BMJ Best Practice Podcast

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.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Hanna Sandelowsky, a general practitioner and senior researcher at Karolinska Institutet, delves into the complexities of COPD, pointing out its rising prevalence linked to smoking and aging. She clarifies the diagnostic challenges, including distinguishing COPD from asthma. Hanna emphasizes the importance of comprehensive management, covering non-pharmacological strategies like smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, alongside pharmacological options. She also highlights the critical role of continuity in care for improved patient outcomes.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jennifer Simpson, a vascular neurologist and associate professor at the University of Colorado, delves into the importance of timely diagnosis and management of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). She highlights the critical risk of stroke following a TIA, especially in the first week. Dr. Simpson elaborates on essential diagnostic tests like MRI and echocardiograms, the role of antiplatelets and statins for prevention, and strategies for patient lifestyle changes. Her insights into the management of atrial fibrillation and the use of telemedicine provide valuable guidance for better care.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm disorder in adults worldwide. The prevalence is between 2% and 4%. If left untreated, atrial fibrillation is a significant risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction and congestive cardiac failure. So it is important that we get diagnosis and management of this condition right. In this BMJ Best Practice podcast on new-onset atrial fibrillation, Kieran Walsh talks to Bharat Kantharia, Clinical Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. - 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.

David Wang, a Professor of Neurology at the Barrow Neurological Institute, delves into the complexities of ischaemic stroke. He discusses the differences between thrombotic and embolic strokes and highlights the critical role of imaging, advocating for CT scans in acute phases. Wang covers diagnostic pitfalls and the importance of timely thrombolysis, as well as emerging treatments like tenecteplase. Additionally, he shares insights on antiplatelet therapies for secondary prevention and emphasizes the need for high-intensity statin therapy shortly after a stroke.

Essential tremor is characterised by a progressive tremor of the upper extremities, present in posture and action, without other neurological signs or symptoms. The prevalence and incidence increases with age, but the condition can appear in early adulthood in those who have a family history. Sheng-Han Kuo, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on essential tremor, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/1089 - 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.

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.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia due to absolute insulin deficiency. The condition develops due to destruction of pancreatic beta cells, mostly by immune-mediated mechanisms. In this podcast, Rajesh Garg, Professor of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, gives us an overview of the condition. For more on type 1 diabetes, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/25 - 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.