CPD Portal
The pitfalls of long-term glucocorticoid therapy
We chat to Prof David Kendler, director of the Osteoporosis Programme at Providence Health Care in Vancouver (Canada) and Dr Sue Brown, council member of the National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA) about glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP).
Women’s acne battles
Patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris (AV) have a 63% increased risk of developing depression in the first year following diagnoses compared to their clear skinned counterparts, found a 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Hypertension during pregnancy
Women who experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at high risk for developing hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia later in life.
Guidelines: achieving pregnancy safely
Updated safe conception guidelines by the Southern African HIV Clinicians’ Society give healthcare providers up-to-date information to support efforts to optimise safer conception care for HIV positive patients.
What patient characteristics influence the choice of biological drug in RA?
The choice of biological drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is a highly significant one and should be informed by a clear understanding of the patient’s disease profile.
Why first trimester screening is so important
February is reproductive health month. Dr Lou Pistorius, a gynaecologist and obstetrician with a special interest in maternal foetal medicine, looks at the importance and benefits of first trimester screening.
The eye of the surgeon
We chat to Dr Suran Ramphal, Head of Urogynaecology and the Advanced Endoscopy Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) about the future of gynaecological surgery.
Painful intercourse
Dyspareunia, an important but neglected area of female health, is characterised by persistent or recurrent pain with attempted or complete vaginal entry or penile-vaginal intercourse.
Abnormal vaginal discharge: accurate differentiation
The aetiology of vaginitis can be from infections of Candidiasis (thrush), Trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis and it is important to distinguish them clearly.
GLM a GO in inflammatory rheumatic diseases
SPECIALIST FORUM AUGUST CPD 3 of 4: Rheumatoid arthritis and the spondyloarthropathies are the most common chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, which 5% of the population suffer from.
How to identify patients at imminent fracture risk
Recent fragility fracture is a powerful predictor of imminent risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis: Keep it simple
At the recent National Osteoporosis Foundation of South Africa (NOFSA) Congress, held from 16 – 18 March in Cape Town, Prof Brent Tipping of the University of the Witwatersrand and Dr Zane Stevens of Stellenbosch University shared their valuable real-world experiences.
Bridging the ‘silver tsunami’ gap
Only 20% of patients who present with an index fracture receive basic therapy or are offered screening for future fracture risk.
Why bacterial vaginosis is all about balance
Bacterial vaginosis, an imbalance in vaginal flora characterised by low levels of lactobacilli and an increased frequency of facultatively anaerobic bacteria, is one of the most common reproductive tract infections in women globally.
PCOS: Perspectives from a South African infertility practice
A Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) label might not be needed to effectively treat many symptoms of PCOS, as the label may not change the type or intensity of the intervention.
How to combat Vitamin deficiencies in oral contraceptive use
Contraception is one of the most powerful public health tools for any country. However, there is an unmet treatment need.
How being overweight can affect fertility
A weight loss of as little as 5%-10% can improve a woman’s chance of falling pregnant. In fact, in the world’s first comprehensive study on weight and its effect on fertility, researchers found that losing even 5% can have a significant effect on a woman’s chances of conceiving.
Bacterial Vaginosis – why this common condition needs to be treated correctly
Bacterial Vaginosis, defined as an imbalance in vaginal flora characterised by low levels of lactobacilli and an increased frequency of facultatively anaerobic bacteria, is one of the most common reproductive tract infections in women globally.
Coughs give vital clues to pneumonia
Annually, pneumonia kills over 1.8 million children throughout the world.
