Publications by authors named "F Paruk"

The guidelines in this series provide evidence-based practical guidance for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of persons with inflammatory joint diseases. The purpose of these guidelines is to aid in shared decision-making between patient and physician, aiming to support high-quality clinical care. These guidelines have been prepared using the AGREE II instrument and based on adoption and, where appropriate, adaptation of international guidelines.

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  • - Early diagnosis and treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are crucial due to common issues of underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis, with South African guidelines offering methods for screening and useful investigations.
  • - A multidisciplinary approach to managing axSpA is recommended, focusing on lifestyle changes like exercise, smoking cessation, and psychosocial support.
  • - The ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score is suggested to track disease activity, alongside a stepwise therapy algorithm, and there is advice for screening comorbidities and ensuring vaccinations.
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  • * Results showed that while many lab tests and medications were available, there were significant regional differences in access, particularly in East and West Africa.
  • * Key issues identified included long turnaround times for test results and patients often having to self-fund medical expenses, which hindered timely diagnosis and treatment.
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Background: Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being increasingly recognised as common adverse outcomes for critical illness survivors. These conditions can have lasting consequences on their wellbeing, ability to return to their pre-illness level of functioning and health-related quality of life. There is a paucity of South African data in terms of the psychological aspects of the post-intensive care unit (ICU) syndrome.

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Despite notable advancements in minimizing maternal mortality during recent decades, a pronounced disparity persists between high-income nations and low-to middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in intensive and high-care for pregnant and postpartum individuals. This divergence is multifactorial and influenced by factors such as the availability and accessibility of community-based maternity healthcare services, the quality of preventive care, timeliness in accessing hospital or critical care, resource availability, and facilities equipped for advanced interventions. Complications from various conditions, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), unsafe abortions, puerperal sepsis, and, notably, the COVID-19 pandemic, intensify the complexity of these challenges.

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