The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Systolic inter-arm difference in blood pressure (IAD) and cognitive decline are both associated with cardiovascular disease; therefore, it was hypothesised that IAD may be predictive of cognitive decline. ⋯ An IAD ≥5 mmHg is associated with cognitive decline in a representative older population. Given that systolic inter-arm differences in blood pressure are easily measured, confirmation of these findings could inform individualised treatment for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
C-reactive protein-guided antibiotic prescribing for COPD exacerbations: a qualitative evaluation.
Antibiotics are prescribed to >70% of patients presenting in primary care with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The PACE randomised controlled trial found that a C-reactive protein point-of-care test (CRP-POCT) management strategy for AECOPD in primary care resulted in a 20% reduction in patient-reported antibiotic consumption over 4 weeks. ⋯ CRP-POCT-guided antibiotic prescribing for AECOPD had high acceptability, but commissioning arrangements and further simplification of the CRP-POCT need attention to facilitate implementation in routine practice.