Current medical research and opinion
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To estimate the costs and quality-adjusted life weeks of duloxetine and escitalopram. ⋯ This analysis suggests that escitalopram was more effective in terms of QALWs and less costly than duloxetine for treatment of depression.
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Topical diclofenac is widely used in the treatment of pain and inflammation. This comprehensive review assesses the safety and efficacy of topical diclofenac in a range of painful and inflammatory disorders. ⋯ This evidence-based review shows topical diclofenac to be an effective and well tolerated treatment in painful and inflammatory conditions, at least in the short-term. However, only published RCT studies have been included in this analysis, which may exclude some interesting data from non-RCT studies. Future trials of topical diclofenac need to be of longer duration, be better reported and consider a broader spectrum of acute and chronic pain indications.
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Comparative Study
Economic impact of generic substitution of lamotrigine: projected costs in the US using findings in a Canadian setting.
Generic substitution may not always save health care costs for antiepileptic drugs (AED). ⋯ Use of generic lamotrigine in Canada was significantly associated with increased overall medical costs compared to brand use. Projected overall US health care costs would likely increase as well.
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The haemostatic matrix (FloSeal) is a topical agent that provides effective haemostasis in a range of surgical applications. We evaluated this sealant for intraoperative haemostatic effectiveness in an observational series of patients undergoing surgery for the resection of primary and metastatic liver tumours. ⋯ In this prospective, uncontrolled study of 237 consecutive patients undergoing major hepatic surgery to remove primary or metastatic tumours, application of a haemostatic matrix provided rapid and effective intraoperative control of mild to severe bleeding from the liver edge, even in patients with prolonged bleeding times resulting from cirrhosis. This preliminary evidence warrants a randomised, controlled clinical trial with a larger sample size.
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To examine the prevalence of probable overactive bladder (OAB) in black, Hispanic, and white women. ⋯ OAB is prevalent among black, white, and Hispanic women. Using a simple OAB awareness tool, such as the OAB-V8, can help clinicians identify patients with bothersome OAB symptoms who could benefit from treatment. The survey results may have been limited by incorrect self-reported responses, the demographics of the population, and incomplete surveys.