International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jul 2015
Multicenter StudyAdherence and medication utilisation patterns of fixed-dose and free combination of angiotensin receptor blocker/thiazide diuretics among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients: a population-based cohort study.
The study aimed to compare the adherence and persistence among newly diagnosed hypertensive patients using fixed-dose (FDC) and free combinations (FC) of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/thiazide diuretic using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. ⋯ Our findings suggest that use of FDC is associated with higher adherence and persistence rates than use of FC in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2015
Comparative StudyA comparison of glycaemic effects of sitagliptin and sulfonylureas in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In the USA, 45% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are elderly (≥ 65 years old). In general, use of sulfonylurea increases with patient age as does the associated risk for hypoglycaemia, and the consequences of hypoglycaemia can be more pronounced in elderly patients. Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, improves glycaemic control in adult patients of all ages with T2DM, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia when used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents that are not generally associated with hypoglycaemia when used independently. ⋯ In this analysis of elderly patients with T2DM, compared with sulfonylurea, sitagliptin provided similar glycaemic efficacy with less hypoglycaemia and with body weight loss.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2015
Observational StudyClinical intuition ratings are associated with morbidity and hospitalisation.
To evaluate how the rating of the severity of sickness - as performed by the physician, nurse and patient - is associated with hospitalisation and acute morbidity. ⋯ The first impression of severity of sickness was associated with hospitalisation and morbidity.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2015
Safety of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke including concomitant neoplastic disease sufferers - experience from Poland.
Ischaemic stroke (IS), brain haemorrhage and cerebral venous thrombosis can occur as an early and late complication of cancer in the clinical course. Cancer patients are at increased risk for stroke from direct and indirect effects of their malignancy. ⋯ Intravenous thrombolysis performed in Caucasian stroke patients with past or current neoplastic diseases, but not in the course of chemo- and radiotherapy, can be a safe and effective method of treatment. In making decision on the thrombolytic treatment, the risk of bleeding complications and the life expectancy should be assessed.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jun 2015
Vitamin K and other markers of micronutrient status in morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery.
Micronutrient deficiencies occur in morbidly obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess vitamin deficiencies prior to bariatric surgery including vitamin K about which there is little data in this population. ⋯ Micronutrient status shows differing relationships with age, gender and BMI. Vitamin K insufficiency was present in 40% and not related to deficiencies in other vitamins or micronutrients. Vitamin D and vitamin K supplementation should be considered prebariatric surgery in patients with diabetes or severe insulin resistance.