Current medical research and opinion
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This study examined patterns and determinants of antipsychotic prescribing in children and adolescents receiving outpatient care in the United States. ⋯ Although the findings were based on cross-sectional analyses of outpatient visit data, the study revealed that atypical antipsychotic medications are being commonly and extensively prescribed to children and adolescents despite the relatively limited scientific evidence to support their pediatric use. Well-designed studies are urgently needed in children and adolescents to address atypical antipsychotic use for a variety of psychiatric disorders.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) for relief of breakthrough pain in opioid-treated patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Short-acting opioids are commonly used to treat breakthrough pain (BTP) and rapid-onset formulations are being developed to improve the effectiveness of this approach. Fentanyl buccal tablet (FBT) is a new formulation of fentanyl that enhances transbuccal drug delivery via an effervescent reaction and may provide relatively rapid-onset analgesia. FBT was evaluated for BTP in opioid-treated patients with chronic low back pain--the first such study in a population with chronic non-cancer pain. ⋯ FBT was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of BTP in opioid-treated patients with chronic low back pain.
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To document the racial and ethnic differences in individuals' perception of their general health status assessed by preference-based measures. ⋯ This study adds to the literature of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) by providing additional empirical evidence at the US national level to demonstrate racial/ethnic differences assessed by preference-based measures. Healthcare researchers and clinicians need to be aware that Asians are more likely to perceive a higher preference-based score than Whites, given the same health and disease conditions. Subgroup analysis may be considered regarding the optimal decision making and conclusions based on cost-effectiveness analysis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cefdinir vs. cephalexin for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in adolescents and adults.
To compare the efficacy and safety of cefdinir to that of cephalexin in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (USSSI). ⋯ This study demonstrated that empiric coverage of USSSIs with cephalosporin therapy remains an appropriate clinical strategy. MRSA infections responded well in both arms of the study, suggesting that the choice of a cephalosporin did not adversely affect patient outcome. However, cephalosporins do not have accepted, clinically relevant in vitro activity against MRSA. Hence, the clinical response rates seen in this study against MRSA infections must be interpreted with caution. Cefdinir was more highly rated than cephalexin in a composite usefulness assessment.
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To provide a comprehensive overview of the various clinical trials of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) completed by Eli Lilly and Company over the past 10 years. ⋯ DrotAA is indicated for the reduction of mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis (sepsis associated with acute organ dysfunction) who have a high risk of death. DrotAA is not indicated in adult patients with severe sepsis and low risk of death. The clinical plan for DrotAA continues with a focus on tailored therapy and identifying the most appropriate patients for DrotAA treatment.