The blog post offers a detailed guide on conducting systematic reviews, emphasizing their structured and comprehensive nature. It outlines key steps: formulating a clear research question, systematic and exhaustive literature search, and unbiased study selection involving multiple reviewers. The post differentiates between qualitative and quantitative synthesis and highlights the utility of systematic reviews in providing high-level evidence. Essential stages include evaluating the risk of bias, data extraction, and synthesis, followed by manuscript writing and revision. The post also discusses challenges and the importance of meticulous planning and teamwork.

Medical publishing is critical for advancing science and improving global health, but systemic challenges hinder progress. High costs, restricted access, and profit-driven practices exclude underfunded researchers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Bias toward positive results, slow peer review, and the pressures of the “publish or perish” culture compromise research integrity and delay discoveries. Combined with the reproducibility crisis and predatory journals, these issues exacerbate inequities and erode trust in research. Reform is essential to ensure accessibility, transparency, and equity. By treating knowledge as a public good, we can create a fairer publishing system that advances science and benefits all.

The blog post explains the forensic analysis of gunshot injuries. It covers the types and mechanisms of firearms, the ballistic behavior of bullets, and the detailed examination of gunshot wounds. It describes the characteristics of entry and exit wounds, the types of tissue damage caused, and how the examination of these wounds can help determine the type of firearm used, the range of shooting, and the circumstances of the incident. The post also addresses the procedures for examining gunshot victims, both living and deceased.

The blog post explains the mechanisms and disorders related to acid-base balance in the human body. It details the roles of the respiratory and renal systems, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and the significance of buffers. The post also covers the calculation of the anion gap and base excess, normal blood values, types of acid-base disorders (metabolic and respiratory), their compensatory mechanisms, and the interpretation of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. The post also emphasizes diagnosis and treatment approaches for various acid-base imbalances.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) involves treating patients based on the best available evidence rather than solely on clinical experience. This blog discusses the evolution of EBM, its hierarchy of evidence (with systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top), quality assessment tools, and the GRADE system for evaluating study importance. EBM ensures uniform clinical practices and reduces biases but is slow and affected by publication bias. Guidelines streamline clinical decision-making, though they must be adapted to specific cases. The blog also provides a quick-start guide for navigating medical literature.

The blog post discusses the necessity and guidelines for platelet transfusion in dengue fever management, highlighting that unnecessary transfusions are common despite clear guidelines against them. WHO and Indian National Guidelines recommend transfusions only for severe cases with massive bleeding or platelet counts below 10,000/mm³. Studies show no significant benefit from prophylactic platelet transfusions and note increased risks of adverse reactions. Overuse can deplete blood bank reserves and cause longer recovery times. The gap between guidelines and practice is driven by clinician caution and patient demands. Mass education and government intervention are needed for proper adherence.