Current medical research and opinion
-
To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of real-world evidence comparing adherence, persistence, cost, and utilization between oral anticoagulant (OAC) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. ⋯ The current findings, despite multiple limitations, can raise awareness and understanding of real-world persistence associated with OAC therapy in NVAF patients.
-
Paracetamol has an established place in the management of mild-to-moderate pain, but has certain limitations, including varying bioavailability, and potential hepatotoxicity if taken in overdose. Effervescent formulations may help to overcome these limitations. ⋯ Effervescent formulations of paracetamol result in faster drug absorption, and hence more rapid analgesia, than oral tablets, and offer a favorable tolerability and safety profile. The use of such formulations may therefore help to promote appropriate use of paracetamol.
-
In March 2020, COVID-19 infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been declared to be a global pandemic, where its complications, severity and mortality are reported to be due to the released inflammatory cytokines or the so-called cytokine storm. This is quite similar to that observed in the autoimmune and chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Also, many researchers are currently working to explore therapeutic agents that could aid in the eradication of COVID-19 infection. Due to the similarity between the inflammation status in COVID-19 and RA, many anti-rheumatic drugs such as hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, baricitinib and anakinra were proposed to be therapeutic modalities for COVID-19 infection.
-
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following surgery, and may be one of the most distressing parts of the surgical journey. With combination pharmacological therapy recommended for PONV prophylaxis, this systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates whether perioperative palonosetron and dexamethasone is more efficacious than palonosetron administered alone. ⋯ Combination prophylaxis with palonosetron and dexamethasone reduces post-operative anti-emetic requirement, although is not associated with a significant difference in PONV. There was considerable heterogeneity in the studies, and trial sequential analysis indicates that further studies are needed to strengthen the clinical evidence.
-
To develop algorithms to identify metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) patients and castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients, using health claims data and laboratory test results. ⋯ Comprehensive algorithms based on claims and laboratory data were developed to identify and distinguish patients with mCSPC and mCRPC. This will facilitate appropriate identification of mCSPC and mCRPC patients based on health claims data and better understanding of patient unmet needs in real-world settings.