Clinical drug investigation
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Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to relieve primary headaches, myofascial pain and various neuropathic pains. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder resulting from median nerve compression at the wrist. As reports of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of CTS were limited, this study set out to evaluate the safety and tolerability of botulinum toxin A and its effects on the relief of nerve entrapment and pain in patients with CTS. ⋯ Our data suggest long-lasting antinociceptive effects of botulinum toxin A rather than electrophysiological restoration in patients with CTS. Intracarpal injection of botulinum toxin A was shown to be well tolerated and safe. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of botulinum toxin A in CTS is warranted since the current study may have been confounded by the placebo effect of intracarpal injection.
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To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with diluted porcine surfactant in mechanically ventilated term infants with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). ⋯ BAL with dilute porcine surfactant administered slowly in 2.5 mL aliquots improved oxygenation and chest x-ray findings, without causing major adverse effects, in mechanically ventilated term infants with ARDS due to MAS.
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A 62-year-old man with no drug allergies was admitted for coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperatively, metoclopramide was commenced for the treatment of gastroparesis. Ten days after the drug was initiated a purpuric rash was noticed on his lower limbs. ⋯ The rash later began to subside upon discontinuation of metoclopramide. A rechallenge was not attempted for ethical reasons. In conclusion, metoclopramide was considered to be the causative agent of this rash as it subsided after the discontinuation of metoclopramide.
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To determine the effect of oseltamivir (75mg twice daily) on time to return to baseline health, sleep and activity in patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. ⋯ In otherwise healthy adults, oseltamivir reduces the time to return to pre-illness levels of health, sleep and activity, and may help to decrease the overall burden of influenza on society. This provides an important rationale for the early use of antiviral treatment, such as oseltamivir, for the treatment of influenza in otherwise healthy adults and adolescents.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Analgesic efficacy and safety of lornoxicam quick-release formulation compared with diclofenac potassium: randomised, double-blind trial in acute low back pain.
NSAIDs are widely used for patients presenting with low back pain. A quick-release formulation of lornoxicam, a potent NSAID from the chemical class of oxicams, offers a faster onset of pain relief compared with the standard tablet formulation. ⋯ Lornoxicam administered as a quick-release formulation was shown to be non-inferior to the equivalent formulation of diclofenac potassium in terms of onset of pain relief and more effective on most of the major standard efficacy outcomes.