Postgraduate medical journal
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Spasticity, a prevalent manifestation of various neurological conditions, significantly impacts the quality of life of patients. Research on the effects of oral drugs on spasticity has produced controversial results. Thus, the aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of oral drugs for improving spasticity in patients with different etiologies. ⋯ In summary, our study confirmed that eperisone, diazepam, and baclofen could be effective approaches for reducing spasticity of different etiologies and could be useful approaches for improving patient quality of life. Key messages What is already known on this topic: The impact of oral drugs, such as baclofen, gabapentin, tizanidine, and dantrolene, in the treatment of spasticity has been documented. What this study adds: This study determines which of the oral drugs aimed at treating spasticity is the most effective across different etiologies. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: This study suggests tailored treatment strategies for spasticity based on its etiology.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Umeclidinium plus vilanterol versus fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.
Umeclidinium plus vilanterol (UMEC/VI) is an inhaled long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting beta2-agonist (LAMA/LABA), recently approved as once-daily maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of UMEC/VI compared with fluticasone propionate plus salmeterol (FP/SAL). ⋯ UMEC/VI, when compared with FP/SAL, demonstrated significant improvements in lung functions with fewer drug-related adverse effects. However, the conclusion was limited by the scarcity of studies and long-term trials.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Comparison of diclofenac with tramadol, tizanidine or placebo in the treatment of acute low back pain and sciatica: multi-center randomized controlled trial.
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has posed numerous health and socioeconomic challenges. This study compared whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination with tramadol, tizanidine or placebo would be the best treatment regime to improve the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores at 1 week. ⋯ Among patients with acute LBP and sciatica presenting to the ED, adding tramadol or tizanidine to diclofenac did not improve functional recovery.
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Review
Treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: from doublet therapy to triplet therapy.
For metastatic prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the key strategy to control the disease. However, after 18-24 months of treatment, most patients will progress from metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) even with ADT. ⋯ In recent years, triplet therapy, which combines ADT with NHT and docetaxel chemotherapy, has also achieved impressive effects in mHSPC. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent applications of the triplet therapy in the field of mHSPC.
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Effective and safe vaccines against COVID-19 are essential to achieve global control of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Using faith centres may offer a promising route for promoting higher vaccine uptake from certain minority ethnic groups known to be more likely to be vaccine hesitant. ⋯ Offering COVID-19 vaccination in faith centres appears acceptable for different faith groups, ensuring convenient access for communities from all religions and ethnic backgrounds.