Treatment Goal for Major Depressive Disorder is Remission – MM1504
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent condition associated with significant levels of disability, morbidity, and mortality. There is a growing emphasis on the importance of achieving remission rather than merely the reduction of symptoms in the treatment of MDD.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Dopamine and Noradrenaline Reuptake – MM1504
The mechanism of action of bupropion is still uncertain but may be related to inhibition of presynaptic dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake transporters. The activity of vesicular monoamine transporter-2, the transporter pumping dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin from the cytosol into presynaptic vesicles, is increased by bupropion and may be a component of its mechanism of action. Bupropion is approved for use in major depression and seasonal affective disorder and has demonstrated comparable efficacy to other antidepressants in clinical trials.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Venous Thromboembolism | Prevention, Investigation and Treatment – MM1504
People at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) need to be identified so that they can commence prophylaxis, which may prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Investigation of the underlying cause of VTE is essential because this affects the duration and type of treatment.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Where to With the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse? – MM1504
Pelvic organ prolapse affects many women after childbirth. The decision of whether to have surgery requires consideration of many factors.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Effective Bowel Cleansing Improves Examination Results – MM1504
Colonoscopy constitutes the principal investigation for colorectal neoplasms due to its ability to detect and remove most of precancerous lesions. Diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopy strictly depends upon the quality of bowel cleansing. The ideal preparation for colonoscopy should reliably empty the colon from all faecal material allowing the optimal visualisation of the entire colonic mucosa without causing great patient discomfort or significant shifts in fluids and electrolytes.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Pointers for Increasing Colonoscopy Efficacy – MM1504
In the past decade, the colonoscopy procedure has been largely studied to improve colorectal lesions detection resulting in the identification of quality indicators for colonoscopy procedure. Successful colonoscopy depends upon a number of factors including correct cecum intubation, cleaning of the colon, careful mucosal inspection and operator experience. With the rapidly rising costs of healthcare and the need to rationalise spending, it is important to spare costly repeat procedures, as in the cases of incomplete colonoscopy. Bowel preparation is essential for both the quality of the colonoscopy and the adenoma or adenocarcinoma detection rate.)
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Food Allergies are an Increasing Global Epidemic – MM1504
Food allergy is defined as an adverse immune response towards food proteins or as a form of a food intolerance associated with a hypersensitive immune response. Many reported food reactions are not allergic but are in fact intolerances. Food allergy often presents to clinicians as a symptom complex. According to clinical presentations and allergy testing, there are three types of food allergy: immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated, mixed (IgE/Non-IgE), and non-IgE mediated (cellular, delayed type hypersensitivity).
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Effective Perioperative Pain Control Reduces Hyperalgesia – MM1504
Pain arising from impending or actual tissue injury has an important physiological role, protecting the body from injury and promoting healing once injury has occurred. However, if pain persists in the absence of ongoing nociceptive input from the periphery, or exceeds the pain normally caused by ongoing nociceptive input, it loses its physiological function. Pain of this nature is therefore called maladaptive or dysfunctional pain. Dysfunctional pain is thought to arise from altered processing of nociceptive information in the central nervous system.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
Inviolate Patient Confidentiality? – MM1504
The startling details surrounding the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps on March 24 have led me to re-consider aspects of patient confidentiality.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
The Season for Flu Vaccines is Here Again – MM1504
Influenza viruses typically circulate widely from autumn through early spring. Although most persons who become infected will recover without sequelae, influenza can cause serious illness and death, particularly among persons aged ≥65 years and <2 years and those with medical conditions that confer high risk for complications from influenza.
Modern Medicine – April 2015
