International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialThe suppression of gastro-oesophageal reflux by alginates.
The aim of this study was to compare alginate products with the same amount of active ingredients but different dosage forms, in the suppression of reflux provoked by a standard meal in healthy human volunteers, using ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring. ⋯ The study shows that alginate reflux suppressants containing a low amount of antacid are effective in suppressing acid reflux and that suspension and tablet forms are able to give equivalent acid suppression.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2007
Perceptual consistency of pain and quality of life between hospice cancer patients and family caregivers: a pilot study.
Clinicians usually adjust medical management based on caregivers' observation when caring for seriously ill or cognitive-impaired patients. The purpose of this study is to research the differences in perceptual congruence of patients and caregivers when assessing patients' global pain (GP) and quality of life (QOL) in a hospice ward. ⋯ This study indicates that caregivers have the propensity to under-rate patients' pain and overvalue QOL; moreover, 'religion' and 'gender' influence patients' perception near the end-of-life. Therefore, reassessment and proper holistic approach are important in hospice care.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Oct 2007
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialOnce-daily OROS hydromorphone for the management of chronic nonmalignant pain: a dose-conversion and titration study.
The use of opioid analgesics for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain is becoming more widely accepted, and long-acting formulations are an important treatment option. ⋯ Patients with chronic nonmalignant pain who had been receiving opioid therapy easily underwent conversion to OROS hydromorphone, with no loss of efficacy or increase in adverse events.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Sep 2007
Characteristics and healthcare costs of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.
To examine the characteristics and healthcare costs of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients in clinical practice. ⋯ Patients with FMS have comparatively high levels of comorbidities and high levels of healthcare utilization and cost.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Sep 2007
Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement in the primary care setting.
Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from benign prostatic hyperplasia often do not discuss their symptoms with their primary care physicians (PCPs). The primary objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of LUTS, prostate enlargement, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > or = 1.5 ng/ml in men visiting their PCP and to assess patients' intent to discuss LUTS with their PCP. ⋯ Although a significant percentage of men in this older population had enlarged prostate and LUTS, only one-third of them intended to discuss their symptoms with their physician. PCPs may need to increase efforts to detect LUTS and enlarged prostate in older men.