Prescriptions with potential drug interactions dispensed at Swedish pharmacies in January 1999: cross sectional study

The growing use of pharmacological agents means that drug interactions are of increasing interest for public health.1 Monitoring of potential drug interactions may improve the quality of drug prescribing and dispensing, and it might form a basis for education focused on appropriate prescribing

Effects of an interactive CD-program on 6 months readmission rate in patients with heart failure – a randomised, controlled trial [NCT00311194]

BACKGROUND: Disease-management programmes including patient education have promoted improvement in outcome for patients with heart failure. However, there is sparse evidence concerning which component is essential for success, and very little is known regarding the validity of methods or material used for the education. METHODS: Effects of standard information to heart failure patients given prior to discharge from hospital were compared with additional education by an interactive program on all-cause readmission or death within 6 months. As a secondary endpoint, patients' general knowledge of heart failure and its treatment was tested after 2 months. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty patients were randomised to standard information (S) or additional CD-ROM education (E). In (S) 52 % reached the endpoint vs. 49 % in (E). This difference was not significant. Of those who completed the questionnaire (37 %), patients in (E) achieved better knowledge and a marginally better outcome. CONCLUSION: The lack of effect on the readmission rate could be due to an insufficient sample size but might also indicate that in pharmacologically well-treated patients there is little room for altering the course of the condition. As there was some indication that patients who knew more about their condition might fare better, the place for intensive education and support of heart failure patients has yet to be determined

Insulin detemir har jämförts med NPH-insulin. Behandlingsstudier visar inga egentliga skillnader

To investigate the evidence behind supposed advantages of insulin detemir over existing therapy (NPH insulin), we carried out a systematic review. We analysed the available documentation presented after registration of the drug by the European drug regulatory authority (EMEA) and approached the data presented at the authority's Internet site. Some data from Food and Drug Administraion (FDA) contributed. All published studies not included in the registration file were also included in the analysis. Data on glycaemic control, expressed as HbA1c, hypoglycaemia, and change in body weight were registered. Quality of life - a secondary endpoint infrequently investigated - was considered. All studies included a comparison with NPH insulin, incorporating both type 1 and type 2-diabetes. There was no consistent difference between the two insulin treatments regarding HbA1c, nor was there any evidence concerning differences regarding hypoglycaemia, except instances of mild nocturnal hypoglycaemia. These cases were not adequately reported, however. A small change in body weight in favour of insulin detemir was detected. No data on quality of life was identified