Wait longer or change your surgeon?
Most patients would be unlikely to change their surgeon to one with a shorter waiting time, despite long waits for surgery. This is the finding of a questionnaire survey of 1200 patients waiting for hip or knee arthroplasty in Saskatchewan. See Research, page 327
Proton pump inhibitors
Use of proton pump inhibitors for 7 or more years is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, according to the results of a large observational study based on administrative claims data. The authors also found an association between hip fractures and 5 years or more of exposure to these drugs. See Research, page 319
In a related commentary, Richards and Goltzman say that, when balancing the risks and benefits of proton pump inhibitors, physicians and patients should take into account the mounting evidence suggesting that these drugs increase the risk of fractures. See Commentary, page 306
Anemia of chronic disease
Zarychanski and Houston mount a powerful argument stating that anemia of chronic disease is not an adverse consequence of systemic illness, but rather a beneficial and adaptive response to the underlying disease. See Analysis, page 333
Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis
A 31-year-old woman presented with a nonproductive cough and breathlessness, which she experienced intermittently for 1 month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the initial diagnosis, but it was later determined that she had pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis and colon cancer. See Practice, page 338
Allergic contact dermatitis
An image of a pruritic vesicobullous eruption on the neck due to an ebony pendant in a 37-year-old woman is featured in Practice. See Practice, page 341
Slow jerks
A video image shows delayed relaxation of the bicep tendon reflex in a patient with hypothyroidism. See Clinical images, page 387
Malpractice lawsuits
Malpractice lawsuits can be one of the worst experiences of a doctor's professional life. Is there a better way for patients who suffer harm to be compensated? Different countries have found different answers. See News, page 309
Pets in hospitals
It is okay for some pets to visit patients in hospital, but new guidelines spell out the conditions and restrictions. See News, page 317