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Physicians responsible for the care of patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction have access to a broad range of evidence-based treatments that prolong life and reduce symptoms. In spite of the significant progress made over the last four decades, there is an ongoing need for novel therapies to treat a condition that is associated with stubbornly high morbidity and mortality. In this article, we discuss the findings of SERVE-HF, a randomised controlled trial of adaptive servo-ventilation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as well as EMPA-REG, a study of the effects of a novel diabetic agent that may be of greater interest to heart failure specialists than diabetologists. We also examine further analyses of the groundbreaking PARADIGM-HF trial, which attempt to answer some of the unresolved questions from the original study of the first combined angiotensin-receptor blocker and neprilysin inhibitor, sacubitril valsartan. The recently published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the management of acute heart failure and plans to introduce best practice tariffs bring into focus the need for wellorganised, multidisciplinary care. We discuss the challenges involved in developing and delivering a specialist service that meets the needs of a growing population of patients living with heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we consider the new drugs approved for the European market in 2015. We present a summary of the new mechanisms of action introduced and highlight three new mechanisms of action with a potentially high future impact: PCSK9 inhibition (alirocumab (Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®)) for hypercholesterolaemia, neprilysin inhibition (sacubitril in combination with valsartan (Entresto®)) for heart failure, and interleukin-5 inhibition (mepolizumab (Nucala®)) for asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of novel psychoactive substances (‘legal highs' or ‘designer drugs') is increasing worldwide. Patients misusing such substances have been reported to experience severe or prolonged side effects requiring admission to acute or critical care wards. These complications can be life threatening if misdiagnosed or mismanaged. As physicians have traditionally had less involvement with the management of such patients compared with their colleagues in emergency departments an update in the management of such patients is indicated. Here we present a summary of the management of those novel substances with the potential for serious complications based on a review of current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticoagulation therapy is one of the most important advances in modern medicine, saving thousands of lives from the complications of atrial fibrillation and mechanical heart valves and preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism. Warfarin and heparins have been the predominant anticoagulants used until the past decade. However, the arrival of newer target-specific anticoagulants has brought us easier and equally effective agents, although no specific antidotes are yet available. Being relatively newer drugs, physicians need to be familiar with the various practical issues that may be encountered with the prescription of these drugs, which are summarised in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the current and emerging therapies for skin disease, with a particular focus on chronic plaque psoriasis and metastatic malignant melanoma. We discuss the current biological therapies used for psoriasis and those on the horizon, including small molecules and biosimilars. We also summarise the recent advances in the use of novel therapeutic agents in other dermatological diseases and outline the promise of translational research and stratified medicine approaches in dermatology. Better matching of patients with therapies is anticipated to have a major effect on both clinical practice and the development of new drugs and diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]