Moisture Management is Essential for Wound Healing
Moist wound environments enhance wound healing and promote new tissue growth. In contrast, excess or insufficient moisture impairs the healing process and causes breakdown of the wound bed and surrounding
skin.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is characterised by exacerbations of opposite mood polarity, ranging from manic to major depressive episodes. Treatment of all phases of this disorder is primarily with mood stabilisers. Aripiprazole is a novel antipsychotic initially approved for the treatment of schizophrenia but soon found to be effective in bipolar disorder. This drug is well studied, as randomised controlled trials have been conducted in various phases of bipolar disorders. Aripiprazole exhibits the pharmacodynamic properties of partial agonism, functional selectivity and serotonin-dopamine activity modulation.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Managing Asthma and COVID-19 Risk
In the face of unchartered territory and unprecedented times, there remains uncharted much to be learned about the impact of asthma on the course of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Although adult data suggest that asthma is a risk factor for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, such a risk in children is unclear. Differentiating COVID- 19 from worsening asthma, or an asthma exacerbation, is challenging. There is broad consensus that asthma exacerbations should be treated aggressively and in keeping with current guideline recommendations.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Efficacy and Safety of Hyaluronic Acid in Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly. Changes in the lubricating properties of synovial fluid lead to significant pain and functional disability.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Mirena: 30 Years of Empowering Women
Since its advent in 1990, the versatile Mirena®, an intra-uterine system (IUS) has proven itself an indispensable tool in enhancing reproductive health and quality of life for women of all ages.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
When a Doctor Becomes a Patient
Doctors are perceived to be benevolent, knowledgeable and powerful in matters of life and death. However, a complex concept of reverse hierarchy and role disorientation can take place when a doctor becomes a patient. Because doctors dedicate much of their lives to ensuring the well-being of patients, they may have a skewed perception of their personal health risks and fail to acknowledge that they, too, can fall victim to illness.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Halfway House: Transition from Inpatient Treatment to Home
A halfway house is an institution for substance abusers to learn, or relearn, the necessary skills to re-integrate into society. They are termed halfway houses due to their being halfway between an inpatient treatment facility and independent living.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Nutritional and Health Benefits of Dental Prosthetics
Tooth loss results in a poor diet characterised by reduced fibre and
animal protein intake. In older adults, this is exacerbated by age-related changes in diet and increased vulnerability to diseases and injury. Dental prostheses coupled with dietary advice can significantly improve the health of older adults in particular, reducing mortality.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Contact Tracing: A Critical Tool to Combat COVID-19
At a time when the world is grappling with COVID-19, the role of contact tracing has been invaluable in slowing the spread of the virus. Across the globe, thousands of health professionals have been recruited to fulfil this essential but relentless task – whether in wide-scale community testing or hotspot testing strategies.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Cannabidiol Targets Pain and Inflammation
The endocannabinoid system is involved in a host of homeostatic and physiologic functions, including modulation of pain and inflammation. The specific roles of currently identified endocannabinoids that act as ligands at endogenous cannabinoid receptors within the central nervous system and in the periphery exert an influence on nociception. Exogenous plant-based cannabinoids have been found to exert significant analgesic effects in various chronic pain conditions.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020