Diagnosis and Management of Classic Trigeminal Neuralgia in a Primary Care Setting: Importance of Clinical Reasoning and Interprofessional Collaboration

Facial pain is a rare but potentially debilitating condition that can be a diagnostically challenging presentation in primary care. Early recognition of trigeminal neuralgia is paramount to prevent prolonged suffering and unnecessary treatment. Here we present a case which highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration, structured clinical reasoning, and pharmacogenetic considerations in managing neuropathic pain…

Association mental health with dietary pattern

Diet is a key modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases, yet evidence linking macronutrient intake to mental health—particularly anxiety—remains limited. Understanding these associations may provide insight into potential preventive strategies.This study examined the association between macronutrient-based dietary patterns and mental health outcomes, including moderate-to-severe anxiety and suicidal ideation, and explored potential sex-specific differences using nationally…

Comparative analysis of end-of-life medical costs across care settings: home hospice, hospice ward, and general ward

Cancer is a major cause of mortality and a leading driver of healthcare costs, ranking second in total medical expenditure in South Korea. Although hospice and palliative care improve quality of life and reduce costs, comparative evidence on end-of-life medical costs across hospice settings in Korea remains limited. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of hospice cost-effectiveness…

Association between Frailty Index and the Risk of Mortality and ICU Admission in Older Adults: A Nationwide retrospective study based on Long-Term Care Insurance Database

Understanding frailty is the key to identifying and predicting the health status of the older adults.  The Frailty Index , which utilizes an accumulation of various variables , is very useful in predicting a patient's health status as changes in the degree of frailty can be monitored.It remains unclear whether the frailty index has a…

Team-based care teaching for medical undergraduates during primary care rotations

Team-based care is vital in primary care where patients often have complex medical and psychosocial needs. However, medical undergraduates frequently struggle to appreciate how healthcare professionals collaborate to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care, despite participation in traditional student sit-ins at individual service stations at our primary care clinics.Each year, eight batches of 18 medical undergraduates from…

Influence of Obesity on Retinal Biomarker Sensitivity: A Pilot Study on Reti-CVD and Coronary Artery Calcium

Reti-CVD is a deep learning-based algorithm that estimates cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through analysis of retinal fundus images. As a non-invasive and accessible tool that does not require blood tests or radiation exposure, it has gained interest as a novel screening method.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Reti-CVD scores and coronary artery calcium…

Right Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis in a 52-Year-Old Woman Living With HIV: Diagnostic Challenges and Early Therapeutic Response

Optic neuritis in individuals living with HIV is an uncommon and diagnostically challenging condition. Unlike typical optic neuritis associated with multiple sclerosis, HIV-positive patients require a broader differential diagnosis that includes infectious, inflammatory, and demyelinating processes. This case highlights the crucial role of primary care in the early detection of neuro-ophthalmic emergencies and the importance…

Young, busy, and at risk: metabolic syndrome in the college years

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly prevalent among young adults, largely influenced by diet quality and physical activity. University students represent a vulnerable group due to irregular routines, academic stress, and varying health behaviors.This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among students at the University of Rijeka and examine its associations with dietary habits,…

Increasing risk of lung cancer among people living with HIV: a meta-analysis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among non-AIDS-defining malignancies in people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, PLWH continue to face elevated risks for lung cancer due to various factors.To assess the prevalence and contributing risk factors of lung cancer among PLWH.A comprehensive literature review was conducted, identifying 1,787…

An injury to the shoulder or something else entirely?

41-year-old woman with no significant medical history came in for an examination due to pain in her right shoulder. The pain appeared suddenly on Friday evening after she had hung up laundry. Due to the severe pain, she was examined at the emergency room on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday, with the conclusion being a…