Irish journal of medical science
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Guidelines for the prevention of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis (CIO) have been widely published. There are no guidelines on the use of gastro-protectants with corticosteroids (CS). ⋯ There are large variations among medical specialties both in the prescription of gastro-protectant agents and in the use of measures to prevent CIO. Simpler guidelines could facilitate rational prescribing in these patients.
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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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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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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.