Articles

47 entries

Clinical reviews and commentary

Paediatric colistin prescribing practices in South Africa: A clinician surveyTo determine paediatric colistin prescribing practices and challenges in SA to aid the development of a paediatric colistin guideline.→
Partners discuss improving pooled procurement of emergency medical countermeasuresThe WHO and the DG HERA brought together regional partners in Brussels for a workshop focused on pooled procurement of medical countermeasures – including diagnostics, treatments and vaccines – for health emergencies.→
Patient safety can be improved with EHR-embedded medication decision supportFirst Databank’s tech integrates with electronic health records to guide clinicians on dosing and drug interactions, says SVP.→
Patient-Facing Online Triage Tools and Clinician Decision-MakingOnline triage tools help manage primary care demand, guiding patients to calls, scripts, GP visits or referrals.→
Pediculosis (Frequently Asked Questions)Pediculosis capitis, pediculosis corporis, and pediculosis pubis are disorders caused by infestation by one of three varieties of lice that specifically infest humans.→
Penicillin remains an effective agent against Group A Streptococcus in low- and middle-income countriesA review of 50 studies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) found Streptococcus A remains susceptible to penicillins but shows increased resistance to macrolides and tetracycline. Certain emm types, like emm1, emm12, and emm60, exhibit higher resistance rates. The findings can help inform treatment decisions and public health interventions in LMICs.→
Perioperative symptoms in patients with thyroid cancerPatients with thyroid cancer experience a range of symptoms during surgical treatment.→
Peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy as initial treatment for surgical necrotising enterocolitisFor very low birth weight infants with surgical necrotising enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation, a review of three trials found that peritoneal drainage likely offers no significant mortality or overall neurodevelopmental advantage over laparotomy. However, it increases the risk of moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy and often necessitates subsequent surgery, influencing clinical decisions.→
Persistent sex disparities in access to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in Latin America and the CaribbeanDespite the WHO reversing its 2018 dolutegravir (DTG) teratogenicity warning, a study across Latin America and the Caribbean found persistent sex disparities in DTG access, particularly for women of reproductive age. This occurred even after the updated guidelines. While DTG-based therapy correlated with higher viral suppression, these disparities highlight ongoing gaps in equitable HIV care access.→
Personalized High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of DepressionIs high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation a viable treatment for major depression?→
Perspectives of Doctors, Nurses and Rehabilitation Therapists in Public Hospitals on Remunerative Work Outside of the Public ServiceControversy surrounds RWOPS in SA—empirical data on health workers’ perspectives is still missing.→
Pertussis (Frequently Asked Questions)Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.→
Pertussis (Frequently Asked Questions)Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.→
Pertussis alert for healthcare workers (Feb 2026)Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory infection and a notifiable medical condition under the National Health Act (Act No. 61 of 2003).→
Pharmaceutical waste disposal: Practice Recommendations for Community Pharmacy in South AfricaNew Guide for Community Pharmacies: Ensuring Safe & Compliant Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal in South Africa!→
Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of pain during endotracheal suctioning in ventilated neonatesNICU newborns experience pain from procedures like endotracheal suctioning. A review found uncertain evidence that opioids (morphine, alfentanil) and sedatives (midazolam, ketamine) consistently reduce pain. While morphine may not increase hypotension risk, more robust evidence is needed to confirm pain relief or safety for these vulnerable patients.→
Phylogenomic early warning signals for SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wavesEpidemic waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections have often been associated with the emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants.→
Physical Activity and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in African AmericansA Jackson Heart Study of over 4,000 African American adults found physical activity (PA) significantly associated with decreased atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence. During 13.8 years median follow-up, ideal PA reduced AF risk by 56% compared to poor PA. While intermediate PA showed an initial association, it became non-significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, highlighting the strong protective effect of ideal PA in this cohort.→
Plant compound in nuts, veggies, and fruit may lower diabetes, heart disease riskA large NUTRITION 2025 study links phytosterol-rich diets to reduced risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Participants with the highest intake were 9% less likely to develop heart disease and 8% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Phytosterols, found in plant foods like nuts and whole grains, may lower cholesterol and inflammation.→
Point of care creatinine testing for early detection of renal dysfunction in Tanzanian HIV patientsCan Point-of-Care Testing Revolutionize HIV Care? New Study to Evaluate Cost-Effective RD Detection in Tanzania!→
Point-of-care ultrasound competency of doctors working in Cape Town emergency departmentsA Cape Town study assessed Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) competency among emergency department doctors. All had formal training, with 73.5% competent in eFAST and 55.9% in basic cardiac ultrasound. Credentialled doctors performed significantly better. The study highlights a need to investigate the persistently low credentialling rate and explore solutions to improve PoCUS skills across primary healthcare settings.→
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and the Long-term Risk of ArrhythmiasPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.→
Popular artificial sweetener may negatively affect cancer immunotherapyNon-sugar, or artificial, sweeteners are widely used to reduce the energy in sweetened foods and drinks, particularly those marketed as diet, or low or no sugar.→
Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer incidenceImproved data, training, and evaluation are vital to enhance endoscopy quality and optimise limited resources in SA.→
Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivorsThis study highlights the critical role of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in sexual assault cases, preventing HIV and unintended pregnancies. It stresses immediate access to PEP, emergency contraception, and medical assessments, alongside psychosocial support and follow-up care. Healthcare providers must utilise standardised documentation and reporting mechanisms to ensure victim-survivors' well-being, recovery, and justice.→
Postnatal prophylaxis and the use of presumptive HIV therapy for the prevention of vertical transmission of HIV in Canada 1997–2020A Canadian study of nearly 5,000 mother-infant pairs found presumptive HIV therapy (PHT) widely used for high-risk vertical transmission (VT). While PHT may reduce VT risk, particularly with higher maternal viral loads, the data highlighted ongoing gaps in perinatal HIV prevention despite its application as post-natal prophylaxis.→
Practice Facilitation to Support Primary Care Physicians With COVID-19 Vaccine UptakeVaccine gaps persist—practice facilitation may help GPs target patients for COVID-19 vaccine discussions.→
Preclinical systematic review of CCR5 antagonists as cerebroprotective and stroke recovery enhancing agentsCCR5 antagonists show promise for stroke recovery, but a new meta-analysis of animal studies highlights evidence gaps and bias concerns.→
Predicting mild cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease by integrating striatal MRI radiomics with clinical featuresMild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common and impactful non-motor complication in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that often precedes dementia, underscores the urgent need for early predictive tools applicable to routine clinical practice.→
Pregnancy Awareness Week is here!From 3-7 February 2025, we join the National Department of Health in promoting healthy pregnancies and safe motherhood.→
Preoperative medical therapy before surgery for uterine fibroidsUterine fibroids affect up to 40% of women over 35, with half causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain that may need surgery.→
Prescribing during pregnancyPregnancy & Medications: How Healthcare Professionals Weigh Risks to Protect Both Mother and Baby!→
Prevalence and management of syphilis at primary healthcare level in the Free StateA study at two South African clinics revealed a maternal syphilis prevalence of 2.3%. Worryingly, three-quarters of positive cases received incomplete treatment, and nearly half of the negative women weren't retested. This highlights an urgent need for enhanced training for healthcare staff on antenatal screening and treatment protocols to prevent complications in newborns.→
Prevalence and risk factors of persistent cough in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinomaCould Persistent Cough Signal Kidney Cancer? Study Investigates Its Link to Renal Cell Carcinoma!→
Prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease in asymptomatic military air crewA study on asymptomatic military aircrew aged ≥40 found cardiac CT (CCT) valuable for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). 12% had clinically relevant CAD, and high-risk plaque features were seen in 21%. CCT, including CACS and CCTA, offers more comprehensive information than exercise ECG for this high-hazard occupation.→
Prevalence of Microspirometry-Detected Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Two European Cohorts of Patients Hospitalised for Acute Myocardial InfarctionHeart and lung diseases collide, COPD ups post-MI risks; ICS could protect select patients with high eosinophils.→
Prevalence of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and headache before and after long COVID onsetPost-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or long COVID, include diverse symptoms and remain a major concern worldwide.→
Preventive cholera vaccination resumes as global supply reaches critical milestoneFirst preventive campaign in over three years launches in Mozambique, with others planned in Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.→
Pre‐emptive treatment for cytomegalovirus viraemia to prevent cytomegalovirus disease in solid organ transplant recipientsCan Pre-Emptive Treatment Prevent CMV in Organ Transplants? Cochrane Review Update Weighs Antiviral Strategies!→
Probiotics: A brief overview and why delivery matters for clinical efficacyThis overview explores the relationship between gut microbiome homeostasis and systemic health.→
Proficiency Testing SchemesThis website covers the PTS that are coordinated by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).→
Prognostic significance of HANBAH score in evaluating mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes mellitusPredicting mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in T2DM is important, but no routinely recommended risk score exists.→
Prostate safety events during testosterone replacement therapy in men with hypogonadismThe effect of testosterone replacement therapy on the risk of prostate cancer and other adverse prostate events is unknown.→
Psilocybin: revealing the enigmas of a revolutionary fungiPsilocybin & Mental Health: Can This Psychedelic Revolutionize Treatment for Depression, Anxiety & Addiction?→
Psychological distress in adults and caregivers about food allergy is widespread and unrecognizedFood Allergy Anxiety: Study Reveals High Psychological Distress but Little Support for Sufferers & Caregivers!→
Public urged to get recommended vaccines amid rise in whooping cough casesEarly symptoms often resemble those of a common cold and may include nasal congestion, a runny nose, a mild sore throat, and a dry cough, often with little or no fever.→
Pulmonary manifestations of long COVID in Johannesburg, South AfricaThere are few studies of long coronavirus disease (COVID) in low- and middle-income countries.→