Articles tagged with Drug Studies
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A 30-year follow-up study of adults with epilepsy found that those on long-term medication had higher rates of unemployment and lower socioeconomic status. Despite being in remission, participants still taking antiepileptic drugs (AED) showed similar outcomes to those on medication.
Researchers found that bosentan treatment led to significant improvements in clinical and hemodynamic parameters of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. A simpler method to determine optimal CPAP pressure for treating obstructive sleep apnea was also developed, showing improved results with auto-adjusted devices. Molecular methods w...
A recent study found that combining SAMe with antidepressant medication improved symptoms in 50% of participants and led to complete remission in 43% after six weeks. The study, led by Massachusetts General Hospital, investigated the efficacy of SAMe in patients with continuing symptoms despite initial treatment.
Researchers found that imatinib partially regressed lesions and stabilized disease in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. However, high toxicity was observed due to medication interactions, highlighting the need for optimized dosing schedules.
Researchers found that rifampicin stabilizes alpha-synuclein in a soluble form, preventing fibril formation and disaggregating existing fibrils. This finding suggests potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson's disease when administered early in the disease process.
A novel imaging technique has found abnormality of fiber pathways in frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in children with ADHD. This research suggests that subtle anatomical differences may be involved in the disorder, contrary to the traditional view of a chemical imbalance.
A Ugandan clinical trial has identified the most effective drug combinations for treating malaria in Africa, with amodiaquine+sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine proving to be a highly efficacious and economical option. The findings highlight the need for continued research into artemisinin-combination therapies in African field conditions.
Researchers found that activating FXR can prevent gallstone formation by restoring balance of bile acids and phospholipids. The study suggests a potential new direction for diagnosis and prevention of cholesterol gallstone disease, with implications for patients who have had their gallbladders removed.
A recent study found that medication errors are often caused by late administration, workplace distractions, and inadequate staffing. The researchers also highlight the benefits of using bar code medication administration systems and paperless charting systems to reduce errors.
A randomized trial found that daily doses of cheap antibiotic co-trimoxazole nearly halved the mortality rate compared to placebo among HIV-infected children in Zambia. The study suggests that all children with clinical features of HIV infection in Africa should receive co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, regardless of age or CD4 count.
Researchers found that extended-release carbamazepine capsules improved symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, including those experiencing mania and mixed episodes. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with few adverse events reported.
A six-week study found that patients taking ADDERALL XR showed significant improvements in driving performance and cognitive functioning compared to placebo. The medication reduced ADHD symptoms by 30% in 80% of patients, leading to better driving skills and safety.
A small-scale study of GVG, a drug approved for epilepsy in Mexico, found that it can help patients with methamphetamine and cocaine addiction stay abstinent for up to four weeks without visual side effects. The results are promising, but more large-scale studies are needed to confirm the treatment's efficacy.
Research in female mice reveals estrogen's protective effects against atherosclerosis, highlighting potential risks of COX-2 inhibitors for premenopausal women. The study identifies prostacyclin as a key mediator of estrogen's benefits.
A recent study found that combining ultrasound with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) therapy significantly improves outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic strokes. The results show a 49% increase in dramatic clinical improvement and significant blockage reduction compared to traditional t-PA treatment alone.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons warns that breast enhancement pills can be dangerous and interact with prescribed medications. Many women may place their health at risk by taking these pills, which are sold as herbal supplements and lack FDA scrutiny.
A new study suggests that increased selenium levels in the blood are associated with a lower risk of developing colorectal adenoma recurrence. The research pooled data from three randomized trials and found that participants in the highest quartile for blood selenium levels had a 34% decreased risk of developing a new adenoma.
Researchers found GVG effective in reducing drug use in heavy users for up to four consecutive weeks. No subjects developed visual field defects despite high doses used.
Researchers found that thrice weekly versus daily drug therapy regimens were associated with a higher risk of disease relapse in tuberculosis patients. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 patients who completed treatment between 1998 and 2000.
A recent review of health journals found limited evidence on reducing health disparities, but identified a significant association between high-dose steroid use and increased cardiovascular risk. The review also provided new guidelines for blood thinner dosing in older patients with atrial fibrillation.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, with a 100% success rate among participants who completed the full protocol. The vaccine targets two types of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV-16 and HPV-18) responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that high-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of death. The study analyzed data from 19 major clinical trials and found a significant association between high-dose vitamin E use and increased mortality rates.
Researchers found drug-eluting stents were used quickly, with a high rate of 'off-label' usage, particularly among older patients, African-Americans and those without insurance. The study suggests the need for randomized clinical trials to study long-term safety and effectiveness.
Baycrest has implemented a state-of-the-art CPOE/CDS system to improve medication prescribing and reduce adverse drug events. The system provides real-time feedback on high-risk decisions, eliminating errors caused by misinterpretation of handwritten prescriptions.
Chronic daily headache (CDH) affects a significant percentage of the population, with substantial disability and quality-of-life impact. Physicians and patients need to be educated on medication-overuse headaches, which can be prevented by carefully examining medical history.
A large clinical trial of 7,599 heart failure patients found that good adherence to medication was associated with lower mortality rates and hospitalization rates for both placebo and active drug. The researchers suggest that improving adherence could help patients avoid frequent hospitalization and improve survival.
The study found that amlodipine reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31% compared to placebo, while enalapril showed no significant reduction. A subset of patients also showed slowing of progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis with amlodipine.
The ARIES trial shows CRESTOR 10mg reduced LDL-C by 37%, compared to 32% for atorvastatin, with higher response rates among African-American patients. CRESTOR also improved HDL-C levels and reduced non-HDL-C and total cholesterol.
Researchers found that pioglitazone significantly reduced carotid artery thickness in just 12-24 weeks, while improving insulin resistance. This regression was independent from metabolic control improvements and correlated with better cardiovascular outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes.
The four-year CREATE trial shows that Reviparin reduces deaths, heart attacks, and strokes by about one-sixth. Treating 1,000 patients for a week can prevent 15-20 individuals from dying or suffering a new heart attack.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ACE inhibitors do not provide added cardiovascular protection for patients with coronary heart disease who have normal or only mildly reduced heart function. These findings suggest that many patients with this condition may not need to take ACE inhibitors, potentia...
Researchers found that ICDs reduced heart-related deaths by 60% and overall mortality by 48%. However, patients with diabetes, kidney failure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure were more likely to die within a year of ICD implantation.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes are not being optimally managed for their cardiovascular risk. Fewer than 25% of patients were on medication needed to control high cholesterol and less than 50% received treatment for high blood pressure.
African-American Heart Failure Trial (A-HeFT) reveals a 43% decrease in one-year mortality rates among patients taking the combined treatment, and significant improvements in overall survival and quality of life. The study suggests that BiDil can slow heart failure progression and reduce death rates in this population.
Duke researchers found that coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty with stenting have similar long-term mortality rates. Despite reducing the need for repeat procedures, stents do not save lives, according to cardiologist David Kandzari.
A study found that brain regions activated by food craving are also involved in drug craving, suggesting a common neural basis for both. The hippocampus, insula, and caudate were identified as key areas of activation during food cravings.
The Vioxx drug was found to increase the risk of heart attacks in patients, with a doubling of risk compared to placebo or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The data showed that adverse cardiovascular effects were evident earlier than September 2004.
A study analyzing phase 1 cancer trials from 1991-2002 found a significant decrease in treatment-related deaths and serious toxicity, with adjusted odds of death being less than one-tenth those of patients participating in earlier trials. Targeted therapies and improved supportive care are likely contributing factors.
A comprehensive analysis of Phase 1 cancer trials found a significant drop in drug-related deaths and an improvement in the risk/benefit ratio. The study suggests that increased attention to patient safety, less-toxic targeted therapies, and improved supportive care have contributed to these improvements.
A study found that cigarette smokers are more likely to have polyps, a greater number of polyps, and larger polyps than non-smokers. Vitamin C supplements were also associated with the absence of polyps in patients who regularly consumed them.
A new study finds that combining Pegasys with ribavirin reduces hepatitis C viral levels more effectively than Peg-Intron, a promising development in treating the virus. The study's lead investigator hopes that the findings will inform the design of better drugs to combat the infection.
A 12-week study found that combining sertraline and CBT was more effective than treatment with just one or the other in reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents. CBT alone was also shown to be effective, particularly at the University of Pennsylvania site.
Researchers found that heat can alter drug dosage and appearance, putting patients with respiratory conditions at risk. The study advises patients to inspect mail-order medications before consumption and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
DepoDur offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional epidural analgesia, providing up to 48 hours of effective pain control without the need for continuous infusion. This single-shot epidural formulation has been shown to improve treatment of postoperative pain following major surgery.
Researchers found an average cost savings of $9 per episode among adults using OTCs to treat symptoms, leading to potential annual savings of $4.75 billion. The study also highlights the economic impact of lost productivity from missed workdays and decreased on-the-job productivity.
Children and adolescents with OCD benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, specifically sertraline. The treatment results in significant symptom reduction for 53.6% of participants. CBT alone is also effective, with 39.3% becoming nearly asymptomatic.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) alone or in combination with medication showed a substantially higher probability of improvement. The combined treatment proved more effective than CBT alone and sertraline alone in treating children and adolescents with OCD.
The BARGE trial found that individuals with the arginine genotype had poorer asthma control when using albuterol, while those with the glycine genotype had better asthma control. This suggests that genetic variations can impact response to common asthma medication, leading to potential personalization of therapy.
Researchers recommend baseline ultrasound screenings for men and women at high risk of stroke. The study found that carotid endarterectomy can reduce stroke risk by half in people with narrowed arteries. Regular screenings may identify pre-clinical vessel disease, allowing for preventive measures to be taken.
A study found that older age and altered level of consciousness are significant risk factors for in-hospital death in patients treated with clot-dissolving therapy after ischemic stroke. The risk of death decreased with increasing experience of the treating hospital, suggesting a need to prioritize these high-risk patients.
A single protein, ChREBP, activates genes in liver cells to convert sugar into fat, a process crucial for energy storage. Researchers found that ChREBP directly binds to DNA of fat-formation genes, increasing expression of enzymes.
The new Mayo Clinic research indicates that mycophenolate mofetil could help many more lupus patients, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments with fewer side effects. Currently, there is no curative treatment for SLE, and many medications used to treat this disease have considerable side effects.
Researchers found that taking Welchol, a bile acid sequestrant, with TriCor, a fibrate, resulted in no significant interaction. The study involved 30 healthy volunteers who received different treatment regimens involving the two drugs, showing that co-administration is safe and effective.
The Lancet article advocates for randomized criminal-justice trials to improve evidence-based decision-making in the UK. The proposed approach would involve randomizing offenders between drug treatment and testing order, or alternative sentence, to inform judicial decisions.
Researchers analyzed VAERS data for adverse events following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) vaccination in children. The study found that 13.2 reports of events were submitted per 100,000 doses distributed.
Researchers found a significant increase in ischemic stroke risk with tamoxifen, but emphasized that the absolute risk is small. The study's findings suggest careful screening of women before prescribing tamoxifen therapy due to potential stroke risk.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the protein Mrp4 limits penetration of topotecan into the brain, which could improve treatment for brain cancer. Over-expression of Mrp4 in tumors contributes to topotecan resistance in patients.
A large international study has found that anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to treat severe head injuries can increase the risk of death by up to 20% within two weeks. The CRASH trial recruited over 20,000 patients from 49 countries and concluded that these drugs should not be used routinely to treat head injury
The article discusses the importance of rigorous data collection and review in drug development, citing the Vioxx case as a prime example. Pharmaceutical companies must also learn from their mistakes, and regulatory agencies must reassess safety and efficacy thresholds to prevent patient harm.
Two studies found that isometric hand-grip (IHG) exercise significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in participants with hypertension. Additionally, IHG improved carotid artery distensibility, while having no effect on peripheral arteries. The researchers suggest that these improvements may be due to enhanced endothelial function.