CAPSULES: Health risk to single fathers

Single fathers have a higher risk of premature mortality than single mothers and partnered parents, according to an observational study that tracked more than 40,000 people in Canada for 11 years, published in The Lancet Public Health journal. While the study could not identify specific causes of death, single fathers were more likely to lead unhealthier lifestyles, which may explain the increased risk. The authors say health professionals could help target this group.

The US Food and Drug Administration has permitted marketing of the first blood test to evaluate mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly referred to as concussion, in adults. The FDA reviewed and authorised for marketing the Banyan Brain Trauma Indicator in fewer than six months as part of its Breakthrough Devices Program.

Most patients with a suspected head injury are examined using a neurological scale, called the 15-point Glasgow Coma Scale, followed by a computed tomography or CT scan of the head to detect brain tissue damage, or intracranial lesions, that may require treatment; however, a majority of patients evaluated for mTBI/concussion do not have detectable intracranial lesions after having a CT scan. Availability of a blood test for concussion will help healthcare professionals determine the need for a CT scan in patients suspected of having mTBI and help prevent unnecessary neuroimaging and associated radiation exposure to patients, the FDA said.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published an overview of its key recommendations of 2017, including for marketing authorisations of new veterinary medicines. In 2017, EMA recommended 18 medicines for authorisation, an increase of more than 60 per cent over 2016. Of these, seven had a new active substance. Ten are vaccines, double the number of vaccines authorised in the previous year.