Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects a significant portion of the South African population, with 1 in 2 individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, the stigma surrounding piles persists, leading to reluctance in seeking treatment and unnecessary suffering.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
“Time is Brain” in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Management
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. In SA, stroke is the second highest cause of mortality after HIV/AIDS and is among the top ten leading cause of long-term disability, accounting for 25 000 deaths a year and 95 000 years lived with disability.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
Towards the Optimal Care of Parkinson’s Disease – A Guide for GPs
Parkinson’s disease is growing in prevalence and incidence and presents a major healthcare challenge as the population ages. It is no longer ‘just a movement disorder’, but a multisystem condition that requires the attentive and agile collaboration of primary care and neurology. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is still predominantly clinical, and imaging and biomarkers are largely still a research tool. The role of primary care in identifying and helping to manage the many possible manifestations of Parkinson’s disease, especially in later life, is vital to timely and patient focused care.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Role of Primary Care
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with psychological challenges and cardiometabolic complications. The 2023 international guideline for PCOS assessment and management introduces several changes, including the addition of anti-Müllerian hormone levels to assess polycystic ovary morphology and differences in the diagnostic criteria between adults and adolescents. The updated guideline also emphasise holistic patient care that addresses the associated cardiometabolic risks and complications and psychosocial challenges. GPs are well placed to use a whole-person approach to management, which can include lifestyle interventions, weight and fertility management, optimising preconception health and addressing psychosocial aspects.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
Helping Substance Users Achieve Their Full Potential
The Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 declares that every mental healthcare user must be provided with care, treatment and rehabilitation services that improve their mental capacity, develop their full potential and facilitate their integration into community life. This provision of the act aims to provide easy access to services for South Africans requiring mental healthcare,
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
Negotiating the Minefield of Power Relations in Medicine
“Knowledge is power. The real test of knowledge is not whether it is true but whether it empowers us. Scientists usually assume that no theory is 100% correct. Truth, consequently, is a poor test for knowledge. The real test is utility. A theory that enables us to do new things constitutes knowledge.”― Francis Bacon, Neues Organon, Volume 11.
Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2024
The latest edition of Modern Medicine is now available for you to read. We have some great articles featured in this edition:
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.
Psoriasis – Presentation, Types and Management
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease occurs as a result of a combination of genetic, immune and environmental factors. Psoriasis ranges from mild to severe, and acute to chronic. Chronic psoriasis is associated with numerous comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndromes, and issues related to cardiovascular, respiratory and mental health. Optimal management includes correct early diagnosis and treatment that considers chronic comorbidities. A range of systemic and biologic therapies are available for the treatment of psoriasis.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2024
Interrupt the Vicious Circle of Aggravation in Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive degenerative whole joint disease that affects the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, ligaments, capsule and synovium. OA was considered a wear and tear mechanical disease but now it is understood that the cross-talk between various joint structures and local inflammation is a central aspect of the underlying pathophysiology. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown various physiological effects of exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) that can enhance chondrocyte synthesis of endogenous HA and proteoglycans, prevent the degradation of cartilage and promote its regeneration.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2024
European Society of Hypertension : 2023 Guideline Update
The recently published European Society of Hypertension (ESH) 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension is the latest in a long series of high blood pressure (BP) clinical practice guidelines. It closely resembles the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/ESH guidelines, with incremental rather than major changes.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2024
