Articles tagged with Placebos
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A large trial of over 8000 participants found no significant increase in neuropsychiatric side effects with varenicline or bupropion. Varenicline was shown to be more effective in helping people stop smoking than other treatments, with similar efficacy across smokers with and without psychiatric disorders.
A large study published in The Lancet found that varenicline is more effective than bupropion or nicotine patch for quitting smoking. Compared to placebo, the medications showed no significant increase in moderate or severe neuropsychiatric events.
A recent study found that an investigational drug called CMX-2043 showed no improved protection for the kidneys of patients undergoing angiograms. The trial, which recruited over 300 patients, tested four different doses of the drug to prevent contrast-induced kidney injury.
Researchers identified ezetimibe and evolocumab as effective alternatives for patients with muscle-related statin intolerance, demonstrating significant reductions in LDL-C levels. The study suggests that both drugs can be administered successfully in such patients, although with varying efficacy.
A new study found that abaloparatide-SC increased bone mineral density in the spine and hip, reducing the risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. The treatment also showed promise in a broad range of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, regardless of baseline patient characteristics.
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic has identified statin intolerance objectively, showing that evolocumab is a more effective option for lowering cholesterol in patients who are intolerant to multiple statins. The PCSK9 inhibitor reduced cholesterol levels by 52.8%, while ezetimibe had a smaller reduction of 16.7%.
Researchers found that a new low-dose vaginal estrogen capsule significantly improved symptoms of menopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. The treatment, TX-004HR, showed improvement in vaginal cell regeneration, pH levels, and painful sexual activity.
A phase-3 trial led by Stanford University shows baricitinib substantially reduces symptoms and improves daily functioning in refractory rheumatoid arthritis patients. The study, involving over 500 adults, found that baricitinib improved physical function and reduced markers of inflammation, with effects remaining at 24 weeks.
A study found that a drug combination of sulindac and erlotinib effectively reduced duodenal polyp burden and number in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. However, the treatment was associated with acne-like rash and other adverse events.
A clinical trial showed that the experimental vaccine TV003 protected all 21 volunteers from infection, while placebo recipients developed infection. The study's results inform a phase 3 efficacy trial and offer new hope for dengue prevention.
A single dose of zoledronic acid inhibited bone loss in HIV-infected patients and reduced the risk of fractures. The study found a significant reduction in bone loss with treatment, while men showed greater protection against bone loss than women.
A study published in JAMA found that high-dose statin treatment before and after cardiac surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury, contradicting previous studies. The research suggests that patients undergoing cardiac surgery may be at increased risk of AKI if taking statins.
Researchers present evidence that extended-release sialic acid supplement stabilizes muscle strength in patients with GNE myopathy, a rare progressive adult-onset muscle disease. Therapy with Ace-ER tablets led to dose-dependent increases in serum sialic acid levels and maintained muscle strength in upper extremities.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that neurons in the thalamus can be conditioned to respond to placebos in Parkinson's patients. When apomorphine was administered before a placebo, it increased thalamic neuronal activity and clinical improvement. The response lasted up to 24 hours.
A Finnish study found that arthroscopic knee surgery does not alleviate sensations of knee catching or locking associated with degenerative knees. Physical therapy and sham surgery showed similar effectiveness in reducing symptoms.
A study of 382 COPD patients found that acetazolamide did not significantly reduce the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. The drug was administered to patients with metabolic alkalosis, but its effectiveness in reducing ventilation time was uncertain.
Researchers found that adding azithromycin to standard antibiotics reduced post-C-section delivery infections and severe adverse events in high-risk women. The study used a multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial involving over 17,000 women.
A UBC study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that light therapy can effectively treat non-seasonal depression and improve the overall wellbeing of people suffering from the disease. The research, which followed 122 patients, showed that light therapy was most beneficial when used with antidepressants.
A randomized clinical trial found bright light treatment alone and combined with fluoxetine to be effective treatments for adults with nonseasonal major depressive disorder. The study's primary outcomes showed that combination therapy and light therapy alone were superior to placebo, while fluoxetine alone was not.
A study published in JAMA found that early azithromycin treatment significantly reduced the risk of progression to severe lower respiratory tract illness in children with recurrent histories. The treatment was effective in reducing episodes of severe LRTI, but may lead to increased rates of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that giving common antibiotic azithromycin at the first sign of cold symptoms can reduce the risk of severe lower respiratory tract illness in children. The study tested azithromycin against placebo in 607 children and showed a significant difference in the severity of infections between the two groups.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity by 27% and emotional aspect of pain by 44%, compared to a 11% reduction in sensation of pain and 13% reduction in emotional aspect with placebo cream. Mindfulness meditation also activated brain regions associated with self-...
Patients undergoing atrial septal defect closure experienced fewer migraines with dual antiplatelet therapy, showing a lower incidence of attacks and less severe symptoms. Researchers observed no significant increase in adverse events between dual and single antiplatelet therapy.
A Mayo Clinic study found that consuming a single 16-ounce energy drink can significantly increase blood pressure and stress hormone responses, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. The study also showed increases in norepinephrine levels and systolic blood pressure after energy drink consumption.
A study found that isosorbide mononitrate, a common medication for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), did not improve exercise tolerance or daily activity levels in patients. The drug actually decreased daily activity by 18 minutes per day at the highest dose.
Vericiguat did not significantly reduce natriuretic peptide levels in patients with worsening chronic heart failure, but was well-tolerated. Further clinical trials are needed to determine its potential role for this patient population.
A recent study found that energy drink consumption significantly increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 6.2% and 6.8%, respectively, and elevates norepinephrine levels by 74% after a single can of the drink.
A study published in JAMA found that combining a muscle relaxant or opioid with an NSAID did not provide better pain relief for patients with acute low back pain. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of patients demonstrated clinically significant improvement in LBP and function within one week.
A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.
A 10-week randomized trial showed significantly reduced measures of agitation in patients treated with dextromethorphan-quinidine, with an average 51% reduction compared to placebo. The combination medication was associated with a lower risk of adverse events and cognitive impairment.
Newborns in clinical trials are often denied analgesia for minor painful procedures, despite international guidelines. A recent review found that up to 70% of control group babies received no pain treatment.
Scientists identified 'nicotine choosers' and 'avoiders' in a study of 18 healthy adults who had never smoked. The researchers found that some individuals prefer the effects of nicotine, while others avoid it due to genetic or metabolic vulnerabilities.
A study published in JAMA found that finerenone significantly reduces albuminuria in patients with diabetes and kidney disease. The medication also shows a lower risk of hyperkalemia compared to other treatments.
The ELIXA trial demonstrated that lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, did not increase or decrease the rate of cardiovascular events compared to placebo. The study found a modest benefit in weight gain, but also identified patients with heart failure as being at high risk of all-cause death.
The CIRCUS trial found that cyclosporine did not reduce all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, or adverse left ventricular remodelling in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. The study suggested that targeting reperfusion injury remains a major challenge for PCI cardiologists.
A study found that daily liraglutide injections, combined with diet and exercise, resulted in greater weight loss over 56 weeks compared to placebo. Average weight loss was 6.0% with liraglutide (3.0-mg dose), significantly better than the 2.0% with placebo.
A randomized clinical trial of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women found no benefits on bone mineral density, muscle function or falls. The study's results contradict some experts' recommendations for optimal serum vitamin D levels.
Researchers found that changing industry standards for maintenance therapy can maintain treatment responses and lower side effects. The study tested three dosing strategies: nightly dosing with 10mg, intermittent dosing with 10mg 3-5 days a week, or partial reinforcement through nightly pills with half placebo capsules.
A systematic evidence review published in Annals of Internal Medicine finds that the way a placebo is delivered affects how patients respond to therapy. The study suggests that some placebos have stronger effects than others, potentially impacting the effectiveness of medical treatments.
Researchers found that subjects who knew they were receiving a fake pain treatment still experienced pain relief after multiple sessions. The study suggests that conditioning can create independent placebo effects that require both belief and consistent experiences. This could lead to new treatments for drug addiction or pain management.
A new clinical trial found that tamsulosin improves the passage of larger kidney stones, with 83.3% of patients treated with the medication passing their stones compared to 61% on placebo. However, for small kidney stones, time remains the best cure, according to lead author Jeremy Furyk.
A clinical trial conducted by Griffith University found that an elderberry supplement can provide some protection from cold and flu-like symptoms following long-haul flights. The study involved 312 economy class passengers who completed a daily diary and surveys before, during, and after travel.
The T1DAL study found that alefacept treatment preserved beta cell function in 30% of participants with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Alefacept also reduced insulin dose requirements and major hypoglycemic events compared to the placebo group.
A new study found that 42% of women treated with uric acid therapy had little to no disability after 90 days compared to 29% of those treated with a placebo. Uric acid also helped reduce dead tissue resulting from lack of blood supply.
Studies show that certain bacterial groups in the gut can help protect against inflammation and control symptoms of UC. Researchers found that fecal microbiota transplantation with specific beneficial bacteria may be a promising treatment option for UC.
Healthy people given citalopram were willing to pay more to prevent harm to themselves or others than those on placebo drugs, highlighting the serotonin-enhancing antidepressant's effect on moral decision-making. In contrast, levodopa made healthy people more selfish and less altruistic.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee surgery for middle-aged and older adults with persistent knee pain offers a small but significant effect on pain, but no benefits for physical function. The research also identified potential harms, including deep vein thrombosis and infection.
A systematic review found that combining lifestyle changes with metformin improves weight loss, lower BMI, and improved menstruation in PCOS women. Lifestyle modification is the first step in managing PCOS, while metformin provides additional benefits for improving BMI and menstrual cycles.
Aimmune Therapeutics' lead investigational product, AR101, appears to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for peanut allergy in a controlled desensitization regimen. The Phase 2 study demonstrated that all 23 patients who completed the active treatment regimen met the primary desensitization endpoint.
A study published in JAMA found that oral steroids did not significantly improve pain in patients with acute radiculopathy due to a herniated lumbar disk. However, the treatment showed small improvements in function, suggesting potential benefits for some patients.
A meta-analysis of e-cigarette studies found that while they significantly improve abstinence rates at 1 month compared to placebo, this effect is not sustained over longer periods. The device is associated with frequent short-term respiratory adverse events and may pose a higher risk of serious adverse events than nicotine patches.
A study published in JAMA found that administering oral spores of a non-toxigenic C. difficile strain can significantly reduce the risk of CDI recurrence. The treatment, known as NTCD-M3, showed a 30% lower recurrence rate compared to placebo.
A high-dose treatment of sodium nitrite with citric acid was found to be more effective in clearing up anogenital warts compared to lower doses or a placebo. The study showed a dose-related increase in side effects, but the optimal dose is considered to be the current one.
Researchers found that those taking phenytoin had 30% less damage to the nerve fiber layer and a 34% higher macula volume compared to placebo recipients. Vision recovery was successful, but long-term visual outcomes showed no significant differences between groups.
A Phase 2 study found that the experimental antibody anti-LINGO-1 significantly improved conduction in people with acute optic neuritis, a common precursor to multiple sclerosis. The treatment also led to improved recovery of myelin, a fatty substance surrounding nerves damaged in MS.
Researchers explore whether genetic variations can modify the placebo effect, potentially leading to better patient selection for clinical trials. Genetic tests could help identify individuals who are unlikely to benefit from treatment, allowing for more efficient and effective medical care.
The study of genomics effects on placebos introduces the concept of 'the placebome,' identifying a network of genes that significantly influence medicine and clinical trial design. Genetic variations in neurotransmitter pathways modify placebo effects, suggesting placebos play a larger role in healthcare than previously recognized.
A study published in Diabetologia found that spending more time watching TV daily increases the risk of developing diabetes by 3.4%. The research used data from participants in the Diabetes Prevention Program, which showed a reduction in sitting behavior despite the absence of specific goals aimed at reducing it.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found paracetamol to be ineffective in reducing pain intensity and improving disability or quality of life for patients with lower back pain. However, it provided small benefits in reducing pain and disability for osteoarthritis, while increasing the risk of liver function test abnormalities.
A phase 3 trial shows that brentuximab vedotin significantly increases progression-free survival in adults with hard-to-treat Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug was found to be well-tolerated, with side effects including peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia.