Irish journal of medical science
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Target blood pressure control in patients with type 2 diabetes should be 130/85 mmHg or less; however, it is not clear how achievable this target is in clinical practice. ⋯ Adequate blood pressure control was underachieved in this patient group underlying the difficulty in treating blood pressure to target values in patients with type 2 diabetes in the setting of outpatient diabetes clinics. A more aggressive strategy, in particular the use of multiple antihypertensive agents should be adopted.
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Comparative Study
Risperidone compared with olanzapine in a naturalistic clinical study in Ireland: a cost analysis.
Risperidone and olanzapine are thought to have similar clinical effects. This study was designed to compare costs of treatment. ⋯ Risperidone was associated with significantly lower drug treatment costs.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the Western World in those aged 65 and older. At present, several treatment modalities are utilised and several more are undergoing investigation in an attempt to retard the occurrence and progression of this devastating condition. ⋯ While no curative treatment for this condition currently exists, early recognition and treatment, if indicated, have been shown to reduce the risk of severe vision loss in patients with this condition.
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Benzodiazepines, which are commonly administered perioperatively, can depress immune function. Neutrophil apoptosis plays a central role in the regulation of inflammation. This is particularly important during and after surgery. ⋯ Administration of benzodiazepines in clinically relevant doses inhibits neutrophil apoptosis. In the perioperative period, this may influence the inflammatory response to surgery.
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Hydatid disease is rare in Ireland and its incidence and prevalence are unknown. Most cases are diagnosed by a combination of clinical findings, morphological features on imaging and by serological testing. ⋯ The diagnosis of this rare disease requires a high index of suspicion. Treatment is primarily surgical, with a role for antihelminthic agents.