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Pharmacotherapy
Kinds of Pharmacotherapy Selected AbstractsORIGINAL RESEARCH,FSD PHARMACOTHERAPY: Tibolone and Transdermal E2/NETA for the Treatment of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Naturally Menopausal Women: Results of a Randomized Active-Controlled TrialTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2008Esme A. Nijland MD ABSTRACT Introduction., There are some data to suggest that tibolone improves sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, evidence about the effects of tibolone on female sexual dysfunction is lacking. Aim., To compare the efficacy on sexual function of tibolone 2.5 mg to continuous combined transdermal estradiol (E2)/norethisterone acetate (NETA) (50 µg/140 µg) in naturally postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. Main Outcome Measure., Differences between treatment groups in the change from baseline for the composite subscore of the arousal, desire, and satisfaction domains of the self-reported Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Methods., A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was performed. Sexual function was assessed with the FSFI at baseline, week 12, and week 24. The outcomes of the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) and the frequency of satisfying sexual events (daily diaries) were secondary end points. Results., Four hundred three women, mean age 56, were included. Both therapies improved sexual function assessed by the FSFI. In the per protocol analysis, but not in the intent-to-treat analysis, the increase in FSFI scores was significantly larger in the tibolone group when compared with the E2/NETA patch group at week 24 (P = 0.036 and P = 0.025 for the composite subscore and total FSFI score, respectively). The satisfying sexual event rate increased from three to four times per 28 days at week 24 (P < 0.001 from baseline for both groups), with no difference between groups. The FSDS showed a significant decrease from baseline (P < 0.001), which was comparable for both treatment groups. Conclusions., Both treatments resulted to improved overall sexual function, as determined by scores on the FSFI, an increase in the frequency of sexual events, and a reduction in sexuality-related personal distress. The statistically significant higher FSFI scores in the tibolone group, when compared to the E2/NETA group, may be because of tibolone's combined estrogenic and androgenic properties. Nijland EA, Schultz WCMW, Nathorst-Boös J, Helmond FA, Van Lunsen RHW, Palacios S, Norman RJ, Mulder RJ, and Davis SR for the LISA study investigators. Tibolone and transdermal E2/NETA for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in naturally menopausal women: Results of a randomized active-controlled trial. J Sex Med 2008;5:646,656. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PHARMACOTHERAPY: Hemodynamic Effects of Sildenafil Citrate and Isosorbide Mononitrate in Men with Coronary Artery Disease and Erectile DysfunctionTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005Graham Jackson ABSTRACT Introduction., Mild hemodynamic effects have been reported with sildenafil citrate therapy. Aim., To compare the hemodynamic effects of sildenafil and isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) in men with coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction. Methods., A total of 31 men aged 35 years or older with coronary artery disease (at least 50% narrowing of the left main stem or at least 70% narrowing of any other coronary artery) and erectile dysfunction (receiving medication for erectile dysfunction or scoring less than 26 out of a maximum score of 30 on the erectile function domain questions of International Index of Erectile Function) were randomized to sildenafil 100 mg (n = 10), ISMN 40 mg (n = 11), or placebo (n = 10) in this single-dose multicenter study. Main Outcome Measures., Hemodynamic parameters were measured at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours post dose. Results., Compared with baseline, cardiac index increased slightly with sildenafil (0.29 L/min/m2 at 1 hour) and decreased slightly with placebo (,0.12 L/min/m2 at 4 hours) and ISMN (,0.14 L/min/m2 at 1 hour). The stroke volume index increased from baseline at each time point post dose with sildenafil (4.4 mL/m2 at 2 hours), but decreased with ISMN (,5.8 mL/m2 at 1 hour) and placebo (,2.8 mL/m2 at 4 hours). ISMN reduced mean arterial pressure more than sildenafil did (,22 vs. ,10 mm Hg at 2 hours, respectively). Both sildenafil and ISMN increased heart rate (4 vs. 7 beats/minute at 1 hour, respectively) and decreased systemic vascular resistance, but sildenafil produced greater reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance. There were no serious adverse events in the sildenafil group. Conclusions., Sildenafil 100 mg was well tolerated and induced smaller changes in central and peripheral hemodynamic pressures compared with ISMN 40 mg. Moreover, sildenafil selectively reduced pulmonary resistance, which may have clinical importance in pulmonary hypertension. [source] Managing childhood obesity: when lifestyle change is not enoughDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 11 2010C. Hearnshaw The management of childhood obesity is a clinical dilemma. Paediatricians will see those children whose weight is at the severe end of the spectrum with obesity-related co-morbidities and for whom more intensive weight loss therapies may be appropriate. A literature review was performed (January 1995,January 2010) of the roles of pharmacotherapy or bariatric surgery in the management of childhood obesity. Three hundred and eighty-three abstracts were reviewed and 76 full-text articles were requested. Of these, 34 were excluded and a total of 21 pharmacotherapy papers and 22 papers on surgery were reviewed in detail. All studies involved adolescents. Pharmacotherapy: Most studies were small and of short duration, the notable exceptions being two large RCTs of sibutramine and orlistat. Sibutramine led to a mean estimated change in BMI from baseline of ,3.1 kg/m2 vs. ,0.3 kg/m2 for placebo over 12 months. Orlistat was also beneficial with a mean reduction in BMI of 0.55 vs. an increase of 0.31 kg/m2 in the placebo group at 12 months. Bariatric surgery: Most papers presented clinical observations and there were no randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Robust selection criteria were not used and ideal candidate selection remains unclear. Most papers showed a significant benefit of surgery in severely obese adolescents in the short term but long-term data were sparse. There were a surprisingly large number of papers examining the benefits of intensive weight management in obese adolescents. The study design of many was inadequate and the role of pharmacotherapy or surgery in childhood obesity remains unclear. [source] Pharmacotherapy to Blunt Memories of Sexual Violence: What's a Feminist to Think?HYPATIA, Issue 3 2010ELISA A. HURLEY It has recently been discovered that propranolol,a beta-blocker traditionally used to treat cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension,might disrupt the formation of the emotionally disturbing memories that typically occur in the wake of traumatic events and consequently prevent the onset of trauma-induced psychological injuries such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. One context in which the use of propranolol is generating interest in both the popular and scientific press is sexual violence. Nevertheless, feminists have so far not weighed in on propranolol. I suggest that the time is ripe for a careful feminist analysis of the moral and political implications of propranolol use in the context of sexual violence. In this paper, I map the feminist issues potentially raised by providing propranolol to victims of sexual assault, focusing in particular on the compatibility of propranolol use and availability with an understanding of the social and systematic dimensions of rape's harms. I do not deliver a final verdict on propranolol; in fact, I show that we do not yet have enough information about propranolol's effects to do so. Rather, I provide a feminist framework for evaluating the possibilities and perils opened up by therapeutic memory manipulation in the context of sexual violence against women. [source] What potential role is there for medication treatment in anorexia nervosa?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 1 2009Scott J. Crow MD Abstract Objective: To review selected issues regarding the development of drug treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). Method: The existing pharmacotherapy literature for AN is reviewed, and the theoretical and practical considerations are discussed. Results: A very wide variety of drugs have been examined in AN, generally with negative results. There are a number of potential reasons for this finding, including compliance, nutritional deficits, selection of the wrong targets or the wrong outcome measures, use of monotherapy, lack of animal models, or factors intrinsic to AN. Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy provides little benefit in the treatment of AN at present. Several strategies might lead to the identification of more effective agents, including new measurement strategies, identification of novel pharmacologic targets, and consideration of a clinical trials network. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009 [source] Differing Patterns of Antiresorptive Pharmacotherapy in Nursing Facility Residents and Community DwellersJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2005Carolyn M. Jachna MD Objectives: Little is known about differences between current patterns of antiresorptive therapy (ART) use in nursing facility (NF) residents and by community-dwelling older adults (CDs). ART use was compared in older NF residents and CDs. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Kansas Medicaid files from May 2000 through April 2001. Participants: Women aged 65 and older having at least 9 months of data as a CD or NF resident. Measurements: Pharmacy claims were used to identify any ART prescription, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a bisphosphonate, raloxifene, or calcitonin. Demographic and clinical variables were identified from the claims files. Factors associated with ART use in bivariate analyses were entered into logistic regression models. Similar analyses were performed for bisphosphonate use among non-estrogen replacement therapy (non-ERT) ARTs (excluding HRT). Results: The final study sample (N=2,289) included 898 NF (mean age 85.2) residents and 1,391 CDs (mean age 76.6). CDs were more likely to receive any ART (24.5%) than NF residents (19.6%). After adjustment for potential confounders, NF residents aged 65 to 84 were less likely (odds ratio (OR)=0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.44,0.85) to receive ART than CDs of the same age. Conversely, of those aged 85 and older, NF residents were more likely than CDs to receive ART (OR=1.96, 95% CI=1.18,3.25). Calcitonin was the most common non-ERT ART prescribed for NF residents, whereas bisphosphonates were more often prescribed for CDs. Conclusion: Underusage of ART is common in NF and CD cohorts. NF residents are less likely to receive bisphosphonates and more likely to receive calcitonin, for which efficacy is less clear. Further research is needed to identify factors influencing ART prescribing and selection of specific ARTs in different settings. [source] Alzheimer's Disease: Current Pharmacotherapy in the Context of Patient and Family NeedsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5s2 2003David S. Geldmacher MD The objective of this paper is to review current evidence and treatment patterns for pharmacotherapy in Alzheimer's disease (AD), with an emphasis on outcomes considered important to patients and families. The sources for the information are the peer-reviewed literature, Food and Drug Administration-approved package labeling for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), expert opinions expressed at the First Annual Dementia Congress, and clinical experience. Three AChEI agents are in routine use in the United States. They are considered part of the standard of care for patients with mild-to-moderate AD. There are differences in metabolism, pharmacokinetics, side effects, and ease of use that may influence the prescriber's choice of agent and dosage. The three approved agents have similar outcomes in cognition and global clinician ratings of effectiveness in double-blind placebo controlled trials. Persistent therapy with effective doses of AChEIs is associated with reduced risk for, or delayed, nursing home placement, which is a stated priority of AD caregivers. Agents from this class of drugs have also been shown to be associated with statistically significant preservation of daily function and benefits in treatment of adverse behaviors in AD. Numerous additional choices are available to the clinician for pharmacotherapy of adverse behaviors. Community-based psychoeducational support is also of value to caregivers. [source] Secondary Hypertension: Obesity and the Metabolic SyndromeJOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 7 2008Gregory M. Singer MD The epidemic of obesity in the United States and around the world is intensifying in severity and scope and has been implicated as an underlying mechanism in systemic hypertension. Obese hypertensive individuals characteristically exhibit volume congestion, relative elevation in heart rate, and high cardiac output with concomitant activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. When the metabolic syndrome is present, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may contribute to hypertension through diverse mechanisms. Blood pressure can be lowered when weight control measures are successful, using, for example, caloric restriction, aerobic exercise, weight loss drugs, or bariatric surgery. A major clinical challenge resides in converting short-term weight reduction into a sustained benefit. Pharmacotherapy for the obese hypertensive patient may require multiple agents, with an optimal regimen consisting of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, thiazide diuretics, ,-blockers, and calcium channel blockers if needed to attain contemporary blood pressure treatment goals. [source] Referral and treatment patterns for complex regional pain syndrome in the NetherlandsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2009M. DE MOS Background: Patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are seen and treated by a variety of physicians. The present study aims to describe referral and treatment patterns for CRPS patients in the Netherlands. Methods: Patients, who were selected (1996,2005) from an electronic general practice (GP) database (Integrated Primary Care Information Project), were invited for study participation, involving diagnosis verification (International Association for the Study of Pain criteria) and assessment of referrals and treatment through information retrieved from GP journals, patients' questionnaires, pharmacy dispensing lists and specialist letters if available. Results: One hundred and two patients were included. Sixty-one percent had presented first at the GP, while 80% subsequently consulted one or more medical specialists, most frequently an anesthetist (55% of the cases) or a specialist in rehabilitation medicine (41%). Over 90% of the patients received oral or topical pharmacotherapy, 45% received intravenous therapy, 89% received non-invasive therapy (i.e. physiotherapy) and 18% received nerve blocks. Analgesics and free radical scavengers were administered early during CRPS, while vasodilating drugs and drugs against neuropathic pain (antidepressants and anti-epileptics) were administered later on. Pharmacotherapy was usually initiated by a medical specialist. Conclusion: The Dutch treatment guidelines, issued in 2006, recommend free radical scavenger prescription (plus physiotherapy) as the initial treatment step for CRPS. Until 2005 only half of the patients received a scavenger within 3 months after disease onset, and the majority presents first at the GP, in particular GPs may be encouraged to initiate treatment with scavengers, while waiting for the results of further specialist consultation. [source] Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis: a pharmaco-economic approachALLERGY, Issue 1 2009S. Simoens This article reports on a systematic literature review of the costs of allergic rhinitis (AR), the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR, and the factors affecting costs and economic value of pharmacotherapy. Included studies had carried out a cost-of-illness analysis, cost analysis, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility or cost-benefit analysis. Allergic rhinitis imposes a substantial economic burden on society, with indirect costs of productivity loss being larger than the direct healthcare costs. Cost estimates were biased because of difficulties of diagnosis; exclusion of patients who do not seek healthcare; exclusion of over-the-counter medication; difficulties in estimating productivity loss. There is limited evidence on costs of seasonal/perennial and intermittent/persistent AR. Little is known of the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR, although levocetirizine appears to be cost-effective as compared with placebo. Economic evaluations suffered limitations from small sample sizes, short trial duration, lack of standardized effectiveness measure, restricted scope of costs. Finally, the economic value of pharmacotherapy of AR is influenced by the perspective of the economic evaluation, relative effectiveness and costs of available drugs, patient compliance with treatment. [source] US4 Pharmacotherapy complicating dental surgeryORAL DISEASES, Issue 2006Boras Planning dental treatments for patients taking antithrombotic can be difficult for the general dental practitioner, particularly when surgical interventions are needed. The drugs employed in the long-term treatment of such patients include platelet aggregation inhibitors and oral anticoagulants. Platelet aggregation inhibitors do not represent a contraindication to oral surgery. The activity of oral anticoagulants can be affected by many substances, for this reason it is necessary to monitor by INR the patients taking those drugs. When INR is within therapeutic limits for the more common conditions, most of the oral surgery interventions do not need any special precaution. Evidence indicates that suspending antithrombotic drugs is not indicate, as complications following a thrombotic accident are more frequent and serious than bleedings following oral surgery. It is well known that systemic corticosteroid therapy due to the effect on adrenal suppression can interfere with dental surgical procedures. However, that is largely dependent on the type and dose of corticosteroid that patient is currently taking, or has been taking in the last 12 months and on the type and extent of surgical procedure which is to be performed. Surgical management of dental patients with history of systemic corticosteroid therapy is proposed from the existing literature. [source] Targeted Pharmacotherapy of Evoked Phenomena in Neuropathic Pain: A Review of the Current EvidencePAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007BSc(Med), Ron Granot MB BS ABSTRACT Objective., Evoked phenomena in clinical neuropathic pain are viewed as a window into the underlying pathophysiology. They are also potential therapeutic targets. This study sought evidence for the effect on such evoked phenomena of currently used agents. Design., We reviewed MEDLINE (1966,2006) and EMBASE (1980,2006) to locate all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining therapeutic responses of evoked neuropathic pain phenomena, including dynamic mechanical allodynia, pin prick hyperalgesia, and thermal allodynia. We also noted the methods of elicitation of these evoked pain phenomena. Results., We found 40 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. A wide variety of methods was used to evoke neuropathic pain phenomena. For dynamic mechanical allodynia, there is some evidence for the efficacy of ketamine, alfentanil, and morphine, but only when administered intravenously. For other agents and other evoked pain phenomena, there is insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions. Conclusions., There is minimal evidence to guide clinicians in treating evoked pain phenomena in clinical neuropathic pain states. There is little clinical evidence to either support or refute theoretical arguments for efficacy of specific agents in evoked neuropathic pain phenomena. More and larger trials are needed to examine these phenomena. Consensus is required with respect to methods used to elicit these evoked phenomena. [source] Pharmacotherapy of impaired mucociliary clearance in non-CF pediatric lung disease.PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 11 2007A review of the literature Abstract Mucoactive agents are used to treat a variety of lung diseases involving impaired mucociliary clearance or mucus hypersecretion. The mucoactive agents studied most frequently are N-acetylcysteine (NAC), recombinant human DNase (rhDNase), and hypertonic saline. Studies on the efficacy of these have been mainly conducted in adults, and in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The exact role of mucoactive agents in children with non-CF lung disease is not well established. We present an overview of the current literature reporting clinical outcome measures of treatment with NAC, rhDNase, and hypertonic saline in children. 2007;42:989,1001. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Gender Differences in Response to Sertraline Pharmacotherapy in Type A Alcohol DependenceTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 3 2004Helen M. Pettinati Ph.D. We previously established that Babor Type A "lower-risk / severity" alcoholics (n = 55) had better treatment response to fourteen weeks of sertraline (200 mg/ day) than placebo, a finding not present for Type B "higher-risk /severity" alcoholics (n = 45). This exploratory study extended these results by examining the original sample for gender differences in response to sertraline pharmacotherapy. Type A alcoholic men, but not Type A alcoholic women, had consistently better outcomes with sertraline compared to placebo on several common drinking measures: time to relapse, days drinking, days drinking heavily, drinks per drinking day, and number of those continually abstinent. There were no significant differences in drinking with sertraline compared to placebo in Type B alcoholic men or women. [source] Pharmacotherapy for Marijuana Dependence: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Pilot Study of Divalproex SodiumTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 1 2004Frances Rudnick Levin M.D. There is a noticeable lack of targeted treatment options for marijuana dependence, in particular pharmacologic approaches. This is the first study evaluating a targeted pharmacologic approach for marijuana dependence. The goals of the study were to determine if such patients would seek pharmacologic treatment, whether these patients could be retained in treatment using a design previously developed for cocaine-dependent patients, and especially whether divalproex sodium showed promise as a treatment agent for marijuana dependence. We found that marijuana-dependent patients will seek treatment, and such patients can be adequately maintained in a pharmacologic trial. Regardless of treatment group, patients reported a significant reduction in their frequency and amount of marijuana use as well as a reduction in irritability. Given the lack of proven effective treatments for marijuana dependence, pharmacotherapies should be sought. The design of a preliminary clinical trial should include a psychosocial/behavioral intervention emphasizing motivation and medication compliance and a placebo control group. [source] New Developments in the Pharmacotherapy of Alcohol DependenceTHE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON ADDICTIONS, Issue 2001Hugh Myrick M.D. Neuroscientific underpinnings and pharmacotherapeutic treatments of sub-stance use disorders are rapidly developing areas of study. In particular, there have been exciting new developments in our understanding of the involvement of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter systems and the opiate and serotonin systems in the pathophysiology of alcohol withdrawal, alcohol dependence, and in subtypes of individuals with alcoholism. In this article, new developments in the pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence will be reviewed. In particular, the use of anticonvulsants in alcohol withdrawal and protracted abstinence syndromes will be discussed. New data on opiate antagonists and acamprosate, an agent that exerts actions through excitatory amino acid systems in relapse prevention, will be reviewed. Finally, there will be a review of new data concerning the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in subtypes of alcoholism and the use of combination pharmacotherapy. [source] The Association Between Rural Residence and the Use, Type, and Quality of Depression CareTHE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 3 2010John C. Fortney PhD Abstract Objective: To assess the association between rurality and depression care. Methods: Data were extracted for 10,319 individuals with self-reported depression in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Pharmacotherapy was defined as an antidepressant prescription fill, and minimally adequate pharmacotherapy was defined as receipt of at least 4 antidepressant fills. Psychotherapy was defined as an outpatient counseling visit, and minimally adequate psychotherapy was defined as , 8 visits. Rurality was defined using Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Rural Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs). Results: Over the year, 65.1% received depression treatment, including 58.8% with at least 1 antidepressant prescription fill and 24.5% with at least 1 psychotherapy visit. Among those in treatment, 56.2% had minimally adequate pharmacotherapy treatment and 36.3% had minimally adequate psychotherapy treatment. Overall, there were no significant rural-urban differences in receipt of any type of formal depression treatment. However, rural residence was associated with significantly higher odds of receiving pharmacotherapy (MSA: OR 1.16 [95% CI, 1.01-1.34; P= .04] and RUCC: OR 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.08; P= .05]), and significantly lower odds of receiving psychotherapy (MSA: OR 0.62 [95% CI, 0.53-0.74; P < .01] and RUCC: OR 0.91 [95% CI, 0.88-0.94; P < .001]). Rural residence was not significantly associated with the adequacy of pharmacotherapy, but it was significantly associated with the adequacy of psychotherapy (MSA: OR 0.53 [95% CI, 0.41-0.69; P < .01] and RUCC: OR 0.92 [95% CI, 0.86-0.99; P= .02]). Psychiatrists per capita were a mediator in the psychotherapy analyses. Conclusions: Rural individuals are more reliant on pharmacotherapy than psychotherapy. This may be a concern if individuals in rural areas turn to pharmacotherapy because psychotherapists are unavailable rather than because they have a preference for pharmacotherapy. [source] Disability and its treatment in bipolar disorder patientsBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1-2 2007Nancy Huxley Bipolar disorders (BPD) are major, life-long psychiatric illnesses found in 2,5% of the population. Prognosis for BPD was once considered relatively favorable, but contemporary findings suggest that disability and poor outcomes are prevalent, despite major therapeutic advances. Syndromal recovery from acute episodes of mania or bipolar major depression is achieved in as many as 90% of patients given modern treatments, but full symptomatic recovery is achieved slowly, and residual symptoms of fluctuating severity and functional impact are the rule. Depressive,dysthymic,dysphoric morbidity continues in more than 30% of weeks in follow-up from initial episodes as well as later in the illness-course. As few as 1/3 of BPD patients achieve full social and occupational functional recovery to their own premorbid levels. Pharmacotherapy, though the accepted first-line treatment for BPD patients, is insufficient by itself, encouraging development of adjunctive psychological treatments and rehabilitative efforts to further limit morbidity and disability. Interpersonal, cognitive,behavioral, and psychoeducational therapies all show promise for improving symptomatic and functional outcomes. Much less is known about how these and more specific rehabilitative interventions might improve vocational functioning in BPD patients. [source] Pharmacotherapy of bipolar II disorder: a critical review of current evidenceBIPOLAR DISORDERS, Issue 1 2004George Hadjipavlou Objectives:, There is much controversy surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bipolar II disorder (BP II). To address the growing need to find effective treatment strategies for patients with BP II, this article identifies and summarizes available published evidence specific to the pharmacotherapy of BP II. Methods:, Using the keywords, ,bipolar disorder', ,type II' or ,type 2', ,bipolar II', ,hypomania', and ,bipolar spectrum', a search of the databases Medline (via PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (via Ovid), and PsychInfo was conducted for the period January 1994 to January 2003. Articles deemed directly relevant to the treatment of BP II were selected. Studies that included both BP I and II patients were excluded if results for BP II patients were not analyzed and reported separately. Results:, Fourteen articles were selected for the review period. There are no double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCT) involving only BP II patients. Most studies investigating the pharmacotherapy of BP II are methodologically limited, having observational or retrospective designs and small samples. For long-term treatment, lamotrigine has the strongest quality of evidence (double blind RCT), while lithium is the best studied. With regard to short-term treatment, there is some limited support for the use of risperidone in hypomania, and for divalproex, fluoxetine and venlafaxine in treating depression. Conclusions:, There is a paucity of sound evidence to help guide clinicians treating BP II patients. Decisions about pharmacotherapy should be made on a case-by-case basis; overall, broad recommendations that are based on available evidence cannot be adequately made. More quality research is needed to delineate effective treatment strategies. [source] Controlling the expansion of abdominal aortic aneurysmsBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 8 2003M. M. Thompson Pharmacotherapy holds promise for the future [source] Pharmacotherapy for co-occurring alcohol and drug disorders in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: where is the evidence?ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA, Issue 2 2010Dan I. Lubman No abstract is available for this article. [source] Pharmacotherapy Of The Ion Transport Defect In Cystic FibrosisCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2001Karl Kunzelmann SUMMARY 1. More than 1300 different mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease characterized by deficient epithelial Cl, secretion and enhanced Na+ absorption. The clinical course of the disease is determined by the progressive lung disease. Thus, novel approaches in pharmacotherapy are based primarily on correction of the ion transport defect in the airways. 2. The current therapeutic strategies try to counteract the deficiency in Cl, secretion and the enhanced Na+ absorption. A number of compounds have been identified, such as genistein and xanthine derivatives, which directly activate mutant CFTR. Other compounds may activate alternative Ca2+ -activated Cl, channels or basolateral K+ channels, which supply the driving force for Cl, secretion. Apart from that, Na+ channel blockers, such as phenamil and benzamil, are being explored, which counteract the hyperabsorption of NaCl in CF airways. 3. Clinical trials are under way using purinergic compounds such as the P2Y2 receptor agonist INS365. Activation of P2Y2 receptors has been found to both activate Cl, secretion and inhibit Na+ absorption. 4. The ultimate goal is to recover Cl, channel activity of mutant CFTR by either enhancing synthesis and expression of the protein or by activating silent CFTR Cl, channels. Strategies combining these drugs with compounds facilitating Cl, secretion and inhibiting Na+ absorption in vivo may have the best chance to counteract the ion transport defect in cystic fibrosis. [source] Anxiety and Its Disorders: Implications for PharmacotherapyCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 2 2010Jonathan S. Abramowitz [Clin Psychol Sci Prac 17: 104,106, 2010] Otto, McHugh, and Kantak (2010) have crafted a model to account for the observation that pharmacologic treatments do not reliably add to the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders. In this commentary, we discuss the nature of anxiety and its disorders and review three approaches to the pharmacotherapy of these psychological disorders. When the implications of these approaches are considered, the use of N -methyl- d -aspartate agonists, in theory, holds the greatest promise for a pharmacological treatment to complement CBT for anxiety disorders. [source] An update on the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of depressionACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010N. D. Mitchell Mitchell ND, Baker GB. An update on the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of depression. Objective:, To review the literature on the involvement of glutamate (Glu), including its interactions with other neurochemical systems, in the pathophysiology of depression. Method:, A MEDLINE search using the terms glutamate, depression and major depressive disorder, was performed. Results:, Alterations in proteins involved in glutamatergic signalling are implicated in variations in behaviour in animal models of depression. Drugs acting at Glu receptors appear to have antidepressant-like effects in these models, and traditional antidepressant pharmacotherapies act on the glutamatergic system. Recent evidence from genetic studies and in vivo spectroscopy also correlate glutamatergic dysfunction with depression. Trials of N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonists in humans have provided mixed results. Conclusion:, A growing body of evidence indicates that the glutamatergic system is involved in the pathophysiology of depression, and may represent a target for intervention. [source] Treatment of major depressive disorder in the Finnish general populationDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 11 2009Juha Hämäläinen M.D.M.A. Abstract Background: Few general population studies of the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) have included the whole spectrum of treatments. We estimated the rates of different treatments and the effect of individual and disorder characteristics plus provider type on treatment received. Methods: In the Health 2000 Study, a representative sample (n=6,005) from the adult Finnish population (,30 years) were interviewed (CIDI) in 2000,2001 for the presence of DSM-IV mental disorders during the past 12 months. Logistic regression models were used to examine factors influencing the type of treatment: either pharmacotherapies (antidepressants, anxiolytics, sedatives/hypnotics, antipsychotics) or psychological treatment. Results: Of the individuals with MDD (n=288), currently 24% used antidepressants, 11% anxiolytics, 16% sedatives/hypnotics, 5% antipsychotics, and 17% reported having received psychological treatment. Overall, 31% received antidepressants or psychological treatment or both; 18% received minimally adequate treatment. Of those 33% (n=94) using health care services for mental reasons, 76% received antidepressants or psychological treatment or both; 54% received minimal adequate treatment. In logistic regression models, the use of antidepressants was associated with female sex, being single, severe MDD, perceived disability, and comorbid dysthymic disorder; psychological treatment with being divorced, perceived disability, and comorbid anxiety disorder. Conclusions: Due to the low use of health services for mental reasons, only one-third of subjects with MDD use antidepressants, and less than one-fifth receives psychological treatment. The treatments provided are determined mostly by clinical factors such as severity and comorbidity, in part by sex and marital status, but not education or income. Depression and Anxiety 26:1049,1059, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Postgraduate education for doctors in smoking cessationDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2009NICHOLAS A. ZWAR Abstract Introduction and Aims. Smoking cessation advice from doctors helps improve quit rates but the opportunity to provide this advice is often missed. Postgraduate education is one strategy to improve the amount and quality of cessation support provided. This paper describes a sample of postgraduate education programs for doctors in smoking cessation and suggests future directions to improve reach and quality. Design and Methods. Survey of key informants identified through tobacco control listserves supplemented by a review of the published literature on education programs since 2000. Programs and publications from Europe were not included as these are covered in another paper in this Special Issue. Results. Responses were received from only 21 key informants from eight countries. Two further training programs were identified from the literature review. The following components were present in the majority of programs: 5 As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange) approach (72%), stage of change (64%), motivational interviewing (72%), pharmacotherapies (84%). Reference to clinical practice guidelines was very common (84%). The most common model of delivery of training was face to face. Lack of interest from doctors and lack of funding were identified as the main barriers to uptake and sustainability of training programs. Discussion and Conclusions. Identifying programs proved difficult and only a limited number were identified by the methods used. There was a high level of consistency in program content and a strong link to clinical practice guidelines. Key informants identified limited reach into the medical profession as an important issue. New approaches are needed to expand the availability and uptake of postgraduate education in smoking cessation.[Zwar NA, Richmond RL, Davidson D, Hasan I. Postgraduate education for doctors in smoking cessation. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009;28:466,473] [source] Trends in morphine prescriptions, illicit morphine use and associated harms among regular injecting drug users in AustraliaDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 5 2006LOUISA DEGENHARDT Abstract This paper examines population trends in morphine prescriptions in Australia, and contrasts them with findings from annual surveys with regular injecting drug users (IDU). Data on morphine prescriptions from 1995 to 2003 were obtained from the Drug Monitoring System (DRUMS) run by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Data collected from regular IDU as part of the Australian Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) were analysed (2001,2004). The rate of morphine prescription per person aged 15,54 years increased by 89% across Australia between 1995 and 2003 (from 46.3 to 85.9 mg per person). Almost half (46%) of IDU surveyed in 2004 reported illicit morphine use, with the highest rates in jurisdictions where heroin was less available. Recent morphine injectors were significantly more likely to be male, unemployed, out of treatment and homeless in comparison to IDU who had not injected morphine. They were also more likely to have injected other pharmaceutical drugs and to report injection related problems. Among those who had injected morphine recently, the most commonly reported injecting harms were morphine dependence (38%), difficulty finding veins into which to inject (36%) and scarring or bruising (27%). Morphine use and injection is a common practice among regular IDU in Australia. In some cases, morphine may be a substitute for illicit heroin; in others, it may be being used to treat heroin dependence where other pharmacotherapies, such as methadone and buprenorphine, are perceived as being unavailable or undesirable by IDU. Morphine injection appears to be associated with polydrug use, and with it, a range of problems related to drug injection. Further research is required to monitor and reduce morphine diversion and related harms by such polydrug injectors. [source] Role of the general practitioner in smoking cessationDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 1 2006NICHOLAS A. ZWAR Abstract This paper reflects on the role of general practitioners in smoking cessation and suggests initiatives to enhance general practice as a setting for effective smoking cessation services. This paper is one of a series of reflections on key issues in smoking cessation. In this article we highlight the extent that general practitioners (GPs) have contact with the population, evidence for effectiveness of GP advice, barriers to greater involvement and suggested future directions. General practice has an extensive population reach, with the majority of smokers seeing a GP at least once per year. Although there is level 1 evidence of the effectiveness of smoking cessation advice from general practitioners, there are substantial barriers to this advice being incorporated routinely into primary care consultations. Initiatives to overcome these barriers are education in smoking cessation for GPs and other key practice staff; teaching of medical students about tobacco and cessation techniques, clinical practice guidelines; support for guideline implementation; access to pharmacotherapies; and development of referral models. We believe the way forward for the role of the GPs is to develop the practice as a primary care service for providing smoking cessation advice. This will require education relevant to the needs of a range of health professionals, provision of and support for the implementation of clinical practice guidelines, access for patients to smoking cessation pharmacotherapies and integration with other cessation services such as quitlines [source] Review of bupropion for smoking cessationDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 2 2003ROBYN RICHMOND Abstract The advent of bupropion hydrochloride sustained release (Zyban) has heralded a major change in the options available for smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. Bupropion is a selective re-uptake inhibitor of dopamine and noradrenalin which prevents or reduces cravings and other features of nicotine withdrawal. Bupropion is a useful oral and non-nicotine form of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. For this review a total of 221 papers were reviewed plus poster presentations. This review examines in detail original clinical trials on efficacy, categorised according to whether they were acute treatment trials in healthy smokers; studies in specific populations such as people with depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiovascular disease; or relapse prevention studies. Overall, these studies in varying populations comprising over four thousand subjects, showed bupropion consistently produces a positive effect on smoking cessation outcomes. The evidence highlights the major public health role that bupropion has in smoking cessation. The methodological issues of published clinical trials reporting one year outcomes were examined in detail including: completeness of follow-up; loss to follow-up; intention to treat analysis; blindness of assessment; and validation of smoking status. The review discusses contraindications, adverse effects, dose and overdose, addictive potential, and the role of bupropion in reducing cessation-related weight gain. Bupropion combined with or compared to other pharmacotherapies (nicotine patch; nortriptyline) is considered. Impressive evidence exists for the use of bupropion in smoking cessation among difficult patients who are hard-core smokers such as those with cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression. Bupropion reduces withdrawal symptoms as well as weight gain and is effective for smoking cessation for people with and without a history of depression or alcoholism. Serious side effects of bupropion use are rare. The major safety issue with bupropion is risk of seizures (estimated at approximately 0.1%) and it should not be prescribed to patients with a current seizure disorder or any history of seizures. In clinical trials of bupropion for smoking cessation no seizures were reported. Allergic reactions occur at a rate of approximately 3% and minor adverse effects are common including dry mouth and insomnia. [source] Treatment of opioid dependence in adolescents and young adults with extended release naltrexone: preliminary case-series and feasibilityADDICTION, Issue 9 2010Marc J. Fishman ABSTRACT Background Opioid dependence is an increasing problem among adolescents and young adults, but in contrast to the standard in the adult population, adoption of pharmacotherapies has been slow. Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) is a promising treatment that has been receiving increasing interest for adult opioid dependence. Clinical chart abstractions were performed on a convenience sample of 16 serial adolescent and young adult cases (mean age 18.5 years) treated for opioid dependence with XR-NTX who attended at least one out-patient clinical follow-up visit. Case descriptions Of these 16 cases, 10 of 16 (63%) were retained in treatment for at least 4 months and nine of 16 (56%) had a ,good' outcome defined as having substantially decreased opioid use, improvement in at least one psychosocial domain and no new problems due to substance use. Conclusions These descriptive results suggest that XR-NTX in the treatment of adolescents and young adults with opioid dependence is well tolerated over a period of 4 months and feasible in a community-based treatment setting, and associated with good outcomes in a preliminary, small non-controlled case-series. This probably reflects an overall trend towards greater adoption of medication treatments for this population. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||