Guidance & Advice

Diagnosis and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm: NICE guideline NG156

14 December 2020

Dr Kevin Fernando summarises this guideline published in March 2020, focusing on the aspects most relevant to primary care.

Diagnosis and management of diverticular disease: NICE guideline NG147

4 December 2020

Dr David Millar-Jones gives an overview of this guideline, with a focus on detecting and managing diverticulosis, diverticular disease and acute diverticulitis.

Transdermal fentanyl patches for non-cancer pain: MHRA update

12 November 2020

Dr Julie Oliver gives an overview of a recent drug safety update recommending that transdermal fentanyl patches are contraindicated for opioid-naïve patients.

Gestational diabetes and progression to type 2 diabetes

17 July 2020

Dr Kevin Fernando examines the implications of a systematic review and meta-analysis published recently in the BMJ.

Ankle oedema caused by calcium channel blockers

14 July 2020

Dr David Millar-Jones discusses the available treatment options for ankle oedema associated with calcium channel blockers, based on a recent publication from UK Medicines Information.

Musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions: Use of corticosteroids during COVID-19

10 July 2020

Dr Kevin Fernando provides take-home messages from recent guidance on the management of individuals already established on corticosteroids and those who may require corticosteroids.

Raised platelets and cancer risk

30 June 2020

In the first episode in a series on cancer in primary care, Dr Jim McMorran discusses the role of thrombocytosis in the detection of LEGO-C (lung, endometrial, gastric, oesophageal and colorectal) cancers.

Assessment and management of tinnitus: NICE guideline NG155

27 June 2020

Dr David Millar-Jones discusses the key aspects of the guideline from a primary care perspective.

Restoring sexual and reproductive health services during COVID-19 and beyond

26 June 2020

Dr Julie Oliver discusses new guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare on which elements should be prioritised during service restoration.

Prevention of adrenal crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic

19 June 2020

Dr Kevin Fernando examines recent guidance on management of patients with adrenal insufficiency, including those with Addison's disease and those on long-term steroid treatment for other conditions.