Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine
-
Review Randomized Controlled Trial
[Evidence of pharmacotherapy in COPD--key findings from recently-conducted randomized clinical studies].
The primary aim of pharmachotherapy in COPD is improvement of exertional dyspnea and quality of life through its bronchodilator effects. However, there is emerging evidence that pharmacotherapy may reduce exacerbations, alleviate annual decline of pulmonary function, and even favorably affect mortality, thus changing natural history of COPD. ⋯ In addition, carbocisteine, which is a mucolytic and anti-oxidant agent, has been shown to reduce exacerbations in COPD. Future directions on pharmacotherapy are personalized medicine based on phenotyping of the disease and development of new agents which may cure airway inflammation in COPD.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
[Activated protein C (the impact of PROWESS trial)].
The inflammatory response in severe sepsis is integrally linked to procoagulant activity and endothelial activation. The abnormalities in the microcirculation results in the development of septic organ dysfunction. The natural anticoagulant activated protein C is expected not only to improve the unbalanced coagulation/fibrinolysis system, but also to modulate the endothelial function, and to express the anti-inflammatory properties. ⋯ The results showed the statistically significant improved survival in patients with sepsis induced organ dysfunction (absolute risk reduction in 6.1%). As a result, activated protein C is recommended in patients at high risk of death such as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II > or = 25. However, since bleeding risk is reported as an adverse effect, activated protein C is contraindicated in patients with bleeding tendency.