Articles tagged with Placebos
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients who received medication escitalopram or participated in a problem-solving therapy group had a lower risk of depression compared to those who received placebo. The annual incidence of stroke exceeds 700,000 in the US, with depression occurring in over half of these patients.
A study found that succinobucol reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in some patients, but also increased LDL cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. However, it improved glycated haemoglobin levels, suggesting potential benefits for long-term diabetes control.
A post hoc analysis of a study on Lialda revealed significant improvements in time to symptom resolution for patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. The study found that Lialda, an aminosalicylate medication, lowered the time to initial symptom resolution by up to 17 days compared to placebo.
Pirfenidone slows lung capacity loss and overall deterioration of IPF, offering new hope for treatment. The study's findings suggest that pirfenidone may also be effective in treating other fibrotic lung diseases.
TAK-390MR demonstrates consistently high healing rates and symptom relief for patients with erosive esophagitis, outperforming lansoprazole in phase 3 studies. The study's results showed that TAK-390MR produced significantly higher overall healing rates than lansoprazole across two studies.
The Phase 3 study evaluated two doses of GATTEX and showed that it was generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing PN requirements. Forty-six percent of low-dose patients responded and achieved a significant reduction in PN compared to placebo, with increases in trunk lean body mass and plasma citrulline also observed.
Two studies have shown that ustekinumab is effective in treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis, with dosing every 12 weeks maintaining efficacy in most patients. The PHOENIX studies found that 67-76% of patients achieved PASI 75 at week 12, with long-term response maintained in those given maintenance treatment.
A study found that clopidogrel reduced early thrombosis of new arteriovenous fistulas, but did not improve their maturity or suitability for use during dialysis. The treatment significantly reduced the risk of fistula thrombosis, but did not lead to a clinically meaningful increase in fistula patency.
A major study found that beta-blockers like metoprolol may increase the risk of death and major stroke in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The POISE trial showed that while metoprolol reduces heart attack risk, it increases stroke and death risk, highlighting the need for caution in its use around surgery time.
A randomized trial found patients given beta-blockers after non-cardiac surgery had a higher risk of death or stroke compared to those given placebo, while having a lower risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, these medications may not outweigh the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of naltrexone alone and in combination with sertraline among Alaskans living in rural settings. The study found that naltrexone significantly improved abstinence rates compared to placebo, with 35% of participants remaining abstinent for the entire 16-week treatment.
INTUNIV, a selective alpha-2A receptor agonist, demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms across all measured time points up to 24 hours postdose. The medication showed improved symptoms of ADHD in patients treated with INTUNIV compared to those receiving placebo.
Data presented at the APA Annual Meeting demonstrate iloperidone's efficacy and safety in treating schizophrenia, with low rates of movement disorders and metabolic adverse events. Pharmacogenetic findings suggest potential for individualized treatment based on genetic markers.
Women at high risk for cardiovascular disease did not experience a reduced rate of cardiovascular events after taking folic acid and vitamin B supplements for seven years. The study found significant lowering of homocysteine levels, but no difference in cardiovascular event rates between the treatment and placebo groups.
Patients with mild Alzheimer's disease showed less decline in functional ability after taking 800mg of tarenflurbil twice daily compared to placebo. The treatment also reduced the pace of decline in global function and activities of daily living scale.
A study published in the April 2008 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine bark, significantly reduced osteoarthritis symptoms by 56% and joint pain by 55%. The treatment also improved physical function by 56% and increased patient mobility almost three-fold.
A study suggests that the sponsor of rofecoxib, Merck, misrepresented the drug's safety profile in clinical trials involving patients with cognitive impairment. The analysis found a significant increase in mortality among rofecoxib patients compared to placebo patients, which was not reported by the sponsor.
Research conducted by Miami Research Associates found that Wellmune WGP supplementation reduced the incidence of medically verified fever in healthy subjects. Additionally, the study showed significant improvements in physical energy and emotional well-being, with no need for work or school absences due to cold-like symptoms.
A large-scale study found that omega-3 free fatty acid supplements did not significantly reduce the risk of relapse in patients with Crohn disease. The research, published in JAMA, evaluated the effectiveness of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids as maintenance therapy in patients with Crohn disease in remission.
A randomized controlled trial found that conjugated equine estrogen increased the risk of benign proliferative breast disease by more than two-fold. Women taking estrogen supplements had 155 cases of benign disease compared to 77 in the placebo group.
A study by physiologists at Ball State University found that daily dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen increased quadriceps muscle mass and strength gained during three months of weight lifting. The findings suggest a positive effect on the metabolic response to resistance exercise, allowing for enhanced protein synthesis in muscle.
A JAMA study found that using MC-1 before and after CABG surgery did not lower the risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The treatment showed no benefit in any subgroup or other outcomes.
The anti-arthritis drug tocilizumab has been proven effective in two separate trials involving both adults and children. In the adult trial, patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis showed significant improvements in signs of RA. In the pediatric trial, children and young adults with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arth...
A follow-up study of women who stopped taking hormone therapy after a clinical trial found an increased risk of cancer, with higher rates of invasive breast cancer and other cancers. Cardiovascular events were comparable between the two groups.
A provocative study by Dan Ariely found that a 10-cent pill is less effective at killing pain than a $2.50 pill, even when they are identical placebos. The study suggests that patients' subjective ratings of pain are influenced by the perceived quality and cost of medications.
Researchers found that tamoxifen significantly reduced mania scores and improved patient outcomes in a three-week clinical trial. The study suggests that tamoxifen's effects on protein kinase C may be beneficial for treating bipolar disorder.
A three-year study found that taking ginkgo biloba extract did not clearly reduce the risk of developing memory problems. However, people who reliably took the supplement had a lower risk of mild memory issues compared to those on placebo.
Researchers have identified a novel small molecule therapy called senicapoc that shows efficacy in maintaining hydration of red blood cells and increasing hemoglobin levels in patients with sickle cell anemia. Senicapoc, a Gardos channel blocker, works by limiting solute and water loss, thereby preserving RBC hydration.
Ustekinumab therapy maintains clinically meaningful improvement in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis through 1 year, with 87% and 91% of patients sustaining a 75% PASI improvement. The study also found sustained response rates at 66% and 73% for PASI 90.
Patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis receiving REMICADE experienced significant skin clearance improvements across four body regions, including head, trunk, and extremities. At week 10, 71-79% of patients achieved a PASI 75 improvement, with even greater success at 39-52% achieving a PASI 90 response.
Researchers found that Enbrel significantly reduced levels of C-reactive protein in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, indicating a systemic inflammatory disease. The study also showed that heavier patients had higher CRP levels and that Enbrel decreased these levels in overweight and obese patients.
45% of Chicago internists report using placebos in clinical practice, viewing them as therapeutic tools with psychological and physiological benefits. The study highlights the need for recognition and discussion about placebo use and its implications.
Researchers found that 71% of patients taking baclofen achieved and maintained alcohol abstinence, compared to 29% of those receiving placebo. Baclofen reduced clinical markers of liver injury associated with significant reductions in self-reported alcohol use.
A study found that common treatments for acute sinusitis, including antibiotics and topical steroids, were not more effective than placebo in altering symptom severity, duration, or natural history. Topical steroids were likely to be effective in patients with less severe symptoms at presentation.
A new study presented at AARC found that ramelteon did not exacerbate respiratory depressant effects in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study showed significant increases in total sleep time and sleep efficiency with ramelteon compared to placebo.
Homoeopathy faces growing opposition in the UK, where it is criticized for its lack of scientific evidence and promotion of ineffective treatments. Despite this, the practice remains popular with the public, with an estimated £38 million market value in 2007.
LymphoStat-B achieved a sustained improvement in disease activity across multiple clinical measures and decreased the frequency of disease flares over time. The study also showed that LymphoStat-B was well-tolerated through 2.5 years on treatment, with comparable incidence rates of adverse events to placebo.
A study of 240 patients with acute low back pain found that adding diclofenac or spinal manipulative therapy to recommended first-line care did not significantly reduce recovery time. Both treatments showed no clinically useful benefits, highlighting the importance of baseline care for managing acute low back pain.
The TOWARD study confirms Actemra plus DMARDs significantly improves RA symptoms and clinical remission rates compared to traditional DMARDs alone. Additionally, Actemra shows rapid normalisation of inflammation markers and improved quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with painful and progressive ankylosing spondylitis showed significant improvements in physical function and symptoms after golimumab treatment, with 51-66% achieving ASAS 20 or 40 at six months.
In a Phase 3 biologic study, golimumab significantly improved joint and skin manifestations of psoriatic arthritis in patients with active disease. The treatment achieved primary and major secondary endpoints, demonstrating sustained improvements through six months.
A recent study published in JAMA found that medication tezosentan did not improve breathlessness or reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with acute heart failure. The study included 1,435 patients and showed similar mortality rates between the treatment group and placebo.
A clinical trial of 312 adolescents found that bupropion plus counseling helped them quit smoking, with higher success rates at higher medication doses. After six weeks, 10.7% and 14.5% of teens in the 150mg and 300mg groups had quit, respectively.
Patients given human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) after a heart attack have lower infarct sizes, fewer reperfusion injuries, and better outcomes than control group patients. ANP also increases left ventricle ejection fraction post-heart-attack.
A study found that modafinil is effective in treating excessive sleepiness associated with disorders of sleep and wakefulness. The medication was well-tolerated with a low risk of adverse events.
A new once-daily lamotrigine extended-release formula effectively controls partial seizures in people already taking one to two medications. The study found significant reductions in seizure frequency and improved medication adherence, making it a promising option for those with epilepsy.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have led a clinical trial showing that topiramate significantly reduces heavy drinking days in individuals with alcohol dependence. The study found topiramate to be safe and highly efficacious when paired with a brief intervention by non-specialists.
A study found that topiramate significantly reduced percentage of heavy drinking days and increased days of continuous nonheavy drinking compared to placebo. The medication also showed greater reduction in heavy drinking days from baseline to week 14.
A Phase 3 trial found that ustekinumab achieved significant improvements in psoriasis symptoms and quality of life measures, with over two-thirds of patients experiencing at least a 75% reduction in psoriasis symptoms. The treatment resulted in substantial proportions of patients maintaining responses through week 28.
The study found that perindopril therapy reduced aortic diameters relative to placebo in both systole and diastole in patients with MFS taking standard beta-blocker therapy. This suggests that ACE inhibitors may be a useful treatment option for Marfan syndrome patients.
Researchers found that people treated with minocycline within six to 24 hours after a stroke had significantly fewer disabilities. The study results show that minocycline may be an alternative treatment for stroke, offering improved outcomes compared to current treatments.
The Phase II study found a 45% reduction in risk of death and improved median overall survival of 24.5 months for patients treated with ZD4054 10mg once-daily compared to placebo.
A study led by Pauline Maki found that hormone therapy increased sexual interest and reduced hot flashes in younger mid-life women, but did not improve memory performance. The therapy combination of estrogen and progesterone showed a 32% increase in sexual thoughts and a 44% increase in sexual interest compared to the placebo group.
A single dose of tolvaptan significantly increased urine volume and reduced pulmonary artery pressure, with more pronounced effects at higher doses. The study found no significant differences in cardiac output or other secondary outcomes.
A new nasal spray treatment has been shown to be safe and effective in rapidly treating cluster headaches, considered the most painful type of headache. The study involved 52 people with cluster headaches who used zolmitriptan nasal spray or placebo to treat 151 separate attacks.
Researchers tested vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and their combination in the Women’s Antioxidant Cardiovascular Study. The study found no significant reduction in cardiovascular events or death among participants at high risk for heart disease.
A preliminary study of 85 patients with bipolar disorder shows that modafinil can improve depressive symptoms, with 44% of participants reporting improved symptoms and 39% experiencing remission after six weeks.
A new study found that people's responses to placebo treatments are linked to their brain's dopamine activity, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. The study used two types of brain scans to investigate this phenomenon and suggests that individual expectations play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of placebos.
Scientists pinpointed the nucleus accumbens as key player in the placebo effect, which influences treatment efficacy through expectation. The study found that anticipation of pain relief triggers dopamine release from NAC.
A large national study found that selenium supplements may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while a leading researcher advises against taking excessive selenium supplements. The study analyzed data from over 1,200 participants and found higher risks among those with higher blood selenium levels at the start of the study.