NIHR Signal Adding the extra antibiotic rifampicin did not improve cure rates after sepsis

NIHR Signal Adding the extra antibiotic rifampicin did not improve cure rates after sepsis
Published on 17 April 2018


Adding the antibiotic rifampicin did not improve cure rates or reduce deaths for people with bacterial blood infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-00584/adding-the-extra-antibiotic-rifampicin-did-not-improve-cure-rates-after-sepsis


From the NIHR Dessemination Centre

Brain Imaging Can Detect Early-Stage Psychosis

A new study shows that brain imaging techniques can detect the development of psychosis in high-risk patients at an early stage. Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland and Western University in Canada stated that detecting psychosis early increases the chances of effective treatment. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Signal Lorazepam confirmed as first-line treatment for stopping prolonged seizures in children

NIHR Signal Lorazepam confirmed as first-line treatment for stopping prolonged seizures in children


Published on 17 April 2018


Intravenous lorazepam is as effective as intravenous diazepam for stopping children’s tonic-clonic seizures in hospital. https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-00586/lorazepam-confirmed-as-first-line-treatment-for-stopping-prolonged-seizures-in-children
From the NIHR Dissemination Centre

NIHR Signal Physiotherapy education before major abdominal surgery reduces lung complications

NIHR Signal Physiotherapy education before major abdominal surgery reduces lung complications


Published on 3 April 2018


A physiotherapy session before planned abdominal surgery, explaining the importance of breathing exercises and sitting out of bed as soon after surgery as possible, halves the risk of pneumonia.


https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-00579/physiotherapy-before-abdominal-surgery-helps-prevent-pneumonia


From the NIHR Dissemination Centre

New NICE Technology appraisal guidance [TA519] Pembrolizumab for treating locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-containing chemotherapy

New NICE Technology appraisal guidance [TA519] Pembrolizumab for treating locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-containing chemotherapy


Published date: 25 April 2018  


Evidence-based recommendations on pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in adults.


For full guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta519

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG612] Microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG612] Microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma


Published date: April 2018  Next review: April 2021


Evidence-based recommendations on microinvasive subconjunctival insertion of a trans-scleral gelatin stent for primary open-angle glaucoma in adults. This involves putting a tiny gelatin tube (stent) under the skin at the base of the eye to create a new drainage channel for excess fluid.


For full guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg612

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG611] Prostate artery embolisation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia

Interventional procedures guidance [IPG611] Prostate artery embolisation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia
Published date: April 2018


Evidence-based recommendations on prostate artery embolisation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia in adults. This involves blocking the blood vessels supplying the prostate with tiny plastic particles.


for full guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg611

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG610] Nerve transfer to partially restore upper limb function in tetraplegia

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG610] Nerve transfer to partially restore upper limb function in tetraplegia


Published date: April 2018 Next review: April 2021




Evidence-based recommendations on nerve transfer to partially restore upper limb function in people with tetraplegia. This involves connecting an undamaged, functioning, but non-essential nerve near the injury to the damaged essential nerve.


For full guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg610

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG609] Robot-assisted kidney transplant

New NICE Interventional procedures guidance [IPG609] Robot-assisted kidney transplant
Published date: April 2018, Next review: April 2021


Evidence-based recommendations on robot-assisted kidney transplant in adults. This involves the surgeon using a robot to help with a kidney transplant.


Read full guidance at  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg609

New NICE Diagnostics guidance DG32 Adjunctive colposcopy technologies for assessing suspected cervical abnormalities

NICE Diagnostics guidance [DG32] Adjunctive colposcopy technologies for assessing suspected cervical abnormalities: the DYSIS colposcope with DYSISmap and the ZedScan I.
Published date: April 2018. Next review: April 2021                


This guidance replaces the NICE diagnostics guidance on adjunctive colposcopy technologies for examination of the uterine cervix – DySIS and the Niris Imaging System (DG4) and the NICE medtech innovation briefing on ZedScan as an adjunct to colposcopy in women with suspected cervical intra‑epithelial neoplasia (MIB20).


Read full guidance at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/dg32

'Breathing space' victory for those struggling with debt while in hospital for their mental health

Thousands of people who are in mental health crisis and struggling with serious debt will be given breathing space from further interest, charges and enforcement action following a campaign victory by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Read MoneySavingExpert article here

When do problems with memory and decision-making affect older adults' ability to drive?

Recently, a team of researchers designed a study to learn more about cognitive health and older drivers' crash risks. The study focused on links between levels of cognitive function and crash risk among older drivers without dementia over a 14-year study period. They also assessed the link between changes in cognitive function over time and later risks of crashes. Read ScienceDaily article here

How to Counter Rudeness at Work For A Good Night’s Sleep

If you’ve had a bad day at work thanks to rude colleagues, doing something fun and relaxing afterwards could promote a better night’s sleep. Read PsychCentral article here

Nursing In The Digital Age: Using Technology To Support Patients In The Home

This report is based on a survey of over 500 nurses working in the community. It seeks to determine how far new healthcare information technology has changed and how skills and attitudes within community services have adapted. Read Kings Fund blog here

New NMC figures continue to highlight ‘major concern’ as more EU nurses leave the UK

Today we have released new figures from our register which show a significant rise in the number of EU nurses and midwives leaving the register. Read NMC webpage here

RCPsych eNewsletter April 2018

Latest Royal College Psychiatrists eNewsletter April 2018 Click here

Many New Dementia Patients Get Unnecessary Drugs

A new international study finds that medication use in newly diagnosed dementia patients increases by approximately 11 percent within the first year, and a good portion of these drugs are unnecessary or inappropriate. This includes sleeping tablets, pain relievers, depression medications and acid reflux drugs. Click here for PsychCentral article

Cyberbullying Victims May Be Twice as Likely to Self-Harm and Show Suicidal Behaviors

Children and young people under 25 who are victims of cyberbullying are more than twice as likely to self-harm and exhibit suicidal behavior, according to a new U.K. study. But new research also suggests that it is not just the victims of cyberbullying that are more vulnerable to suicidal behaviors. Bullies also are at higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Click here for PsychCentral article

Even a single mindfulness meditation session can reduce anxiety

Mindfulness meditation programs have shown promise for the treatment of anxiety, one of the most common mental health disorders in the US. New research suggests people can begin to derive psychological and physiological benefits from the practice after a single introductory session. Read ScienceDaily article here

Safe and reliable mental health advice for older people and those who care for them

MindEd for Families has launched MindEd for Older People which is a free web-based resource providing information about mental health issues for older people and their families. The resource is supported by NHS England in partnership with Health Education England. Click here for link

Maternal Depression May Impact Child’s IQ

Maternal depression can negatively impact a child’s cognitive development at least until the age of 16, according to a new study published in the journal Child Development.
Researchers from the University of California (UC), San Diego School of Medicine evaluated approximately 900 healthy children and their mothers living in Santiago, Chile at five-year intervals from the child’s infancy through age 16. Click here to see PsychCentral article

Cyber Attack On The NHS

The Public Accounts Committee states that the WannaCry cyber-attack on Friday 12 May 2017, was a wake-up call for the NHS. The Department of Health and Social Care and its arm's-length bodies were unprepared for the relatively unsophisticated WannaCry attack; they had not shared and tested plans for responding to a cyber-attack, nor had any trust passed a cyber-security inspection.The report sets an end of June deadline for the Department of Health and Social Care to provide anupdate on costed plans for vital security investment. See Kings Fund blog here

NIMH to Host Twitter Chat on Teen Depression

In recognition of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is hosting a Twitter chat to discuss teen depression. The chat will take place Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. Click here for link

Raw fruit and vegetables provide better mental health outcomes

Researchers have discovered raw fruit and vegetables may be better for your mental health than cooked, canned and processed fruit and vegetables. Click here to see Sciencedaily article

Pembrolizumab for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma – second line onwards

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. This type of cancer develops from the main liver cells, called hepatocytes. Treatment and survival depends on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. HCC is more common in people who have long‐term damage to the liver (cirrhosis) due to a viral infection or excessive alcohol intake.


http://www.io.nihr.ac.uk/report/pembrolizumab-for-advanced-hepatocellular-carcinoma-second-line-onwards/


From the NIHR Innovation Centre

Lenabasum for Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic Sclerosis (SS) is a rare disease caused by the immune system attacking the tissue which lines underneath the skin and internal organs (connective tissue). The exact cause of SS is not known but it is thought to happen when immune cells attack the body’s own tissues leading to the cells in the connective tissue producing too much collagen which causes scaring and thickening of the tissue. There are 2 types of SS; limited cutaneous SS (a milder form of SS affecting only parts of the body) and diffuse cutaneous SS (a more severe form of SS which can affect the whole body). The main symptoms of diffuse cutaneous SS are hardening of the skin, acid reflux, vomiting and diarrhoea, muscular pain, weakness and cramps. The outlook for people with diffuse cutaneous SS is generally poor due to high risk of life threatening complications such as heart, lung and kidney problems.


http://www.io.nihr.ac.uk/report/lenabasum-for-diffuse-cutaneous-systemic-sclerosis/


from the NIHR Innovation Centre

Enasidenib for Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) with an Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) Mutation

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a type of cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce lots of immature white blood cells. It is most common in people aged 60 years and over. Symptoms of AML may include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, recurrent infections, prolonged bleeding, loss in appetite and unintended weight loss. Most patients with AML are treated with standard
chemotherapy.


http://www.io.nihr.ac.uk/report/enasidenib-for-relapsed-or-refractory-acute-myeloid-leukaemia-aml-with-an-isocitrate-dehydrogenase-2-idh2-mutation/


From the NIHR Innovation centre

Rigerimod plus Standard of Care for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a long-term condition causing inflammation to the joints, skin and other organs. Symptoms presented are usually very general, including fever, joint pain and skin rash but can progress to the most severe, e.g. kidney failure. SLE typically has patterns of flare-ups where the condition gets worse for a period of time. The disease is likely to be caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors and most commonly affects middle-aged women and those of African-Caribbean ethnicity.


http://www.io.nihr.ac.uk/report/rigerimod-plus-standard-of-care-for-systemic-lupus-erythematosus/




From the NIHR Innovation Centre

Axitinib for Patients at High Risk of Recurrence of Renal Cell Carcinoma – Adjuvant

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. RCC affects the lining of tiny tubes within the kidney which filter waste from the blood, making urine. Symptoms include blood in urine, feeling of lump or mass in the kidney area, weight loss, raised temperature and sweating, back pain on one side (below the ribs), tiredness, loss of appetite and a general feeling of poor health. The main treatment for RCC is surgery to remove the cancer by partly or totally removing the kidney


http://www.io.nihr.ac.uk/report/axitinib-for-patients-at-high-risk-of-recurrence-of-renal-cell-carcinoma-adjuvant/


From the NIHR Innovation Centre

How commissioners use research evidence

Researchers want their work to be used and useful, but may not always understand the context in which decisions are made. Most health and care organisations aim to base decisions on the best available evidence, but accessing and interpreting the right evidence at the right time is hard. Researchers need to do what they can to make their research as useful as possible to those making decisions under pressure


https://www.dc.nihr.ac.uk/highlights/health-commissioners-research-evidence/


From the NIHR dissemination Centre

NIHR Signal Hospital admission rates and costs increase in line with BMI

Each 2kg/m² rise in body mass index (BMI) above the normal-weight threshold in women aged 55-79 leads to a 5% rise in annual hospital admissions and 7% rise in healthcare costs. In England, £662 million of the annual hospital admission costs in 2013 could be attributed to overweight or obesity in women of this age group. 


https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-00575/hospital-admission-rates-and-costs-increase-in-line-with-bmi


From the NIHR Dissemination Centre

Tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis [TA 518]

New: Technology appraisal guidance


Tocilizumab for treating giant cell arteritis


Evidence-based recommendations on tocilizumab (RoActemra) for treating giant cell arteritis in adults.


https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta518

Avelumab for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma [TA 517]

New:  Technology appraisal guidance


Evidence-based recommendations on avelumab (Bavencio) for treating metastatic (secondary) Merkel cell carcinoma in adults.


https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta517

Lyme disease [NG95]

New: Guidance


This guideline covers diagnosing and managing Lyme disease. It aims to raise awareness of when Lyme disease should be suspected and ensure that people have prompt and consistent diagnosis and treatment. It does not cover preventing Lyme disease.


https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng95

Emergency and acute medical care in over 16s: service delivery and organisation [NG94]

New: Guidance


This guideline covers organising and delivering emergency and acute medical care for people aged over 16 in the community and in hospital. It aims to reduce the need for hospital admissions by giving advanced training to paramedics and providing community alternatives to hospital care. It also promotes good-quality care in hospital and joint working between health and social services.


https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng94

Depression study pinpoints genes that may trigger the condition

Nearly 80 genes that could be linked to depression have been discovered by scientists.The findings could help explain why some people may be at a higher risk of developing the condition, researchers say.The study could also help researchers develop drugs to tackle mental ill-health, experts say. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Public Health England. A Review of New Psychoactive Substances in Secure Mental Health Settings

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are a group of drugs that are designed to replicate the effects of other illegal substances.  Click here to read further.

NHS England. Health and justice mental health services: Safer use of mental health medicines

This document provides a background to prescribing and mental health medicines in secure environments with some common principles that apply throughout the medicines optimisation pathway, and more detailed information within the pathway to support safer practice.  Click here to read further.

Mental health of adults in contact with the criminal justice system

This quality standard covers recognising, assessing and managing mental health problems in adults (aged 18 and over) who are in contact with the criminal justice system (this includes police contact, court and prison custody, street triage, liaison and diversion services, and probation services). It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement.  Click here to read further.

Not Letting Go of Stress Can Impact Health a Decade Later

New research discovers it is important to learn how to keep stress from lingering and carrying over to the next day. Investigators found that people who allow their negative emotional responses to stress to persist into the following day have an increased risk of health problems and physical limitations later in life. Click here to see PsychCentral article

Sexual safety on mental health wards

Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals, lead for mental health, Dr Paul Lelliott has written to specialist mental health NHS trusts in England to inform them of an upcoming workshop to explore what can be done to improve sexual safety on mental health wards and thank trusts for engaging with CQC on this work. Click here to see CQC website

Valued care in mental health: Improving for excellence

This document presents a national model for improving mental health services. It draws on the diverse experiences of eight mental health providers and includes challenges and learning as well as successful innovations and improvements. Click here for link

Is placebo response in antidepressant trials rising or not? A reanalysis of datasets to conclude this long-lasting controversy

It had long been believed that placebo response rates in antidepressant trials have been increasing and that they were responsible for rising numbers of so-called failed antidepressant trials. Two recent systematic reviews examined this issue and reached completely opposite findings.  Click here to read further.

Study IDs Psychosocial Barriers to Treating Childhood Obesity

A new study shows that obese children whose families have elevated psychological and social risks, including child behavior problems, parent mental health issues, and family financial difficulties, are more likely to drop out of weight management treatment and less likely to lose weight.  Click here to read further.

High Levels of Vitamin D Protein Linked to Bipolar Illness in Kids

Researchers at The Ohio State University found that children with bipolar disorder had higher blood levels of a protein associated with Vitamin D compared to children without mood disorders.  Click here to read further.

London racing ahead in treating eating disorders in children quickly

The proportion of children with an eating disorder starting urgent treatment within one week remains far higher in London than the rest of the country, according to data analysed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.  Click here to read further.

Attention deficit disorders could stem from impaired brain coordination

Researchers have discovered how two brain regions work together to maintain attention, and how discordance between the regions could lead to attention deficit disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.  Click here for further details.

Users' experiences of an online intervention for bipolar disorder: important lessons for design and evaluation

The evidence base for digital interventions for physical and mental health, including severe and enduring mental health difficulties, is increasing. In a feasibility trial, web-based Enhanced Relapse Prevention (ERPonline) for bipolar disorder demonstrated high recruitment and retention rates.  Click here to read further.

Drug misuse prevention

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) - This quality standard covers the prevention or delay of harmful use of drugs by children, young people and adults most likely to start using drugs, or already experimenting or using drugs occasionally.  Click here to read further.

Think Autism strategy: governance refresh

The way that the Department of Health and Social Care and other organisations monitor the progress of the autism strategy has been updated.  Click here to read further.

Prescribing antipsychotic medication for children with autism

A new study has suggested that children with intellectual difficulty or autism are more likely to be given antipsychotic medication from a younger age than those without intellectual disability and have higher rates of hospitalisation for depression and for injury and also are at risk of other medical side effects.  Click here to read further.

NHS bodies told to boost mental health funds or face sanctions - The Guardian

NHS bodies that put too little money into improving mental health care have been threatened with sanctions in a crackdown intended to ensure more cash reaches the frontline.  Click here to read further.

NHS England to transform mental health care for military veterans across the country

Hundreds of military veterans are set to benefit from a nationwide scheme to tackle the most complex mental health needs of ex-armed forces personnel, launched today (Sunday 1 April) by NHS England.  Click here to read further.

Using chosen names reduces odds of depression and suicide in transgender youths

In one of the largest and most diverse studies of transgender youths to date, researchers have found that when transgender youths are allowed to use their chosen name in places such as work, school and at home, their risk of depression and suicide drops.  Click here further details.

Self-rating mental health as 'good' predicts positive future mental health

Researchers have found that when a person rates their current mental health as 'positive' despite meeting criteria for a mental health problem such as depression, it can predict good mental health in the future, even without treatment.  Click here to read further.

Centre for Mental Health to investigate inequalities in mental health

Centre for Mental Health today launched an 18-month Commission to investigate inequalities in mental health and make recommendations to reduce them. The Commission for Equality in Mental Health will explore some of the biggest inequalities in mental health in the UK and seek workable, long-term solutions to reduce and if possible eradicate them.  Click here to read further.

Investing in better mental health support vital to NHS achieving ‘tough task’ keeping pace with demand for care

The NHS must continue to invest in effective mental health services across the country if it is to meet the challenge set out today by NHS Providers in its report, The Performance Challenge, Centre for Mental Health chief executive Sarah Hughes said today.  Click here to read further.