Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Systemic Vasculitides. Part 2: Small Vessel Diseases, Sean M. Conte, Peter R. Vale

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Small vessel vasculitides often manifest as neurological, renal, pulmonary and dermatological symptoms. Clinical features of systemic vasculitides are often nonspecific; therefore, it is important that GPs be aware of the range of symptoms that can help in the differential diagnosis, treatment and management of this diverse group of conditions.

Managing Anxiety Disorders In Adults, Gregory Wilkins, Gavin Andrews, Caroline Bell, Philip Boyce, Christopher Gale, Ronald Rapee, Lisa Lampe

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

The GP has a key role in identifying patients presenting with anxiety symptoms and ensuring appropriate acute and long-term management. There are two key messages for GPs to follow: once you have made a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, tell the patient you have a treatment for it. Second, do not let your anxiety lead you to prescribe inappropriately or overinvestigate for all possible differential diagnoses.

Adrenal Crisis, R Louise Rushworth, David J. Torpy, Henrik Falhammar

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy, available since the 1950s, has prolonged the survival of patients with adrenal insufficiency. However, adrenal crises, which are life-threatening medical emergencies, still develop in many affected patients. Adrenal crisis appears to be increasing in frequency, despite the availability of effective preventive strategies. This review examines the definitions, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment of adrenal crises.

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia In 2020: A Leading Tier 1 Genomic Application, Jing Pang, David R. Sullivan, Tom Brett, Karam M. Kostner, David L. Hare, Gerald F. Watts

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is caused by a major genetic defect in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) clearance pathway. Characterised by LDL-cholesterol elevation from birth, FH confers a significant risk for premature coronary artery disease (CAD) if overlooked and untreated. With risk exposure beginning at birth, early detection and intervention is crucial for the prevention of CAD. Lowering LDL-cholesterol with lifestyle and statin therapy can reduce the risk of CAD. However, most individuals with FH will not reach guideline recommended LDL-cholesterol targets. FH has an estimated prevalence of approximately 1:250 in the community. Multiple strategies are required for screening, diagnosing and treating …

Eliminating Hepatitis C: Part 2. Assessing Your Patient For Antiviral Treatment, Chloe Layton, Jacqui Richmond, David Baker, Louise Owen, Gail Matthews, Erin Oliver-Landry, Jessica Howell, Joseph Doyle

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

With the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Australia in 2016, most people with chronic hepatitis C can be cured of this infection. GPs and suitably qualified nurse practitioners working in all areas of primary care have a key role in identifying, testing and treating their patients with hepatitis C. The previous article in this series discussed how to identify your patients with hepatitis C. This article provides practical advice on assessing a patient after diagnosis in preparation for DAA therapy. This includes determining whether they can be safely treated in general practice or require specialist referral.

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: Challenges In Primary Care, Tom Brett, Gerald F. Watts, Jacquie Garton-Smith, Damon A. Bell, Alistair W. Vickery, Jing Pang, Diane Arnold-Reed

Medical Papers and Journal Articles

Familial hypercholesterolaemia remains largely unrecognised and undertreated in Australian primary care. A new approach involving increased awareness, early detection, lifelong treatment and cascade testing of relatives is essential to improve outcomes of patients with this disorder.

Key Points

• Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a relatively common inherited disorder of high cholesterol levels.
• FH can lead to atherosclerosis, premature coronary artery disease and early death if left untreated.
• Cascade testing of relatives of patients with FH is cost- effective and necessary as one in two will have the condition.
• Innovations in primary care can improve FH detection in the community.
• An integrated …