The optimal route for delivery of preterm breech-presenting fetuses remains a clinical dilemma. Available data from the literature are largely based on retrospective cohort studies, and randomised controlled trials are considered impossible to conduct. Consistently however, large population-based surveys have shown that planned caesarean sections for these fetuses were associated with better neonatal outcomes compared with those following vaginal delivery. Nevertheless, the increased surgical risks for the mother having caesarean delivery of an early preterm breech fetus must be balanced with the probable neonatal survival benefits. Planned caesarean section should probably be limited to gestations with at least a fair chance of independent neonatal survival, where vaginal delivery is not imminent, and in the absence of other maternal risk factors. Vaginal delivery would probably include those fetuses that are of marginal viability, and that additional protection from abdominal delivery was unlikely to be beneficial to neonatal outcome.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major causes of premature morbidity and mortality. Studies show that intensive glycaemic control could significantly reduce the risk of diabetic complications. With the increasing number of diabetic patients under primary care indicated for insulin, family physicians will play a pivotal role in prescribing it in their setting. The initiation and titration of any insulin regimen is not difficult in most patients. With support from diabetes nurses and training on insulin use, family physicians can provide insulin therapy to diabetic patients in the community and reduce the number of referrals to secondary care. This article reviews the most updated clinical guidelines on insulin use to better equip family physicians on the initiation and titration of insulin in primary care.

Reflux of gastric contents is common in young infants but usually self-limiting and not pathological. Gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to persistent reflux due to pathological factors that results in significant symptoms. Patients may exhibit oesophagitis, bleeding, nutritional failure, or respiratory problems. A high index of suspicion must thus be maintained for all patients. The aim of this article was to provide a concise review of the understanding of this disease, and also to discuss current diagnosis and management strategies for children with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

With ageing of populations, the worldwide population of persons with dementia will reach over 81 million by 2040, of which the most common cause is Alzheimer's disease. In recent years, there have been major advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis, methods to diagnose it, and treatment. Magnetic resonance brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and Pittsburgh compound B and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography of the brain can facilitate an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in its early stage, and diagnose the mild cognitive impairment stage of Alzheimer's disease. At present, only symptomatic but not disease-modifying drug treatments are available. Donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine are the currently approved cholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's disease. Overall, cholinesterase inhibitors show beneficial effects on cognition, activity of daily living, behaviour, and overall clinical rating. Memantine is another symptomatic treatment for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease patients. It has a small beneficial effect on cognition, activity of daily living, behaviour, and overall clinical rating. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, and may be used in some Alzheimer's disease patients without vascular risk factors. Concurrent non-pharmacological and psychosocial management of patients and their caregivers have a very important role. Disease-modifying therapies are still under development, whilst immunotherapy may be a viable option in the near future.