The word count excludes the title page, abstract, tables, acknowledgements and contributions and the references.

Also see detailed instructions for online submission and formatting your manuscript.

The aim of an Editorial is to stimulate thought (often with more questions than answers) rather than review the subject exhaustively. Personal opinion and comment are perfectly legitimate since the Editorial is not anonymous, though of course such opinion needs to be reasonable and, hopefully, backed up by appropriate evidence!

Word count: up to 1500-2000 words.
Illustrations/Tables: 1 table and 1 figure.
References: up to 30.

These represent a substantial body of laboratory or clinical work. In general, extended reports should not exceed 3000 words plus references; articles that exceed this word limit may be returned for revision before peer review. Additional data may be presented as supplementary information, which will be published online only should the article be accepted (this can be in any format: text, tables, images, videos, etc.). Extended reports should be presented in sections - namely:

1. Abstract

   No more than 250 words, summarising the problem being considered, how the study was performed, the salient results and the principal conclusions under subheadings 'Objectives', 'Methods', 'Results', and 'Conclusions'.

2. Key words

   No more than 5. These should be given beneath the Abstract and in the box provided in the online submission process.

3. Introduction

   Brief description of the background that led to the study (current results and conclusions should not be included).

4. Methods

   Details relevant to the conduct of the study. Wherever possible give numbers of subjects studied (not percentages alone). Statistical methods should be clearly explained at the end of this section.

5. Results

   Work should be reported in SI units. Undue repetition in text and tables should be avoided. Comment on validity and significance of results is appropriate but broader discussion of their implication is restricted to the next section.
   Subheadings that aid clarity of presentation within this and the previous section are encouraged.

6. Discussion

   The nature and findings of the study are placed in context of other relevant published data. Caveats to the study should be discussed. Avoid undue extrapolation from the study topic.

7. Acknowledgments and affiliations

   Individuals with direct involvement in the study but not included in authorship may be acknowledged. The source of financial support and industry affiliations of all those involved must be stated.

8. References (no limit)

   Please see References for further style guidance.

9. Figure legends (up to six tables/illustrations)

   Please see Illustrations and tables for further style guidance.

A brief communication presenting laboratory or clinical work, collected case reports or, exceptionally, single case reports. The format is identical to that of an Extended Report (see above) and should include an Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion (for cases, 'Case Reports' will substitute for Methods and Results).

Word count: up to 1500 words.
Abstract: up to 200 words.
Tables/Illustrations: up to 1 table and 2 figures.
References: up to 15.

Contributions which present an interesting theory, discussed in relation to published data, are welcome. It is suggested that authors first discuss the subject and scope of their planned article directly with the Editor.

Word count: up to 1500 words.
Abstract: not required.
References: no limit.

Although these are usually commissioned, authors are invited to discuss directly with the Editor possible topics for review.

Word count: the length will be indicated by or will be discussed with the editor.
Abstract: up to 250 words.
Tables/Illustrations: no limit
References: no limit

Short clinical or laboratory observations may be presented as a Letter to the Editor. Letters are not divided into sections, while instructions for references, tables, and figures are the same as for full length articles.

Word count: up to 500 words.
Abstract: not required.
Tables/Illustrations: 1 table and/or 1 illustration.
References: 10.

Letters in response to articles published in ARD are welcome and should be submitted electronically via the website. Contributors should go to the abstract or full text of the article in question. At the top right corner of each article is a "contents box". Click on the "eLetters: Submit a response to this article" link.

Letters relating to or responding to previously published items in the journal will be shown to those authors, where appropriate.

The BMJ Publishing Group journals are willing to consider publishing supplements to regular issues. Supplement proposals may be made at the request of:

1. The journal editor, an editorial board member or a learned society may wish to organise a meeting, sponsorship may be sought and the proceedings published as a supplement.
2. The journal editor, editorial board member or learned society may wish to commission a supplement on a particular theme or topic. Again, sponsorship may be sought.
3. The BMJPG itself may have proposals for supplements where sponsorship may be necessary.
4. A sponsoring organisation, often a pharmaceutical company or a charitable foundation, that wishes to arrange a meeting, the proceedings of which will be published as a supplement.

For further information on criteria that must be fulfilled, download the supplements guidelines (PDF).