There is currently no cure for dementia, the term used to describe a group of conditions characterised by gradual impairment n function that may affect memory, speech, cognition, behaviour, mobility and personality.'
Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when excess uric acid leads to deposits of uric acid crystals. It usually affects one joint at a time -often the big toe.' However, other joints in the arms (e.g. fingers, wrists, elbows), and legs (e.g. toes ankles, knees) can also be affected.2 Gout is more prevalent in males -accounting for 9 in 10 people. The Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017-2018 National Health Survey reportedly found that 0.8% of the population self-identified as having gout. This is lower than population studies which suggest a general prevalence of 1.5%, which increases with age to 11% in men, and 4.6% in women aged 85 years and above.2 In 2015-16, the burden of disease cost the Australian health system approximately $176.5 million. This accounts for 1.4% of expenditure on musculoskeletal conditions, or 0.2% of total disease expenditure.
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Australia. An estimated 5% of Australians live with diabetes – type 2 is significantly more prevalent at 4.1% (approximately 1 million) compared to 0.6% for type 1, (approximately 145,000).1 Obesity is thought to account for 80–85% of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.2 Excess body weight has been noted to disrupt the body’s normal fat metabolism and interfere with the body’s production and sensitivity to insulin. Abdominal/central obesity is of most concern.
There are 344 registered interventional clinical trials under way for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. The WHO is looking at four of them.
Can oxtbutynin be useful for some patients who are unsuited for hormonal pharmacotherapy? Some people might describe hot flashes as an unannounced and brief feeling of intense heat, with the sensation that their body is on fire and they are about to combust. Hot flashes can last from 30 seconds to a few minutes, and can occur once a day, to much more frequently e.g. every hour. They tend to start as a sudden feeling of heat on the upper chest and face that quickly spreads, and is associated with profuse sweating, flushing and palpitations. This is then sometimes followed by chills and shivering as the body tries to regulate and restore the core temperature...
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay of treatment for acid-related diseases in the upper gastrointestinal tract. In Australia in 2017-18, the PPIs esomeprazole and pantoprazole were the third and fourth most-prescribed medicines by volume on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, after two statins. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common presenting condition in Australian primary care. A 2012-14 analysis found that 65% of PPIs ordered by general practitioners were for GORD.
The same day Jessica Chapman-Goetz MPS became a registered pharmacist in late 2015 she received a diagnosis for breast cancer. But she wasn't about to step away from the job she loved, and has come to understand the integral role that pharmacists can play in providing supportive care for oncology patients.
The kidneys are amazing organs. These compact \u0027bean\u0027 shaped filters weigh around 150 g and process about 25% of total cardiac output or 1,200 mL of blood/minute. Kidneys play a vital role in regulation of water and electrolyte content by filtration, secretion and reabsorption. They also produce renin, which is important for water and electrolyte balance. Kidneys maintain the acid/base balance in the body, and are responsible for excretion of waste products, water soluble toxic substances and drugs, through urine production. Additionally, kidneys regulate a number of endocrine functions such as activation of erythropoietin and vitamin D.
As Australia gathers persuasive evidence from the Health Care Homes trial, it's becoming clearer how to integrate pharmacists into primary healthcare.
Eczema aff ects up to 20% of children. Almost half of these patients develop eczema by the age of six months and most of them by the age of five years. This evidence summary presents the best available evidence regarding the eff ectiveness of probiotics for eczema. For the full review, refer to Probiotics for treating eczema.
Any evidence-based vision of an efficient, patient-centred primary healthcare system places pharmacists in essential roles front and centre.
