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- Garg, S, et al.
(author)
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Self-monitoring of blood glucose
- 2010
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In: International journal of clinical practice. Supplement. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1368-504X .- 1368-5031 .- 1742-1241. ; 64:166, s. 1-69
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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- Benner, J. S., et al.
(author)
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A novel programme to evaluate and communicate 10-year risk of CHD reduces predicted risk and improves patients' modifiable risk factor profile
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 62:10, s. 1484-1498
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: We assessed whether a novel programme to evaluate/communicate predicted coronary heart disease (CHD) risk could lower patients' predicted Framingham CHD risk vs. usual care. Methods: The Risk Evaluation and Communication Health Outcomes and Utilization Trial was a prospective, controlled, cluster-randomised trial in nine European countries, among patients at moderate cardiovascular risk. Following baseline assessments, physicians in the intervention group calculated patients' predicted CHD risk and were instructed to advise patients according to a risk evaluation/communication programme. Usual care physicians did not calculate patients' risk and provided usual care only. The primary end-point was Framingham 10-year CHD risk at 6 months with intervention vs. usual care. Results: Of 1103 patients across 100 sites, 524 patients receiving intervention, and 461 receiving usual care, were analysed for efficacy. After 6 months, mean predicted risks were 12.5% with intervention, and 13.7% with usual care [odds ratio = 0.896; p = 0.001, adjusted for risk at baseline (17.2% intervention; 16.9% usual care) and other covariates]. The proportion of patients achieving both blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets was significantly higher with intervention (25.4%) than usual care (14.1%; p < 0.001), and 29.3% of smokers in the intervention group quit smoking vs. 21.4% of those receiving usual care (p = 0.04). Conclusions: A physician-implemented CHD risk evaluation/communication programme improved patients' modifiable risk factor profile, and lowered predicted CHD risk compared with usual care. By combining this strategy with more intensive treatment to reduce residual modifiable risk, we believe that substantial improvements in cardiovascular disease prevention could be achieved in clinical practice.
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- Akalin, S., et al.
(author)
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Intensive glucose therapy and clinical implications of recent data: a consensus statement from the Global Task Force on Glycaemic Control
- 2009
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 63:10, s. 1421-1425
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: There is compelling evidence showing that achieving good glycaemic control reduces the risk of microvascular complications in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Likewise, there is clear evidence to show that achieving good glycaemic control reduces the risk of macrovascular complications in type 1 diabetes. The UKPDS 10-year follow up suggests that good glycaemic control also reduces the risk of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes. Despite this, recent results from ACCORD, ADVANCE and VADT present conflicting results and data from the ACCORD trial appear to suggest that very low HbA(1c) targets (< 6.0%) may, in fact, be dangerous in certain patient populations. Aim: To review recent results from ACCORD, ADVANCE and VADT and provide clear guidance on the clinical significance of the new data and their implications for the practising physician treating patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A Pubmed search was used to identify major randomised clinical trials examining the association between glycaemic control and diabetes-associated complications. The data was reviewed and discussed by the GTF through a consensus meeting. The recommendations for clinical practice in this statement are the conclusions of these analyses and discussions. Results: Evidence from ACCORD, ADVANCE, VADT and UKPDS suggests that certain patient populations, such as those with moderate diabetes duration and/or no pre-existing CVD, may benefit from intensive blood glucose control. These trials highlight the benefit of a multifactorial treatment approach to diabetes. However, ACCORD results indicate that aggressive HbA(1c) targets (< 6.0%) may not be beneficial in patients with existing CVD and a longer duration of diabetes. Conclusions: Glycaemic control remains a very important component of treatment for type 2 diabetes and contrasting results from the ACCORD, ADVANCE and VADT should not discourage physicians from controlling blood glucose levels.
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4. |
- Andersson, Karl-Erik
(author)
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Treatment-resistant detrusor overactivity - underlying pharmacology and potential mechanisms.
- 2006
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; Suppl 151:suppl. 151, s. 8-16
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bladder function during filling and micturition is regulated by peripheral and central nervous and hormonal control systems. Micturition occurs in response to afferent signals from the lower urinary tract, and distention of the bladder wall is the primary stimulus. In the animal and human bladder, efferent adrenergic, cholinergic and nonadrenergic, noncholinergic (NANC) neurotransmission has been demonstrated. The most important receptors for activation of contraction are muscarinic (M-3) and purinergic receptors (P2X(1)), however, the contribution of these receptors to contraction may differ between species, and may be changed in bladder dysfunction associated with detrusor overactivity (DO) and/or the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, such as outflow obstruction, neurogenic bladders, idiopathic DO and diabetes. The NANC component of the nerve-induced response in such disorders may be responsible for up to 40-50% of the total bladder contraction. Whether this in vitro'atropine-resistance' corresponds to DO/OAB seen in patients not responding to antimuscarinic treatment is not known. Afferent signalling from the urothelium may be involved in both normal bladder function and in DO/OAB, but its role in antimuscarinic-refractory patients remains to be established. Several central nervous system (CNS) transmitters/transmitter systems, including gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), opioid, serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine or glutamatergic receptors and mechanisms are known to be involved in micturition control. The contribution of these receptors and mechanisms in DO/OAB resistant to treatment with antimuscarinics is not known, but drugs acting at these sites may offer future treatment possibilities.
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5. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
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Self-rated health and classical risk factors for coronary heart disease predict development of erectile dysfunction 25 years later.
- 2008
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 62:2, s. 206-213
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To investigate the impact of classical coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors on the development of future erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods and results: A total of 830 randomly selected subjects were included. Baseline CHD risk factors were evaluated in relation to ED (evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire) 25 years later. At follow-up, 499 men (60%) had some degree of ED. In age-adjusted logistic regression analysis, self-rated health [odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-2.31], family history of CHD (OR 1.75, CI: 1.17-2.61), fasting blood glucose (OR 1.52, CI: 1.14-2.02), triglycerides (OR 1.25, CI: 1.01-1.54), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR 1.19, CI: 1.04-1.35), body mass index (OR 1.08, CI: 1.03-1.13) and serum glutamyl transferase (GT) (OR 1.81, CI: 1.23-2.68), predicted ED. Independent predictors were higher age, low self-rated health, higher blood glucose, higher GT and a family history of CHD. Higher SBP was borderline significantly independent (p = 0.05). Furthermore, baseline age-adjusted Framingham risk score for CHD, also predicted future ED (OR 1.20, CI: 1.03-1.38). Conclusions: Our study supports and expands previous findings that ED and CHD share many risk factors, further underscoring the close link between ED and CHD. Men presenting with ED should be evaluated for the presence of other CHD risk factors.
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6. |
- Decramer, M, et al.
(author)
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Asthma and COPID: differences and similarities - With special reference to the usefulness of budesonide/formoterol in a single inhaler (Symbicort (R)) in both diseases
- 2005
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 59:4, s. 385-398
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) both have a high prevalence worldwide and yet each condition remains underdiagnosed. Despite a number of common features, these inflammatory respiratory syndromes have distinct clinical outcomes. COPD represents a greater economic burden than asthma because it has a less favourable prognosis and is associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between these two diseases at an early stage, so that appropriate therapy can be prescribed to prevent deterioration. However, effective treatments that may be used in both conditions can minimise the effects of misdiagnosis and maximise the impact of treatment without the associated complexity when both conditions occur together. The current review summarises the differences and similarities of asthma and COPD, in terms of risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms and diagnosis, to provide greater understanding of the role of budesonide/ formoterol in a single inhaler in both diseases.
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7. |
- Erhardt, Leif RW, et al.
(author)
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A global survey of physicians' perceptions on cholesterol management: the From The Heart study
- 2007
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 61:7, s. 1078-1085
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention cite high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a major risk factor and recommend LDL-C goals for various risk groups. Lifestyle changes are advised as first-line treatment for patients with high cholesterol, and statins are recommended in high-risk patients. The From The Heart study investigated current practice for the diagnosis and treatment of high cholesterol, and attitudes towards management of the condition. Methods: Physicians were randomly selected from 10 countries, and completed a confidential, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Of 2790 physicians agreeing to participate, 750 (27%) responded. Physicians rated CVD as the leading cause of death, although physicians (80%) perceived that cancer was the most feared illness among patients. Physicians (71%) believed smoking to be the greatest CVD risk factor, while only 50% thought high cholesterol was the greatest risk. Most physicians (81%) used guidelines to set cholesterol goals, primarily their national guidelines (34%) or the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines (24%). Although only 47% of patients reached and maintained their cholesterol goals, 61% of physicians believed that a sufficient number of patients achieved goals, and 53% did not feel frustrated that they could not always effectively treat patients with CVD. Conclusion: Results indicate discrepancies between guideline recommendations and clinical practice. Although physicians appreciate the risk of CVD, the importance of achieving healthy cholesterol levels for CVD prevention does not seem to be widely endorsed. There is a need for improved communication regarding the importance of cholesterol lowering and investigation of initiatives to improve goal achievement among physicians.
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10. |
- Lottmann, H., et al.
(author)
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Long-term desmopressin response in primary nocturnal enuresis: open-label, multinational study
- 2009
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In: International Journal of Clinical Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1742-1241 .- 1368-5031. ; 63:1, s. 35-45
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a distressing condition, particularly in severe cases (>= 3 wet nights/week). A prevalent pathophysiological mechanism, especially in monosymptomatic PNE (PMNE), is commonly believed to be an insufficient increase in night-time release of antidiuretic hormone. Desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of antidiuretic hormone, has been shown to reduce the number of wet nights experienced by PMNE patients in several controlled trials. This study was performed to evaluate desmopressin treatment in the real-life clinical setting and was a large-scale, 6-month investigation of efficacy and safety in patients with severe PNE. Predictive factors for desmopressin response were also evaluated. A total of 744 children aged 5 years and above from four countries were involved in the study. At baseline, patients had a median of 6 wet nights/week; at 6 months, 41% of patients had experienced >= 50% reduction in the mean number of wet nights. Long-term desmopressin treatment was consistently well-tolerated across all ages, with 5% of patients experiencing any treatment-related adverse events. The strength of treatment response was associated with nocturnal diuresis (p < 0.0001) and age (p = 0.0167) in logistic regression analyses. Compliance and dosage were also associated with response and more patients experienced >= 50% reduction in wet nights after 6 months' treatment than earlier in the study, suggesting the value of persistent treatment. This study shows that long-term desmopressin treatment in the clinical setting is effective and well-tolerated in PNE patients of 5 years and upwards. Early improvements in bedwetting of any appreciable magnitude may be rewarding, may facilitate compliance and enable good long-term response.
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