Lancet
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Effectiveness and safety of ICL670 in iron-loaded patients with thalassaemia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation trial.
Transfusional iron overload is a potentially fatal complication of the treatment of thalassaemia. We aimed to investigate short-term efficacy, pharmacokinetic/pharma- codynamic (PK/PD) relations, and safety of ICL670, a novel, tridentate, orally active iron chelator. ⋯ ICL670 given once daily at 20 mg/kg seems to be an effective orally active iron chelator and is reasonably well tolerated. Long-term studies are now necessary to establish the practical contribution of this drug.
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The importance of spirituality in coping with a terminal illness is becoming increasingly recognised. We aimed to assess the relation between spiritual well-being, depression, and end-of-life despair in terminally-ill cancer patients. ⋯ Spiritual well-being offers some protection against end-of-life despair in those for whom death is imminent. Our findings have important implications for palliative care practice. Controlled research assessing the effect of spirituality-based interventions is needed to establish what methods can help engender a sense of peace and meaning.
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A series of 31 patients with probable SARS, diagnosed from WHO criteria, were treated according to a treatment protocol consisting of antibacterials and a combination of ribavirin and methylprednisolone. Through experience with the first 11 patients, we were able to finalise standard dose regimens, including pulsed methylprednisolone. ⋯ No patient required intubation or mechanical ventilation. There was no mortality or treatment morbidity in this series.