Going first: the ethics of vaccine self-experimentation in coronavirus times

The potential role of self-experimentation in the search for a vaccine is in urgent need of further clarification.

Renal replacement therapy in children and adolescents

This Viewpoint article discusses a study recently published in Swiss Medical Weekly that describes the incidence of end stage renal disease, the primary diagnosis, modalities of renal replacement therapy and long-term outcomes in patients up to 20 years of age, as well as some aspects that differ from renal disease in adults.

Crisis of emerging antibiotic resistances mirroring that of the COVID-19 in the age of globalisation

Like to the COVID crisis, control of emerging antibiotic resistance genes requires early detection, rapid diagnosis, early intervention and development of novel antimicrobial agents. Epidemiological surveillance at the local level for emerging resistance at the molecular and biochemical levels is required.

Fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy: recommendations for DPYD genotyping and therapeutic drug monitoring of the Swiss Group of Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Therapy

The authors discuss current guidelines on genotype-guided fluoropyrimidine dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring, and propose recommendations tailored to the situation in Switzerland to facilitate their clinical uptake for the further individualisation of fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.

Pain control with ibandronate for bone marrow oedema of the knee

Participants with bone marrow oedema of the knee showed a significant pain reduction after an administration of ibandronate, independently of the severity showed in MRI.

Transition to postgraduate practice: perceptions of preparedness and experience of the daily work of junior residents

Several important aspects of daily clinical practice appear to be insufficiently mastered in the first few months of residency. The resulting stress and anxiety negatively affect job satisfaction. This study provides concrete examples and guidance for program directors and educators on how to better prepare students for postgraduate training.

RheumaTool, a novel clinical decision support system for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases, and its first validation in a retrospective chart analysis

In this first validation, RheumaTool provides a useful list of differential diagnoses. However, there is not sufficient diagnostic reliability for unfiltered data entry, especially in patients with multiple concomitant musculoskeletal disorders. This must be taken into account when using RheumaTool.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy-associated encephalitis: a case series and review of the literature

Encephalitis should be suspected in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors who present with rapidly evolving confusion. Blood tests, CSF analysis, cerebral MRI and an EEG should be performed. Therapy with intravenous corticosteroids is recommended. Steroid unresponsiveness is rare and should lead to a review of the diagnosis. Alternative treatment options are IVIG, plasma exchange therapy and rituximab.

Technical comment on: Rachamin et al. Statin treatment and LDL target value achievement in Swiss general practice – a retrospective observational study

Author reply to technical comment on: Rachamin et al. Statin treatment and LDL target value achievement in Swiss general practice