Current medical research and opinion
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) serves as a biologically active organ with important endocrine and inflammatory function. Review An accumulating body of evidence suggests that EAT is associated with the initiation, perpetuation, and recurrence of AF, but the precise role of EAT in AF pathogenesis is not completely elucidated. Pathophysiological mechanisms involve adipocyte infiltration, profibrotic and pro-inflammatory paracrine effects, oxidative stress, neural mechanisms, and genetic factors. ⋯ Notably, EAT accumulation seems to be associated with stroke and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in AF. Weight loss, specific medications and ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) seem to be potential therapies in this setting.
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Distal and proximal entrapment neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and cervical radiculopathy (CR) share similar etiologies. Experimental models suggest that, despite comparable etiology, pathomechanisms associated with injuries of the peripheral and central axon branches are distinct. This study therefore compared self-reported and elicited sensory profiles in patients with distal and proximal entrapment neuropathies. ⋯ While QST profiles were similar between patients with CTS and CR, self-reported pain profiles differed and may suggest distinct underlying mechanisms in these patient cohorts.
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To investigate the effects of statins on all-cause mortality risk at different low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and to compare the mortality risk between statin users and non-users with identical LDL-C levels in a type 2 diabetes cohort. ⋯ In addition to reducing LDL-C levels, statin therapy reduced all-cause mortality risk in Taiwanese patients with T2DM. Statins further reduced the mortality risk at most LDL levels. However, at low LDL-C levels, the positive effects of statins may have been nullified.
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To compare real-world adherence to and persistence with deferasirox film-coated tablets (DFX-FCT) and deferasirox dispersible tablets (DFX-DT) among patients who switched from DFX-DT to DFX-FCT, overall and by disease type (sickle cell disease [SCD], thalassemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome [MDS]). ⋯ Adherence and persistence improved significantly after switching from DFX-DT to DFX-FCT for all diseases, but especially MDS.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.4 mg single pills for treatment of Asian patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial.
To verify the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.4 mg and tamsulosin 0.2 mg compared with those of placebo in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). ⋯ Tamsulosin 0.4 mg and 0.2 mg appear to be superior to placebo treatment, and tamsulosin 0.4 mg is more effective than 0.2 mg in terms of total IPSS improvement. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg has favorable efficacy and tolerability in Asian men with symptomatic BPH. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02390882.