Diagnostics

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Increasing IBD Treatment Efficacy

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Increasing IBD Treatment Efficacy

Infliximab, adalimumab and other tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have revolutionised the treatment of several immune mediated inflammatory diseases. Still, many patients do not respond sufficiently to therapy or lose efficacy over time. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), an individualised treatment strategy based on systematic assessments of serum drug concentrations, has been proposed as a clinical tool to optimise efficacy of
treatment.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020

August 14, 2020 by Diagnostics

Systemic Sclerosis A step-by-step guide to a difficult diagnosis

Systemic Sclerosis A step-by-step guide to a difficult diagnosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterised by vasculopathy and fibrosis. Adultonset Raynaud’s phenomenon or Raynaud’s phenomenon complicated by digital ulceration or infarction should prompt consideration of connective  tissue disorders including SSc. Early identification of severe, lifethreatening organ manifestations can result in improved quality of life and survival. Management of patients with SSc is multifaceted and dependent on individual disease manifestations.

Modern Medicine – May/June 2018

July 9, 2018 by Diagnostics

Using Genetic Information Improves Drug Therapy

Using Genetic Information Improves Drug Therapy – MM1610

Clinical pharmacogenomics, the use of genetic data to guide therapy decisions, can help determine whether individual differences in the expression of proteins or enzymes affect the metabolism of a particular drug. These effects can change the levels of active or inactive metabolites, which require the use of a different drug or altered dose for optimum efficacy.
Family doctors are usually the first resource for patient questions about genetics; but quick and accurate use of pharmacogenomic data in a clinical environment can be challenging. Patients have increasing interest in and access to their own genetic information, including pharmacogenomic data from direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies. Clinicians, however, are largely unfamiliar with principles supporting clinical use of this type of data and few primary care doctors are comfortable ordering a pharmacogenomic test or interpreting test results, often citing a general lack of education in this area.
When used appropriately, pharmacogenetic testing can be a practical tool to optimise drug therapy and avoid medication adverse effects.

Modern Medicine – October 2016

October 31, 2016 by Diagnostics Genetics Pharmacogenomics

Ethics and Genetic Testing

Ethics and Genetic Testing – MM1610

The advent of the ‘genomic age’ through new DNA technologies has for many heralded the promise of a genetic revolution. In reality, although great strides have been made in diagnostic yields and personalised medicine, what has become evident are the limitations in our understanding. Existing challenges such as interpretation and uncertainty have increased and raised new ethical and moral questions for old problems.

Modern Medicine – October 2016

October 31, 2016 by Diagnostics Ethics Genetics

Easier and More Affordable CT Imaging

Easier and More Affordable CT Imaging – MM1608

Many people across the globe have little or no access to affordable healthcare due to high costs and lack of trained technicians and health specialists, especially where the need is greatest. With high operating costs for big but important machinery like CT scanners, limited space, limited access to technology and limited resources – the odds are against Africa when it comes to making access to healthcare facilities for all an achievable goal.

Modern Medicine – August 2016

August 29, 2016 by Developing Medicine Diagnostics Radiology

World’s Most Portable Molecular Diagnostics System Unveiled

World’s Most Portable Molecular Diagnostics System Unveiled – MM1508

Cepheid and FIND have unveiled the GeneXpert & Omni, the world’s most portable molecular diagnostics system enabling unprecedented access to accurate, fast and potentially lifesaving diagnosis for patients suspected of TB, HIV and Ebola in even the most remote areas of the world.

Modern Medicine – August 2015

August 25, 2015 by Diagnostics Pathology
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