Validation of the SF-36 in patients with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis presents with significant pain as the most common symptom. Generic health measures can allow comparisons across diseases or populations. However, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) has not been validated for this disease. The goal of this study was to validate the SF-36 (version 2) for endometriosis. METHODS: Using data from two clinical trials (N = 252 and 198) of treatment for endometriosis, a full complement of psychometric analyses was performed. Additional instruments included a pain visual analog scale (VAS); a physician-completed questionnaire based on patient interview (modified Biberoglu and Behrman--B&B); clinical global impression of change (CGI-C); and patient satisfaction with treatment. RESULTS: Bodily pain (BP) and the Physical Component Summary Score (PCS) were correlated with the pain VAS at baseline and over time and the B&B at baseline and end of study. In addition, those who had the greatest change in BP and PCS also reported the greatest change on CGI-C and patient satisfaction with treatment. Other subscales showed smaller, but significant, correlations with change in the pain VAS, CGI-C, and patient satisfaction with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The SF-36--particularly BP and the PCS--appears to be a valid and responsive measure for endometriosis and its treatment

Exploring capability maturity models and relevant practices as solutions addressing information technology service offshoring project issues

This research investigated Capability Maturity Models (CMM) / Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) best practices and their effects on managing and mitigating critical issues associated with offshore development. Using a web-based survey, data was collected from 451 Information Technology and software development firms in the US. The results of the analysis show that IT companies applying CMM/CMMI models have fewer issues associated with IT offshoring. When US IT companies utilizing and incorporating different practices from TSP and People-CMM into CMMI-DEV/SVC and CMMI-ACQ, they have fewer offshoring issues related to language barriers and cultural differences

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole-induced hypoglycemia in a malnourished patient with severe infection

Hypoglycemia resulting from the combination of sulfonylurea and sulfonamides is a recognized drug interaction. Hypoglycemia induced by sulfonamides alone may be encountered less frequently. Because of their structural similarities to sulfonylureas, sulfonamides are liable to facilitate hypoglycemia by increasing insulin release in susceptible individuals. Sulfonamides can potentiate the hypoglycemic effect of sulfonylurea agents when given in combination. We describe a malnourished patient with severe infection who developed hypoglycemia during high-dose trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy. Elevated C-peptide concentrations during the hypoglycemic episode indicate that hypoglycemia resulted from increased endogenous insulin secretion. As malnourished patients are prone to hypoglycemia, we suggest that they should be monitored carefully if they are on sulfonamide therapy

TOLERABILITY, SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF 2 FORMULATIONS OF PARLODEL(R) - A SLOW-RELEASE ORAL FORM (SRO) VERSUS REGISTERED PARLODEL CAPSULES

Twenty hyperprolactinemic patients who entered a randomized parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy study were investigated regarding safety, tolerability and efficacy. Half of the patients received 5 mg Parlodel(R) SRO plus placebo for Parlodel while the other half received 2.5 mg Parlodel b.i.d. and placebo for Parlodel SRO for a period of 15 days. In the second following period of 15 days, the daily dose was increased to 10 mg Parlodel administered either as a single dose of Parlodel SRO or two doses of Parlodel 5 mg. The plasma prolactin levels, clinical signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, physical examination, blood pressure, heart rate assessments and adverse events were recorded during the study. Complete blood count, blood chemistry and standard ECG were performed before and at the end of treatment. In conclusion, both formulations are equally efficacious, well tolerated and safe. Due to the comfort of once-a-day administration and the excellent compliance, one could recommend to replace the b.i.d. or t.i.d. administration of Parlodel with the once-a-day Parlodel SRO in hyperprolactinemic patients