Current medical research and opinion
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.
To assess the clinical efficacy of a neurotonic component containing fixed quantities of two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and magnesium versus placebo in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders with associated functional disturbances, under usual general practice prescription conditions. ⋯ The preparation containing fixed quantities of Crataegus oxyacantha, Eschscholtzia californica, and magnesium proved safe and more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Sympathyl is produced and marketed by Laboratoire Innotech International, Arcueil, France.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol compared with fixed-dose salmeterol/fluticasone in moderate to severe asthma.
Current asthma guidelines recommend that patients are educated to adjust their medication according to their asthma severity using physician-guided self-management plans. However, many patients take a fixed dose of their controller medication and adjust their reliever medication according to asthma symptoms. ⋯ Adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol provides more effective asthma control by reducing exacerbations and reliever medication usage compared with fixed-dose salmeterol/fluticasone.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Epidural block with ropivacaine and bupivacaine for elective caesarean section: maternal cardiovascular parameters, comfort and neonatal well-being.
To determine cardiovascular effects and neonatal outcome of ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% for elective epidural caesarean section. ⋯ Both drugs produced equally satisfactory epidural block. Although ropivacaine 0.75% resulted in a greater decrease of maternal heart rate, this effect did not influence neonatal well-being. Both ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.5% can therefore be recommended for epidural anaesthesia in elective caesarean section.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Impact of tranexamic acid vs. aprotinin on blood loss and transfusion requirements after cardiopulmonary bypass: a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial.
Aprotinin (AP) reduces blood loss and transfusions after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but may sensitise patients and is expensive. Tranexamic acid (TA) has less side-effects, but data regarding its efficacy are controversial. The aim of our prospective, randomised, double-blind study was to compare the impact of AP vs. TA on drainage blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing first time CABG on CPB. ⋯ Our data show a difference in blood loss between TA and high-dose AP. Although statistically significant, it has little clinical relevance, because perioperative transfusion requirements were similar for both groups. Thus, TA appears to be a cost-effective alternative to AP in primary CABG patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Radiotherapy plus either transdermal fentanyl or paracetamol and codeine for painful bone metastases: a randomised study of pain relief and quality of life.
To compare the effects of providing analgesia with either transdermal fentanyl (TTS-fentanyl) or paracetamol and codeine (P/C) in addition to radiotherapy in patients with metastatic bone pain. ⋯ Transdermal fentanyl combined with R/T was more effective in reducing metastatic bone pain and resulted in greater improvements in quality of life than paracetamol and codeine.