International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Aug 2017
Improving pharmacotherapy outcomes in patients with hepatitis C virus infection treated with direct-acting antivirals: The GRUviC project.
Pharmaceutical care is needed in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). We describe the implementation of a comprehensive pharmaceutical care programme (CPCP) for HCV-infected patients treated with DAA in a tertiary-care hospital and provide data about health outcomes and costs. ⋯ The implementation of a CPCP developed by hospital pharmacists in patients treated with DAAs for HCV infection is an effective approach that improves patient safety and education. The active involvement of the pharmacist in improving adherence to local guidelines promoted the selection of the most cost-effective treatment in the majority of cases.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Aug 2017
ReviewAnti-PCSK9 antibodies for hypercholesterolaemia: Overview of clinical data and implications for primary care.
To put data from our recent systematic review of phase 3 studies of anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) antibodies into the context of clinical practice. ⋯ Anti-PCSK9 antibodies effectively lower LDL-C levels in a broad patient population. While awaiting comprehensive data from CV outcome trials, these agents should be considered in very high risk patients, such as those in secondary prevention and those with familial hypercholesterolaemia who are already receiving maximally tolerated LLTs, have not achieved their LDL-C goal and require substantial reductions in LDL-C.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Aug 2017
Observational StudyPotentially inappropriate use of furosemide in a very elderly population: An observational study.
Little is known about furosemide prescription modalities in elderly people. We describe furosemide prescription in ambulatory elderly patients. ⋯ In this large study, long-course furosemide was prescribed in a quarter of ambulatory patients. Half of those taking furosemide suffered from severe heart failure. Age was associated with a linear increase in furosemide use and a decrease in recommended heart failure therapeutic prescriptions. A large part of these prescriptions do not seem to be in accordance with recommendations.