Current medical research and opinion
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To describe the demographic/clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and mortality among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during Omicron predominance by immunocompromised and high-risk status. ⋯ COVID-19 imposed a large healthcare burden, particularly among immunocompromised patients and those with underlying high-risk conditions during Omicron period. Low utilization of outpatient COVID-19 treatments was observed in these high-risk populations eligible for treatment. Continued surveillance and research regarding COVID-19 variants and the impact of outpatient treatment options on high-risk patients is crucial to inform and guide public health action.
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This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic significance of serum uric acid (UA), glutathione (GSH), and amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42) levels in relation to disease progression and cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). ⋯ Serum UA, GSH, and Aβ1-42 are independent predictors of disease progression and cognitive decline in PD patients. Their combined use offers enhanced diagnostic accuracy for disease staging and cognitive impairment in PD.
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To identify factors that may influence health-seeking behaviors and health system interactions from the perspective of Black patients with lung cancer (LC) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). ⋯ Multiple drivers and barriers to health-seeking behaviors exist for Black patients with LC versus PAD, including patients' perceptions of previous health system interactions. Because of known inequities experienced by Black patients, these results highlight the need for interventions that address more than just medical needs but that also encourage patients to seek care when they experience early symptoms and prioritize establishing patient-provider relationships built on trust, respect, and cultural understanding.
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Review
Pharmacology of chlorphenamine and pseudoephedrine use in the common cold: a narrative review.
The common cold is the most frequent upper respiratory viral infection. Although benign, it represents a high socioeconomic burden. Many over-the-counter drugs are available to manage the symptoms of this condition, with antihistamines and vasoconstrictors being the most widely used. ⋯ Chlorphenamine appears to exhibit a higher degree of efficacy in alleviating rhinorrhea and other specific cold symptoms compared to pseudoephedrine. Pharmacovigilance data and case report reviews showed that pseudoephedrine may induce a higher incidence of less common but potentially life-threatening adverse effects compared to chlorphenamine. We concluded that antihistamine drugs exhibit a more favorable benefit/risk profile than vasoconstrictors for treating symptomatic common colds.
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Polyethylene glycol recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (PEG-rhG-CSFs) are used to prevent or treat chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN) and febrile neutropenia (FN). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of same-day versus next-day PEG-rhG-CSF administration following chemotherapy and the effects of 3 mg versus 6 mg dosages. ⋯ These findings suggest that same-day administration of PEG-rhG-CSF is as effective and safe as next-day administration in preventing FN and CIN during chemotherapy.