Epidemiology of mixed vaginitis and its management

Vaginitis is a common reason for visits to a health care provider, accounting for 6 million visits per year. Symptoms associated with vaginitis can cause substantial distress, resulting in time lost from work and altered self-esteem. It is estimated that over a billion dollars is spent annually on both self-treatment and visits to a medical provider.peer-reviewe

Management of epilepsy

Figures for the incidence of epilepsy in Malta are not available. The overall figure for epilepsy given by the Royal College of General Practitioners (Reid 1960) is 4.82 per 1,000 population. As there is no reason to expect and difference in the incidence in these Islands, one can expect that there are at least 1,500 epileptics in Malta. This would mean that all general practitioners would, at some time, come across a patient with epilepsy.peer-reviewe

The management of nocturnal enuresis in children

Introduction : Nocturnal enuresis is more prevalent in the male gender. Studies such as that by Butler & McKenna (2002) show how nocturnal enuresis is hereditary, with approximately 50% of the children affected if one parent has suffered from it. The main cause for nocturnal enuresis can be drinking late in the evening or not passing urine before going to sleep, resulting in excessive urine volume. A detailed history needs to be taken, eating and drinking habits should also be assessed, and any drinks or food that can increase the chances of bedwetting should be removed or reduced. Management: Management has to be adapted to the child and his/her family requirements. Prescribing the right medication and ensuring compliance is important but is only part of the management plan. Lifestyle changes should be advised. A very simple bedwetting vibrating alarm can be considered. If symptoms persist, pharmacological treatment should be prescribed together with the bedwetting alarm. Conclusion: Nocturnal enuresis is a common condition in a young child, however it requires a careful assessment and management in cooperation with the child’s parent or carer. Physicians need to be aware of when the child needs to be referred.peer-reviewe

Effectiveness of blood pressure control in a small community

The aim of this study was to examine the degree of control of blood pressure with respect to individuals on anti-hypertensive drug therapy attending a Health Centre for repeat prescription. Despite their being on anti-hypertensive drug therapy, only 35% of the individuals were found to be normotensive, 27% were in the borderline range whereas 38% were found to be hypertensive. The relatively high prevalence of poorly controlled patients suffering from high blood pressure is partly a reflection of the degree of non-compliance by patients to prescribed drug regimens although this is difficult to either qualify or quantify. Education of the patient vis-à-vis his medical condition and its treatment is of great importance as is regular monitoring and effective control of raised blood pressure by the family physician.peer-reviewe