Articles tagged with Placebos
A three-year study found that low-dose methotrexate had no effect on maintaining restored hearing in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). Researchers are now focusing on alternative treatments for this rare condition.
The study found that nearly 68% of patients who received antidepressant treatment were alive after nine years, compared to about 36% of those who received placebo. The researchers believe antidepressants may provide protective effects by improving recovery and reducing mortality in stroke patients.
A double-blind study found that Risperdal significantly reduced 'manic' symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with treatment response achieved by 48% of patients taking Risperdal. The medication was also shown to improve depressive symptoms and was better tolerated than haloperidol.
The CHARM Programme demonstrates clear benefits of Atacand in treating heart failure, reducing risk by 23% in ACE-inhibitor intolerant patients and 15% in those taking conventional therapy. Additionally, Atacand shows a trend towards reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations in patients with preserved left ventricular function.
A new clinical study found that chromium picolinate supplementation increased insulin sensitivity by 8.9% in individuals with type 2 diabetes, compared to a 3.6% decrease in the placebo group. The study suggests that chromium picolinate may improve insulin action through activation of Akt phosphorylation.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School found that guggulipid, a traditional herbal remedy, has no impact on lowering cholesterol levels. The research suggests that dietary supplements need rigorous testing for safety and efficacy, with further studies planned to investigate its effects on triglycerides and inflammation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center conducted a double-blind, randomized, controlled study involving 240 participants with high cholesterol. The study showed a 16% reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol after taking green and black tea extracts enriched with the antioxidant theaflavin for 12 weeks.
A Phase 3 study showed ENBREL significantly improved back pain, mobility, and function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. At 12 weeks, 60% of patients achieved a 20% improvement, while at 24 weeks, 58% did so.
In a multi-center, double-blind study, ENBREL 50 mg administered once weekly achieved an ACR 20 response in 50% of patients, compared to 19% in the placebo group. ENBREL also showed comparable improvement in HAQ and patient-reported measures of global status and pain.
A 7-year study shows Actonel significantly reduces vertebral fracture incidence, with annualized rates of 4.7%, 5.2%, and 3.8% for the treatment group, respectively. Adverse events were similar to those in patients taking placebo during the first 5 years.
Seroquel was shown to significantly reduce mean Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total scores in patients with bipolar disorder, with a faster reduction in symptoms compared to placebo. The medication was well-tolerated and had fewer side effects than other treatments like haloperidol.
The XPERT TM study shows Xyzal significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Long-term treatment reduced co-morbidity, lost productivity, and economic savings.
A study of 16,608 postmenopausal women found that estrogen plus progestin therapy was associated with a 31% higher risk of stroke compared to placebo. The risk for ischemic stroke was particularly elevated, with a 44% increase.
Researchers found that topiramate significantly reduced heavy drinking days and increased abstinence days in heavy drinkers compared to placebo. The study also showed substantial reduction in plasma concentrations of the enzyme g-glutamyl transferase, an objective measure of high alcohol consumption.
A study found that 40% of children with ADHD responded well to lower doses of medication paired with a placebo, showing equal control over symptoms and fewer side effects. The researchers aim to explore mechanisms and establish clinical applications for this treatment approach.
A study showed that ARICEPT, a leading Alzheimer's treatment, is also effective in treating vascular dementia (VaD). Patients with VaD who received ARICEPT demonstrated significant improvements in cognition and daily living activities. The study suggests that ARICEPT may be an important measure of treatment success for VaD patients.
A new analysis of the Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease Study (MSAD) found that ARICEPT significantly improved global function, cognition, and activities of daily living in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that ARICEPT also reduced behavioral symptoms associated with the disease.
A clinical trial using VEGF gene transfer found no significant improvement in walking ability for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including transcription factor-based therapies and cell therapy, to address the condition.
A study of over 7200 patients found that budesonide decreased the risk of severe asthma attacks by 44% and reduced the need for systemic steroids. The drug also improved lung function and was well-tolerated, but had a negative effect on growth in children under 11.
A Phase III study of Raptiva found that 27% of patients experienced a 75% or greater Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score improvement after 12 weeks of therapy. Patients also showed rapid onset of effects on quality of life measurements, providing further support for Raptiva as a potential treatment option.
A study of 664 patients with moderate papulopustular facial rosacea found that azelaic acid 15% gel significantly reduced redness and the number of inflammatory lesions. The treatment also showed promise for improving overall quality of life, with patients reporting comfort and satisfaction with the product.
A recent study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates for women and smokers with a history of depression, triple the success rate for those using a placebo. The medication also reduced negative mood in women during withdrawal, closing the gender gap in quit rates.
The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism trial found that low-dose warfarin prevents episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a significant reduction in risk. The study showed no major bleeding complications, making it an effective and safe treatment option.
A study found that iron supplements improved iron status and reduced sick days in anemic children, regardless of the presence of upper respiratory tract infections. The research showed no increase in gastrointestinal side effects from supplementation.
Researchers found that recombinant activated factor VIIA significantly reduced blood loss during abdominal prostate removal surgery. Patients given the drug required no blood transfusions, whereas those receiving placebo did.
A study found that cocaine use in rats has distinct effects on adolescents versus adults. Adolescent rats showed stable activity levels during treatment, whereas adults developed increased sensitivity to the drug's effects. Additionally, adult rats had altered neurochemical adaptations, including increased dopamine transporter density.
A randomized, double-blind study found a significant reduction in symptom severity and duration when treating with zincum gluconicum nasal gel, even at 48 hours after illness onset. The treatment significantly shortened the median duration of cold symptoms by 4 days compared to placebo.
A 12-week study shows candesartan cilexetil significantly reduces headache days and sick leave in patients with migraines. The medication's benefits are associated with good tolerability, making it an exciting alternative to current therapies.
Researchers analyzed 37 randomized controlled trials and found that most showed no significant improvement in pain, appetite, weight gain, quality of life, or performance status for patients receiving a placebo. Individual patient responses to placebos were also variable, with some improvements observed in certain symptoms.
Over-the-counter nicotine patches are effective in helping smokers quit without behavioral support. The study found that active patch users were more likely to abstain from smoking for at least seven days, with 26.1% of participants achieving complete abstinence.
Results from THRIVE III study demonstrate that oral EXANTA is effective in preventing recurrence of VTE events by 84% compared to placebo. The data also show no significant increase in total bleeding events for EXANTA.
A recent study using the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU) technology compared the efficacy of Xyzal and NeoClarityn in controlling seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms. The results showed that Xyzal was more effective than NeoClarityn in relieving major symptoms, with a faster onset of action and longer duration of relief.
A phase 3 study found Enbrel inhibited radiographic progression in patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The drug reduced the progression of bone erosions and joint space narrowing associated with the disease.
A large clinical trial found that hormone replacement therapy did not reduce the progression of coronary disease in postmenopausal women, while high-dose antioxidant vitamins may even increase mortality risk. The study used angiography to assess the effects of hormone therapy and antioxidants on cardiovascular health.
A study of 610 participants found that wearing an ionized bracelet for 28 days did not provide significant pain relief compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that the equivalent improvement in pain scores may call into question the true benefit of using such bracelets.
A study found that bupropion significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms and increased abstention rates from smoking. The medication also decreased negative mood in participants, which was more strongly related to relapse.
Postmenopausal women taking glucocorticoids are at a significantly increased risk of spinal fractures, with nearly six-fold higher odds compared to those not using the medication. Long-term use for chronic diseases can lead to glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), which increases the risk of fracture.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that magnesium supplementation had no effect on 30-day mortality in patients with acute STEMI. The study's results support current coronary care practice and suggest that routine administration of intravenous magnesium is not indicated.
A phase II study found that coenzyme Q10 can slow the rate of functional decline in Parkinson's disease by improving mitochondrial function and energy-producing reactions. The study showed that higher doses of coenzyme Q10, up to 1,200 mg/day, were safe and more effective than lower doses.
A study found that azithromycin improved forced expiratory volume in one second's exhalation (FEV1) by around 5% in some children with cystic fibrosis. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant difference in quality-of-life assessments compared to placebo.
A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...
A recent study published in JAMA found that ginkgo biloba provides no measurable benefit in memory, attention, or concentration in healthy older adults. The study, conducted by researchers at Williams College, tested the effects of ginkgo on memory and cognitive function in 230 volunteers over 60.
A study by Sandra L. Morzorati found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism exhibit greater feelings of intoxication after consuming alcohol, but adapt quickly to its effects. This adaptation may lead to increased drinking in people with a family history of the disease.
A new treatment approach using cisplatin/epinephrine gel has shown significant promise in treating advanced head and neck cancer. The study found that 29% of patients experienced tumor responses, with 19% achieving complete responses.
A recent study found that patients undergoing arthroscopic lavage or debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee did not experience greater pain relief or improved function compared to those receiving placebo surgery. The researchers suggest that the same therapeutic benefits may be achieved through non-invasive treatment methods.
Researchers conducted two studies on venlafaxine XR, a SNRI medication, for social anxiety disorder (SAD) treatment. The results showed significant reductions in SAD symptoms as early as four or six weeks after treatment began, with continued improvements through week 12.
A study found that Actonel significantly slows deterioration in trabecular bone microarchitecture after just one year, while a placebo had no such effect. This suggests that protection of bone microarchitecture may play an important role in bone health.
Researchers analyzed historical placebo control data with Actonel treatment for osteoporosis, revealing a significant reduction in new vertebral fractures. The study found that once-week treatment with Actonel reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures by 77% at one year.
LY333531 improves nerve function and sensory symptoms, including tingling and numbness, of diabetic neuropathy. The treatment is being studied for multiple diabetic microvascular complications, including diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy.
Combination therapy of finasteride and doxazosin significantly reduces BPH progression, urinary retention, and invasive treatments. Finasteride reduces prostate size, providing long-lasting symptom relief.
A recent study found that venlafaxine is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD in children and teens, with a significant decrease of 18.6 points on a standard measurement scale. The medication showed promising results in improving symptoms, with 64% of participants responding to therapy.
A large randomized clinical trial found that synthetic THC and plant-extract marijuana derivatives were safe but showed no improvement in spasticity symptoms for multiple sclerosis patients. Side effects, particularly with the plant-extract, were common and may limit potential dosages.
A study of 355 patients with severe Crohn's disease found that infliximab treatment every two months significantly increased remission rates compared to placebo. Infliximab also allowed patients to taper off steroids and maintain clinical remissions.
A multi-center research team found that infliximab prolonged remissions in moderate to severe Crohn's disease patients by twice as long at bi-monthly infusions compared to every eight weeks. The drug also helped patients reduce steroid use and improve quality of life.
A study found that depressed patients who responded to a placebo treatment showed similar brain changes as those who received an antidepressant, but with additional changes in the brainstem and hippocampus. The researchers suggest that these changes may be necessary for long-term recovery.
A team of researchers found that both placebo and antidepressant responders showed increased activity in the cortex, accompanied by decreased activity in limbic regions. Patients who responded to fluoxetine also experienced unique changes in lower brain areas thought to confer additional advantage in sustaining the response.
A double-blind clinical trial of 55 Lyme disease patients with severe fatigue revealed that while ceftriaxone showed promise in reducing fatigue, it was not without significant adverse effects. The study's results do not support the use of repeated courses of ceftriaxone due to these risks.
A randomized trial found that nicorandil reduced the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with stable angina, including deaths due to coronary heart disease and non-fatal heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in acute coronary syndromes and all cardiovascular events compared to the placebo group.
A large clinical trial found St. John's wort to be no more effective than placebo in treating moderately severe major depression. Researchers tested the supplement against the antidepressant sertraline and concluded that patients with moderate to severe depression should not self-medicate with St. John's wort.
Researchers found that vitamin supplementation reduced intimal index growth after heart transplantation, a common cause of arteriosclerosis. Vitamin C and E also maintained stable coronary endothelial function.