Factors associated with statin selection among privately insured commercial and Medicare patients

Abstract

Objectives:

Given the availability of several statins in the United States, it is important to understand patient characteristics associated with their initiation. We analyzed demographic and clinical factors associated with statin selection among new statin users.     

Lack of involvement of medical writers and the pharmaceutical industry in publications retracted for misconduct: a systematic,controlled, retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study was to quantify how many publications retracted because of misconduct involved declared medical writers (i.e., not ghostwriters) or declared pharmaceutical industry support. The secondary objective was to investigate factors associated with misconduct retractions.     

Clinical outcomes after 24 months of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in five countries: results from the TREAT study

Abstract

Objective:

To assess factors associated with insulin regimens at initiation, changes in treatment and metabolic control over 2 years of insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes in five countries.     

How to reduce mortality in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions: cut the bleeding

Abstract

Background:

In-hospital mortality for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has declined thanks to a greater use of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) associated with more effective antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. In this regard, bivalirudin has been shown to decrease total and cardiac mortality as compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH).     

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.     

Treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with advanced melanoma in France

Abstract

Background:

Melanoma is associated with high mortality and poor response to standard chemotherapy. In order to benchmark benefits of recently introduced treatments, outcome with standard chemotherapy in everyday practice should be documented.     

Factors associated with warfarin discontinuation,including bleeding patterns,in atrial fibrillation patients

Abstract

Objective:

To determine risk factors for both warfarin discontinuation and bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).     

A prescription for clinical immunology: the pills are available and ready for testing. A review

Abstract

Objective:

Modern immunology has been extremely successful in elucidating many features of the immune system, but not in stemming pandemics of non-infectious, immune-related disease associated with industrialized populations. These pandemics involve a broad range of allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases, potentially including neuroinflammatory-associated disorders. It is the purpose of this review to outline the literature pointing toward the causes and potential treatments of these problems.     

Variations in blood pressure and lipid goal attainment in primary care

Abstract

Background:

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Blood pressure (BP) and lipid levels are modifiable and yet most patients fail to achieve their recommended target goals. The objective of this review was to examine the variations in achievement of optimal BP and lipid levels in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors or cardiovascular disease at a primary care level.     

Effect of guideline orientation on the outcomes of peripheral arterial disease in primary care

Abstract

Objective:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), an established marker of premature death and cardiovascular risk in general, is highly prevalent. We analysed factors associated with poor outcomes in an observational cohort, with particular focus on the effect of guideline orientation in the management of these patients.     

Long-term clinical and economic outcomes associated with angiotensin II receptor blocker use in hypertensive patients

Abstract

Objective:

To examine clinical and economic outcomes associated with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB).     

The use of the Asthma Control Test in general practice and its correlation with asthma control according to the GINA guidelines

Abstract

Background:

The GINA guidelines have redefined the primary goal of asthma treatment as achieving optimum control.     

Comparative efficacy of the addition of ezetimibe to statin vs statin titration in patients with hypercholesterolaemia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective:

To systematically review and analyse evidence for cholesterol-lowering efficacy of at least 4 weeks of add-on ezetimibe vs doubling statin dose, in adults with primary hypercholesterolaemia.     

Review of treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis: assessment of heterogeneity

Abstract

Objective:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, progressive, inflammatory disorder. The primary goals of treatment in RA are to reduce the signs and symptoms of disease, prevent progression of joint damage and improve patients’ physical function. Patients with different sociodemographic characteristics, varying degrees of severity of illness, and comorbidities tend to exhibit differential response to treatment. The purpose of this review was to identify a broad set of factors that are associated with and/or predictive of RA treatment response and determine those that warrant further research.     

Incidence of second primary malignancies in patients with esophageal cancer: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Background:

Development of a second primary malignancy (SPM) after an index esophageal cancer is fairly rare, primarily due to decreased survival in patients with esophageal cancer. However, with advances in early detection and therapy, the number of long-term survivors is increasing, as is the incidence of SPMs in this population.     

Oral corticosteroid sparing with omalizumab in severe allergic (IgE-mediated) asthma patients

Abstract

Background:

Long-term oral corticosteroid (OCS) therapy and related adverse events are associated with a significant burden on patients and healthcare resources.     

Prevalence and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

Objectives:

Chronic renal disease (CKD) is recognized as a worldwide public health problem. Traditional risk factors for CKD are also present in coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and characteristics of risk factors for CKD in the population with CAD.     

Publication misconduct and plagiarism retractions: a systematic,retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives:

To investigate whether plagiarism is more prevalent in publications retracted from the medical literature when first authors are affiliated with lower-income countries versus higher-income countries. Secondary objectives included investigating other factors associated with plagiarism (e.g., national language of the first author’s country affiliation, publication type, journal ranking).     

Clinical and economic outcomes associated with National Kidney Foundation guideline-concordant oral antidiabetic drug treatment among type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Objective:

To assess outcomes associated with oral anti-diabetic drug (OAD) treatment concordant with guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).     

Darbepoetin alfa for anemia in patients with low or intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndromes and positive predictive factors of response

Abstract

Background:

Current guidelines support the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for the treatment of anemia associated with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).