South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Meta Analysis
A meta-analysis of the use of corticosteroids in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes.
A systematic review of the literature has been undertaken with regard to the use of corticosteroids in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). the benefit of corticosteroids clearly outweighs their potential harmful effects. Antibiotics should probably be included in any management protocol for women with PPROM. There is no reason to suggest that use of corticosteroids in women with PPROM needs to be restricted in developing countries.
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This guideline has been developed in order to recommend the correct and safe usage of isotretinoin (Roaccutane) in the treatment of acne and related conditions. Aspects such as correct dosage related to the patient's weight and the minimal requirement in relation to blood tests and physician visits have been addressed. ⋯ This guideline is similar to those recommended by other groups outside South Africa. It has been scrutinised by all the practising dermatologists in the country. It is endorsed by the Medical Association of South Africa.
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Editorial Review
Tuberculosis control in South Africa--time for a new paradigm?
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In a study of 200 patients with chest wounds in whom the need for referral to a centre with radiographic facilities was not obvious, careful clinical examination (pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, haemoglobin value and chest auscultation) was found to be a reliable triage tool. The sensitivity of one or more positive signs was 99.2% with a false-positive rate of 16% and a false-negative rate of 2%. The positive predictive value of two or more positive signs was found to be 99.1%.
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Tuberculosis is a major health problem in South Africa. More than 40 000 new cases are notified annually and there is good evidence that this represents only a proportion of all patients with active disease. ⋯ In the 1970s our death rate from this disease probably approximated that which pertained in the UK in the 1940s just before antituberculosis drugs came into general use. Current concepts in tuberculosis and its control are reviewed and the suggestion made that a specialized task force be set up to improve control measures in South Africa.