Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Impact of tranexamic acid vs. aprotinin on blood loss and transfusion requirements after cardiopulmonary bypass: a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial.
Aprotinin (AP) reduces blood loss and transfusions after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but may sensitise patients and is expensive. Tranexamic acid (TA) has less side-effects, but data regarding its efficacy are controversial. The aim of our prospective, randomised, double-blind study was to compare the impact of AP vs. TA on drainage blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing first time CABG on CPB. ⋯ Our data show a difference in blood loss between TA and high-dose AP. Although statistically significant, it has little clinical relevance, because perioperative transfusion requirements were similar for both groups. Thus, TA appears to be a cost-effective alternative to AP in primary CABG patients.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Use of the lidocaine patch 5% in reducing intensity of various pain qualities reported by patients with low-back pain.
To determine the impact of the lidocaine patch 5% on pain qualities associated with low-back pain (LBP) through use of the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS). ⋯ In patients with moderate-to-severe LBP, 2 weeks and 6 weeks of treatment with the lidocaine patch 5% significantly reduces the intensity of pain qualities as measured by all 4 NPS composite measures. Lidocaine patch 5% is well tolerated with few systemic AEs and may provide beneficial pain relief for patients receiving multidisciplinary treatment without increasing risks for adverse drug interactions. Pain scales such as the NPS offer the ability to measure various pain qualities experienced by LBP patients and may allow clinicians to assess the treatment impact of different medications.
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To study the local and systemic levels of the tumour necrosis factor-alpha in patients with active uveitis and to determine the implication of TNF-alpha in rheumatological uveitis and to observe if this relationship is more significant in the B27 positive patients. ⋯ The concentration of TNF-alpha in aqueous humour in patients who are HLA-B27 positive is significantly greater than in those who are B27 negative. No significant differences in the concentrations of TNF-alpha in serum or aqueous humour in patients with or without rheumatic diseases were detected. TNF-alpha is a cytokine that may participate actively in the pathogenesis of clinical uveitis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Clinical efficacy of controlled-release oxycodone 20 mg administered on a 12-h dosing schedule on the management of postoperative pain after breast surgery for cancer.
To assess clinical efficacy of controlled-release oxycodone (CRO) 20 mg on a 12-h dosing schedule in this prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study of 40 ASA physical status I-III women undergoing breast surgery for cancer. ⋯ The administration of CRO 20 mg on a 12-h dosing schedule halves postoperative IV PCA opioid consumption. CRO 20mg is effective in preventing pain after breast surgery for cancer with only mild side-effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.
To assess the clinical efficacy of a neurotonic component containing fixed quantities of two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium versus placebo in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders with associated functional disturbances, under usual general practice prescription conditions. ⋯ The preparation containing fixed quantities of Crataegus oxyacantha, Eschscholtzia californica, and magnesium proved safe and more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Sympathyl is produced and marketed by Laboratoire Innotech International, Arcueil, France.