Current medical research and opinion
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The addition of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) to the standard of care, consisting of soft tissue management and intramedullary nailing, in the BMP-2 Evaluation in Surgery for Tibial Trauma (BESTT) study led to a significantly better outcome for the patient. Reductions in fracture healing time, secondary interventions for delayed fracture healing and infection rates were observed with 1.50 mg/mL rhBMP-2 compared with the standard of care alone. In Germany the approximate cost of applying one dose of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to an open tibial fracture is euro2970. ⋯ A sound economic model to assess the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of rhBMP-2 is required. Using medical data from the BESTT study the differences in fracture healing time, in reduction of secondary interventions for fracture healing and infection treatment can be transferred into economic savings. It is anticipated that the overall savings that can be achieved by rhBMP-2 treatment in open tibia fractures, offset the upfront price of rhBMP-2 and lead to net savings for health insurance companies.
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Delayed healing and non-union remain common problems in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures. Additional surgical treatments may be required to facilitate healing. The efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), as an adjunct to the standard of care, has been investigated in the BMP-2 Evaluation in Surgery for Tibial Trauma (BESTT) study. ⋯ In a subgroup analysis of 131 patients with Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIA or IIIB open tibial fractures, using data combined from the BESTT study and a study conducted at 10 level I US trauma centres, a significant reduction in the incidence of secondary autologous bone graft procedures was observed with 1.50 mg/mL rhBMP-2 compared with the standard of care (p = 0.0005). The influence of fracture gap on the re-operation rate has also been examined in the BESTT study. In the 1.50 mg/mL rhBMP-2 group, patients with a 0 mm fracture gap had significantly less re-operations compared with those patients with a greater than 2 mm gap (p = 0.048).
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Review
Impact of long-term use of opioids on quality of life in patients with chronic, non-malignant pain.
The use of opioids in the management of non-malignant pain remains controversial. For many physicians, pain relief stemming from opioid use is not enough unless there is also a noticeable change in quality of life (QoL) and patient functioning. The impact of long-term opioid treatment on patients' QoL has been investigated in a limited number of trials, and these studies differ considerably with respect to their design and principal findings. This systematic review presents the results of these studies. ⋯ There is both moderate/high- and low-quality evidence suggesting that long-term treatment with opioids can lead to significant improvements in functional outcomes, including QoL, in patients with chronic, non-malignant pain. However, further methodologically rigorous investigations are required to confirm the long-term QoL benefit of opioid treatment in these patients, and to elucidate the effect of physical tolerance, withdrawal and addiction, which are all associated with long-term use of opioids, on patients' functional status.
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Stress urinary incontinence is the most prevalent form of urinary incontinence. In spite of its significant negative impact on quality of life less than one-third of patients in the UK present with symptoms to their GP. The current mainstay treatment is pelvic floor exercises. ⋯ This article profiles current treatments and the place of an oral agent in stress urinary incontinence. This review article includes papers that were retrieved through PubMed using search criteria 'stress urinary incontinence', 'management' and the specific therapy area, e.g. tension-free vaginal tape. The main guidance of the Department of Health (London, UK) and associated bodies was also used.
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Review Meta Analysis
A treatment for allergic rhinitis: a view on the role of levocetirizine.
Allergic rhinitis is a significant public health concern in many developed countries. However, despite evidence for a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) including sleep disruption and reduced daytime performance, allergic rhinitis remains under-managed and hence poorly controlled. This is largely owing to lack of knowledge about, and poor adherence to, established treatment guidelines. ⋯ These findings support both the short-term and long-term use of levocetirizine in the clinical management of allergic rhinitis. The World Health Organization (WHO) ARIA Guidelines (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma), recommend using a combination of a non-sedating antihistamine with a decongestant, or glucocorticosteroids for treating allergic rhinitis - with the order and combination of treatment depending on severity and duration of symptoms.