Dr Shawn Steggles writes that the psychological effects of cancer on patients and their families cannot be overlooked and that ‘getting better’ includes both mental as well as physical health. The psychological effects of cancer on patients and their families can often be overlooked. While cancer treatment is ongoing, the patient and his or her [...]
In the fourth instalment of Irish Medical Times’s new ‘Ask the Consultant’ series, Dr Robert Coughlan answers some questions from general practitioners on rheumatological disorders. 1. When should disease-modifying agents be introduced in rheumatological disorders? Disease modifying agents (DMAs) are drugs that are used in the treatment of a number of rheumatic diseases. Their purpose [...]
Other than type 2 diabetes, testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is the most common endocrine disorder in men and yet is the least commonly diagnosed and treated, according to the President of the Society for the Study of Androgen Deficiency. Speaking at a recent meeting on ‘Testosterone and Men’s Health’ in Dublin, Dr Malcolm Carruthers said [...]
‘Let’s talk about sex’ programme helps parents raise sexually healthy young people. Parenting programmes in the workplace can significantly improve parents’ ability to talk with their children about sexual health and may provide a unique way of promoting healthy adolescent sexual behaviour, according to a new study. Previous research has shown that parents can significantly [...]
With World AIDS Day coming up on 1 December, the Clinical Special of December’s issue will present updated recommendations on antiretroviral treatment of adult HIV infection. These 2008 guidelines have been updated by the International AIDS Society-USA panel following new developments in the area, in particular the availability of new antiviral agents including two drugs [...]
Episodes of dizziness tend to become less frequent over time in patients with Ménière’s disease, and draining fluid from the inner ear appears to reduce vertigo in three-fourths of patients with the condition, two new studies have found. In the first study, doctors enrolled 510 individuals from eight hospitals who met criteria for definitive Ménière’s [...]
The long-term prognosis of patients infected with West Nile virus is good, according to a new study. The study found that physical and mental functions returned to normal about year after infection. The researchers noted that 20 per cent of people infected by West Nile virus develop a range of conditions, from mild flu-like illness [...]
Use of the herb ginkgo biloba, claimed to have beneficial effects on memory and cognition, was not effective in reducing the rate of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease among more than 1,500 elderly study participants after several years of use, according to a new study. In the study, doctors assessed the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba in [...]
An analysis of randomised controlled trials indicates that use of the cancer drug bevacizumab is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, according to a new meta-analysis of existing studies. To determine the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with bevacizumab use, doctors analysed 15 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which included a total of 7,956 [...]
An ointment made from indigo naturalis, the dark blue plant-based powder used in traditional Chinese medicine, appears effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a new report. In the study, doctors in China conducted a randomised trial of an ointment containing indigo naturalis in 42 patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis. Participants enrolled in the study between [...]
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