Escitalopram, The Most Effective New SSRI
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, recurrent mental disease with disability characterised by both symptomatic and functional impairment. A variety of randomised, placebo-controlled trials have shown that escitalopram is effective for MDD and its efficacy and tolerability are superior to other SSRIs and other antidepressants.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Managing Irregular Menstrual Cycles Brings Benefits
Regularity of menstrual cycles is considered an indicator of women’s reproductive health; changes in the menstrual cycle have different reasons and are often attributed to ovaries-thyroid and pituitary axis dysfunctions. Secondary amenorrhoea is characterised by cessation of previously regular menses for three months or previously irregular menses for six months and warrants evaluation. Dydrogesterone has been shown to effectively induce withdrawal bleeding and maintain regular bleeding in women with secondary amenorrhoea and normal oestrogen levels.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Diagnosing and Managing Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is a relatively new disease increasingly recognised in medicine in the last 50 years, although the symptoms were described by Hippocrates more than 2000 years ago. In the 1960s, research revealed that lactose intolerance was correlated with race and that lactose intolerance was more common globally than lactose tolerance. More recently, genetic causes of lactose intolerance have been identified.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Managing Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures An Italian perspective
These revised guidelines from the Italian Inter-Society Commission for Osteoporosis provide practical indications for the management of osteoporosis and for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of fragility fractures. This is a shortened version of the original article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Metformin’s Benefits Come in Many Forms
Sixty years after its introduction in the diabetes pharmacopeia, metformin remains a milestone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). From the UK Prospective Diabetes Study ( U K P D S ) onward , virtually all guidelines recommend metformin as first-line treatment for T 2 D . The well – known advantages of this agent include its glucose-lowering efficacy, low risk of hypoglycaemia, modest body weight reduction, easy combination with almost any other glucose-lowering agent and its low cost. This is a shortened version of the original article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
International Opinion on Nebulisation during COVID
Asthma treatment and management guidelines are being updated in response to the current COVID pandemic. While the updated guidelines broadly agree in their recommendations of asthma medication, guidance on the use of nebulisers for the delivery of asthma medication is contradictory.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Medicine Combination Achieves Better Relief in Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic upper respiratory condition estimated to affect between 10 and 40% of the worldwide population. The mechanisms underlying AR are highly complex and involve multiple immune cells, mediators and cytokines. Combination nasal sprays containing antihistamines and corticosteroids have been shown to be more effective than either monotherapy for reducing symptom scores. This is a shortened version of the original open access article.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Tranquility Acquires Eden Recovery Centre
Encircled by majestic beauty in the core of Gauteng’s countryside, Eden Recovery Centre provides an idyllic environment for individuals seeking professional help for substance abuse and mental health challenges. Situated in the premium equestrian suburb of Glenferness, Kyalami, the facility boasts lush gardens and picturesque alcoves that assist in the healing process.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
COPD Exacerbations A hearty opportunity
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are common and are times of physiological stress resulting in heightened cardiovascular risk in individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease. COPD exacerbations can reveal cardiovascular disease and are an opportunity for cardiovascular risk assessment . COPD exacerbations are opportunities to make a difference to both pulmonary and cardiac outcomes.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Running a Profitable Healthcare Practice
With excellent patient outcomes and a solid reputation, Michael’s healthcare practice seemed to be thriving. As his practice grew, so did the time spent on managing the accompanying admin. He was spending so much energy on these functions that he couldn’t focus on improving treatment service for his patients.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021