Urethritis often results from a sexually transmitted infection, and doctors must consider treating partners as well as patients. Clinical features guide immediate treatment, but testing is important to confirm the treatment is correct.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
How Safe is Gadolinium in Paediatric MRIs?
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are an indispensable part of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic decision making for millions of patients worldwide. Notwithstanding the excellent safety profile of GBCAs, the finding by Kanda et al of signal intensity increase in brain structures after the administration of GBCAs started a new safety debate on the potential risks of gadolinium deposition in the brain.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Nocturnal Enuresis Often Resolves in Time
Children are generally expected to be dry by a developmental age of 5 years, and historically it has been common practice not to offer advice to families of children who are younger than 5 years and are bedwetting.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Specialised Care for People with Dementia
Dementia is a complex and often misunderstood disease. Initial memory loss is often associated with age and families may decide to care for their loved one at home. As the disease progresses, the increased care required puts untold pressure on the caregiver and family dynamics. Care given to loved ones, either by family members or hired help, is often not enough as the training to care for a dementia patient is specific and specialised. The progression of the disease can be managed better with dedicated and specialised care in a facility dedicated to dementia care. This also provides relief to family who can concentrate on quality time with their loved one without the pressures of the daily physical care.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Current Choices of Hormonal Contraceptive What are the factors to consider?
There is now a wide array of hormonal contraceptive options for women to choose from. GPs and other primary health providers are well placed to provide evidence based and balanced guidance to assist in appropriate individualised choice. Long-acting reversible contraception, particularly ‘fit and forget’ implants and intrauterine devices, provide very high efficacy, immediate reversibility and are safe for use by most women. They are, however, underused. Although most women can safely use combined hormonal contraceptives, history taking with reference to the international Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) framework is extremely important so that women at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and ischaemic heart disease can be offered alternative methods.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
The Importance of Informed Consent
In spite of major developments in the law, information technology, and patients’ wishes, procedural aspects of informed consent have not changed sufficiently over the last few decades in most hospitals. Surgeons prepare their patients randomly, and the quality of information will probably differ extensively. Patients are supposed to give consent with (or without) written information.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
E-scripting – Technology That’s All About People
Software that generates electronic scripts sounds like a wholly technical matter, nothing to do with people. If that’s your perception, you couldn’t be more wrong. The genius of e-scripts is an entirely human and patient-centric issue.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Pharmacy + Logistics = Delivering Medicines on Time, Every Time
Medicines, chronic medicines in particular, are a lifeline for a significant proportion of the South African population. However, the efficacy of certain medicines is totally reliant on the conditions under which they are kept until they reach the patient.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
The Cardio Protective Effect of Cannabinoids
Cannabis sativa/indica, better known as the illicit drug Marijuana, has been used for centuries for its psychoactive and medicinal properties. Recently it was found that delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of cannabis, also has various effects on non-neuronal tissues, including cardiac cells.The CB1 (neuronal) and CB2 (peripheral) G protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors are currently known to be activated by THC.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
GEMS Care Plans for Chronic Disease Management (Ambulatory PMBs)
GEMS has structured benefits for out-of-hospital management of PMB conditions (CDLs) in the form of care plans. The care plans detail the benefits available on an annual basis for members registered on the chronic disease management programmes (DMPs).
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019