International journal of clinical practice. Supplement
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Diabetes mellitus has reached epidemic proportions worldwide as we enter the new millennium. The World Health Organization (WHO) has commented there is 'an apparent epidemic of diabetes which is strongly related to lifestyle and economic change'. Over the next decade the projected number will exceed 200 million, possibly reaching 250 million persons. ⋯ Neuropathy, both peripheral and autonomic, with principal manifestations in the lower limbs 2. Microvascular disease, mainly affecting the retina and kidney, resulting in blindness and renal failure 3. Macrovascular disease, presenting with atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries causing ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease causing stroke and peripheral vascular disease contributing to diabetic gangrene.
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Alendronate is a potent bisphosphonate that is effective in preventing osteoporotic fractures. Clinical trial data involving over 17,000 women provide a large, placebo-controlled experience from which alendronate has been demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated. We review the safety profile of alendronate in the context of its pharmacology, preclinical information and published literature on bisphosphonates. ⋯ There were no other laboratory changes noted with alendronate. Now marketed in 78 countries and used by over 3 million women, the safety profile of alendronate, when dosed appropriately, has been consistent with that of the clinical trial experience. In view of the increased morbidity and mortality associated with fractures, and the proven efficacy of alendronate to reduce fracture risk, the benefit/risk ratio of alendronate remains highly favourable.
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There have been many attempts to provide a uniform definition for the diagnosis of sepsis that can be used for research and clinical purposes. Several definitions are too broad and, as a result, clinicians are unable to direct appropriate therapies to patients. Disappointing immunomodulatory trials have led many researchers to the conclusion that the current diagnostic criteria of sepsis fails to identify patients who could benefit from immunomodulatory therapies. ⋯ However, because common clinical signs of systemic inflammation are neither specific nor sensitive for sepsis, other markers may be helpful. Markers of the systemic inflammatory response to infection could include cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1, 6 and 8 and the propeptide procalcitonin. As well as identifying patients who may benefit from pro- or anti-inflammatory therapies, these markers may gauge the extent of the inflammatory response and could be used for monitoring the immune status of the patient.
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Int J Clin Pract Suppl · Apr 1998
The role of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neurone disease community in health-care resourcing.
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease (ALS/MND) Associations operate in the same financially constrained environment as everyone else. Increasing competition for limited health-care resources means that we are having to become better at competing for them on behalf of people affected by ALS/MND. This paper highlights the problems associated with making a case for ALS/MND, explores a range of method available to us, and illustrates using examples the recent activities undertaken by the UK MND Association.