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Half Full (half + full)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%

Selected Abstracts

The Glass Half Empty or Half Full,How Effective Are Long-Term Intrathecal Opioids in Post-herpetic Neuralgia?

NEUROMODULATION, Issue 3 2009
A Case Series, Review of the Literature
ABSTRACT Objectives.,Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of herpes zoster infection and a common cause of chronic severe pain in elderly and/or debilitated patients. Although a wide range of treatments have been tried, a substantial number of patients continue to experience pain which remains refractory to all therapies. Increasingly, studies have demonstrated that oral opioids can have a beneficial effect on neuropathic pain. However, to date, few studies have examined the potential benefit(s) of chronic intrathecal opioids in the treatment of PHN. Methods.,Long-term outcome results of four PHN patients who had a successful intrathecal opioid trial and underwent implantation of an intrathecal opioid pump were examined. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis of variance. Results.,Duration of continuous intrathecal opioid therapy ranged from five to 50 months and mean pain reduction was 41% (range 27,50%) as measured by a verbal pain score (0,100), with the greatest benefit noticed earlier in therapy. Mean 24-hour intrathecal morphine dose was 2.29 mg (range 0.78,3.94 mg). Intrathecal therapy was discontinued in two patients because of opioid side-effects, depression, and loss of efficacy. Revision surgery was required in two cases. Patients most commonly reported improvement in the deep component of their pain, next allodynia, and less so superficial lancinating pain. Conclusions.,In conclusion, while a complex therapy, long-term use of intrathecal opioids is well tolerated, doses are titratable, administration is safe, and may help relieve severe short- and long-term neuropathic pain in selected PHN patients. Whether the addition of newer investigational intrathecal agents could improve these results is yet to be determined. [source]

One-year outcome with antidepressant treatment of bipolar depression , is the glass half empty or half full?

ACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2 2005
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Using the mouse to model asthma: the cup is half full and then some

CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, Issue 5 2008
C. G. Irvin
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Reductionist inference-based medicine, i.e. EBM

JOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2006
John De Simone
Abstract Rationale, aims and objectives, Unbeknown to many, reductionist and postmodern worldviews competitively coexist in science and society. The debate on evidence-based medicine (EBM) is at the tip of this ,iceberg'. Via systems thinking and complexity science EBM reveals crucial flaws and its reductionism entails an inability to appreciate (even tolerate) contrasting ideas and/or ,see a bigger picture'. An interdisciplinary approach provides insight into novel explanations. Thereafter, the conceptual barrier shifts to communication, a challenge which mandates attempts to steer the discourse by reframing the debate. Method, Interdisciplinary perspectives serve to illustrate a ,bigger picture'. Also, ,wicked' questions stimulate reflection, discern leverage points and dismantle resilient defences. Lastly, a proposal: exploring the value of ,glasses half full'. Conclusion, Some may realize that postmodern concepts behind compelling criticisms to EBM have already taken root, being shared by policymakers, practitioners and patients as well. [source]