Health Report

Using NHS data, researchers compared full and partial knee replacements done with and without robotics to see if the outcomes were better for patients in the period following the procedures.A new study compares a less invasive method, called intrauterine insemination (IUI) as a first line treatment, against IVF alone.A white paper from the International Menopause Society seeks to clarify the understanding and impacts of musculoskeletal pain, migraine and pelvic pain during mid-life.ReferencesDaily weight-loss tablet Wegovy cleared by TGA for use in AustraliaNew Medicare health check for 3-year-old childrenAustralian Journal of General Practice: A guide to the 3-year-old health check for general practiceEarly national comparison of robotic versus conventional knee replacements for arthritis using National Joint Registry data: target trial emulation studyNEJM: In Vitro Fertilization or Intrauterine Insemination in Unexplained InfertilityInternational Menopause Society: Chronic pain at midlife

A study using data from the UK Biobank indicates following the Mediterranean diet as a way to prevent acne. Researchers say avoiding entire food groups like dairy is not recommended.A new drug to treat pancreatic cancer can extend survival times significantly, but there are some major barriers to access.A plan to reform study pathways for registered psychologists faces opposition from some within the industry. They say it could result in graduates without enough practical experience, which may affect the quality of care you get.ReferencesVictorian Coroners Court: finding into death without inquest - Richard John NortonABC News: Coroner recommends TGA review peptide restrictions after Australian actor's deathWHO: Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus - Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and NigeriaAssociations between diet quality and adult acne: A cross sectional study in the UK BiobankRedesigning the higher education pathway

The first national report on e-scooters and e-devices from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare quantifies the impact of these devices on our community. So what should be done to prevent injuries and deaths?A new study shows people who survive cancer have a build up of plaque in their arteries, and a higher risk of heart disease. But are they being monitored for these risks?In hospital regular medications are sometimes paused while the patient recovers from other illnesses and procedures, but that can mean people are missing these vital medications for much longer than they should.ReferencesE-scooter and e-bike injuries and deaths in Australia: national trends and data limitationsCoronary Plaque Burden and Plaque Composition in Long-Term Cancer Survivors: A Comparative CCTA StudyHospitalisation Is a Strong Risk Factor for Discontinuation of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Type 2 DiabetesThe Lancet: 21st century global threats to health are not what you thinkTGA: MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol)Testosterone Screening Thresholds in Active-Duty US Male Service Members

New guidelines for clinicians will clarify when to use menopausal hormone therapy over other medicines, and what options are available for those with a history of breast cancer.The author of a study investigating what goes on in the gut microbiome of people who have and are being treated for cancer, says there are some surprising results. Research shows pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14.If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673National Eating Disorder CollaborationLifeline on 131 114  ReferencesRANZCOG Management of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms of menopause clinical guidelineCell: Microbiome signatures linked to cancer and treatment adverse events in a real-world cohortJAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early AdolescenceHealth Report: What age is best for a child's first smartphone?Journal of the Royal Society Interface: Quantifying the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 vaccination: evidence from Victoria, AustraliaAIHW: Health Expenditure Australia 2024-2025Australian College of Emergency Medicine: State of EmergencyJAMA Neurology: Global Incidence of All-Cause Dementia, A Meta-Analysis

Broadening the definition of clinical obesity has lowered its prevalence in children but increased it in mid-life. Researchers hope this will assist clinicians with individualised care and advice for people in larger bodies.If you have polyps removed during a colonoscopy, you may be asked to come back in 3-5 years time for another procedure. But does that timing decrease your risk of cancer?A new study shows fear related harms like post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder are the most frequent symptoms experienced by survivors of intimate partner violence involving guns and other weapons.Family and domestic violence support services:If you need help immediately, call emergency services on Triple Zero. Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 8111800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491The Kids Helpline: 24-hour support on 1800 55 1800Lifeline: 131 114 ReferencesThe Lancet commission definition of clinical obesity: a multi-cohort cross-sectional analysis from early childhood to older age in seven high-income countriesColonoscopy Intervals and Colorectal Cancer Incidence after Adenoma RemovalGun and Other Weapon–Involved Intimate Partner Violence and Psychiatric SymptomsAIHW: Polypharmacy in Australia in 2025BMJ: Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccination before pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes: nationwide, populationbased case-control studyABC News: Russia rails against online 'plague' claims, but few in Irkutsk trust authorities

Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that mostly affects people over 65 years of age but can happen earlier. Learn what to look out for and when you should get it checked out.A health law expert talks through the regulations that may apply to the LillyDirect platform, which now facilitates dispensing of the pharmaceutical company's own GLP1 medicine in Australia.The Fijian government recently declared a national emergency in response to the rising number of HIV cases in the country. How will that help residents who already have HIV to stay healthy, and prevent further transmission?ReferencesWeight loss drug will be easier to access as Eli Lilly disrupts the pharmacy modelABC News: Doctors condemn Eli Lilly move to dispense GLP-1 medication Mounjaro direct to doorLilly Australia told ABC News that LillyDirect operates within existing regulatory frameworks and that the service would improve affordability and convenience for Australians. A spokesperson said: "Australian doctors prescribe the medicine, Australian pharmacists review and dispense prescriptions, and Australian healthcare, pharmacy, privacy and regulatory requirements apply at every stage."A systematic review of epidemiological studies into daylight-saving time & health identifying beneficial & adverse effectsTrial of a Maternal Diet Rich in Eggs and Peanuts to Reduce Infant AllergyAstrazeneca to extend PBS access to Zoladex® (goserelin) monthly (3.6mg) implant

After failing to negotiate a way for their weight loss medicine to be listed on the PBS, Eli Lilly has launched an online platform to "facilitate dispensing and delivery of medicines to consumers". It provides a pathway via third party providers that people can use to get prescriptions filled and even home delivery.While diagnoses for adult ADHD are on the rise, we look at medications and other treatments for ADHD in children. Emergency room visits and unplanned hospitalisations occur more often for those being cared for in privately run aged care homes.A study investigating the potential link between the use of hormonal contraceptives and colorectal cancer finds using these medications does not affect your chance of getting this type of cancer, nor does it provide protection against the disease.ReferencesLilly Direct consumer press releaseA Randomised Open-Label Comparison of Dexamphetamine and Methylphenidate in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Symptom Response, Adherence and Weight Impact Over 12 MonthsAssociation of long-term care facility ownership and location on residents’ mortality and hospitalisations: A population-based retrospective cohort study in Australia Contemporary hormonal contraception and colorectal cancer in premenopausal women: nationwide cohort studyFijian government declares national HIV emergency as cases soarWHO continues to support Fiji as it declares HIV a national emergencyKeeping HIV under control is increasingly challengingAndrographis removed from listed medicines framework because of allergy risk

Rachel has lived experience of an eating disorder and came across ads for a telehealth weight loss company on a podcast. The ads continue in their podcast feed, more than a year after they lodged a formal complaint with AHPRA. Rachel hasn't been updated on the status of the complaint.Disrupted sleep during pregnancy and the post partum period can increase the risk of cardiovascular events for mothers, and it's now understood these risks can be transferred to the baby as well.PBS listings for medications for three separate conditions have run up against President Trump’s most favoured nation pricing policy this year. New research on this policy and its impact shows there will likely be more of these disruptions to come.ReferencesWhy is it so easy to get weight loss injections, if they could cause you harm?GLP-1 drug prescribed to woman with eating disorder via telehealth sparks calls for regulationThe implications of maternal sleep disruption on cardiovascular adaptations and cardiometabolic outcomesMost-favoured-nation pricing for prescription drugs in US Medicare: a cohort studyBetter transparency and choice in health careMedical Costs FinderBlood test to detect Alzheimer's disease will be trialled in AustraliaSocial Media Claims About Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Content Analysis

A study looking at step intensity and step count provides helpful advice for those who are limited in their time and ability to increase the number of steps and their pace.The pharmaceutical company closest to getting a drug to market to reduce Lipoprotein (a) levels announced that while it reduces levels of these molecules, that didn’t translate into fewer cardiovascular events. A gene study provides further evidence that cerebral palsy may be a collection of symptoms, rather than a disease and indicates doing a genetic panel early on could improve treatment of affected children.ReferencesCombinations of stepping intensity and daily step counts against all-cause and cardiovascular diseasemortality: insights from a device-based prospective studyNovartis announces Lp(a)HORIZON Phase III topline results for pelacarsen in patients with elevated Lp(a) and established cardiovascular disease (CVD)A phenotypic paradigm for cerebral palsy geneticsSalpingectomy for the Prevention of Epithelial Ovarian CancerOvarian cancer doesn't start in the ovariesStudy on degenerative brain disease finds CTE in 31 former rugby league playersBMJ: Prevalence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy at death in National Football League players: retrospective population based cohort study, 2008-21Brisbane Coroner's Court: Non inquest findings into the death of Conor Dean

An international study of the genes of 2.5 million people confirms fibromyalgia as a nervous system disorder. A rheumatologist explains the relationship to other disorders including CFS/ME and long COVID.Women of reproductive age are getting iron infusions at an increasingly high rate. What’s causing the numbers to rise so sharply and who is missing out?Cuts to USAID are having big impacts on spread of HIV in Africa, according to a leading South African expert. What can we learn from their experience about how to manage the growing spread of the disease in Fiji and elsewhere in our region?ReferencesNature Medicine: The genetic architecture of fibromyalgia across 2.5 million individualsIncreasing utilisation of intravenous iron among Australian women of reproductive age, 2013–2024: an Australian population-based studyPacific Beat: Australia boosts Fiji's HIV crisis response with new $8 million fundingMaternal RSVpreF Vaccine Effectiveness Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized InfantsNew England Journal of Medicine: Atorvastatin, Cardiovascular Events, and Disability-free Survival in Older AdultsThe BMJ: Measles: CDC refuses to record Pennsylvania fatalities in “measles associated deaths” row