Current medical research and opinion
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To investigate the risk of bleeding events and stroke/systemic embolism (SE) among Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), focusing on the initial dosage of apixaban and patient age. ⋯ Our observational data from clinical practice broadly confirms the safety and efficacy results of pivotal randomized controlled trials of apixaban for stroke prevention among NVAF patients.
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Observational Study
Initial combination therapy with vildagliptin plus metformin in drug-naïve patients with T2DM: a 24-week real-life study from Asia.
To assess the effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin/metformin initial combination therapy in drug-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ⋯ Overall, in a relatively young drug-naïve T2DM Asian study population with high baseline HbA1c and often associated with cardiovascular risk factors, vildagliptin/metformin combination therapy was associated with significant and clinically relevant HbA1c reduction from baseline. This effect was seen at week 12, was maintained over 24 weeks, and was accompanied by good tolerability.
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Current and future estimates of the burden of diabetes for the Western Pacific (WP) region are among the highest in the world. Verifying Insulin Strategy and Initial Health Outcome Analysis (VISION) was an 18 month observational study that explored treatment approaches in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating insulin in the WP region. ⋯ As high HbA1C levels indicate a delayed start of insulin therapy, timely initiation and early intensification of insulin therapy is necessary in the region to achieve adequate glycemic control in time and prevent diabetes complications. Data from PROs suggests that the insulin treatment improves QoL in most patients.
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A systematic literature review was conducted comparing different approaches estimating persistence and adherence in chronic diseases with polypharmacy of oral and subcutaneous treatments. ⋯ Decisions on what method to use should be based on considerations of the route of medication administration, the resources available, setting and aim of the assessment. Combining different methods may provide wider insights into adherence and persistence, including patient behavior.
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Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become a standard of care in patients with stages IIA, IIB, and IIIA after complete tumor resection. Utilization and outcome of AC in routine practice is described in a few studies, with non-conclusive results. ⋯ AC utilization should be based on co-operation between surgeons, pneumo-oncologists, and patients. Rational use of AC offers better survival in routine practice.