This week we publish an important international study with major clinical implications worldwide. The ENDORSE study highlights how a large proportion of both medical and surgical patients are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE, and of those at risk, around half of individuals in the hospital setting are not receiving prophylaxis (such as anti-clotting agents or compression stockings). Do take a look at it-apart from anything else, it is a remarkable piece of epidemiology involving thousands of hospitalised patients from over 30 countries. The lead author of the paper, Dr Alexander Cohen from Kings College London, UK, gives a great interview in this week’s Lancet podcast. 

The World Report section this week includes an account of the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Gaza’s health and humanitarian crisis reached boiling point last week when militants blew up the border wall with Egypt, allowing thousands of Palestinians to access food, fuel, and medicines, which have been in short supply following Israeli sanctions.

Back to research, and another important clinical study, unusually assessing the incidence of iatrogenic events among newborn infants. Investigators from France have shown how the frequency of such events (resulting in unintentional harm to infants), is not rare, and can often be prevented.

The long Editorial takes a close look at the US health-care system, in light of a new report out by the Institute of Medicine. The editorial also threads in the upcoming US election later this year, concluding: ‘Universal coverage combined with the highest-quality, evidence-based practice would be a singular and lasting achievement for the next president. As the number of contenders in the presidential race narrows, those left standing ought to put a high priority on developing a plan of thorough reform of health care, one based on evidence, one that works-and one that works for all. 

And finally, the undernutrition series continues in print (it was all published on thelancet.com on Jan 17); and related to the series is a research Article suggesting that good nutrition in childhood in Guatemala is associated with increased monetary wealth in adulthood-but only for men.

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008 at 4:43 pm and is filed under The Lancet Digest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can trackback from your own site.