Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition in older adults, often linked to giant cell arteritis. It's the second most frequent inflammatory rheumatic disease in this age group, following rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, guidelines for treating PMR have been updated, focusing on the latest research from July 2016 to January 2024. The update inclu...
Epilepsy is a common condition. It is usually treated with antiseizure medications. These drugs have side effects. They can also be stopped after a while. This is because the risk of seizures goes down with time. But, there is not much research on how patients decide to stop these medications. The decision to stop taking antiseizure medications is not easy. Patients...
The flu season is a tough time for hospitals. Every year, many people end up in the hospital because of the flu. Doctors often prescribe oseltamivir, a popular antiviral drug, to these patients. The idea is that it can help fight the virus and make recovery faster. But here is the twist: the advice to use oseltamivir for hospitalized flu patients is not backed by st...
Kids often face tummy issues that can really mess with their daily lives. Two of the most common are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP). These conditions are part of a group called abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction (AP-DGBIs). They're not just minor annoyances; they can seriously affect a child's quality of life...
Helicobacter pylori is a sneaky bacteria that can cause serious trouble in the stomach. It's a worldwide issue, and different countries have different ways of dealing with it. A recent effort looked at the latest rules from various nations. These rules cover how to spot the bacteria, when to get rid of it, and how to treat it. The focus was on the newest guidelines...
Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition. It affects many aspects of a person's life. It often leads to serious physical health problems. There are guidelines for treatment, but they vary from country to country. Many lack a clear, step-by-step approach. So, a global team set out to change this. From May 2023 to January 2025, experts from all UN regions wo...
Loa loa, a parasitic worm, has long been seen as relatively harmless. However, for those with high levels of microfilariae in their blood, taking ivermectin can lead to serious problems. These issues can range from mild to severe, with encephalopathy being a major concern. The current thinking is that problems start when microfilarial densities (MFD) hit 8, 000 per m...
When it comes to managing high cholesterol, it is important to understand that it is a lifelong issue. It is not just about the cholesterol level at the time of a doctor's appointment. The risk of heart disease comes from having high levels of bad cholesterol over a long period. This is especially true for those with a genetic condition called familial hypercholester...
Combining different medications to lower cholesterol levels is a hot topic in the medical world. This approach is gaining traction because it can help people reach their cholesterol goals more effectively. The main goal is to reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors have known for a while that lowering bad cholesterol, or LDL-C, is key to achieving this. Th...
Ever wondered how guidelines for treating skin conditions get updated? Well, Europe's latest S2k guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, are out, and they're packed with new insights. This isn't just a revamp of the old 2015 S1 guidelines; it's a whole new ball game. Hidradenitis suppurativa isn't the easiest skin condition to deal with....