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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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.
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Antibiotic resistance is a global threat, with a disproportionate burden of mortality in low- and middle-income countries. It is increasing in both the public and private healthcare sectors within South Africa, especially in Gram-negative organisms, and is associated with increased use of World Health Organization watch and reserve antibiotics. There is a need for improved access to new antibiotics to treat infections caused by drug-resistant organisms in order to limit side-effects and improve patient outcomes of currently available antibiotics. We propose the responsible introduction of these new antibiotics with both administrative and clinical oversight in order to preserve the longevity of these precious antibiotics.