27 July, 2006

JASS expanding

We are pleased to report that JASS continues to grow in circulation. We are also expanding the range of JASS with introduction of JASS for GPs. JASS for General Practitioners is aimed at GPs and physicians who are not O&G specialists. JASS for GPs is now available for subscription on the website.

JASS for Nurses will be coming soon! In addition, we also plan to offer podcasts with discussion of the latest from the journals. Imagine being able to listen to the most-to-date research anywhere you like - quite a thought.

07 July, 2006

Clotting and flying

Much debate has arisen around a link between flying and thrombosis. Long-haul flights do expose us to prolonged periods of relative hypoxia at low pressure, combined with inactivity, but does the combination make thrombosis more likely – even if we have no risk factors?

It seems not. Toff et al (JAMA 2006;295:2251-61) simulated an 8-hour flight by placing volunteers in an oxygen chamber set to commercial aircraft conditions, then at ground settings and checked their clothing factors. It appears that lowering the environment to hyperbaric and hypoxia flight levels makes little difference to laboratory testable thrombosis propensity. If you are a Factor V Leiden positive or taking oral contraceptives, then take extra precautions, otherwise keep well hydrated, flex and extend your ankles and knees and walk around the cabin as often as you can.