Stroke Prevention Medical interventions for everyday practice

Stroke Prevention Medical interventions for everyday practice

Paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation associated with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of one or more for men, and two or more for women should prompt consideration of anticoagulation to reduce stroke risk. High-risk patients with atrial fibrillation remain significantly undertreated. Older patients, despite having a high risk of falls, are nevertheless likely to benefit from anticoagulation. Perioperative bridging anticoagulation for patients with atrial fibrillation is not routinely recommended. Direct oral anticoagulant drugs should be ceased 24 to 48 hours before procedures. Asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic disease should be treated medically. Antiplatelet medication for secondary prevention has most benefit when given early after stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018

Sustained Quality Patient Care is Rooted in the Health of the Practitioner

Sustained Quality Patient Care is Rooted in the Health of the Practitioner

Burnout is neither a new concept, nor a new experience to many who work in the demanding environment of healthcare. Service in the healthcare industry equates to patient care. The recent rise in litigation could be influenced by medical practitioner burnout. Burnout is on the rise due to poor working conditions, long hours and emotional intensity. Understanding personal energy, maintaining perspective, working in cycle and creating daily mini-breaks area practical approach to helping
burnout.

Modern Medicine – Aug/Sept 2018

Modern Medicine invites you to attend the World Congress of Internal Medicine (WCIM) that is coming up in Cape Town at the end of October. We look forward to seeing you there! Click on the above image to find out more.

June/July 2018 Edition

We welcome you to come and read through our latest, June/July, edition of Modern Medicine.

This month we have a jam packed edition for you. Our features this month include; Ethics, Gastroenterology, Back Pain, UTIs and many more.

We encourage all of our readers to complete the CPD questionnaire for this edition, this can be done on the answer-form included in the magazine, or on our website CPD system.

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

With Back Pain, Also Consider Incontinence and Breathing Disorders

With Back Pain, Also Consider Incontinence and Breathing Disorders

The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction in adult populations are well documented. LBP is the 5th most common reason for doctor visits in the US, with an annual point prevalence of approximately 25%. Bladder and bowel dysfunction may be more prevalent than LBP in some populations yet, due to the stigmatising nature of these symptoms, providers may be unaware that their patients are struggling with these conditions.

Modern Medicine – June/July 2018

Echinacea Reduces Rhinovirus Infection Rate

Echinacea Reduces Rhinovirus Infection Rate

Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) commonly occurs in both children and adults and is a major cause of mild morbidity. It has a high cost to society, being responsible for absenteeism from school and work and unnecessary medical care and is occasionally associated with serious sequelae. URTIs are usually caused by several families of virus. Of these, rhinoviruses and coronaviruses are responsible for approximately 50-70% of all colds.

Modern Medicine – June/July 2018

Relevance of IgE Levels to Allergy Testing

Relevance of IgE Levels to Allergy Testing

Traditionally, the concept of allergy implied an abnormal response to an otherwise benign agent with an easily identifiable relationship between exposure and disease. However, there are syndromes in which the relationship between exposure to the relevant allergen and the “allergic” disease is not clear. In these cases the presence of specific IgE antibodies can play an important role in identifying the relevant allergen and provide a guide to therapy. Good examples include chronic asthma and exposure to perennial indoor allergens and asthma related to fungal infection.

Modern Medicine – June/July 2018

Cranberry Stops E.coli Adhesion, Preventing UTIs

Cranberry Stops E.coli Adhesion, Preventing UTIs

Each year, urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for >11 million doctor visits in the USA and 2 million doctor visits in France and 3.5 million antimicrobial prescriptions.1,2 Escherichia coli, the major pathogen involved in these infections, has developed new mechanisms of resistance against ß-lactams and fluoroquinolones which are commonly used to treat UTIs. The effectiveness of cranberry proanthocyanidins and cranberry beverages against antibiotic-resistant E. coli has been described in a number of studies.

Modern Medicine – June/July 2018

Antimicrobial Stewardship for GPs

Antimicrobial Stewardship for GPs

There is a strong link between antibiotic consumption and the rate of antibiotic resistance. The vast majority of antibiotics are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs). The GAPS study evaluated an integrated, mu l t i faceted evidence-based package of interventions implemented over a six month period.

Modern Medicine – June/July 2018