Chang Gung medical journal
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Efficacy and tolerability of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate versus fluticasone propionate in asthma patients: a randomized, double-blind study.
A combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SAL/FP) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of asthma. We compared the efficacy and tolerability of SAL/FP (50/250 μg) with fluticasone propionate (FP) 250 μg administrated twice daily for 2 weeks in treating patients with mild to moderate asthma. ⋯ SAL/FP 50/250 μg was safe and effective, and had a high level of patient satisfaction resulting in significantly greater increases in morning PEF and FEV1 compared to the use of FP 250 μg alone.
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Vertebral compression fracture is the most common complication of osteoporosis. It may result in persistent severe pain and limited mobility, and significantly impact the quality of life. Conservative therapy using external bracing, bed rest and analgesics is necessary for pain control in these patients. ⋯ Since then, vertebroplasty has been widely accepted for the treatment of vertebral osteoporotic compression fractures without neurological damage. This article summarizes the advances in vertebroplasty, and discusses the indications, technique, alternative methods, results and complications. The contents include a review of the supporting evidence to provide a comparison of the safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.