Nicolene Van Der Sandt

Gastric pain may be generalised, diffused, specific to the right or left upper quadrant (or both), and may be attributed to a range of possible causes. Types of gastric pain include dyspepsia and epigastric pain. The term “gastric pain” is not frequently encountered in the literature. Therefore, the main focus of this review is on epigastric pain and dyspepsia, both of which are frequently encountered in the clinical setting. For example, it is estimated that dyspepsia affects a quarter of the global population. Several drugs and drug classes are also linked to a range of mechanisms through which the drugs induce mucosal injury in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this article provides an overview of the aetiology, classification, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and management strategies aimed at gastric pain, and its two more distinct gastrointestinal-related manifestations, namely epigastric pain and dyspepsia.

Atherosclerosis is a systemic diffuse disease, with a complex role of lipoprotein abnormalities associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. These abnormalities include increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), elevated triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). By agreement, statin therapy is the agent of choice for the reduction of LDL-C. Despite being the most commonly prescribed lipid-lowering agent with an exceptional safety profile and good tolerability, 10-25% of statin users experience muscle toxicity. This is known as statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) which range from myalgia to rare life-threatening cases of rhabdomyolysis, in the presence of normal or elevated creatine kinase (CK). Several mechanisms have been proposed to describe the pathophysiology. However, not one completely captures the leading cause of SAMS. Despite its muscle toxicity and elusive pathophysiology, statins ...

The increasing prevalence and severity of oral disease in South Africa and the resultant effect on quality of life remain of major concern. However, to aid in the relief thereof a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) locally acting mouth and throat preparations are available. The use of these preparations broadly include the symptomatic relief of painful, inflamed and irritated mouths and throats due to various causes, use in dental procedures and the treatment of fungal infections.

Hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia, marked by decreased levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. By agreement, statin therapy constitute the agents of choice for the reduction of LDL-C. Despite being the most commonly prescribed lipid-lowering agents, with an exceptional safety profile and good tolerability, 10–25% of statin users experience muscle toxicity. This is known as the statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), which range from myalgia to rare, life-threatening cases of rhabdomyolysis, in the presence of normal or elevated creatine kinase (CK). Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), diagnosed based on the clinical features seen in patients with a positive family history, constitutes a heritable disorder involving a single gene. FH can exist in either the heterozygous (HeFH), or the homozygous (HoFH) form, and may be differentiated based on clinical features a...

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common occurrence in paediatrics. UTIs present in children as fever, anorexia, vomiting, lethargy and dysuria. Approximately 80% of the time, Escherichia coli is the causative bacteria in paediatrics, however, fungal UTI caused by Candida species can occur in premature infants. With an estimated 150 million UTIs occurring worldwide annually, this paper aims to establish the ideal management of urinary tract infections in paediatrics. Clinical signs and symptoms of UTI in paediatrics are dependent on age of the child. Neonates (0–27 days old) present with sepsis, vomiting, fever, and prolonged jaundice, while school aged children present with symptoms similar to adults such as dysuria and urgency. Diagnosis of a UTI can be done by using a urine dipstick or using the midstream clean catch method in toilet trained children, and using the transurethral catheterisation or suprapubic aspiration method for infants and young children. In the wake of ant...

Gastric pain may be generalised, diffused, specific to the right or left upper quadrant (or both), and may be attributed to a range of possible causes. Types of gastric pain include dyspepsia and epigastric pain. The term "gastric pain" is not frequently encountered in the literature. Therefore, the main focus of this review is on epigastric pain and dyspepsia, both of which are frequently encountered in the clinical setting. For example, it is estimated that dyspepsia affects a quarter of the global population. Several drugs and drug classes are also linked to a range of mechanisms through which the drugs induce mucosal injury in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, this article provides an overview of the aetiology, classification, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and management strategies aimed at gastric pain, and its two more distinct gastrointestinal-related manifestations, namely epigastric pain and dyspepsia.

The increasing prevalence and severity of oral disease in South Africa and the resultant effect on quality of life remain of major concern. However, to aid in the relief thereof a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) locally acting mouth and throat preparations are available. The use of these preparations broadly include the symptomatic relief of painful, inflamed and irritated mouths and throats due to various causes, use in dental procedures and the treatment of fungal infections.