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Research:
Sachin Sud, MD, Maneesh Sud, BSc, Jan O. Friedrich, MD DPhil, and Neill K.J. Adhikari, MDCM MSc
Effect of mechanical ventilation in the prone position on clinical outcomes in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
CMAJ 2008; 178: 1153-1161 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetter] CMAJ: Acute Versus Chronic?
Lynora Saxinger   (2 May 2008)

CMAJ: Acute Versus Chronic? 2 May 2008
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Lynora Saxinger
Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine

Send letter to journal:
Re: CMAJ: Acute Versus Chronic?

lynora.saxinger{at}ualberta.ca Lynora Saxinger

I was struck by the acute care focus of this issue, with 3 research articles (and 3 of 4 commentaries, 2 related to articles), a case report, the editorial, and a review dedicated to topics such as acute trauma, ventilation, traumatic brain injury, and ending life support. As an ID doc, I was hoping to see some information about National Immunization Awareness Week in this issue (April 20-26th, 2008). The polio-ethics Salon piece was interesting but not explicitly tied to immunization awareness.

I looked for an indication that this was a purposeful theme, and didn't see a formal indication that this was so. Themed issues can be very appropriate, but it should be clearly mentioned- if there is no clear indication, and themes are not planned on a rotating basis, one is left wondering about balance.

The editor of the journal is an intensivist, and the articles presented are certainly additive and valuable. However, a high impact national journal does need to be very mindful of providing a forum for dissemination of information and ideas about the full range of human illness. A lot of resources go into acute trauma and life support- and these make for rivetting reading and TV viewing- but day by day, most Canadian doctors are spending the majority of their time dealing with chronic illness and (hopefully!) illness prevention.

Conflict of Interest:

None declared