Current medical research and opinion
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To investigate the long-term efficacy of fibrate-statin combination therapy on cardiovascular events as opposed to lipid levels. ⋯ Fibrate-statin therapy in a population with mixed dyslipidaemia resulted in an improved lipid profile with few side-effects. Consistent with its effects, decreases in TG allied with modest decrease in cholesterol and an increase in HDL-C, were associated with better prognosis.
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Chronic respiratory failure (CRF) is a syndrome defined by certain disturbances in arterial blood gases. Non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is an increasingly used treatment modality in respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of NIMV on pulmonary function and survival of patients with CRF. ⋯ NIMV therapy has some important and significant benefits in patients with hypercapnic chronic respiratory failure. This study has some limitations in terms of patient selection, power analysis and survival analysis. To assess the effects of NIMV on mortality and pulmonary functions, the authors believe that there is need for prospective, controlled, multicentre studies with longer follow-up periods, improved adherence and novel ventilator modes and settings.