Current medical research and opinion
-
Data from two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were considered in order to investigate the efficacy and safety of a bio-adhesive plaster for topical administration containing diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Topical application of DHEP plaster was shown to be an efficacious and safe short-term treatment for symptomatic knee OA, reducing pain and increasing physical function and may be similar in efficacy to oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (as indicated by relative benefit data and NNT value).
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Cefdinir vs. cephalexin for mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections in adolescents and adults.
To compare the efficacy and safety of cefdinir to that of cephalexin in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections (USSSI). ⋯ This study demonstrated that empiric coverage of USSSIs with cephalosporin therapy remains an appropriate clinical strategy. MRSA infections responded well in both arms of the study, suggesting that the choice of a cephalosporin did not adversely affect patient outcome. However, cephalosporins do not have accepted, clinically relevant in vitro activity against MRSA. Hence, the clinical response rates seen in this study against MRSA infections must be interpreted with caution. Cefdinir was more highly rated than cephalexin in a composite usefulness assessment.
-
To provide a comprehensive overview of the various clinical trials of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) completed by Eli Lilly and Company over the past 10 years. ⋯ DrotAA is indicated for the reduction of mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis (sepsis associated with acute organ dysfunction) who have a high risk of death. DrotAA is not indicated in adult patients with severe sepsis and low risk of death. The clinical plan for DrotAA continues with a focus on tailored therapy and identifying the most appropriate patients for DrotAA treatment.
-
This pilot, uncontrolled, open-label study evaluated the safety/tolerability and potential effectiveness of OROS-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ⋯ This uncontrolled, open-label trial suggests that OROS-MPH is well tolerated, providing core symptom control with the added benefit of improving executive function. However, future larger, randomized, controlled trials are required.
-
A pooled analysis of randomized clinical trials data was performed to compare the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular events (thrombotic events) in patients taking the COX-2 selective inhibitor (coxib) etoricoxib, a traditional NSAID, or placebo. ⋯ There was no discernible difference in the incidence of thrombotic events in patients treated with etoricoxib versus non-naproxen traditional NSAIDs in this limited dataset. A trend toward more events with etoricoxib versus naproxen was observed. Despite the limited dataset available for this pooled analysis, these results are consistent with findings for other coxibs.