Current medical research and opinion
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To document the racial and ethnic differences in individuals' perception of their general health status assessed by preference-based measures. ⋯ This study adds to the literature of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by providing additional empirical evidence at the US national level to demonstrate racial/ethnic differences assessed by preference-based measures. Healthcare researchers and clinicians need to be aware that Asians are more likely to perceive a higher preference-based score than Whites, given the same health and disease conditions. Subgroup analysis may be considered regarding the optimal decision making and conclusions based on cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cefdinir vs. cephalexin for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in adolescents and adults.
To compare the efficacy and safety of cefdinir to that of cephalexin in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (USSSI). ⋯ This study demonstrated that empiric coverage of USSSIs with cephalosporin therapy remains an appropriate clinical strategy. MRSA infections responded well in both arms of the study, suggesting that the choice of a cephalosporin did not adversely affect patient outcome. However, cephalosporins do not have accepted, clinically relevant in vitro activity against MRSA. Hence, the clinical response rates seen in this study against MRSA infections must be interpreted with caution. Cefdinir was more highly rated than cephalexin in a composite usefulness assessment.
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To provide a comprehensive overview of the various clinical trials of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) completed by Eli Lilly and Company over the past 10 years. ⋯ DrotAA is indicated for the reduction of mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis (sepsis associated with acute organ dysfunction) who have a high risk of death. DrotAA is not indicated in adult patients with severe sepsis and low risk of death. The clinical plan for DrotAA continues with a focus on tailored therapy and identifying the most appropriate patients for DrotAA treatment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effect of tesaglitazar, a dual PPAR alpha/gamma agonist, on glucose and lipid abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 12-week dose-ranging trial.
The Glucose and Lipid Assessment in Diabetes (GLAD) trial examined the dose-response relationship of the dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha/gamma agonist tesaglitazar in type 2 diabetic patients. ⋯ In type 2 diabetic patients, tesaglitazar dose-dependently reduced FPG levels at doses > or = 0.5 mg. Other markers of glycemic control, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and measures associated with insulin resistance were improved at doses > or = 0.5 mg or > or = 1.0 mg. Study limitations included that the majority of patients were white, patients had good glycemic control at baseline, and the increased number of early withdrawals in the tesaglitazar 2.0 mg and 3.0 mg doses limits conclusions about the efficacy of these doses. The 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg tesaglitazar doses were identified for further investigation.
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Data from two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were considered in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of a bio-adhesive plaster for topical administration containing diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Topical application of DHEP plaster was shown to be an efficacious and safe short-term treatment for symptomatic knee OA, reducing pain and increasing physical function and may be similar in efficacy to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (as indicated by relative benefit data and NNT value).