Articles
662 entriesClinical reviews and commentary
- Clinicians’ perspectives on integrating smartphone application data into routine alcohol dependency treatmentThis study aimed to explore clinicians’ experiences of using smartphone-derived data in alcohol dependency treatment.→
- Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (Frequently Asked Questions)The C. difficile bacteria and their spores are shed through the faeces of infected people into the environment.→
- Closure of mesenteric defects for prevention of internal hernia after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass in bariatric surgeryExperts debate defect closure during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: does it prevent internal hernias or cause more blockages?→
- Coal Mining as a Rsk Factor for Tuberculosis – Commodity or Circumstance?Despite unclear causality, a targeted intervention in South African coal mines drastically cut TB incidence by over 70%, proving effective.→
- Colorectal Cancer and Central ObesityIs the proportion of colorectal cancer cases attributable to obesity, defined by high body mass index, underestimated?→
- Combined effect of cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbance on mortality riskBoth cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances are individually linked to heightened risks of chronic illnesses and mortality.→
- Common Sugar Substitute May Affect Brain and Blood Vessel HealthNew research links erythritol to increased vascular risks (clotting, heart disease, stroke), even from small amounts, prompting experts to advise limiting or avoiding it.→
- Communicable diseases to look out for in the event of a floodNICD experts shed light on diseases to look out for after flooding and how you can protect yourself and loved ones.→
- Computed tomography value ascites and mesenteric fluid predict intestinal necrosis in strangulated small bowel obstructionA retrospective study of 75 patients undergoing surgery for strangulated small-bowel obstruction (SBO) identified key CT scan predictors of preoperative intestinal necrosis. Strangulated SBO itself, massive ascites, and mesenteric fluid with CT attenuation values ≥20 HU were significant, independent predictors. These findings are crucial for earlier diagnosis and improved management of SBO to potentially avoid severe complications like bowel resection.→
- Concussion in children: What to know and doConcussions in Kids: 2 Million Cases Annually—How Even Minor Blows Can Lead to Serious Brain Injuries!→
- Conditioned Open-Label Placebos to Facilitate Opioid Reduction in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer PainFacing rising opioid risks for chronic non-cancer pain, this study explores if open-label placebos (OLP) can effectively reduce opioid dosage and withdrawal.→
- Conflict and instability make pregnancy more dangerousMaternal deaths are concentrated in fragile settings.→
- Connected or Disconnected? Is Your Digital Strategy a 'Side Project' or a 'Strategic Pillar'?Is digital truly driving pharma strategy or just adding more dashboards? Watch the recording as our expert panel reveals where digital engagement is really headed.→
- Considerations of Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography During Adult Cardiac SurgeryIntraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is increasingly vital in cardiac surgery for monitoring and complex decision-making, significantly improving patient outcomes. Despite its proven impact, speciality guidelines are outdated. This statement reviews current practices, summarises TEE's association with enhanced outcomes, and outlines specific perioperative considerations for its use in cardiac surgical populations.→
- Continuous positive airway pressure versus methylxanthine for apnoea in preterm infantsA review of one small, 40-year-old study found very uncertain evidence comparing CPAP versus theophylline for apnoea of prematurity.→
- Cortical morphological alterations in methamphetamine-induced psychosisMethamphetamine-induced psychosis (MAP), characterised by transient schizophreniform symptoms.→
- Corticosteroids for Treating Sepsis in Children and AdultsThis updated review explores how corticosteroids may benefit sepsis patients, given the condition's link to organ failure and impaired corticosteroid metabolism.→
- Cost and clinical flow of point-of-care urine tenofovir testing for treatment monitoring among people living with HIV initiating ART in South AfricaA South African study explored the feasibility and costs of point-of-care (POC) urine tenofovir (TFV) tests for monitoring ART adherence in HIV clinics. Estimating a cost of USD 13 per client, with test strips as the main component, the study found TFV testing required under 10 minutes of healthcare provider time. This suggests POC TFV testing is feasible and reasonably priced for integration into South African HIV clinics, informing future policy and budgeting.→
- Could statins help slow down the development of dementia symptoms?A longitudinal cohort study of older adults with dementia in Sweden has shown that statin use is linked to improved cognition over a period of three years, with some statins performing better than others.→
- Counseling in menopausal women: How to address the benefits and risks of menopause hormone therapyMenopause's impact varies, with severe symptoms indicating future health risks. Individualised counselling is crucial, assessing needs and risk profiles.→
- Countries are already experiencing significant health system disruptionsWHO warns that sudden aid cuts have disrupted health services in 70% of surveyed countries, threatening global health systems.→
- Countries are already experiencing significant health system disruptions – WHOWHO alert: Health aid cuts disrupt services in 70% of countries—fragile systems at risk of collapse without swift response.→
- Day 2 of Pregnancy Awareness Week – Empowering the Frontline of CarePregnancy Care Made Easier: Access Trusted, Expert-Verified Guidelines Instantly on EMGuidance!→
- Day 3 of Pregnancy Awareness Week – Medical Calculators for Precision CareBoost Pregnancy Care Decisions with EMGuidance! Access Time-Saving Calculators for C-Sections, Inductions & More!→
- Day 4 of Pregnancy Awareness Week – Prescribing Guidance for Safe CareSafe Prescribing for Pregnancy Made Easy! Access Expert Guidance & Key Resources on EMGuidance Today!→
- Day 5 of Pregnancy Awareness Week – Continuing Professional Development on EMGuidanceBoost Your Pregnancy Care Expertise! Earn CPD Points with Accredited Courses on EMGuidance—Stay Ahead in Best Practices!→
- Deep learning diagnosis plus kinematic severity assessments of neurodivergent disordersEarly diagnosis of neurodivergent disorders (NDD) remains challenging. New research suggests analysing subtle movement patterns at millisecond scales holds crucial cognitive information. Using deep learning on raw kinematic data, researchers could highly accurately identify individuals with ASD, ADHD, or comorbid conditions. Additionally, new biometrics (Fano Factor, Shannon Entropy) quantifying physiological fluctuations offer quantitative subtyping by severity, providing complementary tools for early evaluation and diagnosis.→
- Delayed initiation or reduced initial dose of calcineurin‐inhibitors for kidney transplant recipients at high risk of delayed graft functionKidney transplant is preferred for kidney failure, but delayed graft function (DGF) is more common in high-risk DCD donors. Optimal immunosuppressive strategies for DGF risk remain debated.→
- Denmark becomes First Country in the European Union to Eliminate Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and SyphilisDenmark has become the first European Union country to be certified by the WHO for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.→
- Depression unveiled: a comprehensive review of pathophysiology and treatment advancesClinically, depression manifests through symptoms such as feelings of worthlessness, cognitive and sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation, with major depression representing the predominant subtype.→
- Desmopressin for nocturnal enuresis in childrenA review of 95 studies on bedwetting found that desmopressin may reduce the frequency of wet nights compared to a placebo. Its effectiveness is similar to alarm therapy, although alarm therapy shows more sustained long-term success. Combining desmopressin with alarm therapy or anticholinergics may be slightly more effective than desmopressin alone. The overall evidence quality remains low or very low.→
- Detect early TB infection, evaluate contacts for TB (DETEC-TB)Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death from infectious disease, with 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Among the estimated 10.8 million people who developed TB in 2023, only 75% were diagnosed and reported to national programs.→
- Diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo, South AfricaThere is a high prevalence of diabetes in South Africa and a related increase in poor treatment outcomes among people with diabetes. Poor glycaemic control is often associated with a lack of knowledge of self-management.→
- Digital Mental Health Tools Need Human TouchNew research: Human presence, even scripted, significantly boosts engagement and empathy in online mental health interviews.→
- Digital pathology cleared for use in cancer screening programmesThe UK Government has approved the use of digital pathology to help speed up analysis of cancer screening samples.→
- Digital tracking, provider decision support systems, and targeted client communication via mobile devices to improve primary health careDigital tracking via mobile devices, paired with clinical decision support and targeted communication, may boost service delivery and outcomes.→
- Diphtheria Cases Rise in South Africa: What You Need to KnowUrgent Diphtheria Alert: 40 Cases Detected in South Africa—Clinicians Advised to Stay Vigilant & Test Suspected Cases!→
- Diphtheria Situational Report (Week 8 Of 2025)Respiratory Diphtheria Alert: 29 Cases & 33 Carriers Detected in South Africa—Western Cape Most Affected!→
- Diphtheria in South Africa: What You Need to KnowDiphtheria Alert: Understanding the Risks, Symptoms, and Forms of This Potentially Life-Threatening Infection!→
- Diphtheria in South Africa: What You Need to KnowDiphtheria is a contagious, potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of *Corynebacterium* and occurs in two forms: respiratory and cutaneous.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 11 of 2026)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 12 of 2026)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 14 of 2026)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 15 of 2026)Between 29 December 2025 and 12 April 2026, 18 confirmed cases of respiratory diphtheria and three asymptomatic carriers of toxigenic C. diphtheriae have been identified in South Africa. All respiratory cases and carriers were from the Western Cape. Click here to access the article.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 18 of 2026)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 2 of 2026)Since the last situational report (week 1, 2026), the following updates are included in this report.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 3 of 2026)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 46 of 2025)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 46 of 2025)Respiratory diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable illness caused by toxigenic C. diphtheriae (and more rarely C. ulcerans or C. pseudotuberculosis), and can occur in persons of all ages.→
- Diphtheria situational report (week 47 of 2025)The majority of confirmed cases and carriers (74%, 101/137) were from the Western Cape, comprising 57 respiratory diphtheria cases and 44 asymptomatic carriers.→