The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Observational Study
Adherence to 5-aminosalicylic acid maintenance treatment in young people with ulcerative colitis: a retrospective cohort study in primary care.
Maintenance treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is recommended in ulcerative colitis (UC), but accurate estimates of discontinuation and adherence in adolescents transitioning to young adulthood are lacking. ⋯ The first year of starting long-term therapies in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with UC is a critical window for active follow-up of maintenance treatment, particularly in those aged 18-24 years and those living in deprived postcodes.
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As a result of new technologies, atrial fibrillation (AF) is more likely to be diagnosed in people aged <65 years. ⋯ People aged <65 years with AF are at higher risk of developing hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes than the general population, so may warrant regular review to identify new occurrence of such risk factors.
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Observational Study
Trends in consultations and prescribing for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: an electronic primary care records study.
Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are common and generally managed in primary care through supported self-care, physiotherapy, analgesia, and specialist referral where indicated. The COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt changes in primary care delivery, including moves to remote consulting, pauses on group-based self-care, and restricted referrals. ⋯ Pandemic-associated restrictions led to fewer primary care consultations and relative increases in analgesic prescribing, including strong opioids, for RMDs in the UK. Policymakers must consider the impact of these changes in future healthcare resource planning.
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Adverse drug reaction (ADR) related to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may negatively affect patients' treatment outcomes. ⋯ This study provides information on the burden of ADR on patients and the health system. The findings call for additional monitoring and treatment strategies for patients affected by ADR to mitigate the risks of adverse clinical outcomes.
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Editorial Comment
Inequities in hypertension: we can do better ... but how?