Lancet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Every-other-day interferon beta-1b versus once-weekly interferon beta-1a for multiple sclerosis: results of a 2-year prospective randomised multicentre study (INCOMIN).
The three interferon beta preparations approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) differ in dose and frequency of administration. Interferon beta-1a 30 microg is administered once a week, interferon beta-1a 22 microg or 44 microg is given three times a week, and interferon beta-1b 250 microg is administered on alternate days. No clinical study directly comparing the different regimens has been published. The INCOMIN study was designed to compare the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) benefits of on-alternate-day interferon beta-1b 250 microg with once-weekly interferon beta-1a 30 microg. ⋯ High-dose interferon beta-1b administered every other day is more effective than interferon beta-1a given once a week.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Epidural anaesthesia and analgesia and outcome of major surgery: a randomised trial.
Perioperative epidural analgesia in high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery improves analgesia but does not have other morbidity or mortality benefits.
pearl -
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Efficacy of three short-course regimens of zidovudine and lamivudine in preventing early and late transmission of HIV-1 from mother to child in Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda (Petra study): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Large reductions in transmission of HIV-1 from mother to child have been achieved in more-developed countries due to the use of antiretrovirals. Short-course regimens, suitable for resource-poor countries, have also been shown to significantly reduce peripartum HIV-1 transmission. We assessed the efficacy of short-course regimens with zidovudine and lamivudine in a predominantly breastfeeding population. ⋯ Although at week 6 after birth, regimens A and B were effective in reducing HIV-1 transmission, benefits have diminished considerably after 18 months of follow-up. Introduction of short-course regimens to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 in less-developed countries should be accompanied by interventions to minimise the risk of subsequent transmission via breastfeeding.