Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Jun 2009
ReviewSafety concerns associated with the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other serotonergic/noradrenergic antidepressants during pregnancy: a review.
There is ongoing debate about the safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other serotonergic/noradrenergic antidepressants when used during pregnancy. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that SSRIs and other serotonergic/noradrenergic antidepressants should be used with caution during pregnancy, with careful follow-up of infants exposed to these agents in utero.
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Clinical therapeutics · May 2009
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy of clodronate, pamidronate, and zoledronate in reducing morbidity and mortality in cancer patients with bone metastasis: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Complications from skeletal-related events (SREs) constitute a challenge in the care of patients with metastatic bone disease (MBD) that originated from any type of malignancy. ⋯ Clodronate, pamidronate, and zoled-ronate were associated with reductions in morbidity in cancer patients with MBD with regard to preventing SREs, but were not associated with a reduction in overall mortality.
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Clinical therapeutics · May 2009
Case Reports Randomized Controlled TrialN-of-1 double-blind, randomized controlled trial of tramadol to treat chronic cough.
Chronic cough caused by interstitial pneumopathy can present a therapeutic dilemma, and the use of tramadol in the treatment of this symptom might be an alternative to improve the quality of life in patients. The present study describes a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung disease lasting 11 years who developed dry cough secondary to interstitial pneumopathy but was nonresponsive to several treatments (codeine 20 mg q6h; clobutinol 240 mg/d; and dextromethorphan 10 mg q4h). ⋯ Tramadol appeared to be effective in controlling cough in this patient. Because no similar report was found in the literature, further studies assessing the efficacy of tramadol as an antitussive agent are warranted.
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Clinical therapeutics · May 2009
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of a local heating device on insulin and glucose pharmacokinetic profiles in an open-label, randomized, two-period, one-way crossover study in patients with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
Reducing postprandial hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia is a major challenge in the treatment of patients with diabetes. Studies suggest that heating the insulin injection site may accelerate insulin absorption. InsuPatch (InsuLine Medical Ltd., Petach-Tikva, Israel) is a device intended to accelerate subcutaneous insulin delivery using an insulin pump by locally warming the infusion site. ⋯ In this pilot study, use of the InsuPatch was associated with significant decreases in T(max) and T(50%max) and increases in insulin AUC and C(max) of subcutaneous infused rapid-acting insulin analogues, resulting in a lower postprandial glucose excursion in these patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII.
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Clinical therapeutics · May 2009
ReviewA review of the efficacy of desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine in the treatment of nasal congestion in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Nasal congestion is the most troublesome symptom of allergic rhinitis (AR). First-generation and older second-generation antihistamines, while effective against nasal itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea, have limited efficacy in relieving nasal congestion. ⋯ In the studies reviewed, desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine were effective in relieving the nasal congestion associated with AR compared with placebo. This effect began as early as day 2 and was consistent and progressive throughout treatment. Desloratadine, fexofenadine, and levocetirizine are appropriate options for the treatment of nasal congestion in patients with AR.