Why is warfarin underused for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation? A detailed review of electronic medical records

Abstract

Objective:

Automated electronic queries of structured data fields in electronic medical records (EMR) found no barriers to warfarin in 42% of patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (AF) with moderate or high risk of stroke and no warfarin. A thorough manual review of records (including text reports) from the same EMR may better identify physicians’ reasons for not using warfarin.     

Positioning of the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) for standardised use in clinical studies

Abstract

Objective:

Diagnosis and assessment of response to treatment in acute bronchitis depends on clinical findings. We evaluated published data on the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) used to diagnose acute bronchitis and to evaluate the impact of treatment in clinical studies.     

Anti vascular endothelial growth factor sequential therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: is this the new deal?

Abstract

Objective:

To review clinical data on the sequential use of the non-selective vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (ranibizumab and bevacizumab) and the selective VEGF inhibitor (pegaptanib) in the treatment of neovascular age related macular degeneration (n-AMD).     

Further data on beta-blockers and cancer risk: observational study and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract

Background:

The aim of the present paper is to provide some further data on the relationship between β-blocker treatment and the incidence of cancer, using two different approaches (epidemiological study and meta-analysis of clinical trials).     

Long-term raloxifene for postmenopausal osteoporosis

Abstract

Background:

Due to the chronic nature of osteoporosis and the risk of invasive breast cancer, raloxifene 60?mg/day (raloxifene) is intended to be used for long-term treatment (treatment >3 years).     

Achieving glycemic goal with initial versus sequential combination therapy using metformin and pioglitazone in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective:

To compare glycemic goal achievement (HbA_1c?<?7%) in type 2 diabetes patients receiving initial metformin plus pioglitazone combination therapy and initial metformin monotherapy augmented with pioglitazone in a cohort follow-up study.     

Use of darbepoetin alfa in European clinical practice for the management of chemotherapy-induced anaemia in four tumour types: final data from the CHOICE study

Abstract

Objectives:

The CHOICE study was a prospective, multicentre, observational study designed to assess levels of adherence in current clinical practice to the European product label and EORTC guidelines for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia (CIA) with darbepoetin alfa (DA). Here we present data split by tumour types: breast, colorectal, ovarian and lung.     

The impact of a serum based proteomic mass spectrometry test on treatment recommendations in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract

Objective:

To assess the impact of a serum-based proteomic test for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on physician treatment recommendations.     

Comprehensive review of generalized anxiety disorder in primary care in Europe

Abstract

Objective:

This review aims to summarize meta-analyses and other relevant data relating to the efficacy and safety of the various treatment options for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Europe. In addition, it will provide an overview of the prevalence, burden, and recognition of the disorder, with a view to raise awareness of GAD and inform primary care practitioners.     

Taxane-based mono- or combination therapy for managing metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in routine practice: a multinational prospective observational study

Abstract

Objectives:

Taxanes are standard for first-line chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), but indications for single-agent versus combination treatment remain controversial. This non-interventional study in 12 different countries explored treatment patterns and progression-free survival (PFS) in routine practice.     

Could FEV1 decline have a role in daily clinical practice for asthma monitoring?

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this review was to understand whether FEV₁ decline measured during the follow-up of asthmatic subjects (FEV₁ variation between two different measurements at a distance of at least 5 years) may have a role in their management.     

Systematic review of tapentadol in chronic severe pain

Abstract

Aim:

A systematic review of chronic pain treatment with strong opioids (step 3 WHO pain ladder) and a comparison to a new drug recently approved for the treatment of severe chronic pain in Europe, tapentadol (Palexia, Nucynta ), were performed.     

Hospital visits and costs following outpatient treatment of CAP with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin

Abstract

Background:

Hospital admissions (inpatient and emergency room) are a major source of medical costs for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) initially treated in the outpatient setting. Current CAP treatment guidelines do not differentiate between outpatient treatment with levofloxacin and moxifloxacin.     

Subcutaneous specific immunotherapy for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a review of treatment practices in the US and Europe

Abstract

Background:

Subcutaneous specific immunotherapy (SCIT) is claimed to be successful both in the US and Europe, yet treatment methodology differs.     

Retrospective real-world comparison of medical visits,costs, and adherence between nilotinib and dasatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract

Objective:

To compare healthcare resource utilization, costs, and treatment adherence associated with dasatinib versus nilotinib treatment as second-line therapies in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients.     

A systematic review of tacrolimus ointment compared with corticosteroids in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Objective:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the efficacy and tolerability of tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) compared with topical corticosteroids.     

Retrospective analysis of variation in heavy menstrual bleeding treatments by age and underlying cause

Abstract

Objective:

To describe treatment patterns associated with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in US practice.     

A mixed treatment comparison of the short-term efficacy of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in established rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Background:

The short-term efficacy of biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for the treatment of established moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated by various randomized placebo or active treatment controlled trials. However, there is a lack of direct comparison of these agents.