The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
It is apparent from published studies that corticosteroids do not prevent the development of postherpetic neuralgia. Earlier trials that indicated some benefit in both acute neuralgia and the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia are of limited use to clinicians due to problems with uncontrolled study designs, small sample sizes, and the absence of statistical analysis of the results. The lack of a consensus definition of postherpetic neuralgia, the variable agents and dosages used, and the different pain scales reported are of concern when trying to interpret the results of these studies for their clinical significance. ⋯ The patients treated in these studies were generally healthy and free of comorbid diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and psychiatric disorders, which can be exacerbated in the presence of corticosteroids. Although dissemination of herpes zoster has been reported infrequently, it remains a potential risk with use of corticosteroids. Until the results of these studies are repeated in more diverse patient populations, corticosteroids appear to have a limited role in the management of acute neuralgia associated with herpes zoster.
-
Review Comparative Study
ACE inhibitor- versus angiotensin II blocker-induced cough and angioedema.
To compare the tolerability of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors with that of angiotensin II (AII)-receptor blockers and the incidence of cough and angioedema associated with their use through review of published data. ⋯ In the 10 comparative trials described, all reported a lower incidence of cough with AII blockers than with ACE inhibitors. Angioedema was not reported in the comparative trials described.
-
Letter Clinical Trial
Comment: once-daily aminoglycoside dosing in critically ill patients.