International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2010
ReviewTopical diclofenac epolamine patch 1.3% for treatment of acute pain caused by soft tissue injury.
Acute pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders is very common and has a significant negative impact on quality-of-life and societal costs. Many types of acute pain have been managed with traditional oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs). Data from prospective, randomised controlled clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance indicate that use of oral traditional NSAIDs and coxibs is associated with an elevated risk of developing gastrointestinal, renovascular and/or cardiovascular adverse events (AEs). ⋯ Several topical formulations of diclofenac have been developed. A topical patch containing diclofenac epolamine 1.3% (DETP, FLECTOR(®) Patch), approved for use in Europe in 1993, has recently been approved for use in the United States and is indicated for the treatment of acute pain caused by minor strains, sprains and contusions. In this article, we review the available clinical trial data for this product in the treatment of pain caused by soft tissue injury.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2010
ReviewThe importance of appropriate prophylaxis for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in at-risk medical patients.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses both deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, is a significant healthcare problem, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality and resource utilisation. ⋯ It is important for clinicians to have an understanding of the evidence-based literature when selecting an appropriate drug, at the appropriate dose, for the appropriate duration for VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients. VTE prophylaxis in medically ill patients is cost-effective, and drugs that are expensive may still be cost-effective when considering improved efficacy and/or safety. Recently, the underutilisation of VTE prophylaxis has led to the involvement of government and other regulatory agencies in an attempt to increase appropriate VTE prophylaxis in US hospitals and improve the clinical and economic outcomes in medical patients at risk of VTE.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2010
The effect of sporting events on emergency department attendance rates in a district general hospital in Northern Ireland.
Previous studies have reported a conflicting relationship between the effect of live and televised sporting events on attendance rates to emergency departments (ED). The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship of major sporting events on emergency department attendance rates and to determine the potential effects of such events on service provision. ⋯ This study suggests that live or televised sporting events do not significantly affect ED attendances to a DGH. However, some events appeared to be predictors of patient admission rates. Although it may be beneficial to consider the effect of sporting events on service stratification during these periods, the overall effect is probably minimal and should not create a major concern for future service provision despite the implementation of the European Working Time Directive.