Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Superiority of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate versus fluticasone propionate alone in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma: a randomised controlled trial.
To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate (flutiform) in a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) compared to two formulations of the fluticasone propionate component (Skyepharma fluticasone [SKP FP] or Flovent, GlaxoSmithKline [GSK FP]) in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe asthma. ⋯ Results from this study demonstrate that fluticasone/formoterol 250/10 µg b.i.d. provides superior efficacy compared to fluticasone alone for the management of moderate-to-severe asthma, with a safety profile similar to that of fluticasone monotherapy.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Long-term treatment of anxiety disorders with pregabalin: a 1 year open-label study of safety and tolerability.
Short-term clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study examined long-term safety and tolerability of pregabalin in patients with GAD, social anxiety disorder (SAD), or panic disorder (PD). ⋯ Pregabalin was generally well tolerated in the long-term treatment of anxiety disorders. Improvement in illness severity was maintained over time. The key limitations of this study were that it was not randomized and neither placebo- nor active-comparator-controlled.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Impact of adding prophylactic probiotics to a bundle of standard preventative measures for Clostridium difficile infections: enhanced and sustained decrease in the incidence and severity of infection at a community hospital.
In 2003, hospitals in Quebec, Canada experienced an increase of NAP1/027 Clostridium difficile infections following antibiotic administration (CDIAA). At Pierre-Le Gardeur Hospital (PLGH), the incidence increased from 10 to over 25 cases per 1000 patient admissions. ⋯ Specific probiotic product added to SPM and antibiotic stewardship activities resulted in a further reduction in CDI rates and was shown to be safe.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Diclofenac epolamine medicated plaster in the treatment of minor soft tissue injuries: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of a topical plaster containing diclofenac epolamine (DHEP) 1.3% in the treatment of patients with acute minor soft tissue injuries in China. ⋯ A medicated plaster containing DHEP applied to the affected site in Chinese patients with minor soft tissue injury, such as sprains, strains and contusions, was significantly more effective than placebo at reducing pain scores. Onset of action was rapid and the DHEP plaster was safe and well tolerated. The main limitation was the use of a subjective, though validated, self-reported VAS to assess the primary endpoint.
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Multicenter Study
Clinical outcomes after 24 months of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in five countries: results from the TREAT study.
To assess factors associated with insulin regimens at initiation, changes in treatment and metabolic control over 2 years of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in five countries. ⋯ Mean baseline HbA1c was high, indicating delayed initiation of insulin treatment. Blood pressure and lipids were suboptimally controlled. Insulin regimens varied between countries, changed little and resulted in similar HbA1c levels after 24 months.