Richard O'Halloran, Leon A Adams, Gary Deed, John S Lubel
{"title":"Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: an update.","authors":"Richard O'Halloran, Leon A Adams, Gary Deed, John S Lubel","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects 1 in 3 Australian adults and is an under-recognised but growing cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. There is a major role for primary care in MAFLD prevention, diagnosis and management. Adults with obesity, type 2 diabetes or other metabolic risk factors should be assessed for MAFLD. Liver ultrasound is the recommended first-line test for diagnosing hepatic steatosis (fat accumulation in hepatocytes). Management of MAFLD includes noninvasive testing for liver fibrosis, addressing health risk behaviours and comorbidities, and hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in those with liver cirrhosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 2","pages":"44-49"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13095493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vitamin B12 deficiency: testing and treatment.","authors":"Darya Bedz, Cecily Forsyth","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Vitamin B12 testing is recommended for individuals with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of B12 deficiency, and when there is reasonable clinical suspicion of deficiency due to risk factors (e.g. inadequate dietary intake, malabsorptive conditions). Where vitamin B12 testing is indicated, total serum B12 is typically the first-line test. Active B12 may be requested if total B12 results are indeterminate, or during pregnancy. If total or active B12 tests are inconclusive, methylmalonic acid or homocysteine testing may be considered; however, their concentrations may be elevated in other conditions. In individuals with confirmed B12 deficiency, B12 supplementation is required, with the choice of formulation, duration and dosage guided by the underlying cause and severity of the deficiency and patient preference.</p>","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 2","pages":"55-60"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13095491/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Measuring blood pressure accurately.","authors":"Anastasia S Mihailidou","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurately measuring blood pressure is imperative for diagnosis and control of hypertension. There is a range of devices and methods for measuring blood pressure that each have advantages and limitations. To ensure accuracy of blood pressure measurement and hypertension diagnosis, clinicians and patients should use an accurate and validated blood pressure measurement device, an appropriately sized cuff, and take several measurements rather than only one measurement, using a standardised measurement protocol. Out-of-clinic measurement, using an ambulatory or home blood pressure monitoring device, depending on patient preference, should be used to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment of hypertension. There are emerging new technologies for blood pressure measurement (e.g. wearable technologies) that are yet to be validated and have the potential to improve blood pressure monitoring and patient self-management.</p>","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 2","pages":"50-54"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13107338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lisa Hui, Natasha E Holmes, Michelle L Giles, William Rawlinson
{"title":"Cytomegalovirus in pregnancy: prevention, maternal screening, and the role of antivirals.","authors":"Lisa Hui, Natasha E Holmes, Michelle L Giles, William Rawlinson","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital infection in Australia and a leading cause of preventable childhood disability. Current Australian guidelines recommend targeted antenatal screening of women at higher risk for CMV infection. Serology testing should also be considered in women with clinical symptoms suggestive of CMV. Women with suspected CMV infection in pregnancy should be promptly referred to a maternal-fetal medicine or infectious diseases specialist. High-dose valaciclovir can reduce in utero transmission to the fetus following first-trimester maternal primary infection; however, long-term safety data are limited. Valaciclovir should only be prescribed by clinicians with specific expertise in CMV, such as maternal-fetal medicine or infectious diseases specialists. Universal hygiene counselling, targeted screening, careful timing of conception after infection, and structured psychological support are essential components of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 2","pages":"61-67"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13095495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sunscreen, vitamin D and skin of colour.","authors":"","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.009","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 2","pages":"70-71"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13095494/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aadith Ashok, Aleece I MacPhail, Michelle L Giles, Bradley J Gardiner
{"title":"Preventing infections in immunosuppressed patients.","authors":"Aadith Ashok, Aleece I MacPhail, Michelle L Giles, Bradley J Gardiner","doi":"10.18773/austprescr.2026.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.18773/austprescr.2026.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immunosuppressed patients are vulnerable to infections which can cause significant mortality and morbidity. A dedicated evaluation, performed prior to immunosuppression where possible, can improve infection-related outcomes for these complex patients. Strategies to reduce infection risk include individualised risk assessment, targeted screening investigations, antimicrobial prophylaxis, vaccination and education to reduce future exposures to infectious pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":55588,"journal":{"name":"Australian Prescriber","volume":"49 1","pages":"22-29"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12928835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147286411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}