Initial Treatment for COPD –2022 GOLD Guideline
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and limitations to airflow due to abnormalities within the airway and/or alveolar damage. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines classify a patient’s COPD and provide recommendations for first-line treatment.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Breast Cancer: Challenges in treating young women
Although breast cancer in women aged 40 years or younger is rare, these women face unique challenges. A strong family history of breast cancer can help identify young women at potentially high risk of breast cancer who would benefit from referral for risk assessment. A multidisciplinary approach to management includes guiding the patient through diagnosis and treatment. Addressing psychosocial impacts and counselling young patients about the impacts on fertility are essential.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Early Intervention in Prediabetes Pays off Later
People with elevated, non-diabetic, levels of blood glucose are at risk of progressing to clinical type 2 diabetes and are commonly termed ‘prediabetic’. Metformin, an established therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes in people at high risk.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Hormone-free Option for Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age but is a particularly common symptom once menopause commences. It can be treated effectively with hormone-free vaginal moisturising products with an improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Cardio-Metabolic Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):A narrative review
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine disorder affecting females. Although it has been primarily studied and discussed in terms of its reproductive symptoms, there are also its cardio-metabolic consequences. PCOS patients are prone to these abnormalities from a very young age, increasing their morbidity and mortality rates. The usual pathogenesis of PCOS is a culmination of several genetic and environmental factors. Regarding its cardio-metabolic aspects, insulin resistance is said to be the single most important cause of a variety of metabolic risk factors, whereas a few other non-traditional factors are also said to be increased in PCOS patients, further increasing their risk of complications due to cardiovascular diseases. A timely diagnosis and treatment of these risk factors by using lifestyle interventions, diet, and/or medications are essential to reduce the burden of PCOS in today’s world.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
β-blockers: A Long-standing Cornerstone of HFrEF Therapy
β-adrenergic blockade has been a mainstay of therapy in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) for more than two decades. β-blocker therapy is strongly supported across major consensus recommendation statements in patients with reduced EF and has consistently been shown to reduce mortality and HF-related hospitalisations in those who do not have contraindications.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Stop the Cycle of Acne Formation
Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, with a generally self-limiting chronic course. It is a very common skin disorder which can present with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, chiefly on the face, but can also occur on the upper arms, trunk, and back. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid analogue with antimicrobial and keratinisation-normalising properties that interfere with acne formation.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Use of Calcineurin Inhibitors in
Atopic Eczema :EuroGuiDerm Guideline 2022
Effective topical therapy depends on three fundamental principles: sufficient potency, sufficient dosage and correct application. Current approved topical anti-inflammatory therapies are corticosteroids (TCS), calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) and a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor. The latter is approved in the European Union but not yet available.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Summer is Coming – and so is Impetigo
Bacterial impetigo is one of the most common paediatric skin infections around the world, in particular among children aged 2–5 years, with a peak in tropical areas and low-income settings. Poor hygiene, high humidity, maceration, skin lesions with disruption of the epidermis barrier (eg, scabies, atopic dermatitis, insect bites), comorbidities and adverse reactions (rash, itch) associated with drug administration are well-established risk factors for impetigo.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Clinical Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic condition characterised by pelvic pain or pressure which is perceived to be originating from the bladder, accompanied by one or more urinary symptoms, including frequency, urgency and nocturia. The precise aetiology of BPS is not fully understood. Treatments targeted at each of these mechanisms have been developed with mixed outcomes. This is a shortened version of the original open-source article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
