Current medical research and opinion
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Review Comparative Study
Erythropoietic therapy for the treatment of anemia in patients with cancer: a valuable clinical and economic option.
Healthcare organizations must evaluate the cost effectiveness of the alternative therapies that are available to treat anemia and improve quality of life (QoL) of patients with cancer, that is, erythropoietic protein therapy and blood transfusion. ⋯ Significant costs are incurred when anemia in cancer is not treated. Erythropoietic protein therapy is more cost effective than blood transfusion for the treatment of cancer-related anemia. Transfusion should be reserved for patients with poor responses to erythropoietic protein or for the emergency setting, when rapid improvement in Hb is required.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Effect of inhaled insulin on patient-reported outcomes and treatment preference in patients with type 1 diabetes.
To compare patient-reported outcomes and treatment preference between preprandial inhaled insulin and preprandial subcutaneous (SC) insulin in the context of a clinical trial of crossover design with a primary objective of comparing HbA(1C) between groups. ⋯ Some patients desire alternatives to insulin injection. In this study 80% preferred HIIP to injected insulin. Other patients feel more comfortable with familiar insulin delivery. Healthcare providers should help patients find insulin delivery that corresponds to individual preferences.
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Comparative Study
Cost-utility comparison of escitalopram and sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
To construct a cost-utility model comparing escitalopram with sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorders. ⋯ This cost-utility model that incorporated the costs of titration and impact of side-effects comparing escitalopram 10-20 mg per day and sertraline 50-200 mg per day shows that escitalopram appeared to be less costly and produced efficacy (utility) at least as good as and maybe slightly better than that of sertraline.