Infections in the management of rheumatic diseases: An update

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions have an increased risk of infection. While this could be the result of the underlyingdisease, it may also be caused by the use of immunosuppressive therapies, which are needed to treat these disorders. An increasing numberof patients with rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatic diseases are using biologic therapies (biologics) in addition to the synthetic diseasemodifyinganti-rheumatic drugs. The side-effects and complications of these relatively new agents are unknown to many specialists (outsideof rheumatology) and general practitioners. This article highlights updates on the most important infections encountered in the dailymanagement of patients with rheumatic diseases and discusses how these may be prevented

South African guideline for the use of chronic opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain

Chronic pain may have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and can be difficult to manage. In carefully selected patients, and as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, opioid analgesia may help to achieve long-term pain control with a manageable side-effect profile and a low risk of serious adverse effects. However, appropriate evaluation, including biopsychosocial screening and risk screening is essential before initiating an opioid and during continued therapy. This guideline aims to assist practitioners in screening and selecting appropriate patients with chronic non-cancer pain to initiate, monitor and continue pain management with opioid therapy.