Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyTolerability of a salmeterol xinafoate/fluticasone propionate hydrofluoroalkane metered-dose inhaler in adolescent and adult patients with persistent asthma: a 52-week, open-label, stratified, parallel-group, multicenter study.
Many patients with asthma require an inhaled long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA) in addition to an inhaled corticosteroid to adequately control their disease. ⋯ BID doses of SFC hydrofluoroalkane 50/100 pg, 50/250 pg, and 50/500 pg administered via MDI for 52 weeks were well tolerated in this population of adolescents and adults with persistent asthma.
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Clinical therapeutics · Jul 2007
Influence of antiretroviral therapy on oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk: a prospective cross-sectional study in HIV-infected patients.
Oxidative stress (OS) results from excessive free radical production, exceeding endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms, which can damage a wide variety of cellular components. One of the main consequences is the attack of free radicals on polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) lipids, causing lipid peroxidation and subsequent elevated concentrations of lipid peroxides and their metabolites, which are strongly suggestive of oxidative damage. OS is increased among HIV-infected patients, but whether it implicates a higher risk for cardiovascular disease or the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on OS remains unknown. ⋯ The results from this study suggest that, among this cohort of HIV-infected patients, peroxide concentration used as a marker of OS was associated with other established cardiovascular risk factors. Antiretroviral regimens based on NNRTIs were associated with low peroxide concentrations. In contrast, high peroxide levels were found in patients receiving PI-based regimens.
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Clinical therapeutics · Jul 2007
Comparative StudyCost-effectiveness of a lidocaine 5% medicated plaster relative to gabapentin for postherpetic neuralgia in the United Kingdom.
Approximately 50% of elderly patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) after herpes zoster infection (shingles). A lidocaine 5% medicated plaster marketed in the United Kingdom in January 2007 has been shown to be an effective topical treatment for PHN with minimal risk of systemic adverse effects. ⋯ This study found that the lidocaine 5% medicated plaster was a cost-effective alternative to gabapentin for PHN patients who were intolerant to TCAs and in whom analgesics were ineffective, from the perspective of the NHS.
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Clinical therapeutics · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyA 2-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, add-on study of the effects of titration on tolerability of tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablet in Korean adults with knee osteoarthritis pain.
Combined tramadol/acetaminophen is used to treat pain related to osteoarthritis. However, adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation can occur. Dose titration may decrease the risk for AEs. ⋯ In this population of Korean patients with knee osteoarthritis pain managed with a stable dose of NSAIDs, titration of tramadol/acetaminophen over 12 days was associated with improved tolerability and a significantly lower discontinuation rate compared with nontitration. Both regimens significantly reduced from baseline associated with osteoarthritis.
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Clinical therapeutics · Jul 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEfficacy and tolerability of adding prescription omega-3 fatty acids 4 g/d to simvastatin 40 mg/d in hypertriglyceridemic patients: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Patients with elevated serum triglyceride (TG) levels often have elevations in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels as well. The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) has identified non-HDL-C as a secondary therapeutic target in these patients, but treatment goals may not be reached with statin monotherapy alone. ⋯ In these adult, mainly white patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, P-OM3 plus simvastatin and dietary counseling improved non-HDL-C and other lipid and lipoprotein parameters to a greater extent than simvastatin alone.