Current medical research and opinion
-
Our aim was to evaluate the association between polypharmacy and certain physical performance measures used to assess ambulation in early-stage Alzheimer patients. ⋯ Our study demonstrated the association of polypharmacy with poor physical performance in patients with early stage Alzheimer's disease. Prospective long-term studies investigating the relationship of polypharmacy and drug subgroups with physical performance in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease would be appropriate.
-
Observational Study
Diabetes management, dietary supplements use and the effect of coronavirus pandemic on diabetes patients in Serbia: a cross-sectional study.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health challenge in Serbia, mirroring the situation in other European middle-income countries. The aims of this study were to examine the disease-related characteristics and management of diabetes, as well as the prevalence of use of dietary supplements (DS) among diabetes patients in Serbia, and to analyze the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on DM patients in Serbia. ⋯ Special caution is needed regarding the potential interactions of DS with chronic therapy. To enhance diabetes care, Serbia needs more accessible mental health support, improved diabetes education, expanded CGM availability, and carefully planned emergency healthcare measures for chronic patients.
-
Review Meta Analysis
The impact of psychedelics on patients with alcohol use disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
Critique the available systematic review and de novo assessment of the role of psychedelics in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. ⋯ The use of psychedelics to treat alcohol use disorder is promising, but the weaknesses in the literature base preclude making definitive statements about its value. Future trials with greater methodological rigor are needed.
-
Meta Analysis
Efficacy of tyrosine-kinase-2 and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors for scalp psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psoriasis of the scalp is challenging to manage. The only approved oral tyrosine kinase 2 and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors for psoriasis are deucravacitinib and apremilast. The aim of this study was to explore their efficacy for scalp psoriasis utilizing data from randomized controlled trials. ⋯ Apremilast and deucravacitinib are effective for scalp psoriasis. Deucravacitinib may be more efficient in clearing the scalp.
-
The value of patient involvement to the design, conduct, and outcomes of healthcare research is increasingly being recognized. Patient involvement also provides greater patient accessibility and contribution to research. However, the use of inaccessible and technical language when communicating with patients is a barrier to effective patient involvement. ⋯ The use of inclusive, empathetic, and clear language can encourage patients to be involved in research and, once they are involved, make them feel like equal, empowered, and valued partners. Working toward developing processes and guidelines for the use of language that enables an equal partnership between researchers and patients is critical.