Current medical research and opinion
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Comparison of bolus versus continuous infusion of propofol for procedural sedation: a meta-analysis.
To compare the efficacy and safety of bolus infusion versus continuous infusion for propofol sedation. ⋯ Propofol sedation by continuous infusion required a higher dose of propofol compared with bolus infusion, but the recovery time and frequency of complications were similar.
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The aim of this review was to assess the role of tapentadol given at medium-high doses in opioid-tolerant patients for cancer pain management in place of step-3 analgesics. ⋯ More studies are necessary to confirm the role of tapentadol in cancer patients requiring strong opioids for their pain.
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Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent form of cancer in older men and is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in men across the globe. Many therapeutic agents have been approved for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), particularly as a post-docetaxel treatment strategy. The objective of this systematic literature review was to assess published efficacy and safety data for select mCRPC therapies - such as abiraterone, cabazitaxel, and enzalutamide - in the post-docetaxel setting. ⋯ Overall, there is a growing body of evidence for post-docetaxel treatment options available in patients with mCRPC. Further head-to-head trials or indirect treatment comparisons may be a valuable method to assess the comparative efficacy of these therapies.
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There is scarce evidence comparing novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with warfarin in real-world settings in Japan. This study compared the risk of bleeding events among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) initiating treatment with NOACs versus warfarin. ⋯ Among Japanese patients with NVAF, treatment with apixaban 5/2.5 mg BID was associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding and any bleeding when compared to warfarin. Treatment with dabigatran 150/110 mg BID or rivaroxaban 15/10 mg QD was associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding, but not any bleeding, than warfarin. The potential benefit of individual NOACs in real-world practice needs to be assessed further.
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Observational Study
Healthcare costs for allergic rhinitis patients on allergy immunotherapy: a retrospective observational study.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for allergic rhinitis (AR) has been shown to control symptoms for up to several years following treatment discontinuation, but the effect of SCIT on healthcare costs for commercially insured patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare healthcare costs and resource utilization for patients with AR who received SCIT compared with those who discontinued SCIT shortly after initiation. ⋯ Continued SCIT use is associated with decreased emergency room visits and inpatient stays, decreased oral corticosteroid use, and lower respiratory-related costs, compared with early discontinuation.