Current medical research and opinion
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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.
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Meta Analysis
Remission, dropouts, and adverse drug reaction rates in major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of head-to-head trials.
To summarize remission rates and dropouts due to adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or lack of efficacy (LoE) of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in treating major depressive disorder. ⋯ SNRIs had the highest efficacy remission rates (statistically significant for inpatients and outpatients), and the lowest overall dropout rates, suggesting clinical superiority in treating major depression.
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To better understand the effects of drotrecogin alfa (activated) (DrotAA) in severe sepsis patients, and the natural progression of severe sepsis, by creating a database of severe sepsis patients using the appropriate statistical analysis methods to integrate data from various trials. ⋯ A robust severe sepsis database was developed which will be suitable for future studies on the progression of severe sepsis and the mechanism of action of DrotAA. Initial analysis of data from INDEPTH provides additional evidence that treatment of severe sepsis patients with DrotAA is associated with a sustained survival advantage throughout 28-day follow-up.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Cost effectiveness of duloxetine compared with venlafaxine-XR in the treatment of major depressive disorder.
To determine the cost effectiveness of duloxetine, a new serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, when compared with venlafaxine-XR in treating major depressive disorder. ⋯ Differences in pharmacoeconomic outcomes found were modest, but in all cases, favoured venlafaxine-XR over duloxetine. Therefore, a possible advantage may exist at the population level in the treatment of major depressive disorder in Canada. Ultimately, a head to head study of the two drugs would be needed to confirm these findings.