Current medical research and opinion
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The use of alirocumab and evolocumab is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, concerns remain about their long-term safety, especially with regard to new-onset or worsening diabetes mellitus (DM). We aim to assess the safety profile of alirocumab and evolocumab compared to comparator. ⋯ Alirocumab decreased adverse events leading to death. Alirocumab and Evolocumab both decreased serious adverse events. PCSK9i did not increase new onset DM however evolocumab worsened DM in the first 24 weeks of treatment. PCSK9i did not increase neurologic dysfunction, and did not elevate liver enzymes and CK, however it was associated with local injection site reaction.
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This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of FOLFIRI and paclitaxel in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) who were previously treated with first-line modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (mDCF), or 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, docetaxel (FLOT). ⋯ Beyond progression with docetaxel-based triplet chemotherapy, FOLFIRI may be preferred as a second-line treatment over paclitaxel due to its longer mPFS and mOS.
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The occurrence of bacteremia is critically important for the survival of cancer patients. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of procalcitonin (PCT) and the procalcitonin to albumin ratio (PAR) in predicting bacteremia among this population. ⋯ This study is the first in the literature to suggest that PAR and PCT are valuable biomarkers for diagnosing bacteremia in cancer patients. The identified cut-off values offer practical thresholds for bacteremia diagnosis.
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Case Reports
Improving swallowing function with thickening agents in post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a real-world experience.
Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a widely prevalent and possibly life-threatening consequence that may lead to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and higher mortality risk. Recommending thickened fluids (TF) is a longstanding practice in the management of dysphagia. Augmenting liquid viscosity with a xanthan gum-based thickener benefits patients with PSD by aiding in the enhancement of bolus control, facilitating improved coordination in the swallowing mechanism, and lowering the risk of aspiration. Despite the widespread use of TF, limited high-quality evidence supports its benefits in PSD. ⋯ In routine clinical practice, a comprehensive management approach with xanthan gum-based TFs reduces the risk of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia in patients with PSD while maintaining nutritional and hydration and improving swallowing function based on formal instrumental assessments. This clinical experience highlights the pivotal role of instrumental assessment, patient education, and informed decision-making to optimize outcomes with TF.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in the treatment of acute bronchitis: multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, parallel, therapeutic confirmatory clinical trial.
Acute bronchitis is the most common respiratory disease. Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup has shown good treatment efficacy against chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome compared with those of Pelargonium sidoides extract, for the treatment of acute bronchitis. ⋯ Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup is as effective and safe as P. sidoides in controlling symptoms of acute bronchitis.