Lancet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Preoperative versus postoperative radiotherapy in soft-tissue sarcoma of the limbs: a randomised trial.
External-beam radiotherapy (delivered either preoperatively or postoperatively) is frequently used in local management of sarcomas in the soft tissue of limbs, but the two approaches differ substantially in their potential toxic effects. We aimed to determine whether the timing of external-beam radiotherapy affected the number of wound healing complications in soft-tissue sarcoma in the limbs of adults. ⋯ Because preoperative radiotherapy is associated with a greater risk of wound complications than postoperative radiotherapy, the choice of regimen for patients with soft-tissue sarcoma should take into account the timing of surgery and radiotherapy, and the size and anatomical site of the tumour.
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Glycometabolic state at hospital admission is an important risk marker for long-term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction, whether or not they have known diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to ascertain the prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism in patients without diagnosed diabetes but with myocardial infarction, and to assess whether such abnormalities can be identified in the early course of a myocardial infarction. ⋯ Previously undiagnosed diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are common in patients with an acute myocardial infarction. These abnormalities can be detected early in the postinfarction period. Our results suggest that fasting and postchallenge hyperglycaemia in the early phase of an acute myocardial infarction could be used as early markers of high-risk individuals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Anastrozole alone or in combination with tamoxifen versus tamoxifen alone for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early breast cancer: first results of the ATAC randomised trial.
In the adjuvant setting, tamoxifen is the established treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. However, it is associated with several side-effects including endometrial cancer and thromboembolic disorders. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy outcomes of tamoxifen with those of anastrozole alone and the combination of anastrozole plus tamoxifen for 5 years. ⋯ Anastrozole is an effective and well tolerated endocrine option for the treatment of postmenopausal patients with hormone-sensitive early breast cancer. Longer follow-up is required before a final benefit:risk assessment can be made.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Joint teleconsultations (virtual outreach) versus standard outpatient appointments for patients referred by their general practitioner for a specialist opinion: a randomised trial.
The current model of general practitioner referral of patients to hospital specialists in the UK is sometimes associated with unnecessary duplication of investigations and treatments. We aimed to compare joint teleconsultations between general practitioners, specialists, and patients (virtual outreach) with standard outpatient referral. ⋯ The trial showed that allocation of patients to virtual outreach consultations is variably associated with increased offers of follow-up appointments according to site and specialty, but leads to significant increases in patients' satisfaction and substantial reductions in tests and investigations. Efficient operation of such services will require appropriate selection of patients, significant service reorganisation, and provision of logistical support.