Current medical research and opinion
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Pentasa (prolonged-release mesalazine [5-ASA]) has been available for >30 years as an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis (UC). A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was undertaken to provide an up-to-date evaluation of oral Pentasa efficacy and safety for induction and maintenance of remission. ⋯ This study confirms oral Pentasa is efficacious and well-tolerated in treating active UC and maintaining remission. The availability of multiple forms of Pentasa supports physicians' ability to individualize treatment and optimize dosing to improve outcomes.
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To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of retosiban-a novel tocolytic unavailable in the US-in the management of preterm labor. ⋯ With the limited high quality evidence available, retosiban demonstrates no clear benefit over placebo in the management of preterm labor. Nevertheless, its favorable safety profile, oral bioavailability, and novel mechanism of action and the limited number of studies available for review warrant further analysis.
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Review Meta Analysis
Review and meta-analysis of add-on tranylcypromine with antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia with predominant negative symptoms: a restoration of evidence.
Treatment using add-on antidepressants with antipsychotic drugs in negative symptoms of schizophrenia has been reviewed recently in comprehensive meta-analyses. Tranylcypromine (TCP), an irreversible monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A/B inhibitor applied in treatment resistant depression, was not included because of strict requirements for quality of study design. To get a clear picture of available evidence for this resource in the treatment of schizophrenia, we conducted a review and meta-analysis of add-on TCP in the treatment of predominant negative symptoms of schizophrenia (negative schizophrenia). ⋯ New studies are needed for add-on TCP with antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia with predominant negative symptoms. Trials of this treatment may be possible in rare and selected cases. The therapeutic effect of add-on TCP may be explained by a strong dopaminergic activity.
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Baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) is a single-dose antiviral which was previously found to be a cost-effective alternative to laninamivir in otherwise healthy adults in Japan. This study aimed at investigating the cost-effectiveness of baloxavir versus laninamivir in patients with influenza at high risk for complications. ⋯ This study suggests that influenza treatment with baloxavir is cost-effective compared with laninamivir in the adult high-risk population in Japan.
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To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of real-world evidence comparing adherence, persistence, cost, and utilization between oral anticoagulant (OAC) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. ⋯ The current findings, despite multiple limitations, can raise awareness and understanding of real-world persistence associated with OAC therapy in NVAF patients.