Modern Medicine

Venous Thromboembolism Applying new guidelines in primary care

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially life-threatening diagnosis commonly encountered in the primary care setting. Primary care doctors play an important role in timely diagnosis and evidence-based treatment decisions. The Thrombosis and Haemostasis Society of Australia and New Zealand guidelines on management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) provide succinct, evidence-based guidance on diagnosing and managing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The diagnosis of VTE rests on radiological findings. Duration of anticoagulation is determined by risk of progression and recurrence and must be weighed against bleeding risk.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Choose the Right Topical Carrier For Inflammatory and Allergic Skin Disorders

Topical corticosteroids play a major role in the treatment of many dermatologic conditions. However, successful administration depends upon obtaining an accurate diagnosis, choosing the correct drug, selecting the appropriate vehicle and potency, and the frequency of application.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Cut the Itch in Childhood Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic multifactorial disorder that requires multidisciplinary management. The recent literature confirms that the treatment of itching is a challenge. Children with chronic atopic dermatitis-related itch require a comprehensive treatment approach that addresses the underlying cause of pruritus, as well as symptoms and complications that extend beyond the physical domain.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Pre-eclampsia Early Identification is Vital

Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem disorder that typically affects 2%–5% of pregnant women and is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially when the condition is of early onset.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Preserve Fertility Freezing Eggs for Later Childbearing

In women, fertility begins to decline in their fourth decade of life. Fecundity is well publicised; therefore, some women delay time of childbearing in order to fulfil other personal goals such as education, employment and/or to overcome financial constraints. Relationship status has also been identified as a possible reason to preserve childbearing time. With the intention to share parenthood with a future partner, and defy the natural age-related fertility decline, some women have chosen to store their eggs.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Effective Contraception and Fertility Planning Starts with Asking the Right Questions

Unintended pregnancies pose a significant public health burden, so improvements in contraceptive counselling and care aim to improve fertility awareness. Pregnancy intentions are increasingly being assessed prospectively during clinic visits. Various initiatives are training clinicians to ask female patients about their intentions to become pregnant, and, depending upon the response, to initiate preconception care and/or contraceptive counselling.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Obesity is a Biochemical Phenomenon

The greatest challenge to health provision in virtually every country across the globe is obesity; the scale of the epidemic threatens to outstrip resources in even the richest of societies. The burden of morbidity arising from obesity and its sequelae of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer present many challenges that are not restricted to those providing healthcare but reaching across society.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Varicella More than just a rash

Often considered a benign childhood illness, varicella (chickenpox) can be associated with serious and life-threatening complications. GPs have an important role in providing varicella vaccinations and in identifying patients with varicella infection or exposure, especially high-risk individuals who require counselling, prophylaxis and possible hospital referral.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Chronic Diarrhoea – It Happens!

Diarrhoea that persists beyond a few weeks can be functionally debilitating and an indication of a significant underlying medical problem. A systematic approach to diagnosis involving a thorough history, examination and carefully targeted investigations allows for identification of cause in most cases. Appropriate treatment of the underlying problem is associated with improved outcomes for patients compared with symptomatic management alone.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020

Patent Protection in Times of Crisis

In recent years, globalisation has forced a deeper appreciation of the relationship between intellectual property law and global health. The threat of an emergent avian bird flu pandemic led to calls for Roche to relax patent restrictions on oseltamivir, a drug with potential efficacy against bird influenza. In the context of the fall 2001 anthrax attacks, the US government faced pressure to break Bayer’s patent on ciprofloxacin in order to increase availability of the drug. Such situations have generated intense debate over the value of patent protection amidst health crisis.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2020