSc, is an emergency physician, formerly a full-service family physician. She has practiced in the Canadian Arctic/subarctic for her entire medical career, first in Iqaluit, Nunavut and now in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (where she lives with her partner Steve, their son Henry, and their husky). To learn more about Botulism, visit BMJ Best Practice (https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/810). _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

A clinical guide to Brucellosis, with Drs Nick Beeching, Senior Lecturer Clinical Infectious Diseases, and Alessandro Gerada, Medical Microbiology Trainee, both at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. To learn more about Brucellosis, visit BMJ Best Practice. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/911 _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder, characterised by severe preoccupation about weight and body shape. Includes recurrent episodes of binge eating with compensatory mechanisms, such as self-induced vomiting, to prevent weight gain. Debra Safer, Associate Professor, Co-Director of Stanford Eating and Weight Disorders Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on bulimia nervosa, see BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/441 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

We release episodes fortnightly. Stroke is the fourth and fifth leading cause of death in the UK and US, respectively. There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK every year. And approximately 10% to 15% of all ischaemic strokes are associated with carotid artery stenosis. So it is important that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on carotid artery stenosis, Kieran Walsh talks to Brajesh Lal, Professor of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic.

Competing interests: None

Chronic congestive heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome that can result from any structural or functional cardiac disorder that impairs the ability of the ventricle to fill with or eject blood. It is a major and growing public health problem. In this podcast, Syed Wamique Yusuf, FACC, FRCPI Syed Wamique Yusuf, Professor of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, gives a clinical overview of the condition. For more on chronic congestive heart failure, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/61 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition that is often unrecognised until the most advanced stages. The most common causes are diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Manisha Singh, Assistant Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, gives us an overview of the condition. For more, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/84 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses lasting more than 12 weeks. Symptoms include facial pressure, rhinorrhoea, postnasal drainage, congestion, and general malaise. Raj Sindwani, Section Head of Rhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base Surgery, Head and Neck Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, gives us a clinical overview of the condition. For more on chronic sinusitis, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/15 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

The prevalence of cluster headache is about one in 500. In people coming to a headache clinic, the prevalence is about 10%. Cluster headaches are excruciating and incapacitating, and affect quality of life. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference to the outcome - so it is vital that we get the diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on cluster headache, Kieran Walsh talks with Professor Amaal Starling, Associate Professor of Neurology at the Department of Neurology in the Mayo Clinic. Further resources: clusterbusters.org/. Competing interests: AS has received consulting fees from AbbVie, Allergan, Amgen, Axsome Therapeutics, Everyday Health, Lundbeck, Med-IQ, Medscape, Neurolief, Satsuma, and WebMD.

We release episodes fortnightly.

Coeliac disease is common, affecting up to 1% of the general population, and has a varied presentation. Matthew Kurien, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist, Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, Sheffield Medical School, gives us a clinical overview of the disease. For more on coeliac disease, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/636 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

According to NICE, two thirds of people aged 65 or over have more than one medical condition, and 47% have three or more. Martin Cowie, Professor of Cardiology, Imperial College London, discusses how comorbidities are a big problem for the health service, and how they should be approached. For more on BMJ Best Practice's Comorbidities Tool, see bestpractice.bmj.com/info/comorbidities -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Childhood constipation is typically characterised by infrequent bowel evacuations, large stools, and difficult or painful defecation. Symptoms may result from low fibre, poor nutrient, and/or insufficient water intake, which leads to excessive hardening of the stool. This often starts as an acute problem but can progress to faecal impaction and chronic constipation. Claire Zar-Kessler, Instructor in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston gives us a clinical overview of the condition. Please always check the licensed indications for medications in your own country. For more on constipation in children, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/784 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is common. The pooled global prevalence is 15% in men and 9% in women. The expanding epidemic of smoking and the ageing of the population means that its prevalence is increasing. And COPD is a serious disease. It is associated with recurrent pneumonia, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Kieran Walsh talks to Dr. Hanna Sandelowsky, GP, Head of Unit at the Academic Primary Healthcare Centre, and Senior Researcher at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

A recent meta-analysis by Espinosa and colleagues, “Prevalence of Comorbidities in Patients and Mortality Cases Affected by SARS-CoV2”, found that 42% of patients with Covid-19 had comorbidities. Furthermore, 61% of those with Covid-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit had comorbidities, and 77% of those who died had comorbidities. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (affecting 32% of patients). Other common comorbidities included diabetes (22%), heart disease (13%), and COPD (8%). In this podcast Andrew Lewington, Consultant Renal Physician and Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, gives us an overview of managing patients with Covid-19 and common comorbidities. For more on Covid-19 and comorbidities, see BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000201/treatment-algorithm

Read the meta analysis: Espinosa OA, Zanetti ADS, Antunes EF, Longhi FG, Matos TA, Battaglini PF. Prevalence of comorbidities in patients and mortality cases affected by SARS-CoV2: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2020;62:e43. Published 2020 Jun 22. doi:10.1590/S1678-9946202062043

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Abigail Davis discusses the latest guidance on ADHD and renal transplant patients care. And Matt Castleden updates us on care for covid-19 patients post discharge. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): https://learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/.html?moduleId=10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/.html?moduleId=10065230 NICE renal transplant guidelines: nice.org.uk/guidance/NG178 European ADHD guidelines group recommendations: thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanchi/PIIS2352-4642(20)30110-3.pdf

NHS England: After-care needs of inpatients recovering from COVID-19: england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/publication/after-care-needs-of-inpatients-recovering-from-covid-19/

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden updates us on the clinical use of antibody testing. And Abigail Davis discusses the impact of the pandemic on other conditions, including mental health and other infectious diseases. She also covers recommendations for influenza vaccination. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 BMJ Practice Pointer article: Testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies: bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3325 WHO guidance on Diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2: who.int/publications/i/item/diagnostic-testing-for-sars-cov-2 CDC Interim guidance on antibody testing: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/resources/antibody-tests-guidelines.html CDC Influenza vaccination: cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/index.htm Public Health England annual flu programme: gov.uk/government/collections/annual-flu-programme

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health advice for parents and carers: rcpch.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2020-04/covid19_advice_for_parents_when_child_unwell_or_injured_poster.pdf

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Emma Scott, section editor, updates us on vaccination and the risk of blood clots. And Abigail Davis, GP and section editor, covers acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism prevention, and secondary bacterial pneumonia. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 EMA: ema.europa.eu/en/news/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccine-ema-finds-possible-link-very-rare-cases-unusual-blood-clots-low-blood MHRA: gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-advice-concluding-a-possible-link-between-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-and-extremely-rare-unlikely-to-occur-blood-clots JCVI: gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-jcvi-statement/jcvi-statement-on-use-of-the-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-7-april-2021 WHO: who.int/news/item/07-04-2021-interim-statement-of-the-covid-19-subcommittee-of-the-who-global-advisory-committee-on-vaccine-safety COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19: nice.org.uk/guidance/NG191 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Emma Scott discusses the latest guidance on cardiovascular disease. And Matt Castleden updates us on NHS Test and Trace, shielding, and social distancing. He also covers the news on dexamethasone as a treatment for covid-19. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/.html?moduleId=10065100 ESC guidelines: escardio.org/Education/COVID-19-and-Cardiology/ESC-COVID-19-Guidance WHO on smoking and covid-19: who.int/publications/i/item/smoking-and-covid-19 Recovery trial news page: recoverytrial.net/news/low-cost-dexamethasone-reduces-death-by-up-to-one-third-in-hospitalised-patients-with-severe-respiratory-complications-of-covid-19 MHRA and NHS alert on dexamethasone: cas.mhra.gov.uk/ViewandAcknowledgment/ViewAlert.aspx?AlertID=103054 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Abigail Davis talks about advice for patients with chronic kidney disease. Emma Scott discusses the latest guidance on interstitial lung disease. And Matt Castleden updates us on covid-19 testing for healthcare workers. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-…oduleId=10065100 NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: interstitial lung disease: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng177 COVID-19: management of exposed staff and patients in health and social care settings: gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-management-of-exposed-healthcare-workers-and-patients-in-hospital-settings

NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: chronic kidney disease: nice.org.uk/guidance/NG176

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden covers dermatological manifestations of covid-19. Emma Scott discusses the latest guidance on CPR. And Abigail Davis talks about advice for newborn care. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/.html?moduleId=10065100 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation: ilcor.org/covid-19 Interim Guidance for Life Support for COVID-19 (from the US): ahajournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.047463 Resuscitation Council UK Statements on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), CPR and Resuscitation: resus.org.uk/media/statements/resuscitation-council-uk-statements-on-covid-19-coronavirus-cpr-and-resuscitation/ Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Guidance for Neonatal Care: rcpch.ac.uk/resources/covid-19-guidance-neonatal-settings Resuscitation Council UK COVID-19 resources Newborn Life Support: resus.org.uk/media/statements/resuscitation-council-uk-statements-on-covid-19-coronavirus-cpr-and-resuscitation/covid-19-resources-nls/

American Academy of Pediatrics Managements of Infants born to Mothers with COVID-19: downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/COVID%2019%20Initial%20Newborn%20Guidance.pdf

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden, GP and section editor, updates us on pulse oximetry, prognostic scoring, and management in hospital. And Abigail Davis, GP and section editor, covers Covid-19 vaccination and chronic conditions, including advice for patients with thrombocytopenia, and those taking immunosuppressive drugs, ACE inhibitors or ARBs. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning's quick tips module: proning in critical care: learning.bmj.com/learning/modules/elucidat/10065419 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100

BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Abigail Davis talks about advice for patients with osteoporosis, and also those with migraine. Emma Scott discusses the latest guidance on HIV. And Matt Castleden updates us on covid-19 management. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-…oduleId=10065100 European Society of Endocrinology - Osteoporosis guideline: eje.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/eje/aop/eje-20-0385/eje-20-0385.xml European Acamdey of Neurology - advice for managing patients with migraine: eanpages.org/2020/04/09/headache-in-covid-19-pandemic-2/ US Department of Health and Human Science, Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV: aidsinfo.nih.gov/guidelines/html/8/covid-19-and-persons-with-hiv--interim-guidance-/0

British HIV Association, Statement on risk of COVID-19 for people living with HIV: bhiva.org/EACS-BHIVA-statement-on-risk-of-COVID-19-for-people-living-with-HIV-PLWH

In our new weekly podcast, Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Best Practice and BMJ Learning to summarise how clinical guidance is changing in response to covid-19. Matt Castleden discuss the latest advice on PPE and testing, and also an alert on an acute, atypical presentation of covid-19 in children. Abigail Davis summarises advice on palliative care, and on IBD. And Emma Scott covers guidance on perinatal care. For more, please see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/resume-module.html? Paediatric Intensive Care Society statement: Increased number of reported cases of novel presentation of multisystem inflammatory disease: picsociety.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PICS-statement-re-novel-KD-C19-presentation-v2-27042020.pdf RCPCH position statement: Delayed access to care for children during COVID-19: rcpch.ac.uk/resources/delayed-presentation-during-covid-19-positionmoduleId=10065100 BMJ Best Practice Palliative Care: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1020/details NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: symptoms management (including end of life care) in the community: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng163 NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: gastrointestinal and liver conditions treated with drugs that affect the immune response: nice.org.uk/guidance/NG172 RCOG guidelines: Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and pregnancy: rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy ACOG guidelines on covid-19: www.acog.org/topics/covid-19 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

In this podcast, editors from BMJ Best Practice and BMJ Learning cover this week's major covid-19 clinical updates. Matt Castleden and Abigail Davis, both Section Editors at BMJ Best practice and BMJ Learning, discuss the latest guidelines on PPE, clinical frailty scoring, silent hypoxia, and community-acquired pneumonia. The RCP state that NEWS2 should be used when managing patients with COVID 19: rcplondon.ac.uk/news/news2-and-deterioration-covid-19 Read the NICE pneumonia guidance here: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng165 For more on Covid-19, look at BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 Or find relevant BMJ Learning content here: new-learning.bmj.com/covid-19 Currently this content is available for free. -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

In our new weekly podcast, Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Best Practice and BMJ Learning to summarise how clinical guidance is changing in response to covid-19. Abigail Davis discuss the latest advice on rheumatological conditions, and that on prescribing contraception. Emma Scott covers new guidance for managing COPD in the community, and also for the use of nebulisers. And Suchita Shah talks about RCGP and BMA advice on prioritising GP workload. For more, please see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Learning module on prescribing contraception in primary care; learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/ask-an-expert-contraception.html?moduleId=10055243 NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: rheumatological autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic bone disorders: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng167 American College of Rheumatology COVID-19 Clinical guidelines: rheumatology.org/Announcements#ClinicalGuidance British Society for Rheumatology COVID-19 guidance for rheumatologists: rheumatology.org.uk/News-Policy/Details/Covid19-Coronavirus-update-members Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare COVID-19 resources: fsrh.org/fsrh-and-covid-19-resources-and-information-for-srh/ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists COVID-19 resources: acog.org/en/Topics/COVID-19 NICE COVID-19 rapid guideline: community-based care of patients with COPD: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng168 BTS COVID-19: information for the respiratory community: brit-thoracic.org.uk/about-us/covid-19-information-for-the-respiratory-community GOLD Covid-19 guidance: goldcopd.org/gold-covid-19-guidance RCGP GP workload prioritisation guideline: rcgp.org.uk/covid-19/latest-covid-19-guidance-in-your-area.aspx -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

In this podcast, Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clincial guidance related to covid-19. Emma Scott covers the latest on routine immunisation. Abigail Davis discusses advice on thromboembolism and advice on mental health care for healthcare workers. And Matt Castleden summarises the current standing on contact tracing. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-intro/covid-19-nice-guidelines.html?moduleId=10065100 PHE contact tracing letters: gov.uk/government/publications/contact-tracing-letter-to-directors-of-public-health Emergency Responders: tips for taking care of yourself: emergency.cdc.gov/coping/responders.asp NHS England Clinical Guide for the Management of Anticoagulant Services during the coronavirus pandemic: england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/03/C0077-Specialty-guide_Anticoagulant-services-and-coronavirus-v1-31-March.pdf WHO Guiding principles for immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic: apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/331590 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden updates us on self-isolation and shielding, and resources for people recovering from Covid-19. Abigail Davis discusses new evidence on the impact of Covid-19 on emergency department attendances and hospital admissions, as well as new guidance on planned care. And Emma Scott covers the link between weight and Covid-19. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): learning.bmj.com/learning/module-…oduleId=10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: learning.bmj.com/learning/module-…oduleId=10065230 NICE: arranging planned care in hospitals and diagnostic services https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng179 Decrease in emergency department attendances during lockdown: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2768777?guestAccessKey=b9b4b5e0-5e42-4801-ae4f-6e8aa6a904b2&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=080320 Decrease in hospital admissions during lockdown: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31356-8/fulltext

Reduced rates of cancer diagnosis: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2768946

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden updates us on treatment with steroids, PPE and symptoms of covid-19 which are present weeks or months after infection. And Emma Scott talks about surveys on the mental health of populations during the pandemic. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 Public Health England: COVID-19: mental health and wellbeing surveillance report: gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-surveillance-report

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States: cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Emma Scott, section editor, updates us on vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding women. And Abigail Davis, GP and section editor, covers myocardial infarction and pre-existing respiratory conditions. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100

BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden, GP and section editor, updates us on vaccination and long covid-19. And Abigail Davis, GP and section editor, covers Covid-19 and comorbidities, namely endocrine conditions and bronchiolitis. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 JCVI independent report published by the Department of Health: www.gov.uk/government/publications/prioritising-the-first-covid-19-vaccine-dose-jcvi-statement/optimising-the-covid-19-vaccination-programme-for-maximum-short-term-impact

Online covid-19 recovery platform: www.yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to covid-19. Matt Castleden, GP and section editor, updates us on vaccination and the use of remdesivir. And Emma Scott, section editor, covers Covid-19 and comorbidities, namely COPD, learning disabilities and obesity. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on management of coexisting conditions in the context of COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000190 BMJ Best Practice's topic on covid-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning covid-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 UK Gov guidance on covid vaccinations: gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-programme-guidance-for-healthcare-practitioners UK Gov Green Book covid chapter: gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-the-green-book-chapter-14a -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Kieran Walsh, clinical director at BMJ, asks editors from BMJ Learning and BMJ Best Practice to summarise the latest clinical guidance related to Covid-19. Abigail Davis, GP and section editor, covers the latest evidence around vaccine immunogenicity in different immunosuppressed populations, as well as the use of interleukin-6 inhibitors in COVID-19 patients. And Emma Scott, section editor, updates us on mucormycosis, or black fungus infection in COVID-19 patients. For more, see: BMJ Best Practice's topic on COVID-19: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/3000168 BMJ Learning module on COVID-19 rapid guideline on critical care (NICE): new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065100 BMJ Learning COVID-19 in primary care module: new-learning.bmj.com/course/10065230 Tocilizumab in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00676-0/fulltext Interleukin-6 Receptor Antagonists in Critically Ill Patients with Covid-19: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2100433 WHO Therapeutics and COVID-19: living guideline: https://app.magicapp.org/#/guideline/nBkO1E/section/LrV7OL

Indian Council of Medical Research advice on mucormycosis: https://www.icmr.gov.in/pdf/covid/techdoc/Mucormycosis_ADVISORY_FROM_ICMR_In_COVID19_time.pdf

Dr. Matthieu Million is a Senior Lecturer and Hospital Practitioner at the Infectious Diseases Unit, Centre Expert du Microbiote Humain, in Marseille, France. To learn more about Coxiella Burnetii Infection, visit BMJ Best Practice (http://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1139) and BMJ Learning (http://learning.bmj.com) _

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)is a notifiable condition, and outbreaks have occurred in Asia, Africa, and Southeast Europe. It resents as a sudden-onset, severe illness with initial influenza-like symptoms, red eyes, and petechiae leading to signs of haemorrhage around day 4. In this podcast, Tom Fletcher, Wellcome Trust/MoD Research Fellow, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, gives us a clinical overview of the virus. For more on CCHF see BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1606 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Crohn's disease is a condition is a disorder of unknown aetiology, with common presenting symptoms including chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, and right lower quadrant abdominal pain mimicking acute appendicitis. Georgia Woodfield, SpR in Gastroenterology and General Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on Crohn's disease, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/42 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

We release episodes fortnightly. Data, AI, oncology, and patients are a wide range of subjects to be addressed in one podcast. Individually they are big topics and when you put them together you really get to high levels of complexity. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast, Kieran Walsh delves into all these topics with Dr Arun Sujenthiran, Senior Medical Director and UK Clinical Lead at Flatiron Health. Flatiron Health is a healthtech company that specialises in data science and oncology. Competing interests: AS is an employee of Flatiron Health Inc, an independent subsidiary of Roche, and holds stock in Roche.

Data and big data in healthcare are both important and topical. Big data has the potential to transform how we provide healthcare but can also be problematic. There can be problems with how data is captured, cleaned, and corrected or with how we update data. BMJ is playing an increasing role in this field. We have our own BMJ Data Set which provides AI healthcare technologies with current, credible, and AI-ready content. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on healthcare and data, Kieran Walsh talks to Professor Dipak Kalra, President of The European Institute for Innovation through Health Data.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the development of a blood clot in a major deep vein in the leg, thigh, pelvis, or abdomen, which may result in impaired venous blood flow and consequent leg swelling and pain. Scott C. Woller, Director, Thrombosis Clinic, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray and Professor of Medicine, University of Utah, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on DVT, visit BMJ Best Practice: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/70 -

The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.