Current medical research and opinion
-
To assess the relative safety of oral tapentadol PR and other opioid analgesics for moderate or severe chronic pain in adults, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). ⋯ RCT evidence suggests that tapentadol can be a useful treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain and in need of an opioid analgesic. Opioids should be prescribed by a qualified physician only after other analgesics have been considered, taking side effects and misuse risk into account.
-
Diabetes is associated with progression to severe COVID-19. The objective of this study was to estimate to what extent the increased risk among people with diabetes could impact the secondary care costs of COVID-19 throughout Europe during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic from January to June 2020. ⋯ This study highlights the importance of a greater focus on prevention and adequate treatment of diabetes and the need for special attention to avoid infection with COVID-19 to the extent possible among those already diagnosed with diabetes.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Single inhaler triple therapy (FF/UMEC/VI) versus FF/VI and UMEC/VI in patients with COPD: subgroup analysis of the China cohort in the IMPACT trial.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in China. In the IMPACT trial, fluticasone furoate[FF]/umeclidinium[UMEC]/vilanterol[VI] single-inhaler triple therapy demonstrated lower rates of moderate/severe exacerbations than dual therapy with FF/VI or UMEC/VI in patients with symptomatic COPD and a history of exacerbations. This analysis investigates the China cohort and its consistency with the overall ITT population. ⋯ Single-inhaler triple therapy with FF/UMEC/VI versus FF/VI or UMEC/VI reduced the rate and risk of exacerbations, and improved lung function and health status in the China cohort similar to the overall ITT population. No new safety signals were identified.
-
To identify and evaluate the Spanish diabetes mellitus type 2 patients' preferences on injection and medication frequency and complexity of the treatment of diabetes. Additionally, patients' willingness to pay is evaluated. ⋯ This study shows that patients highly value the avoidance of injections, with weekly dosing clearly preferred over daily dosing. Of the other attributes, a 'no preparation required' dose is clearly preferred over a 'simple preparation' dose. These findings may provide a better understanding of what patients prefer and value in their treatment and provide guidance for clinicians making therapeutic decisions regarding T2DM treatments.
-
Observational Study
Patient perspectives on the use of half-unit insulin pens by people with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional observational study.
Half-unit pens offer the ability to dose insulin more precisely. Information about half-unit pen use and evidence of their benefits and drawbacks is limited. This study aims to characterize people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who have used (current/former = EVER) vs. those who have never used half-unit pens (NEVER users) and to understand their perspective. ⋯ Half-unit insulin pen is perceived as an insulin device that may help people with T1D to avoid hypo- and hyperglycemic events and decrease their level of disease worry and anxiety. This study highlights the need for patients and health care providers to understand the benefits of half-unit pens while considering options for individualized diabetes management.