Primers in 2024

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are a group of adverse reactions characterized by severe skin eruptions and varying degrees of systemic involvement. In this Primer, Hung et al. summarize current knowledge of epidemiology and mechanisms of SCARs and discuss diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of patients. They also highlight outstanding research questions.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major public health problem affecting ~11–13% of women worldwide. In this Primer, Stener-Victorin et al. review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PCOS and highlight the latest advances in the diagnosis and management of this syndrome.

Gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms (gNENs) are rare tumours of the neuroendocrine cells of the stomach and consist of different subtypes with distinct management and prognosis. In this Primer, Campana and colleagues review the complex biology of the various gNEN subtypes and their epidemiology, diagnosis and management, and highlight the unmet needs in the field.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is resistant to several first-line drugs. MDR-TB is an increasing public health challenge. In this Primer, Dheda et al. summarize the epidemiology and mechanisms, and discuss diagnosis, management and quality of life of patients with MDR-TB.

Invasive candidiasis is a fungal disease caused by Candida pathogens. In this Primer, Lass-Flörl et al. summarize current knowledge of epidemiology and mechanisms and discuss the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of patients with invasive candidiasis. They also highlight outstanding research questions.

Retinal detachment describes the separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, leading to impaired vision or vision loss. This Primer discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of this disorder and highlights future research directions.

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease that has multisystemic and debilitating effects. In this Primer, Bernardini et al. summarize current knowledge of epidemiology and mechanisms, and discuss diagnosis, management and quality of life of patients with this disorder. They also highlight outstanding research questions.

This Primer by Zerr et al. discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and potential future treatments for Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and other human prion diseases.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically starts in childhood. This Primer summarizes the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.

Rotator cuff tears occur due to trauma or, most commonly, due to degenerative changes to tendon structure. This Primer summarizes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of this condition, discusses its diagnosis and management, and highlights patients’ quality of life and future research questions.

Strongyloidiasis is a helminth infection that is most common in tropical and subtropical regions. In this Primer, Gordon et al. review the global disease burden and risk factors, summarize the pathophysiology, diagnosis and prevention of this parasite infection, and provide an overview of its treatment and areas for future work.

Perioperative stroke — that is stroke occurring during or within 30 days of surgery — is associated with poor outcomes. This Primer summarizes the epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of perioperative stroke.

Pulmonary hypertension describes a group of disorders characterized by elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure. This Primer reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension, discusses diagnosis and management, and provides an overview of current open research questions.