Crystal Arthritis – Managing Gout and Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

Crystal Arthritis – Managing Gout and Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease

Crystal arthritis is a commonly encountered musculoskeletal presentation. Most of these presentations are related to gout or calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), with patients treated for acute and chronic arthritis. Demonstration of crystals in synovial fluid on polarising light microscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis but clinical features and imaging can assist. Anti-inflammatory therapies are available for the management of acute gout flares and CPPD, and urate-lowering therapy for long-term gout management.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2024.

January 3, 2025 by Rheumatology

The Challenges of Diagnosing and Treating Comorbidities in Substance Abuse Treatment

The Challenges of Diagnosing and Treating Comorbidities in Substance Abuse Treatment

Patients with substance use disorders may present with other mental or physical comorbidities or both . Comorbidity of substance use disorders and other mental disorders refers to the co-occurrence of a substance use disorder and another mental disorder in the same patient.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2024.

January 3, 2025 by Rehabilitation

Skeletal Fragility in Type 2 Diabetes: Assessment and Management

Skeletal Fragility in Type 2 Diabetes: Assessment and Management

Skeletal fragility is increasingly recognised as a complication of diabetes, with patients with type 2 diabetes at a higher risk of some fragility fractures. The underlying metabolic contributors to skeletal fragility in T2DM are complex and include obesity, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia and advanced glycation end products. Extra considerations are required during the calculation of fracture risk for these patients, as well as for the selection of the most suitable investigations and treatments. Currently available osteoporosis treatments are safe and effective in T2DM.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2024.

January 3, 2025 by Endocrinology

The Healing Power of Relationships

The Healing Power of Relationships

Human beings are designed to connect and build relationships. These connections can have a profound impact on the health and well-being of those involved. The doctor–patient relationship is an important driver of clinical outcomes – both in promoting desired results and in preventing adverse outcomes. Research in psychotherapy reveals that the nature of the therapist–client relationship accounts for approximately 45% of therapy’s effectiveness.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2024.

January 3, 2025 by Ethics

Issue 5, 2024

The latest edition of Modern Medicine is now available for you to read. We have some great articles featured in this edition:

  • Ethics (CPD) – The impact of fragmented care on Healthcare
  • Dermatology – Insights from EADV Congress 2024
  • Cardiology (CPD)– Resistant Hypertension | An approach to management
  • Endocrinology (CPD) – Mitochondria | It is all about energy
  • A RoundUp Section & 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.

November 6, 2024 by Uncategorized

The Bacteriostatic Effect of Hibiscus in UTIs

The Bacteriostatic Effect of Hibiscus in UTIs

Antibiotic therapy has traditionally been chosen for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI). Long-term use of antibiotics however not only increases medical expenses but also promotes antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Hence, an alternative therapy for UTI is required to replace the long-term usage of antibiotics. Hibiscus sabdariffa has been shown to have a bacteriostatic effect against the uropathogenic bacteria isolated from UTIs.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

November 6, 2024 by Urology

Mitochondria: It is all About Energy

Mitochondria: It is all About Energy

Mitochondria play a key role in both health and disease. Their function is not limited to energy production but serves multiple mechanisms, varying from iron and calcium homeostasis to the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as melatonin. They enable – and influence – communications at all physical levels through interaction with other organelles, the nucleus and the outside environment. The literature suggests crosstalk mechanisms between mitochondria and circadian clocks, the gut microbiota, and the immune system. Hence, they might be the (missing) link in both health and disease. This is a shortened version of the original article.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

November 6, 2024 by Endocrinology

Stroke Risk Mitigation: Prescribing and Monitoring anticoagulation in atrial Fibrillation

Stroke Risk Mitigation: Prescribing and Monitoring anticoagulation in atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) heightens the risk of stroke. Patients with AF should have their stroke risk assessed, and high-risk patients should commence on nonvitamin K-dependent oral anticoagulants (NOACs) as the first-line antithrombotic agent. A patient’s reversible bleeding risk factors should be however reviewed and specifically addressed. Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin do not reduce stroke risk but have bleeding risks comparable to NOACs, therefore have no role in stroke risk reduction. Management should also include regular reviews to ensure medication adherence and persistence.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

November 6, 2024 by Cardiology

Resistant Hypertension: An Approach to Management

Resistant Hypertension: An Approach to Management

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a prevalent and significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Adverse health outcomes can be significant. True RH must be confirmed by adequate in-office and out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements. Common causes of apparent RH include white-coat hypertension, nonadherence with prescribed antihypertensive therapy, inadequate antihypertensive combination therapy and the use of interfering concomitant medications. Obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea and renal parenchymal disease are among the most common contributing features of RH; patients should be screened for secondary causes of hypertension. Management of RH relies on lifestyle measures, pharmacotherapy and interventional approaches, where required.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

November 6, 2024 by Cardiology

The Impact of Fragmented Care on Healthcare

The Impact of Fragmented Care on Healthcare

Healthcare globally is characterised by increasing fragmentation, with many patients seeing multiple physicians. In the US, 35% of Medicare beneficiaries saw five or more physicians in 2019.1 Having multiple physicians may be appropriate, but it may also lead to medical errors, unnecessary visits, avoidable hospitalisations and suboptimal care if all of the physicians do not have complete information about the patient and each other’s care plans.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2024.

November 6, 2024 by Ethics
Verified by ExactMetrics