Diagnostic Debate

Education debate: clinical diagnostic reasoning.

Whilst it is clear that experienced clinicians adopt a rational approach of diagnosis, the logic of their clinical reasoning has been difficult to define. I outline here an approach based on the four categories of a complete diagnosis: Anatomical diagnosis (system involved); Pathological diagnosis (nature of the condition); Physiological diagnosis (functional consequences) and Aetiological diag...

Diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes: The debate goes on.

La diabetes gestacional (DG) se definió originariamente hace más de 50 años por J.B. O’Sullivan como cualquier grado de hiperglucemia detectada por primera vez durante la gestación. Los valores diagnósticos de glucosa se obtenían en sangre total y con el antiguo método de Somogyi-Nelson. Hoy sabemos que la DG es un importante factor de riesgo cardiovascular, y que entre un 15-50% de las mujeres...

Debate Debate

Geocomputation is an emerging field of research that advocates the use of computationally intensive techniques such as neural networks, heuristic search, and cellular automata for spatial data analysis. Since increasing amounts of health-related data are collected within a geographical frame of reference, geocomputational methods show increasing potential for health data analysis. This paper pr...

Inaugural Debate Section - Debate Editor's Note

Education & Debate

Sickle celi disease is listed in the manufacturers' data sheets in the United Kingdom as a contraindication to the use of most combined contraceptive pills; the result is confused advice on family planning to a group ofwomenwho are at substantial risk from both planned and unplanned pregnancy. A study in north London on the use of contraceptives by women with sickle cell disease indicates that ...