Current medical research and opinion
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In this study, we investigated the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), medical expenses and clinical outcomes since the initiation of national health insurance coverage in Taiwan. ⋯ This study explored three important issues related to DAAs: drug utilization, medical expenses and clinical outcomes following the insurance coverage by using the National Health Insurance Database. Cases were divided into three groups based on the treatment type: traditional treatment (interferon, INF), new drug treatment (DAA) and INF-experienced (INF followed by DAA). After the adjustment of various personal and hospital factors, the DAA group and INF-experienced group had significantly lower rehospitalization rates, and the DAA group had a significantly lower risk of liver function disorders, compared to the interferon group. There was a lower chance of rehospitalization and lower liver function disorder rates with longer treatment.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of baloxavir marboxil versus neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment of influenza virus infection in high-risk and uncomplicated patients - a Bayesian network meta-analysis.
Previous network meta-analysis (NMA) demonstrated advantageous or similar efficacy of baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) over neuraminidase inhibitors in otherwise healthy (OwH) influenza patients. This analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of baloxavir in the subgroup of high-risk (HR) patients and in the population of uncomplicated influenza consisting of OwH and HR patients with influenza. ⋯ Conclusions: Baloxavir was significantly more effective than placebo regarding all outcomes except for the risk of pneumonia. Besides, baloxavir was associated with similar clinical efficacy and safety, and superior antiviral activity compared to other antivirals in HR patients, as well as in the entire population of uncomplicated patients with influenza.
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The aim of this study was to review clinical evidence supporting the use of fixed-dose combination of tiotropium and olodaterol, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β2-agonist (LABA), respectively, as the initial and follow-up treatment choice in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020 recommendations-the impact of this treatment strategy on the reduction in the risk of exacerbations-and the importance of early therapeutic interventions. ⋯ The early stages of COPD may represent a "window of therapeutic opportunity" during which initiation of tiotropium and olodaterol dual bronchodilator therapy may improve lung function and quality of life and reduce exacerbations in patients with COPD.
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To describe the radiological features of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and to explore the significant signs that indicate severity of disease. ⋯ Consolidation, pure GGO and multifocal distribution on a CT scan were associated with severe COVID-19. The dandelion and focal crazy paving signs indicate mild COVID-19.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The burden of musculoskeletal pain and the role of topical Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in its treatment. Ten underpinning statements from a global pain faculty.
This document presents the conclusions of a detailed discussion on the role of topical NSAIDs during a round table Global Pain Faculty meeting held in Amsterdam in 2019 and subsequent discussions online. The aim of this evidence-based document is to describe the impact of musculoskeletal pain both in terms of the large numbers of sufferers and its economic impact. The document considers the place of topical therapies alongside other pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments and presents the evidence for the benefits and harms of topical NSAIDS including indicators of efficacy for three main topical NSAIDs- diclofenac, ibuprofen and ketoprofen - based on almost 15,000 participants in randomized controlled trials for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. ⋯ Randomized controlled trial evidence suggests that adverse events for active topical NSAIDs are similar to placebo. Finally the gaps in knowledge are considered with suggestions on how further research might help. The global pain faculty was brought together by GSK under an unrestricted educational grant.