During October 2024 Clinical Knowledge Summaries were published or updated in the following areas.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
- Halitosis
- Hepatitis B
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Teething
- Varicose veins
- Warts and verrucae
All of the topics have been reviewed and updated with minor structural and layout changes. The Epistaxis (nosebleeds) topic includes a recommendation to consider tranexamic acid for people presenting after a major haemorrhage and there is a new section highlighting potential differential diagnoses. The Premenstrual syndrome topic now includes diagnostic criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and the management section is now structured based on individual tailored management focusing on individual symptoms and goals based on shared decision making. The Teething topic includes the latest recommendations and manufacturers' information on lidocaine-containing teething products. The Varicose veins topic contains three new recommendations regarding assessment. These included asking about red flag symptoms which may be indicative of rare but severe causes of varicose veins, examining the varicose veins for the presence of superficial vein thrombosis, and performing an abdominal examination to assess for an abdominal or pelvic mass.
Action: Clinicians who see patients with any of these conditions may find the new and updated information useful when reviewing current clinical practice.