Browsing by Author "Reuter, H."

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    A statement of intent on the formation of the NCRP on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease: A new initiative to fight heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity in South Africa
    (2007) Mayosi, B.; Bryer, A.; Lambert, V.; Levitt, N.; Noakes, T.; Ntsekhe, M.; Opie, L.; Rayner, B.; Zilla, P.; Abrahams, Z.; Abram, M.; Bhagwandin, N.; Bradshaw, D.; Dhansay, A.; Mbewu, A.; Madela-Mntla, N.; Parker, W-A.; Sifunda, S.; Skepu, A.; Steyn, N.; Brown, S.; Mollentze, W.; Brink, P.; Doubell, A.; Hough, S.; Huisamen, B.; Lochner, A.; Moolman-Smook, J.; Reuter, H.; Green-Thompson, W.; Horrocks, J.; Manga, P.; Norris, S.; Norton, G.; Raal, D.; Sliwa, K.; Woodiwiss, A.; Mntla, P.; Motala, A.; Naidoo, D.; Seedat, Y.; Ntutela, S.; Puoane, T.; Schwartz, P.
    [No abstract available]
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    Ewart's sign in tuberculous pericarditis
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2000) Smedema, J. P.; Katjitae, I.; Reuter, H.; Doubell, A. F.
    [No abstract available]
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    An overview of analgesics - anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and other medications (Part 3)
    (AOSIS, 2019) Van Rensburg, R.; Reuter, H.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pain is classified by various descriptions. Chronic pain has been described as being neuropathic (due to nervous system lesions), nociceptive (due to tissue damage), or mixed (a combination of neuropathic and nociceptive). The addition of the term nociplastic pain is used to describe patients who experience chronic pain without tissue damage or nervous system lesions. Chronic pain is often difficult to manage, particularly neuropathic pain. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options include anticonvulsants and antidepressants. The choice of medication will depend on various factors, including patient profile, type of pain, and associated conditions. Medications with the best evidence of efficacy for first-line use in neuropathic pain are the gabapentinoids, carbamazepine, the tricyclic antidepressants, and the serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors duloxetine and venlafaxine. The cannabinoids and ketamine are being actively investigated for use in chronic pain. Currently the cannabinoids’ potential benefit is outweighed by the adverse effects, and recommendations for the use of ketamine is limited by its parenteral route of administration and low evidence of efficacy in chronic pain.
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    An overview of analgesics : NSAIDs, paracetamol, and topical analgesics Part 1
    (Taylor and Francis, 2019) Van Rensburg, R.; Reuter, H.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pain is a complex and unique experience. It encompasses several pathways, involving nociceptive signal generation (transduction) and propagation (transmission), as well as perception and modulation of the nociceptive stimuli. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) primarily exert their analgesic effects through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby attenuating prostaglandin synthesis. The COX-2 selective NSAIDs (coxibs) and aspirin have also been shown to reduce colorectal cancers, presumably by prostaglandin-inhibition mechanisms. Paracetamol appears to have both peripheral and central effects. The postulated mechanism for its peripheral effects is indirect COX inhibition, while the central effects are thought to be mediated by modulation of descending pain inhibition pathways. Topical analgesics are available in various formulations. The topical NSAIDs have the same mechanism of action as the systemic formulations, but with less systemic absorption and effects. The local anaesthetics provide a dense sensory block via inhibition of nerve impulse transmission, and are available in percutaneous and transdermal preparations. Capsicum is effective for neuropathic pain, and acts by stimulating and then desensitising peripheral sensory nerves.
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    An overview of analgesics : opioids, tramadol, and tapentadol (Part 2)
    (AOSIS, 2019) Van Rensburg, R.; Reuter, H.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Pain can be caused by several mechanisms, and the development of chronic pain (also known as pain chronification) is a complex and often unpredictable process. Opioids, tramadol, and tapentadol provide pharmacological solutions to chronic pain of cancer or non-cancer origins, particularly if central sensitization is present. It may also be indicated for short-term use in acute pain. Despite large studies and meta-analyses of opioids for a variety of pain conditions, the evidence for its clinical effectiveness is still unclear. This is, however, mostly due to significant heterogeneity and bias between studies assessed. The dual analgesic mechanisms of tramadol and tapentadol appear to be effective options for pain relief, with an overall lower incidence of opioid-related adverse effects. Tapentadol has an analgesic effect comparable to the strong opioids, which appears to be mediated by its greater mu opioid receptor activity and more selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. Tramadol produces less analgesia than tapentadol, but it is also associated with reduced opioid-related adverse effects and dependence. The opioids and tramadol may be significantly affected by polymorphisms of CYP2D6, while this effect is lessened with tapentadol.