Current medical research and opinion
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Iron deficiency and particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can lead to negative health consequences. This review describes the importance of adherence and persistence (adhering to treatment for the recommended duration) with iron replacement therapy in the prevention of complications, particularly regarding its recommended dosing schedule. ⋯ Proper adherence and persistence with iron supplementation may prevent or reduce the risk of complications of iron deficiency and IDA.
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Comparative Study
Effectiveness and safety of micronized purified flavonoid fraction for the treatment of concomitant varicose veins of the pelvis and lower extremities.
Concomitant varicose veins of the pelvis (VVP) and lower extremities (VVLE) frequently coexist. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in the treatment of patients with both conditions. ⋯ Phlebotropic treatment with MPFF is an effective and safe method of conservative therapy in patients with concomitant VVP and VVLE.
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Guidelines recommend primary prophylactic use of colony-stimulating factor (PP-CSF) when risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) - based on chemotherapy and patient risk factors - is high. Whether and how PP-CSF use may have changed over time (e.g. due to guideline revisions, increasing use of myelosuppressive regimens, controversy regarding inappropriate CSF use), and whether there has been a concomitant change in the incidence of FN, is unknown. ⋯ Although the use of PP-CSF is commonplace in current US clinical practice, underutilization in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy regimens with an intermediate/high risk for FN may still be an issue. Use of same-day PP-CSF increased markedly from the end of 2015, although this finding reflects (at least in part) increased uptake of pegfilgrastim delivered via an on-body injector as well as the recent change in clinical practice guidelines. Overall, patients receiving PP-CSF appear to have a lower risk of FN during the first cycle of chemotherapy.
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Comparative Study
How does the Cox maze procedure compare? Cost-effectiveness analysis of alternative treatments of atrial fibrillation.
Data related to the cost effectiveness of surgical interventions and catheter ablation is sparse. This model-based analysis assessed the clinical and economic trade-offs involved in using catheter ablation or the Cox maze procedure in treating patients with atrial fibrillation. ⋯ At a societal willingness to pay of $100,000/QALY, Cox maze procedure was found to both increase overall and quality-adjusted survival and constitute an effective use of resources in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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The Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) 2010 was used to identify gout cases and their number of gout flares. ⋯ In conclusion, patients with frequent gout flares had higher healthcare utilization and gout-related healthcare costs. Colchicine + NSAIDs are commonly used therapy for gout flare.