Current medical research and opinion
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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 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.