European journal of internal medicine
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Mar 2017
Meta AnalysisThe efficacy advantage of evolocumab (AMG 145) dosed at 140mg every 2weeks versus 420mg every 4weeks in patients with hypercholesterolemia: Evidence from a meta-analysis.
Evolocumab (AMG 145), a PCSK9 inhibitor, has been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Doses of 140mg administered every 2weeks (Q2W) and 420mg administered every 4weeks (Q4W) are widely used, and both dosing schedules were effective in clinical trials. However, some researchers have speculated that 140mg Q2W administration has equal or even greater efficacy. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the differences in efficacy and safety between the two doses. ⋯ Evolocumab administered at 140mg Q2W was more effective than the 420mg Q4W dosage at lowering lipid concentrations, especially in patients who concomitantly received stable statin therapy.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2016
Review Meta AnalysisProprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors to treat hypercholesterolemia: Effect on stroke risk.
A reduction of cardiovascular events has been reported in phase 2 and 3 trials of the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors alirocumab and evolocumab. We aimed to investigate the effect PCSK9 inhibition on stroke risk in a meta-analysis involving data from randomized studies with alirocumab and evolocumab. ⋯ Although a benefit towards reduction of cardiovascular events in the overall has been documented, longer exposure is warranted to be able to evaluate the effect on stroke risk.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2015
Review Meta AnalysisIndividual non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
The association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is well established. However, little is known about the comparative risk of individual NSAIDs, including specific COX-2 inhibitors. ⋯ A statistically significant elevated AKI risk among traditional NSAID users has been demonstrated in this meta-analysis. The pooled risk ratios among individual traditional NSAIDs were not significantly different. The pooled risk ratios of specific COX-2 inhibitors and the two traditional NSAIDs with the most COX-2 selectivity (diclofenac and meloxicam) were also comparable with other traditional NSAIDs even though they did not achieve a statistical significance.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jul 2014
Letter Meta AnalysisRisk of major bleeding and the standard doses of dabigatran.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Jun 2014
Meta AnalysisBenefits of adding fluticasone propionate/salmeterol to tiotropium in COPD: a meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fluticasone propionate/salmeterol (FSC) to tiotropium (Tio) in COPD patients. ⋯ The addition of FSC to subjects with COPD treated with tiotropium significantly improves lung function, quality of life and COPD exacerbations without increasing the risk of adverse events.