Current medical research and opinion
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To assess the relative antidepressant efficacy of escitalopram and comparator antidepressants. ⋯ In this meta-analysis, superior efficacy of escitalopram compared to SSRIs and SNRIs was confirmed, although the superiority over SSRIs was largely explained by differences between escitalopram and citalopram.
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INDEPTH is an integrated database of five trials enrolling patients with severe sepsis. It was created to better understand safety of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) in severe sepsis, examine factors impacting management of sepsis patients, and improve design of future clinical trials. The results of safety analyses are reported. ⋯ Although SBEs occurred more often, non-bleeding SAEs (e.g., arterial thrombotic events, arrhythmias) occurred less frequently with DrotAA. Overall, incidence of SAEs was not increased with DrotAA.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
The development of new-onset type 2 diabetes associated with choosing a calcium channel blocker compared to a diuretic or beta-blocker.
It has been acknowledged that patients who receive a beta-blocker or diuretic based regimen are at increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes. Recently, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to decrease patients' odds of developing new-onset type 2 diabetes. A number of large placebo-controlled multi-center trials in post-myocardial infarction and heart failure patients have shown the ability of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system medications to reduce the onset of type 2 diabetes. Pharmacologic data has shown improved insulin sensitivity with ACEIs and ARBs. Controversy persists regarding the influence of calcium channel blockers on the development of new-onset diabetes. ⋯ Calcium channel blockers may be associated with reduced odds of developing new-onset type 2 diabetes compared to diuretics and beta-blockers.
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Meta Analysis
Meta-analysis of cannabis based treatments for neuropathic and multiple sclerosis-related pain.
Debilitating pain, occurring in 50-70% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, is poorly understood and infrequently studied. We summarized efficacy and safety data of cannabinoid-based drugs for neuropathic pain. ⋯ This review was based on a small number of trials and patients. Pain related to MS was assumed to be similar to neuropathic pain.
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To examine factors affecting the size of the HbA(1c) response to thiazolidinedione (TZD) therapy. ⋯ Baseline HbA(1c) and trial duration significantly impacted the effect size of TZD therapy on HbA(1c). Age, gender, duration of diabetes and prior use of anti-diabetic therapy were not associated with the TZD effect size.