Current medical research and opinion
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Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation improves outcomes in advanced heart failure, however, the optimal frequency of outpatient assessments to improve cost-effectiveness and potentially avert readmissions is unclear. ⋯ An initial IFU strategy, followed by a period of de-escalation at the 6-month post-implant mark in lower-risk patients, may be a more cost-effective strategy to provide follow-up care while not predisposing patients to a higher risk of readmission.
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To evaluate and compare patient and neurologist preferences for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) treatments with respect to benefits and risks associated with common and novel disease-modifying therapies, including brain volume loss (BVL). ⋯ This study highlights similarities in treatment preferences for non-highly-active RRMS among patients and neurologists and differences in neurologists' preferences for treating non-highly-active vs. highly active RRMS. This research identifies BVL as a treatment outcome that should be discussed when physicians engage in shared decision-making with patients.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of empirical anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT) in patients with massive pericardial effusion (MPE) of unknown etiology in China. ⋯ Empirical ATT should be considered in MPE of unknown etiology in countries with a high burden of TB.
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High-flow nasal cannula is a non-invasive ventilation system that was introduced as an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure), with a marked increase in its use in pediatric care settings. However, the expected budget impact of this intervention has not been explicitly estimated. This study aimed to evaluate the budget impact of the high-flow nasal cannula for acute bronchiolitis in Colombia. ⋯ High-flow nasal cannula was cost-saving in emergency settings for treating infants with acute bronchiolitis. This evidence can be used by decision-makers in our country to improve clinical practice guidelines and should be replicated to validate their results in other middle-income countries.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cancers in a variety of anatomic sites presenting at various stages of disease. Current economic assessments rely on HPV-related cancer cost estimates from data prior to the launch of the nonavalent HPV vaccine (2014). The goal of the present study was to assess and describe the current direct medical care burden of HPV-related cancers in the US. ⋯ HPV-related cancers are responsible for substantial health care expenditure each year.