Current medical research and opinion
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Lack of structural equality is a major issue to be addressed in observational studies. Their major disadvantage of these studies compared to randomized controlled trials is the vulnerability towards confounding, but they often better mirror real world patients and, therefore, entail an increased external validity. Numerous approaches have been developed to account for confounding in observational research, including multiple regression, subgroup analysis and matched cohort designs. The latter has been often described as a useful tool if large control data sets are available. ⋯ The implementation of the algorithm in the statistical software SAS offers high flexibility regarding an application to various data analysis projects. Specifically, it provides a broader range of features (e.g. diverse distance measures) when compared to other existing solutions for conducting matched cohort analyses.
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Increasing demand for reliable evidence in patient care and its delivery has necessitated the development of several approaches for generating quality evidence. In particular, the solicitation of expert opinion has been recognised as a reliable data collection method. However, there are variations and limitations in study approaches using expert opinion as a method of data collection, thereby necessitating the development of a standardised, novel consensus method. ⋯ Existing consensus methodologies have undergone significant modifications by successive authors over time, including ones contradicting core principles where an original method had been defined. The Jandhyala method for generating group consensus and awareness is unique in observing consensus and measuring awareness of subject matter across experts. The Jandhyala method also improves upon the traditional Delphi-style methodologies, through the introduction of new insights into awareness of subject matter in the expert group. A wider application of the Jandhyala method is required to corroborate findings from this research.
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Recognizing the value of anticancer treatments based on progression-free survival and overall survival may help decision making in healthcare policy. We aimed to measure and compare the impact of disease progression and terminal state prior to death on healthcare costs in HR+, HER2- ABC patients. ⋯ From the payer's perspective, more healthcare costs incurred during the progression state than terminal state in HR+, HER2- ABC patients. The impact of disease progression emphasizes the importance of effectively treating HR+, HER2- ABC patients.
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematopoietic stem cell malignancy and the most common type of leukemia, with the 5-year relative survival rate of 19% in Europe. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a slowly progressive clonal malignant disease, and a myeloproliferative disorder which is derived from biphasic hematopoietic stem cells but driven by progenitor cells. AML following CML is common, which can be caused by an antecedent myeloid malignancy, leukemogenic therapy, or without an identifiable prodrome or exposure to cytotoxic agents. However, the case of secondary chronic myeloid leukemia following acute myeloid leukemia treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is rare. ⋯ The case expands the understanding of secondary CML and emphasizes the importance of oncological vigilance in patients with secondary CML after AML therapy.
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The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in East Asian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in East Asian patients with CAD treated with PCI. ⋯ Ticagrelor was associated with a lower incidence of MACCEs and an increased risk of TIMI bleeding events in East Asian patients with CAD receiving PCI.