Current medical research and opinion
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A polysomnography study of eszopiclone in elderly patients with insomnia.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of eszopiclone 2 mg in elderly patients (aged 64-86 years) with chronic insomnia. ⋯ In this study, eszopiclone was well tolerated and produced significant improvements in both polysomnographic and patient-reported measures of sleep maintenance, sleep induction, and sleep duration in elderly patients with chronic primary insomnia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
The economic value of anti-IgE in severe persistent, IgE-mediated (allergic) asthma patients: adaptation of INNOVATE to Sweden.
Severe allergic asthma patients may not be controlled even with guideline recommended care, including inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2 agonists, theophylline, oral steroids and anti-leukotrienes. They experience exacerbations requiring intensive healthcare use and which may be fatal. Omalizumab, a new monoclonal antibody for use in IgE-mediated allergic diseases, reduces exacerbations and daily symptoms in this patient population. The aim of this study is to estimate the cost effectiveness of adding omalizumab to optimized standard therapy (ST) in patients with severe persistent IgE-mediated (allergic) asthma. ⋯ Based on the model and the assumptions used, our results suggest that omalizumab provides cost offsets, improves quality of life and may have an attractive ICER in treating the severe allergic asthma population.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy, tolerability, and parent reported outcomes for cefdinir vs. high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate oral suspension for acute otitis media in young children.
To compare efficacy, tolerability, and parental satisfaction of cefdinir and high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate oral suspensions given to young children with non-refractory acute otitis media (AOM) based on clinical endpoints and outcomes measures. ⋯ Among young children with non-refractory AOM, cefdinir was as efficacious as high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate in the ITT group, but somewhat less effective in per-protocol analysis. From the parental perspective, cefdinir was easier to administer, had a better taste, caused less diarrhea, and resulted in higher treatment adherence than high-dose amoxicillin clavulanate.
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To assess the use of opioids by primary care physicians for the treatment of chronic pain. ⋯ The survey suggests physicians are concerned about drug abuse, addiction, adverse effects, tolerance, and medication interaction. Their comfort level in prescribing opioids varies with the patient characteristics. Urine toxicology testing is underutilized in the primary care setting.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Randomized trial comparing polymer-coated extended-release morphine sulfate to controlled-release oxycodone HCl in moderate to severe nonmalignant pain.
To assess the long-term efficacy, tolerability and safety of polymer-coated extended-release morphine sulfate (P-ERMS) (KADIAN) compared with controlled-release oxycodone HCl (CRO) (OxyContin) in treating chronic, nonmalignant, moderate to severe pain in a community-based outpatient population. ⋯ P-ERMS and CRO both relieved chronic nonmalignant pain in this community-based population; however, patients taking P-ERMS dosed in accordance with FDA-approved frequencies (QD/BID); 44% of those taking CRO dosed more frequently (TID/QID).