Browsing by Author "Wehmeyer, Alexander"

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    Allergic rhinitis: To sneeze or to wheeze. Pollen is the question, what is the answer?
    (Medpharm Publications, 2018) Martin, Bjorn; Wehmeyer, Alexander; Upton, Edward
    Allergic rhinitis, also known colloquially as hay fever, is the most common among the allergic diseases. Recent literature reports that it affects up to a tenth of the world population. Atopic diseases have a particularly high prevalence in young children which is often attributed to their immature immune systems. Traditionally, atopic diseases have plagued industrialised countries, but the burden has recently extended its reach to developing countries. Over the past few decades, there has been a marked increase in all allergy-related diseases. Supported by the advent of the Atopic March, research has been primarily directed at understanding the aetiology and pathophysiology associated with diseases stemming from atopy. In this article, we review current treatments available in South Africa and explain the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.
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    Venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prophylaxis in hospitalised medical patients in the Cape Town metropole, South Africa
    (South African Medical Association, 2022) Wehmeyer, Alexander; Coetzee, R; McCartney, J
    Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is regarded as the most preventable cause of inpatient death in hospital settings globally. VTE can be prevented through the provision of non-pharmacological and/or pharmacological thromboprophylaxis following individualised risk screening. The Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) offers a validated and well-established approach for VTE risk assessment in medical inpatients. Literature findings describe a trend towards inappropriate and under-prescribing of thromboprophylaxis in this population. Together with concerns regarding clinicians’ perceived importance of VTE risk assessment, the need to clarify these aspects of practice is evident. To describe VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis practices of medical practitioners in public sector hospitals in Western Cape Province, South Africa (SA).