Current medical research and opinion
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Smoking is one of the major risk factors causing morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer patients. Use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy is an effective way to help quit smoking. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of smoking and the proportion of patients using smoking cessation agents, and to identify the socio-demographic factors that affect the use of these agents among COPD and lung cancer patients. ⋯ Results showed that a large number of patients continued to smoke even after the diagnosis of COPD and lung cancer; whereas only a few among them used smoking cessation agents. Ethnicity disparities and insurance status were associated with the use of smoking cessation agents. Differential use among population sub-groups suggests a requirement for need based smoking cessation programs and appropriate prescription drug coverage. Further research needs to be done to evaluate reasons for disparities in smoking cessation agents' use. The study had limitations common to research designs based on observational and self-reported datasets.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Saxagliptin versus glipizide as add-on therapy to metformin: assessment of hypoglycemia.
To compare characteristics of hypoglycemic episodes in patients with type 2 diabetes receiving saxagliptin or glipizide add-on therapy to metformin. ⋯ Saxagliptin + metformin was associated with fewer patients reporting hypoglycemia and fewer and less severe hypoglycemic events in those experiencing hypoglycemia compared with glipizide + metformin. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00575588.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial Observational Study
Weight loss through adjustable gastric banding and improvement in daytime sleepiness: 2 year interim results of APEX study.
Obesity is one factor associated with an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study reports the investigator-reported resolution or improvement of OSA and improvements in sleep-related quality of life (QOL) 2 years after surgical placement of the LAP-BAND AP * (LBAP) system. ⋯ These data support that surgically facilitated weight loss can improve sleep-related QOL and may result in resolution or improvement of OSA; the degree of weight loss may be related to these changes.
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To perform a systematic up-to-date review and critical discussion of potential clinical applications of cangrelor based on its pharmacologic properties and the main findings from randomized clinical studies. ⋯ With its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages, allowing consistent and strong P2Y12 inhibition, and with its rapid onset and swift reversal of action devoid of need for an antidote, cangrelor might improve clinical outcomes in clopidogrel-treated patients by reducing ischemic events, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. However, further studies, addressing the safety and efficacy of cangrelor on top of novel oral P2Y12 inhibitors, are warranted.