Current medical research and opinion
-
To describe and compare baseline characteristics, healthcare and drug utilization, and negative clinical outcomes of commercially-insured patients diagnosed with OA of the hip and/or knee who initiated treatment on traditional oral NSAIDs (tNSAIDs), topical NSAIDs, or cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2s). ⋯ Analyses characterize the long-term real-world utilization of NSAIDs and associated outcomes for patients with OA of the hip and/or knee. Study results highlight the likelihood of switching and the risk of negative clinical outcomes associated with long-term use.
-
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a type of glucose intolerance that first manifests itself during pregnancy. A pregnant woman and her unborn child are at an increased risk of pregnancy complications and poor neonatal outcomes. Pregnancy diabetes affects one out of every 200 women. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women attending an antenatal care service in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia. ⋯ Previous adverse pregnancy outcomes were found to be the main predictors of GDM. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus should be followed after delivery in order to monitor hyper-glycemic status.
-
Observational Study
A comparison of country-level data from the VISIONARY study examining treatment outcomes with preservative-free tafluprost/timolol fixed-dose combination therapy.
Analysis and comparison of country-level data from the VISIONARY study, examining treatment outcomes with the topical fixed-dose combination of preservative-free tafluprost (0.0015%) and timolol (0.5%) (PF tafluprost/timolol FC) in adults with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT) who were insufficiently treated with or unable to tolerate either beta-blocker or prostaglandin analogue (PGA) topical monotherapy. ⋯ Subanalysis of VISIONARY study data revealed significant IOP reductions following a switch to the PF tafluprost/timolol FC from either PGA or beta-blocker topical monotherapy. Cross-country variation was likely due to baseline IOP differences. Within country, outcomes were consistent regardless of diagnosis, dosing or prior monotherapy. Treatment was generally well tolerated.
-
Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency (AADCd) is an ultra-rare genetic neurometabolic disorder caused by mutations in the DDC gene. ⋯ In terms of symptoms and healthcare resource utilization, the burden of illness of AADCd is substantial. This study provides insights into several aspects of the disease that are difficult to ascertain from published case reports.
-
The role of personalized treatment approaches, including those based on genetic testing, are increasingly enabling informed decision-making to improve health outcomes. Research involving Indigenous Australians has been lagging behind, although this population experiences a higher prevalence of chronic disease and mental health disorders. ⋯ Indigenous Australians are under-represented in pharmacogenomics research despite well-documented epidemiological research demonstrating that Indigenous people globally experience greater risk of developing certain chronic diseases and more severe disease progression. Positive outcomes from this study highlight the importance of not only involving Indigenous participants, but providing leadership and governance opportunities for future genetics research.