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Specific Patient Populations (specific + patient_population)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%

Selected Abstracts

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with haemophilia: a review of the literature

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 5 2006
D. POSTHOUWER
Summary., Chronic hepatitis C is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in haemophilia patients. In contrast to studies in the general population, the studies of antiviral therapy in haemophilia patients are limited and often include small numbers of patients. A review of the literature was performed to assess the efficacy of interferon (IFN)-based therapy for patients with haemophilia chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Studies were identified by electronic searches (Medline, Embase) and hand searches in references of key articles. Data of the included studies were pooled, and responses to therapy were stratified according to treatment regimen, HIV co-infection status, and treatment history. The main outcome was a sustained virological response (SVR) defined as absence of HCV RNA both at the end of treatment and 24-week post-treatment. Thirty-five studies were identified that included 1151 patients. After pooling the data of included patients, the SVR in HIV-negative treatment naïve patients was 22% for IFN monotherapy, 43% for IFN and ribavirin, and 57% for pegylated IFN and ribavirin, respectively. Re-treatment with IFN and ribavirin of those who failed to respond to previous IFN monotherapy was successful in 33%. In HCV/HIV-coinfected patients, response to IFN monotherapy was 8% and to IFN combined with ribavirin 39%. Responses to IFN-based therapy in patients with haemophilia have been improved over time and are nowadays approximately 50,60%. However, data on haemophilic HCV/HIV-coinfected patients and in patients who failed to respond to previous therapy are limited and future studies in these specific patient population are necessary. [source]

Aortic Stenosis: Assessment of the Patient at Risk

JOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
KHUNG KEONG YEO M.B.B.S.
The true incidence of aortic stenosis among the general population is unknown but aortic sclerosis, its precursor, has been estimated to affect about 25% of people over age 65, while an estimated 3% of the population over age 75 have severe aortic stenosis. Severe aortic stenosis, when accompanied by symptoms of angina, syncope, or heart failure, is associated with high mortality rates. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography are cornerstone tools for the evaluation and monitoring of aortic stenosis. Echocardiography helps identify the patient at risk of death and guide timing of aortic valve replacement. Other important diagnostic tools include cardiac catheterization, treadmill stress testing, and dobutamine stress echocardiography, although their use is limited to specific patient populations. Aortic valve replacement carries a significant operative risk of approximately 4.0%. However, risk of operative mortality varies according to comorbidities and disease presentation. There are many risk models that guide estimation of the risk of operative mortality. Understanding operative risk is important in patient care and the selection of patients for aortic valve replacement. [source]

Regional variations in community consumption of antibiotics in Hungary, 1996,2003

BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
Maria Matuz
Aims To study regional differences and identify determinants of antibiotic consumption in ambulatory care in Hungary. Methods Regional distribution-based antibiotic sales data were converted into a number of defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitant-days. Correlations were assessed with the Spearman rank test. Results There were large and stable interregional differences in antibiotic consumption. They were associated with socio-economic determinants, e.g. the population receiving free access to medicines and receiving regular social assistance. Conclusions More detailed studies are needed to better understand the determinants of antibiotic use in these specific patient populations and to identify additional determinants at regional level. [source]

Current Directions in Videoconferencing Tele-Mental Health Research

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2009
Lisa K. Richardson
The provision of mental health services via videoconferencing tele-mental health has become an increasingly routine component of mental health service delivery throughout the world. Emphasizing the research literature since 2003, we examine (a) the extent to which the field of tele-mental health has advanced the research agenda previously suggested and (b) implications for tele-mental healthcare delivery for special clinical populations. Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective. In the very small number of randomized controlled studies that have been conducted to date, tele-mental health has demonstrated equivalent efficacy compared to face-to-face care in a variety of clinical settings and with specific patient populations. However, methodologically flawed or limited research studies are the norm, and thus the research agenda for tele-mental health has not been fully maximized. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [source]