Current medical research and opinion
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The objective of this retrospective analysis was to assess the correlation of comorbid depression and/or anxiety to patterns of treatment, healthcare utilization, and associated costs among diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP) patients, employing a large US administrative claims database. ⋯ These findings indicate that the healthcare costs were significantly higher for DPNP patients comorbid with depression and/or anxiety relative to those without such disorders.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
5% lidocaine medicated plaster versus pregabalin in post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic polyneuropathy: an open-label, non-inferiority two-stage RCT study.
To compare efficacy and safety of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster with pregabalin in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) or painful diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). ⋯ 5% lidocaine medicated plaster showed better efficacy compared with pregabalin in patients with PHN. Within DPN, efficacy was comparable for both treatments. 5% lidocaine medicated plaster showed a favourable efficacy/safety profile with greater improvements in patient satisfaction and QoL compared with pregabalin for both indications, supporting its first line position in the treatment of localized neuropathic pain.
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Multicenter Study
Relative strength of relationships of nasal congestion and ocular symptoms with sleep, mood and productivity.
Nasal congestion associated with allergic rhinitis has been shown to be the most bothersome symptom. Ocular symptoms may be troublesome to patients as well. ⋯ Although nasal congestion is generally more strongly related to the patient-reported outcomes, ocular symptoms have a significant negative effect on patients' lives. Study limitations include: (1) only baseline data were used because of greater severity and variability of symptoms scores; we are unable to establish causal relationships or discuss change, only correlation/covariation; (2) recruitment took place from September through November, thus different patients might have been recruited if sampling took place during the spring; (3) patients were screened for nasal congestion not for ocular symptoms, though there was high co-occurrence of each. These limitations aside, congestion and ocular symptoms are troublesome to patients and typically co-occur. Evaluating and treating these symptoms are key to managing allergic rhinitis and improving patient-reported outcomes.
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To examine the distribution of diabetic medications among adults with type 2 diabetes, and the association between glucose control and treatment approach in the US population. ⋯ Use of multiple oral agents among adults with type 2 diabetes has increased (sulfonylurea and metformin, p = 0.03, triple therapy, p = 0.02). However, nearly half of adults with type 2 diabetes have HbA1c levels above ADA guidelines for control, indicating that available treatments could be used more optimally, and new diabetic agents may be needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of combination therapy with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster and pregabalin in post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic polyneuropathy.
Neuropathic pain is often difficult to treat due to a complex pathophysiology. This study evaluated the efficacy, tolerability and safety of combination therapy with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster and pregabalin for neuropathic pain in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) or painful diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). ⋯ In patients with PHN and painful DPN failing to respond to monotherapy, combination therapy with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster and pregabalin provides additional clinically relevant pain relief and is safe and well-tolerated.