Macrolides were evaluated using individual patient-level data on asthma control, as well as on severe exacerbations and harms1. Evidence certainty followed GRADE. Across 19 trials (1825 patients), macrolides improved asthma control 40.6% vs placebo (21.6%); achieved a ≥ 0.5-point improvement (high certainty); likely reduced severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio 0.75; moderate certainty); and modestly improved quality of life. Serious adverse events and mortality showed

Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May. Join leading New Zealand dermatology specialists in this 4-hour webinar designed to help you navigate complex cases with confidence. All registrants will enjoy continued access to the full video recording, so you won’t miss a moment - even if you can’t attend live on Saturday. Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May.Join leading New Zealand dermatolo

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here Lipids, BP, and the metabolic syndrome puzzle WEBINAR 26 May: Consultant Cardiologist Gerry Wilkins on taming the trio: Lipids, BP, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Register here Management of Diabetes and CHF WEBINAR 2 June: Ryan Paul overviews a practical

Accurately diagnosing and treating impetigo and intertrigo in infants is important because their skin barrier is immature, infections spread faster, and complications can escalate before anyone realises what’s happening. In her talk at the Practical Update day, Specialist Dermatologist Lisa Connelly will focus on the diagnosis and management of impetigo and intertrigo (cradle cap) in children while also distinguishing these conditions from atopic eczema. She will also discuss

Early identification of AAS in younger Māori This study examined ethnic disparities in acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in Midland region patients1. Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective review (2010–2020) of 250 consecutive AAS cases, in which Māori made up 23.3% of the population. Outcomes were compared between Māori and non-Māori. Māori patients accounted for 36.8% of cases and had a significantly higher age-standardised incidence of AAS (6.9 vs 2.0 per 100,000 person

It's important to distinguish rosacea from the malar rash of lupus. Rosacea treatments are effective but should be started early, as late-stage rosacea (telangiectasias and rhinophyma) is expensive to treat cosmetically. Additionally, confusing the two risks undertreating lupus or overtreating rosacea. In his session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Aaron Secrest offers a practical, pattern-based approach to determing which rash you are

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: Roadside testing, and Advance Care Planning WEBINAR 28 April: Join Anna Skinner on how the newly introduced roadside drug testing process works, and Jane Goodwin on how ACP supports meaningful conversations about values and preferences. Register here High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here

Alopecia isn’t just cosmetic - it can be a marker of underlying disease and has meaningful emotional and quality-of-life consequences. In her session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Cristina Mello, offers a practical, pattern-based approach to identifying common alopecia types, recognising red flags, initiating management, and knowing when to refer, with guidance on prognosis and patient counselling. Register now to secure your spot!

Prior studies have suggested aspirin lowers long-term cancer risk, especially colorectal cancer, but the ASPREE trial (Australia & US-based) in older adults found no reduction in cancer incidence and an unexpected rise in late-stage cancers and cancer mortality 1 . This study examined 10-year outcomes in more than 19,000 adults aged 70 and older from ASPREE and its observational extension. Participants received either low-dose aspirin (100mg) or a placebo. Over a median o

Our latest webinars and podcast for you: Whole of life protection: A focus on adult vaccination WEBINAR 14 April: Nikki Turner on the importance of adult immunisation as part of comprehensive preventive care in primary practice. Register here Redefining insomnia management WEBINAR 21 April: David Cunnington, a specialist sleep physician, will review contemporary insomnia management, including CBT-I, and discuss the role of medications, including lemborexant, a newer agent

This RCT 1 enrolled 437 secondary care patients aged ≥65 years (mean 75) with CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores ≥2 in men and ≥3 in women. Participants were assigned to 6-month (180-day) monitoring, using an Apple smartwatch with photoplethysmography and single-lead ECG functions, or to standard care. Over 6 months, atrial fibrillation (AF) was detected in 21 patients (9.6%) in the intervention group versus 5 (2.3%) in controls. Several asymptomatic AF episodes were identified only in th

Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session on Saturday, 16 May. Skin conditions are among the most frequent presentations in primary care. This 4-hour webinar brings together top New Zealand dermatology specialists to help you navigate these complexities with confidence. What to expect: Expert-led, primary care–focused updates on recognising and managing common dermatology presentations seen in everyday practice. Practical guidance on diagnosing and treating

Our latest webinars and podcasts for you: Whole of life protection: A focus on adult vaccination WEBINAR 14 April: Nikki Turner on the importance of adult immunisation as part of comprehensive preventive care in primary practice. Register here Redefining insomnia management WEBINAR 21 April: David Cunnington, a specialist sleep physician, will review contemporary insomnia management, including CBT-I, and discuss the role of medications, including lemborexant, a newer agen

The benefit of beta‑blockers after myocardial infarction in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%) is uncertain. This individual‑patient meta‑analysis combined five open‑label randomised trials, including 17,801 patients without other indications for beta-blockers 1 . Participants were assigned to beta‑blocker therapy or no therapy, and the primary outcome was a composite of all‑cause death, myocardial infarction, or heart failure. After a med

Hurry and secure your place this weekend We invite all primary care professionals to New Zealand’s premier professional development event for general practice and primary care. Event Overview: 📅 March 2026 21-22 Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau Programme highlights : Hear from leading experts and our partners the Royal NZ College of GPs, the Royal NZ College of Urgent Care, and Allevia Hospitals - with a line-up that blends essential updates, fresh perspectives, and practice-

A randomized trial compared oral ivermectin with 5% permethrin for treating scabies in index cases and household clusters of up to eight people 1 . Ivermectin 200 µg/kg was taken with food on days 0 and 10, while permethrin was applied head-to-toe, including hair, genitalia, and children’s faces, left on overnight, and washed off after at least eight hours. Emollients and textile decontamination were advised. Children under 15 kg received permethrin only. Cluster-level cur

Just over 3 weeks to go! Goodfellow Symposium 2026 In the meantime, here are our latest webinars and podcasts: Sexuality & Intimacy Workshop FACE-TO-FACE WORKSHOP in AUCKLAND 26 & 27 February: Join Allyson Waite for a 2-day workshop designed to extend your knowledge regarding sexuality and intimacy. Register here Whole of life protection: A focus on adult vaccination WEBINAR 3 March: Nikki Turner on the importance of adult immunisation as part of comprehensive preventi

Breakfast with a show! On both days of the Symposium, we'll serve breakfast alongside great talks. Your only challenge will be deciding which to go to.On Saturday morning you have a choice of: Winter readiness: Respiratory management essentials, with James Wethasinghe Moving our A into G for CKM health, with Walaa Saweirs Sunday's offering: Cardiovascular risk after COPD exacerbations in NZ and the role of triple therapy, with Jeff Harrison and William Good The 6th Anniversar

This meta-analysis included pooled data from 51 trials involving 358,325 participants, of whom 4.4% had isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) 1 . Over 4.2 years, reducing systolic pressure by 5 mmHg lowered major cardiovascular events to a similar degree in people with and without IDH. Treatment effects did not vary by baseline diastolic pressure, cardiovascular history, age, prior medication, or measurement method. The study found no evidence that BP-lowering therapy is mo

A systematic review in The Lancet 1 outlined the cardiometabolic issues with antidepressants.There were a few surprises: None had significant QT interval issues. Systolic BP went up with amitriptyline and fluoxetine and down with nortriptyline. Weight loss was observed with bupropion, sertraline, citalopram, paroxetine, and venlafaxine. Weight gain was found with amitriptyline 1.6 kg and mirtazapine 0.87 kg. Heart rate increased (beats per minute) to 13.77 for nortriptyli