Current medical research and opinion
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Case Reports
Improving swallowing function with thickening agents in post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a real-world experience.
Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a widely prevalent and possibly life-threatening consequence that may lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and higher mortality risk. Recommending thickened fluids (TF) is a longstanding practice in the management of dysphagia. Augmenting liquid viscosity with a xanthan gum-based thickener benefits patients with PSD by aiding in the enhancement of bolus control, facilitating improved coordination in the swallowing mechanism, and lowering the risk of aspiration. Despite the widespread use of TF, limited high-quality evidence supports its benefits in PSD. ⋯ In routine clinical practice, a comprehensive management approach with xanthan gum-based TFs reduces the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in patients with PSD while maintaining nutritional and hydration and improving swallowing function based on formal instrumental assessments. This clinical experience highlights the pivotal role of instrumental assessment, patient education, and informed decision-making to optimize outcomes with TF.
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The use of alirocumab and evolocumab is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, concerns remain about their long-term safety, especially with regard to new-onset or worsening diabetes mellitus (DM). We aim to assess the safety profile of alirocumab and evolocumab compared to comparator. ⋯ Alirocumab decreased adverse events leading to death. Alirocumab and Evolocumab both decreased serious adverse events. PCSK9i did not increase new onset DM however evolocumab worsened DM in the first 24 weeks of treatment. PCSK9i did not increase neurologic dysfunction, and did not elevate liver enzymes and CK, however it was associated with local injection site reaction.
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Multicenter Study
Extemporaneous combination therapy with nebivolol/ramipril for the treatment of hypertension: a real-world evidence study in Europe.
To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment adherence in European adult hypertensive patients starting treatment with the extemporaneous combination of nebivolol and ramipril (NR-EXC). ⋯ The combination of nebivolol and ramipril is frequently prescribed in Europe, but adherence to treatment is suboptimal. The transition to a single pill combination could enhance treatment adherence and streamline regimens, potentially leading to significant benefits. Improved adherence not only correlates with better blood pressure control but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, underscoring the importance of this development.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in the treatment of acute bronchitis: multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, parallel, therapeutic confirmatory clinical trial.
Acute bronchitis is the most common respiratory disease. Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup has shown good treatment efficacy against chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome compared with those of Pelargonium sidoides extract, for the treatment of acute bronchitis. ⋯ Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup is as effective and safe as P. sidoides in controlling symptoms of acute bronchitis.
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Despite pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis (OA), more individuals are choosing medical cannabis for OA symptom management and for mitigating opioid prescriptions for OA. This systematic review examines the global evidence of medical cannabis use on OA pain and function. ⋯ CRD42022354026.