Volume 192 - Issue 8
In Other Journals
Author: Alison Williams
Med J Aust 2010; 192 (8): 476. || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03592.x
Published online: 19 April 2010
Published online: 19 April 2010
BABY BONUS
Since the introduction of the federal government’s “baby bonus” the annual hospital birth rate in New South Wales has risen by over 11 000. This rise has also had an important and possibly unexpected impact on maternity services and related costs, with the extra births increasing costs by $60 million/year. In 2008, there were over 8700 more vaginal deliveries, over 1000 more preterm births and over 45 000 extra infant hospital days/year. The increase in numbers of deliveries was observed in tertiary, urban and rural public hospitals but, interestingly, no increase was seen in private hospitals.
Aust NZ J Obstet Gynaecol 2010; 50: 25-29
A STITCH IN TIME
Using staples for wound closure in orthopaedic surgery is more likely to be associated with superficial wound infection than traditional sutures, according to a recent UK meta-analysis of six studies. The review included outcomes for 683 surgical wounds and found that the overall rate of wound infection was over three times greater (RR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.38-10.68) when staples were used, and that this was even more likely after hip surgery (RR, 4.79; 95% CI, 1.24 -18.47). There was no significant difference between the two closure methods for development of inflammation, discharge, dehiscence or allergic reaction. However, the authors note several problems with the quality of the studies included in the review and call for further trials to reappraise the issue.
BMJ 2010; 340: c1199 doi: 10.1136/bmj.c1199
SNOW SAFETY
Does wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding reduce the risk of head injury? A recent meta-analysis of 12 studies indicates that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 35% (95% CI, 21%- 46%). However, the benefits of wearing a helmet for snow sports has been a topic of debate due to concerns about the potential for an increased risk of neck injury during a fall (which may be more evident among young children due to a greater head:body ratio). According to an analysis of six of the studies in the meta-analysis, there was no overall increase in the risk for neck injuries (OR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.72-1.09), but only two of these studies included children under 13 years of age.
CMAJ 2010; 182: 333-340
MOVIE MARKETING
Until now, restriction of junk food advertising targeting children has mainly focused on children’s television, with little attention paid to movies as a potential avenue for advertising. However, US researchers who analysed 200 popular movies found a surprisingly high prevalence of “brand appearances”, with two-thirds of the movies containing at least one food, beverage or retail-establishment brand, mostly for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. One-third of G-rated, more than half PG-rated and almost three-quarters of PG-13 rated movies included such material. Of particular concern was the high number of sugar-sweetened drinks appearing in PG and PG-13 rated movies, which are geared to older children and teenagers who are gaining independence with their food choices, and who may not even be aware of the advertising. Indeed, other researchers in the area have suggested that movie product placement is “on a par with subliminal advertising”.
Pediatrics 2010; 125: 468-474
COUCH POTATOES
“Get off the couch” and turn off the TV appears to be the message from a recently published analysis of data from AusDiab (Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle study), which included 8800 adults followed up for a median of 6.6 years. Watching more than 4 hours of television per day was reported to be associated with an 80% increase in the risk of cardiovascular death, compared with viewing less than 2 hours per day. Interestingly, this was independent of leisure-time exercise and other traditional risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, diet and cholesterol. Excessive TV viewing was also associated with a 46% increased risk of death from any cause.
Circulation 2010; 121: 384-391