Search

Crusted (Norwegian) scabies is a severe and highly contagious form of infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. It occurs in a subgroup of patients who are either immunocompromised or physically or mentally debilitated. Due to its atypical clinical presentation as well as difficulties associated with its management it presents a number of challenges both from a therapeutic aspect as well as from public health perspective. Failure to diagnose this condition may give rise to a massive epidemic when the patient is in an institutional setting. We describe a case of crusted scabies which occurred in a nursing home leading to an institutional outbreak. She received a combination of oral ivermectin and topical scabicidal with good results. This case highlights the importance of being alert to the possible diagnosis of crusted scabies and gives an overview of the condition as well as management strategies., peer-reviewed

Part 1 of this article can be found in this link : https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/12739, Part 2 of the article. The Malta Foundation programme was launched in July 2009, In July 2010 the first group of foundation doctors were awarded their Foundation Achievement of Competence Document allowing them to proceed to the next step of their career, basic specialist training. The programme was set p with two main objectives: A. to improve the first two years of postgraduate training of doctors and to ensure that doctors achieved a level of competence enabling provision of safe patient care; and B. to reverse the exodus of Maltese medical graduates and retain an adequate proportion of doctors to allow the local health service to provide a good quality service. we present the results of the introduction of the Foundation programme to Malta and ask whether the main objectives have been achieved., peer-reviewed

The Malta Foundation programme was launched in July 2009, In July 2010 the first group of foundation doctors were awarded their Foundation Achievement of Competence Document allowing them to proceed to the next step of their career, basic specialist training. The programme was set p with two main objectives: A. t improve the first two years of postgraduate training of doctors and to ensure that doctors achieved a level of competence enabling provision of safe patient care; and B. to reverse the exodus of Maltese medical graduates and retain an adequate proportion of doctors to allow the local health service to provide a good quality service. we present the results of the introduction of the Foundation programme to Malta and ask whether the main objectives have been achieved, peer-reviewed

This year in particular saw the potential influenza pandemic fuel the uptake of immunisation against annual influenza. Judging from reports that both public and private sector vaccines ran out beforehand, the uptake must have been higher than usual, although no official reports are available to date. There were no significant reports of influenza illness in the community probably as a result of this., peer-reviewed

A seminar entitled `Clinical Practice Guidelines - The Way Ahead' was organised jointly by the Office of the Director General and the Department of Medicine on 5th March 2005. The aim of the seminar was to introduce the concept of Clinical Practice Guidelines into the framework of the medical and paramedical professions in Malta. It was well attended by around 80 delegates from most of the healthcare professions. The seminar was co-chaired by Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia, Chairman Department of Medicine and Dr Mariella Borg Buontempo, Consultant in Public Health, Office of the Director General., peer-reviewed

Tetanus is an illness that is still prevalent although the incidence has markedly decreased largely due to immunisation programmes. The latest four cases managed at St. Luke's hospital over 2001-2002 are presented. All of these patients survived. We give an overview of the illness and discuss the cases and management. The potential benefit of using dual antibiotic therapy is questioned., peer-reviewed