Immune system diseases

Coeliac disease: getting the measure of new drug treatments

As more people are being diagnosed with coeliac disease, the first drug treatments are entering clinical trials, but success is proving difficult to measure.…

NHS gluten-free food controversy does no favours for patients with coeliac disease

In light of negative press coverage about the NHS’s spend on gluten-free products, we must remember that coeliac patients are suffering from a debilitating disease, and these products keep them healthy and help improve their quality of life.…

Dexamethasone improves septic arthritis in children

Taking dexamethasone with antibiotic treatment was found to enhance recovery in children diagnosed with septic arthritis.…

Melatonin levels may explain seasonal variation in MS relapses

Researchers looked at how seasonal factors affect patients with relapsing-remitting mutliple sclerosis and found a correlation between higher melatonin levels and fewer relapses…

First-in-class drug for sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome on the horizon

Researchers at Queen’s University in Belfast are developing a new anti-inflammatory drug that could help treat sepsis and acute respiratory syndrome …

Penicillin allergy: identification and management

How to assess patients for true penicillin allergy and make appropriate treatment choices.…

Childhood antibiotic exposure linked with development of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Researchers have analysed health records of children in the UK and concluded that antibiotics may play a role in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.…

Clinical Pharmacist’s monthly news round-up: the top 10 in the past month

What has been happening in the world of pharmacy? Here’s our pick of must-read news from the past month.…

EMA recommends measures to help patients use adrenaline auto-injectors correctly

The European Medicines Agency is recommending a raft of new measures to help educate patients and carers on the proper use of adrenaline auto-injectors.…

Trauma to joints can increase risk of psoriatic arthritis

Patients with psoriasis who experience trauma to the joints or bones are up to 50% more likely to go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, finds new research.…