Plos One
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Comparative Study
A comparison between the EQ-5D and the SF-6D in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The appropriate use of generic preference-based measures determines the accuracy of disease assessment and further decision on healthcare policy using quality adjusted life years. The discriminative capacity of different instruments would differ across disease groups. Our study was to examine the difference in utility scores for COPD patients measured by EQ-5D and SF-6D and to assist the choice of a proper instrument in this disease group. ⋯ Both EQ-5D and SF-6D appeared to be valid preference-based measures in Chinese COPD patients. SF-6D was more efficient in detecting differences among subgroups with differing health status. EQ-5D and SF-6D measured different things and might not be used interchangeably in COPD patients.
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Multicenter Study
Thrombocytopenia is associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality: an international study.
Early detection of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has the potential to improve the prognosis of critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, no reliable biomarkers are currently available for accurate early detection of ARDS in patients with predisposing conditions. ⋯ This study of ICU patients in both China and US showed that thrombocytopenia is associated with an increased risk of ARDS and platelet count in combination with ARDS had a high predictive value for patient mortality.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Atomoxetine effects on executive function as measured by the BRIEF--a in young adults with ADHD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To evaluate the effect of atomoxetine treatment on executive functions in young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ⋯ Statistically significantly greater improvement in executive function was observed in young adults with ADHD in the atomoxetine versus placebo group as measured by changes in the BRIEF-A scales.
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Multicenter Study
Subject-specific increases in serum S-100B distinguish sports-related concussion from sports-related exertion.
The on-field diagnosis of sports-related concussion (SRC) is complicated by the lack of an accurate and objective marker of brain injury. ⋯ Relative and absolute increases in serum S100B can accurately distinguish SRC from sports-related exertion, and may be a useful adjunct to the diagnosis of SRC.
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Meta Analysis
Lower intensified target LDL-c level of statin therapy results in a higher risk of incident diabetes: a meta-analysis.
A recent meta-analysis has reported that intensive-dose statin drug increases the risk of incident diabetes. However, doubling of the statin dose generates only a further 6% decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) on average. This study aimed to determine whether statin therapy with lower intensive-target LDL-c level contributes to higher risk of new-onset diabetes. ⋯ A lower intensified target LDL-c level of statin therapy resulted in a higher risk of incident diabetes.