Short Communications Short communications should not exceed 1,000 words and shall consist of a Summary and the Main Text. The number of figures and tables should be limited to three and the number of references to five. Letters to the Editor Such correspondence must not exceed 450 words. A summary of not more than 100 words should be provided immediately after the title page. Use terms from all the medical subject headings list from Index Medicus where possible.
Introduction Clearly state the purpose of the article.
Summarise the rationale for the study or observation. Give only strictly pertinent references, and do not review the subject extensively. Do not use patients' names, initials or hospital numbers. Include numbers of observation and the statistical significance of the findings when appropriate. When appropriate, particularly in the case of clinical trials, state clearly that the experimental design has received the approval of the relevant ethical committee.