Current medical research and opinion
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Comparative Study
The economic implications of the racial and ethnic disparities in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Previous studies have examined racial and ethnic disparities in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). This study aims to examine the economic implications of these disparities. ⋯ The lower use of SSRIs among minorities compared to non-Hispanic whites is associated with lower health expenditures among minorities. SSRI may be a proxy for improved access to health care due to under-treatment of depression in general. The main limitation of this study is that its observational nature does not allow the researchers to determine whether the association between SSRI use and the increase in health expenditures is a causal effect.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Efficacy of dronabinol alone and in combination with ondansetron versus ondansetron alone for delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
To compare the efficacy and tolerability of dronabinol, ondansetron, or the combination for delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in a 5-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. ⋯ Dronabinol or ondansetron was similarly effective for the treatment of CINV. Combination therapy with dronabinol and ondansetron was not more effective than either agent alone. Active treatments were well tolerated.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Rivastigmine treatment as an add-on to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia and cognitive deficits.
Although new atypical antipsychotic agents have been found to improve overall cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia (SZ), some aspects of memory, attention and executive functions still remain impaired. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, such as rivastigmine, have been shown to improve cognition in other disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Dysfunctions in cholinergic systems, especially in the prefrontal cortex, have been identified in SZ, suggesting that cholinesterase inhibitors may be effective in treating cognitive deficits in this disease. ⋯ Rivastigmine treatment did not appear to enhance cognition in SZ patients with important cognitive impairments. This finding needs to be interpreted with care and requires substantiation with larger sample size studies with patients treated with cognitive enhancer for longer periods.
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To explore the relationship between persistence with alendronate therapy and fracture rates in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. ⋯ Study results demonstrated that non-persistence with therapy, along with previous fracture and increasing age, was associated with a greater risk of fracture.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Treatment of acute bronchitis with a liquid herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study.
The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of a herbal drug preparation from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults outside the very restricted indication for an antibiotic therapy. ⋯ EPs 7630-solution is a well tolerated and effective treatment for acute bronchitis in adults outside the very restricted indication for an antibiotic therapy.