Role of oral hypoglycaemic drugs in preventing complication in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and the effect of oral hypoglycaemic drugs and lifestyle modifications in reducing fatty liver changes and liver enzymes in these patients.

Methods: The comparative, observational study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology, Sohail University, Karachi, from October 2022 to October 2023, and comprised patients of either gender having elevated liver enzymes and ultrasound finding of fatty liver changes along with raised glycated haemoglobin, transaminases, total cholesterol and triglycerides. The participants were prescribed oral hypoglycaemic agents by endocrinologists.

Comparison of functional outcome after open and closed reduction of mandibular subcondylar fracture.

Objective: To compare open reduction with internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fracture with closed reduction in terms of adequate mouth opening.

Methodology: The randomised clinical trial was conducted from March 2014 to February 2015 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, King Edward Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised patients who presented with unilateral subcondylar fractures. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups.

Outcomes of extra oral versus intraoral approach for Mandibular angle fracture reduction.

Objective: To compare the outcomes of intraoral versus extraoral approach in the treatment of mandibular angle fracture.

Methods: The randomised controlled trail was conducted at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from September 2016 to March 2017, and comprised patients of mandibular angle fracture who were divided into two equal extraoral group A and intraoral group B. .

Immunosuppression drug advice and COVID-19: are we doing more harm than good?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines advise stopping immunosuppressive drugs for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients with autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This may not be in the patient's best interest, given the potential long-term consequences of not managing chronic conditions, and immunosuppression may even be protective in those affected with COVID-19.

COVID-19 and rheumatology: is shielding really necessary?

Rheumatology patients who are taking immunosuppressants are considered to be at 'high risk' from COVID-19, hence have been self-isolating or shielding. However, they may be protected from the features of hyperinflammation driven by a 'cytokine storm', so may have better clinical outcomes if infected. This editorial discusses whether it may not be necessary to advise these patients to shield.