Issue 5, 2020

The latest Issue of Modern Medicine is available for you to read. We have some great articles featured in this edition; topics covered include:​

  • Ethics (CPD) – Covid, a catalyst for change
  • Allergy (CPD) – Allergic Rhinitis goes undetected
  • Cardiology – Moxonidine, a centrally acting antihypertensive
  • Pulmunology (CPD) – Pulmunary Hypertension
  • … and many more !

Also, a reminder that, not only do we have CPD questions available within the magazine itself, we also have an online CPD portal that allows you to score even more points by simply completing your test online

Modern Medicine, the journal that’s with you wherever you go.

Chromogranin A, for Prostate Cancer Tracking

Chromogranin A, for Prostate Cancer Tracking

The lifetime risk for prostate cancer in men in South Africa is 1 in 19, according to the 2014 National Cancer Registry. Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer globally and locally, and is showing significant increases. A subset of advanced prostate cancer tumours are non-androgen axis signalling dependent, and harbour neuroendocrine features (including small-cell or large-cell subtypes) and are termed treatment-related neuroendocrine prostate cancer (tNEPC). Chromogranin A, due to its primary expression throughout the neuroendocrine system, is a widely accepted biomarker for the assessment of neuroendocrine tumours.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020

Address the Cost of Nocturnal Enuresis

Address the Cost of Nocturnal Enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a common problem in childhood. Epidemiological studies show that 15-22% of boys and 7-15% of girls at seven years of age are bedwetters. These percentages lower to 1-2% among adolescents and young adults.1 Although time constraints can often lead to the inadequate addressing of psychological effects, it is prudent to consider expanding patient visits so time is available to screen for these life-altering concerns.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020

Navigating the New Diabetes Drugs Cardiovascular benefits and when to use

Navigating the New Diabetes Drugs Cardiovascular benefits and when to use

The recent introduction of antihyperglycaemic medications that not only improve glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels but also provide cardiovascular, renal and overall mortality benefit renews hope for better management of diabetes. The new sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are potential game changers for people with T2D. Evidence shows that besides improving glyacaemic control, these drugs have renal, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality benefits.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020

Pulmonary Hypertension A rare but important cause of dyspnoea

Pulmonary Hypertension A rare but important cause of dyspnoea

Pulmonary hypertension can be a devastating disease that is easily missed in the early stages because of its typically nonspecific presentation with gradually increasing dyspnoea, and may coexist with other sources of dyspnoea. With advances in management, most forms of pulmonary hypertension are treatable with medication. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving functional and haemodynamic outcomes and survival.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020

Allergic Rhinitis often goes undetected

Allergic Rhinitis often goes undetected

Allergic rhinitis is a common disorder that is strongly linked to asthma and conjunctivitis. It is usually a long-standing condition that often goes undetected in the primary-care setting. The classic symptoms of the disorder are nasal congestion, nasal itch, rhinorrhoea and sneezing. A thorough history, physical examination and allergen skin testing are important for establishing the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Second-generation oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Allergen immunotherapy is an effective immune-modulating treatment that should be recommended if pharmacologic therapy for allergic rhinitis is not effective or is not tolerated, or if chosen by the patient. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and appropriate management of this disorder.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020