Guidelines
391 entriesNDoH Hospital-level adult STG
- Headache and Facial Pain SyndromesHeadache and Facial Pain Syndromes→
- Healthcare-Associated and Hospital Acquired InfectionsDefinition and principles Intravascular catheter infections Short-term central venous catheter infection Surgical wound infections Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) Urinary tract infections, catheter associated DEFINITION AND PRINCIPLES Patients with healthcare associated and hospital acquired infections are at increased risk of being infected→
- Heart Disease in PregnancyStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- Heavy Metal PoisoningT56.0/T56.1/T56.4/T56.8/T57.0 DESCRIPTION This includes mercury, arsenic, gold, copper, lead poisoning, thallium etc. Frequent/occupational inhalation of metal fumes and particles can cause metal fume fever, a flu-like syndrome with fever, malaise, bronchospasm, and bi-weekly variations in severity that may be mildest on the weekend and most severe on Monday or Tuesday after returning to work. Th→
- Hepatic DisordersDESCRIPTION Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) may be infectious (caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms) or non-infectious (triggered by alcohol, drugs, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic diseases). Causes of hepatitis includes idiosyncratic drug reactions, viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E), alcoholic hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilso→
- Hepatitis B in PregnancyStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- Hepatitis, Non-ViralDescription General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: K70.1/K71.0-9/K73.0-2/K73.8-9/K75.4 *Notifiable medical condition if caused by agricultural chemicals or insecticides. DESCRIPTION Any form of hepatitis not caused by the common hepatotropic viruses. Liver biopsy is indicated if hepatitis persists or diagnosis is unclear. GENERAL MEASURES Diet: If no hepatic encephalopath→
- Hepatitis, ViralDescription Hepatitis B, Acute Hepatitis B, Chronic (Non-HIV Co-infection) Hepatitis B, Chronic (HIV Co-infection) *Notifiable medical condition. DESCRIPTION Hepatitis caused by one of the hepatotropic viruses, hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. HEPATITIS B, ACUTE ICD-10 code: B16.0-2/B16.9 GENERAL MEASURES Bed-rest until acute phase has resolved. Avoid alcohol during the illness and for ≥ 6 month→
- Herpes Zoster OphthalmicusStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hiatus HerniaICD-1K code: 44.0/K44.1/K44.9 GENERAL MEASURES Manage GORD. See Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) and Dyspepsia . Click here for the pdf . Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Adult Hospital level, 2020-4_Version 1_July 2024 Chapter 1: Alimentary tract; 1.1 Gastrointestinal Disorders; 1.1.4 Hiatus Hernia→
- Hirsutism and VirilisationDescription Referral ICD-10 code: L68.0/E25.0/E25.9 DESCRIPTION Hirsutism refers to terminal hair growth in amounts that are socially undesirable, typically following a male pattern of distribution. Virilisation refers to the development of male secondary sexual characteristics in a woman. REFERRAL Refer all cases to a tertiary hospital for investigation and management. Click here for the pdf &nb→
- Hospital Level (Adult) Medicine Reviews 2020 - 2023 (Gynaecology) *New*Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition.→
- How To Use These GuidelinesStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hydatid DiseaseDescription General measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: B67.0-9 DESCRIPTION Cysts of E. granulosus , acquired from ingestion of helminth ova passed out in dog faeces, particularly in sheep-farming areas. Cysts may occur in any organ but are most commonly found in the liver and lungs. GENERAL MEASURES Definitive treatment with surgery or PAIR ( P ercutaneous A spiration I nject→
- Hydrocarbon PoisoningDescription General measures Medicine treatment T52.0 + (X46.99/X66.99/Y16.99) Note: This section does not include information on aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene) often used by glue sniffers to get high. DESCRIPTION Poisoning due to petroleum products, including paraffin, turpentine, petrol, and mineral spirits. Clinical signs include: chemical pneumonitis nausea and vomiting→
- Hypercalcaemia, including Primary HyperparathyroidismStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hyperemesis GravidarumStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- HyperkalaemiaStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- HypernatraemiaStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- HypertensionStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hypertensive Disorders in PregnancyStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- HyperthyroidismStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- HypocalcaemiaStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hypoglycaemia and HyperglycaemiaHypoglycaemia Hyperglycaemia Hypoglycaemia ICD-10 code: E10.0/E10.6/E11.0/E11.6/E12.0/E12.0/E12.6/E13.0/E13.6/E14.0/E14.6/E16.0/E16.1/E 16.2 Description Hypoglycaemia, defined as a glucose concentration <4 mmol/L, is common in critically ill patients, and is associated with increased mortality. Risk factors associated with hypoglycaemia in critically ill patients include severity of illn→
- HypokalaemiaStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- HyponatraemiaStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- HypothyroidismStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Hypovolaemic ShockNon-trauma related hypovolaemic shock Trauma related hypovolaemic shock Massive transfusion NON-TRAUMA RELATED HYPOVOLAEMIC SHOCK ICD-10 code: R57.1 DESCRIPTION This happens when there is loss of intravascular fluid, e.g. severe diarrhoea and dehydration, haemorrhage or fluid shifts. GENERAL MEASURES Control obvious bleeding with direct pressure. Insert one or two large bore IV catheters; p→
- Illicit DrugsCocaine poisoning Amphetamine derivative poisoning COCAINE POISONING T40.5 + (X42.99/X62.99/Y12.99) DESCRIPTION Cocaine may be absorbed through any mucous membrane, smoked, ingested, or injected intravenously. Clinical features: Mild toxicity: euphoria, anxiety, altered mental status, tachycardia, mild hypertension. Moderate toxicity: agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, cardiac dysrhythmias. Sev→
- Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS)Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using. Click here to access the Adult Hospital Level Chapter 10: HIV_and_AIDS_with_supporting_NEMLC_Report_Reviews_2025-9-Versio→
- Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)Description General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral D69.3 DESCRIPTION A common bleeding disorder due to immune-mediated destruction of platelets. Clinically apparent associated conditions, drugs (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins, quinine, rifampicin and heparin), or other agents that may cause thrombocytopenia must be excluded before a diagnosis of ITP can be considered. Patients with suspec→
- ImpetigoStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Infectious and Parasitic ConditionsStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- InfertilityDescription General measures Medicine treatment ICD-10 code: N97.0-4/N97.8-9 DESCRIPTION Inability to conceive after a year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception. GENERAL MEASURES Counselling. Lifestyle modification, e.g. weight optimisation, smoking cessation and regular sexual intercourse. Investigations Partner semen analysis. Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels to evaluate→
- Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseDescription Referral ICD-10 code: K50.0-1/K50.8-9/K51.0-5/K51.8-9/K52.0-3/K52.8-9 DESCRIPTION Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that includes both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis. Abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and weight loss characterise both CD and ulcerative colitis REFERRAL Discuss all patients with a pot→
- Ingestion of Caustic SubstancesDescription General measures T54.1A/T54.2/T54.3/T54.9 + (X46.99/X66.99/Y16.99) DESCRIPTION Alkaline: Toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners. Acids: Various e.g. domestic descalers. Caustic substances can cause necrosis of the gut mucosa and underlying tissue, resulting in acute perforation (particularly strong alkalis), and possible strictures later (which can occur with acids and al→
- Insect Bites and StingsDescription General measures Medicine treatment T63.4 + (X23.99/X24.99/X25.99/X29.99) DESCRIPTION Toxicity due to insect bites and stings usually results in local effects only and systemic effects are rare. Occasionally, hypersensitivity reactions are encountered, varying from minor local inflammation to acute anaphylaxis. Multiple bee stings can result in systemic toxicity and may require ICU ca→
- InsomniaDescription General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral ICD-10 code: G47.0/G47.9 Description Insomnia may be an independent disorder or associated with comorbid conditions. Insomnia may persist despite successful treatment of the comorbidity and may necessitate separate treatment. Patients presenting with insomnia may complain of difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, early→
- Intensive CareStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Intravenous FluidsStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- IntroductionThe Primary Healthcare (PHC) and Adult Hospital Level (AHL) Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and Essential Medicines List (EML) enable the equitable access to safe, effective and affordable essential medicines across South Africa. Historically, the PHC and AHL Expert Review Committees (ERCs) responsible for developing the PHC and AHL STGs were appointed as separate Committees. However, in 202→
- Introduction - ObstetricsStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- Introduction and Principles of Critical CareIntroduction Critical care is the discipline that entails specialised medical and nursing care for patients who have, are at risk of, or are recovering from serious, lifethreatening injuries and illnesses. Critical care involves constant, intensive monitoring and comprehensive care including multiple modalities of vital physiologic organ support to sustain life during a period of life-threatening→
- Iron PoisoningDescription General measures Medicine treatment Referral T45.4 + (X44.99/X64.99/Y14.99) DESCRIPTION Iron is a commonly prescribed drug, especially in pregnancy, and in overdose causes initial gastrointestinal toxicity. Patients may have a stage of “apparent recovery” 6–36 hours post-ingestion. This should not be confused with true recovery as patients may subsequently deteriorate. Significant exp→
- Ischaemic Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis, PreventionStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Isoniazid PoisoningDescription General measures Medicine treatment Referral T37.1 + (X44.99/X64.99/Y14.99) DESCRIPTION Acute toxicity can present with the classic triad of seizures, metabolic acidosis, and coma. Seizures are of a generalised tonic-clonic type, and often refractory to standard anticonvulsant therapy. GENERAL MEASURES Supportive management aimed at preventing and managing complications. Treat hyperth→
- Jaundice in PregnancyStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults, Updated for the 2023 Edition→
- Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)Please click on the link below to access the most up-to-date version of this guideline. The content on this page is currently being updated to align with the latest publication. Always check the version number at the bottom of the screen to confirm which version you are using. Click here to access the Adult Hospital Level Chapter 10: HIV_and_AIDS_with_supporting_NEMLC_Report_Reviews_2025-9-Versio→
- KeratitisStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→
- Kidney Replacement TherapyStandard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Hospital Level, Adults 2019 Edition→