GPnotebook

In this week's GPnotebook Podcast episode, Dr James Waldron is joined by Dr Rik Fijten to discuss hepatitis B, the third instalment in a hepatology series. They discuss opt-out emergency department testing, health inequalities and how primary care can help prevent liver cancer.

With respect to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) becoming more widely used in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis, studies have found that PCR testing is highly sensitive and specific, with sensitivity ranging from 86% to 98% and specificity approaching 100%. See link ⬇️.

Did you know? A study investigating the use of daridorexant for the treatment of chronic insomnia and nocturia found that daridorexant 50mg daily increased self-reported total sleep time vs a placebo (mean difference 20.9 min, 95% confidence interval 8.0–33.7 min). See link ⬇️.

In June 2026, the NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service updated its advice on minocycline monitoring, revising the requirements and considerations for ongoing minocycline use once stable, and outlining when to stop prescribing. Find out more at the GPnotebook page linked below ⬇️.

In August 2026, NICE recommended that donidalorsen can be used as an option to prevent recurrent attacks of hereditary angioedema in people aged 12 years and over, subject to specific clinical and prior treatment criteria. Find out more at the GPnotebook page linked below ⬇️.

In this week's episode of GPnotebook TV, Dr @LisaDevineGP reviews a UK Biobank cohort study linking higher daytime light to lower dementia risk, with stronger benefits in evening chronotypes and apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers.

In this week's GPnotebook Podcast episode, @rogerthedoctor looks at how continuous glucose monitoring developed, where the technology is heading, what these advances mean for clinical practice, and the challenges for GPs as it becomes increasingly predictive and automated.

Did you know? Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may alter the absorption and metabolism of many commonly prescribed medications, causing drug-nutrient interactions that may result in potentially serious adverse clinical effects. Find out more at the GPnotebook page linked below ⬇️.

In June 2026, researchers published findings for the SURMOUNT-MAINTAIN randomised placebo-controlled trial, stating that continuing tirzepatide at the maximum tolerated dose maintained bodyweight reduction and health-related benefits. For full details on this study, see link ⬇️.

A study comparing the tolerability, safety and efficacy of atogepant versus topiramate in adults with migraine found that atogepant was better tolerated than topiramate, with fewer treatment discontinuations due to adverse events. See link ⬇️.