Clinical interventions in aging
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This study aimed to determine the safety of diclofenac sodium topical solution 1.5% (w/w) in 45.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (TDiclo) for the treatment of knee or hand osteoarthritis in persons aged 75 years or older. ⋯ TDiclo appears to be well tolerated for the treatment of osteoarthritis in persons aged 75 years or older.
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As osteoporotic fractures are becoming a major health care problem in countries characterized by an increasing number of older adults, in this study we aimed to compare the incidence and costs of hip fragility fractures in Italian elderly people versus those of major cardiovascular diseases (strokes and acute myocardial infarctions [AMI]) occurring in the whole adult population. ⋯ The burden of hip fragility fractures in Italy is comparable to that of AMI and strokes.
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Average life expectancy has increased over the past century, leading to a larger proportion of elderly in the population. Comorbidity and dependence increases with age, and recent data have shown that the number of elderly patients admitted to intensive care is increasing. This has implications for the availability of health care for these patients, as health care is a finite resource. ⋯ Compared to the results of previous studies, an increase in the number of medical treatments in the intensive care units of patients aged over 90 years over the study period could not be found.
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Clinical Trial
Minimally invasive treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with a novel interspinous spacer.
To assess the safety and effectiveness of a novel, minimally invasive interspinous spacer in patients with moderate lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). ⋯ Moderate LSS can be effectively treated with a minimally invasive interspinous spacer. This device is appropriate for select patients who have failed nonoperative treatment measures for LSS and meet strict anatomical criteria.
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Taken once a year, intravenous zoledronic acid (Zol) (Reclast® or Aclasta®) is a third-generation nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is effective compared with placebo in reducing the risk of fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and recent low-trauma hip fracture. In glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, there is no significant difference between Zol and risedronate for new fractures. ⋯ Zol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. Vitamin D deficiency should be corrected before the administration of Zol.