South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the commonest cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children, particularly those aged <1 year. In South Africa (SA), increased hospitalisation rates during the RSV season, including access to intensive care facilities, place a huge burden on the healthcare system. ⋯ Both strategies have shown high efficacy in reducing RSV-LRTI hospitalisation in infants and are being considered for licensure in SA. Implementation of these prevention strategies, combined with public engagement and collaboration between stakeholders, could significantly reduce RSV-related morbidity and mortality in SA.
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The Health Professions Council of South Africa implemented a compulsory research component for specialist practitioner registration through the Master of Medicine (MMed) degree in 2011, eliciting both commendation and critique. Chief among the concerns is the extended time required for MMed completion. This study explores the duration of each component of the MMed research thesis and discusses the potential problematic areas in terms of its timeous completion, about which there is currently a lack of data, with particular regard to the South African (SA) setting. ⋯ A significant portion of candidates do not complete the MMed research thesis within the 4-year training period, hindering specialist registration. The major contributing factors appear to be related to candidates' inexperience regarding the research process and lack of exposure to it, as well as some of the administrative procedures involved. Utilisation of the recommendations and structured timeline will help identify problematic areas timeously and ensure successful completion of the thesis.
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Practice Guideline
South African Rheumatism and Arthritis Association 2024 guidelines for the management of peripheral spondyloarthritis.
Peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA) includes psoriatic arthritis (PsA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated arthritis, reactive arthritis and undifferentiated peripheral SpA. These South African guidelines offer information on diagnosis, assessment and therapy of peripheral SpA. Emphasis is placed on a multidisciplinary team, and a treat-to-target strategy with escalation of therapy if the target of minimal or very low disease activity is achieved. Screening for and treatment of comorbidities are paramount.