International journal of clinical practice
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2012
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy of folic acid supplementation in stroke prevention: new insight from a meta-analysis.
There are growing data and a continuing controversy over the efficacy of folic acid supplementation in stroke prevention. We conducted a meta-analysis based on relevant, up-to-date published randomised trials to further examine this issue. ⋯ Our analysis indicated that folic acid supplementation is effective in stroke prevention in populations with no or partial folic acid fortification. In addition, a greater beneficial effect was observed among trials with a lower percent use of statins. Our findings underscore the importance of identifying target populations that can particularly benefit from folic acid therapy.
-
To investigate the incidence of stress hyperglycaemia at first acute myocardial infarction (MI) with ST-segment elevation, occurrence of stress hyperglycaemia as a manifestation of previously undiagnosed abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT), and its relation to stress hormone levels. ⋯ Newly detected AGT in patients with a first MI is transient in 50% of cases. Stress hyperglycaemia is a common finding in patients with a first MI with ST-segment elevation and diabetes mellitus, but is rarely observed in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance or transient AGT diagnosed during the acute phase of MI. The risk factors of stress hyperglycaemia occurrence include elevated HbA(1c) , anterior MI and high admission cortisol concentration.
-
Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2012
Comparative StudyAdherence to oral second-generation antipsychotic medications in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: physicians' perceptions of adherence vs. pharmacy claims.
To compare physician-reported adherence of specific patients to oral second-generation antipsychotics vs. actual adherence rates determined from the patients' pharmacy claims. ⋯ These analyses suggest that, even when physicians are asked about specific patients in their practice, there is discordance between physician perceptions and adherence as measured through pharmacy claims. This disparity may delay appropriate interventions, potentially contributing to relapses.