BMJ (Clinical research ed.)
Audio Summaries

Survival benefit of deceased donor kidney transplantation versus continued dialysis: international target trial emulation

Sep 18, 2026

The authors aimed to quantify the survival benefit of deceased donor kidney transplantation compared to continued dialysis, taking into account patient characteristics and donor quality. They found that standard criteria donor transplants consistently offered a survival advantage over dialysis, while the benefits of expanded criteria donor transplants diminished with increasing recipient age, particularly for those receiving donations after circulatory death. Notably, older patients showed little difference in five-year survival rates between expanded criteria donor transplants and continued dialysis, highlighting the complexities of transplant outcomes in this demographic.

How patients explain and make sense of their decision for assisted suicide in Switzerland (the Exit Project): qualitative exploratory study

Sep 15, 2026

This study aims to explore how individuals in Switzerland articulate their motivations for seeking assisted suicide. Through qualitative interviews with 30 participants actively engaged in the process, the authors identify six interrelated themes that illustrate the complex, dynamic motivations behind the decision, emphasizing personal values and relational factors rather than solely physical suffering. The findings suggest that understanding these motivations can enhance ethical clinical discussions and inform policy on assisted dying.

Exploring high priority potentially inappropriate prescribing cascades in older adults: population level retrospective cohort study

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to identify and prioritize potentially inappropriate prescribing cascades among older adults using a population-level retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada. They found 24 prescribing cascades that met specific criteria for prevalence, incidence, and temporal association, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve medication safety in this population. The findings can inform prescribing practices and policy development to mitigate risks associated with inappropriate medication use in older adults.

Simultaneous derivation, validation, and comparison of predictor hazard ratios for cardiovascular risk prediction equations in patients with diabetes from high versus non-high income countries: cohort study

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to test the generalizability of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction equations between high-income (New Zealand) and non-high-income (China) countries for patients with diabetes. They found that while most predictor hazard ratios were similar, significant differences existed for age, leading to systematic errors when applying high-income country equations to non-high-income populations. The study suggests that updating key predictor coefficients, particularly for age, rather than simple recalibration, may enhance the accuracy of CVD risk stratification in diverse populations.

Advances in the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aim to address the advancements in the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), which are prevalent and can range from mild cellulitis to severe necrotizing fasciitis. They highlight the importance of differentiating between non-purulent and purulent SSTIs, the limited role of laboratory testing, and the effectiveness of various treatment options, including antibiotics and procedural interventions. Additionally, the paper discusses the controversial role of decolonization strategies for recurrent infections and the need for careful patient management based on individual risk factors.

Effect of exercise on bone health in middle aged and older adults: hierarchical network meta-analysis of randomised trials

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to determine the types and doses of exercise necessary to maintain bone mineral density (BMD) and reduce fracture risk in adults aged 40 and older. Their hierarchical network meta-analysis of 124 randomized trials found that brisk walking, jogging, and combined aerobic-resistance exercises likely improve BMD, with clinically meaningful benefits achievable at around 600 METs-min/week. Additionally, mixed aerobic and mind-body exercises may help reduce fracture risk, although the overall evidence quality was low to moderate.

When I use a word . . . Alumni of the Edinburgh Medical School 1726-2026: Robert Darwin versus William Withering

Sep 4, 2026

This paper explores the historical conflict between Robert Darwin and William Withering, both alumni of the Edinburgh Medical School, following a medical consultation regarding a patient treated by Darwin. The author seeks to understand the dynamics of their professional rivalry, including the involvement of Erasmus Darwin, and the implications of their correspondence on medical practice during the late 18th century.

Secondary use and scholarly impact of a portfolio of clinical trials with shared individual participant level data: cross sectional study

Sep 2, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the number, characteristics, and scholarly impact of secondary publications derived from individual participant level data (IPD) shared through the Yale University Open Data Access (YODA) Project platform. They found that a significant majority of clinical trials generated secondary publications, with external investigators increasingly contributing to this body of work over time. The study highlights the potential of structured data sharing to enhance the scientific value of clinical trials, as external publications were often of higher journal impact but had lower citation counts compared to internal publications.

Schizophrenia: advances in pathophysiology, management, and precision medicine

Aug 28, 2026

The authors investigate the complex pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the challenges in its management, highlighting the need for precision medicine approaches that consider the biological heterogeneity of patients. They emphasize the importance of identifying objective biomarkers to facilitate patient stratification and improve therapeutic strategies, while also discussing the potential of both biological and non-biological interventions in enhancing treatment outcomes.

Prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy at death in National Football League players: retrospective population based cohort study, 2008-21

Aug 25, 2026

The study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at death among former National Football League (NFL) players and to explore the relationship between CTE severity and dementia risk. Findings revealed that CTE prevalence at death ranged from 18.5% to 98.7%, with nearly a quarter of players who died between 2016-2021 exhibiting CTE neuropathology; additionally, stage IV CTE was significantly associated with diagnosed dementia.