International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyInitial combination of linagliptin and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes: efficacy and safety in a randomised, double-blind 1-year extension study.
To determine the efficacy and safety of linagliptin in initial combination with metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes. ⋯ The initial combination of linagliptin and metformin appears to provide a useful treatment option in patients whose blood glucose levels are increased to an extent that metformin monotherapy may not achieve treatment targets.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2013
Review Meta AnalysisDiagnostic value of procalcitonin for bacterial infection in elderly patients - a systemic review and meta-analysis.
To summarise evidence for the diagnostic accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT) tests for identifying systemic bacterial infections in elderly patients. ⋯ Existing data suggest that PCT tests may add to the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients. We did not observe the performance of the PCT test in elderly patients inferior to adult patients. Given the imperfect accuracy, we do not recommend that the PCT test be used in isolation; instead, we suggest that it be interpreted in the context of clinical findings.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2013
Impact of lipid-lowering therapy on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in patients at high-risk of cardiovascular events in UK primary care - a retrospective database study.
To estimate the prevalence of dyslipidaemias in high-risk patients new to lipid-modifying therapy (LMT), and establish the extent to which these lipid abnormalities are addressed by treatment in UK clinical practice. ⋯ Despite widespread use of statins, many individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events have persistently abnormal lipid levels, with over two-thirds of patients not achieving target levels of LDL-C or TC. Management of dyslipidaemia is therefore suboptimal in this important high-risk group in UK standard practice.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Dec 2013
Registry of people with diabetes in three Latin American countries: a suitable approach to evaluate the quality of health care provided to people with type 2 diabetes.
To implement a patient registry and collect data related to the care provided to people with type 2 diabetes in six specialized centers of three Latin American countries, measure the quality of such care using a standardized form (QUALIDIAB) that collects information on different quality of care indicators, and analyze the potential of collecting this information for improving quality of care and conducting clinical research. ⋯ Patient registry was successfully implemented in these clinics following an interactive educational program. The data obtained provide useful information as to deficiencies in care and may be used to guide quality of care improvement efforts.