Pasieka/Science Photo Library
Articles in this section relate to the endocrine system and reflect chapter six of the British National Formulary
Management of Cushing’s syndrome
This article explains treatment strategies for Cushing’s syndrome, steroid replacement therapy and how pharmacists can support patients
Intravenous fluids: practical aspects of therapy
Although intravenous fluids are commonly prescribed for patients in hospital, they are often overlooked by pharmacists conducting a clinical review. This article provides some tips for reviewing fluid orders
Intravenous fluids: principles of treatment
October 2010Intravenous fluid therapy can be used to replace large fluid losses or to maintain fluid status when oral intake is insufficient; appropriate prescribing requires an understanding of basic fluid physiology
Medicines management during Ramadan
July 2011The article helps pharmacists understand the significance of Ramadan to Muslims and looks at how pharmacists can support patients to fast safely. It also discusses how pharmacists can promote a healthy lifestyle to these patients
Growth hormone deficiency in the young
This article focuses on growth disorders in children and young people and the management of growth hormone deficiency using recombinant growth hormone
Menorrhagia and its management
Over-the-counter tranexamic acid is likely to become available from some pharmacies in the next month, so pharmacists are more likely to be asked about heavy menstrual bleeding. Sally Haynes gives an overview of menorrhagia
Hypotension: issues and management
January 2011
With hypertension rarely out of the health news as one of the biggest
challenges to improving public health, hypotension is often overlooked.
Angus Thompson discusses whether the condition is a disease or a normal
physiological state, and looks at its management and how pharmacists
can contribute
Burns: clinical features and prognosis
July 2010There are many causes of burns. Patients with complex burns should be referred to a specialist burns unit
Burns: management
July 2010Timely and appropriate management of burns can improve the outcome for victims
Lichen planus and its management
June 2010 In a recent letter to The Journal Christine Clark stated that pharmacists should play a major role in the management of both long- and short-term skin conditions but that research is needed to identify the types of dermatological problems commonly presented. In this article she describes lichen planus and how pharmacists can support sufferersBiopharmaceuticals: what pharmacists need to know
May 2010 A few biopharmaceuticals — medicines such as epoetin alfa and somatostatin — have been around for a while. But as technology progresses, numbers will increase. Similarly, as patents expire, biosimilars are set to become more widely available. Roger Tredree explains the special features of these medicines and the role pharmacists can playManaging diabetic emergencies
April 2010Diabetic emergencies can occur either in patients known to have diabetes or as an initial presentation of the disease. Ram Prakash Narayanan and Mark Peasley discuss their management
Type 2 diabetes
December 2009Some 2.6 million UK residents have diabetes and this number is rising. These people are at increased risk of heart disease, blindness and limb amputation. Early detection of the condition is essential. The aim of type 2 diabetes treatment is to maintain a patient’s HbA1c level below 6.5%. To ensure there is a range of treatment options, NICE has updated its guidance to include newer medicines
How to interpret blood glucose monitoring charts and adjust insulin doses
September 2008Interpreting blood glucose results and being able to adjust insulin doses are useful skills for pharmacists to possess.The key to acquiring these skills is in understanding:
- The insulin regimen and the onset, peak and duration of action for the insulins used
- The glucose levels to aim for
- How to titrate insulin doses
- How all of the above relates to patients’ lifestyles and eating habits
An update on insulin analogues
August 2006Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the production of insulin analogues. Irene Gummerson discusses the products and their benefits over standard formulations
Insulin therapy by continuous subcutaneous infusion
August 2003Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps have been available for about 25 years. Although new pump users should always start therapy under the advice of a specialised diabetes team, pharmacists and other health care professionals need to understand enough about CSII so that they can support patients
Insulin analogues revisited
April 2003Insulin analogues provide additional flexibility in dosing and have overcome some of the disadvantages of traditional insulins in the treatment of diabetes. This article reviews the analogues that are currently available and those in development
Diabetes
April 2002A series of three articles on diabetes
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
January 2001A two part special feature discussing the causes and pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus and considering the treatment options, including new and emerging agents
