Modern Medicine

Chronic Kidney Disease and Type 2 Diabetes A guide to screening, diagnosis and slowing progression

It is important to screen for, diagnose and aggressively manage chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes because diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. DKD progression can be delayed and prevented by aiming for tight glycaemic and blood pressure control and by using blockers of the renin-angiotensin system and, if appropriate, sodiumglucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. It is also important to aggressively address cardiovascular risk factors.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Detecting Atrial Fibrillation after Cryptogenic Stroke – NICE Guideline Update

Cryptogenic strokes (including transient ischaemic attack [TIA]) have no identified probable cause after diagnostic assessment, and account for around 15% to 40% of ischaemic strokes. When people are treated for stroke, they are also tested for atrial fibrillation. However, if they have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, it may not occur during the initial assessment, or during subsequent diagnostic tests. Implantable cardiac monitors can identify atrial fibrillation and are helpful for identifying paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in people who have had a cryptogenic stroke.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Closing the Gap for Women with Coronary Artery Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among women. Important sex differences in CVD risk factors, pathophysiology, presenting symptoms, treatment, preventive strategies and outcomes are increasingly recognised. The traditional cardiovascular risk factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women more than they do in men. Women can also have nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and polycystic ovary syndrome. More focus on female-specific features of CVD might help the development of targeted therapeutic interventions for both primary and secondary prevention in women.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Could it be ADHD? Recognising ADHD in youth and adults

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that starts in childhood and continues into adulthood in most cases. Many young people and adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed and significantly impaired by their symptoms, particularly problems with day-to-day responsibilities. GPs are well placed to identify patients with ADHD and refer for specialist treatment. Effective treatment can be life-changing.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Asthma Management and the Over-reliance on SABAs

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, affects around 300 million people worldwide. In South Africa, the prevalence is approximately 8.1% across all ages and the fatality rate is reported as being the 5th highest in the world – at 18.5 per 100 000 asthmatics.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Trauma and Substance Abuse A High Risk in Frontline Staff During COVID

In South Africa, healthcare professionals have not been medically trained to deal with a pandemic like COVID and neither do they have the necessary experience. Further, this pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings in our healthcare system.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Contraception and Menopause Management during Lock down: An International Perspective

In most countries the second wave of the COVID pandemic is in full swing, with the result that the virtual management of patients has become even more important now than it was in the early part of the pandemic. Bayer AG recently hosted two international webinars on “Telemedicine in routine consultations,” to discuss how contraception, contraceptive counselling and menopause is addressed in various countries. Below are some excerpts from the discussions.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Music is Medicine for the Body

Researchers are exploring how music therapy can improve health outcomes among a variety of patient populations. Recent medical studies seem to confirm what the ancient Greeks believed; music seems to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce levels of stress hormones. It can also provide some relief to heart attack and stroke victims and patients undergoing surgery.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2021

Issue 6, 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) – Clinical misdiagnosis
Allergy (CPD) – Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Cardiology – Syncope, a brief overview
Haematology (CPD) – Hyaluronic Acid Cuts Inflammation
… 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.

Dydrogesterone, Supporting Female Reproductive Health

Introduced in the 1960s, dydrogesterone is a progesterone agonist used to support female reproductive health, and is particularly useful due to its high bioavailability and highly selective nature.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2020