Examining the effectiveness of examination at 6-8 weeks for developmental dysplasia: testing the safety net.

Objective: The 'GP check' at 6-8 weeks forms part of the selective surveillance system for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in the UK. It is imperative to pick up DDH within the first months of life to allow for non-invasive treatment and the avoidance of surgery. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of hip examination at 6-8 weeks.

Enhanced detection services for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Scottish children, 1997-2013.

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) remains common. If detected early, DDH can usually be corrected with conservative management. Late presentations often require surgery and have worse outcomes.

Blood tests: One too many? Evaluating blood requesting guidance developed for acute patients admitted to trauma and orthopaedic units.

In a recently published report from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, around 20% of clinical practice which encompasses blood science investigations is considered wasteful. Blood tests including liver function tests (LFTs), C-reactive protein (CRP), coagulation screens, and international normalising ratios (INR) are frequently requested for patients who undergo emergency hospital admission. The paucity of guidance available for blood requesting in acute trauma and orthopaedic admissions can lead to inappropriate requesting practices and over investigation.

Cryptococcus neoformans is resistant to surfactant protein A mediated host defense mechanisms.

Initiation of a protective immune response to infection by the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is mediated in part by host factors that promote interactions between immune cells and C. neoformans yeast. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) contributes positively to pulmonary host defenses against a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in part by promoting the recognition and phagocytosis of these pathogens by alveolar macrophages.

Successful bilateral lung transplant outcomes in recipients 61 years of age and older.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the optimal use of bilateral lung transplant (BLT) in older recipients in diseases where either single or bilateral transplant is appropriate. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) guidelines suggest an upper age limit of 60 for BLT, despite limited data regarding outcomes with BLT in patients over 60. We hypothesize that BLT offers comparable, if not superior, clinical outcomes to SLT in all patients independent of recipient age.