Atrial Fibrillation Management The central role of the GP

Atrial Fibrillation Management The central role of the GP

Opportunistic screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) is recommended for all patients aged over 65 years, and choosing between a rate and rhythm control strategy is important. Beta-blockers or nondihydropyridine calcium
channel antagonists are the first choice for rate control.
Flecainide is preferable for the pharmacologic rhythm control. The sexless CHA2DS2-VA assessment is recommended to assess stroke risk. Integrated care to support comprehensive treatment and address the specific needs of people with AF is required, and GPs are central to its effective delivery.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020

Hypertension, Drugs and COVID-19 Risk

Hypertension, Drugs and COVID-19 Risk

Arterial hypertension is the leading cause of death in the world and is frequently accompanied by other comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and established cardiovascular disease of different types. Patients suffering from infection by SARS-CoV-2 frequently present with arterial hypertension and these accompanying comorbidities. Concern has been expressed that medical therapy for cardiovascular disease might specifically contribute to the severity of illness in patients with COVID-19.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020

Nanocrystalline Silver Dressings Support Antimicrobial Stewardship

Nanocrystalline Silver Dressings Support Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial resistance is an ever-increasing global concern, with the era of untreatable infection becoming a reality. Wound care is no exception, with increasing issues of antibiotic-resistant infections across different wound types and care settings. There is an urgent need for novel anti-biofilm strategies and novel antimicrobial agents and, in this scenario, silver nanotechnology has received tremendous attention in recent years in therapeutically enhanced healthcare.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020

Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder

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

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

When a Doctor Becomes a Patient

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