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Biomedical subjects

R H Joe

Publications and source records attributed to R H Joe.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparative role of omeprazole in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

OBJECTIVE: To review gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its treatment, with emphasis on the use and place of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. DATA SOURCES: A compilation prepared by the National Library of Medicine's Interactive Retrieval Services (Medlars II) for the period 1987 to 1994 was used as the data source. STUDY SELECTION: Focus was placed on human comparative clinical studies with well-accepted measures of esophageal healing (endoscopy) and symptom resolution. Safety data were compiled from the clinical trials literature and large postmarketing data studies. Pharmacoeconomic studies selected were judged to meet the criteria of good design, presence of sensitivity testing, and statement of perspective. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were obtained from double-blind, controlled clinical studies. Other data were extracted from pertinent literature of good design and significant results. DATA SYNTHESIS: Overall, the clinical trials of omeprazole for the treatment of patients with erosive GERD demonstrate that omeprazole provides superior therapy in terms of esophageal healing symptom resolution and patient compliance when compared with histamine2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and antacids. In addition, studies also indicate that omeprazole is the most effective agent for the treatment of patients with GERD refractory to other treatments. Dosage adjustment is not necessary in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function or in the elderly. Finally, although the acquisition drug cost for daily treatment of patients with GERD is highest with the use of omeprazole, pharmacoeconomic studies indicate that treatment is more cost-effective with the use of omeprazole than with H2RA or antacid treatment alone or combined with nonpharmacologic approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Based on efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, omeprazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of patients with endoscopically confirmed erosive GERD.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Enoxaparin: the low-molecular-weight heparin for prevention of postoperative thromboembolic complications.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce readers to a new low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) product, enoxaparin. The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy in thromboembolic prophylaxis following surgery, and adverse effects are reviewed. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search of the English-language literature was used to identify relevant literature. STUDY SELECTION: A focus was placed on human clinical studies with well-accepted measures of antithrombotic efficacy endpoints, i.e., venography and ultrasonography. Emphasis was on pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic studies conducted in humans. DATA EXTRACTION: Most data were extracted from double-blind, controlled clinical studies. Other study designs were accepted if the results were believed to be significant. Pharmacology and pharmacokinetic data were selected from studies with exceptional design conducted in humans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Enoxaparin is a polysaccharide chain produced by the depolymerization of heparin. In comparison with heparin, which has an average molecular weight of 12,000-15,000 daltons, the average molecular weight of enoxaparin is approximately 4500 daltons. Enoxaparin does not form a complex with antithrombin III and thrombin as extensively as does heparin; however, the anti-Xa activity of enoxaparin is similar. The significance of this fact is an enhancement of antithrombotic activity and clinical efficacy. Trials comparing enoxaparin with other thromboembolic prophylaxis techniques are ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolism remains one of the major complications of all surgical procedures. Attempts have been made throughout the last century to develop the most effective means to prevent this complication. Clinical studies performed throughout the world have shown that enoxaparin is superior or equivalent to other antithrombotic agents, including heparin, in preventing the formation of venous thromboembolism. In addition, enoxaparin appears to possess an equivalent or lower incidence of bleeding complications when compared with heparin prophylaxis. Enoxaparin is expected to be joined by other LMWH products in the future. As a result, the methods of providing effective prophylaxis against thromboembolic complications is expected to change in the coming years.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Emergency department asthma treatment protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if a brief educational intervention (INT) on the treatment of acute asthma improved prescribing patterns of internal medicine residents in an emergency department (ED). Additional objectives were to determine if optimal therapy reduced length of stay (LOS) in the ED and to determine if discharge prescribing patterns could be improved. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, single-blind INT study. SETTING: A large, urban, county-owned, university-affiliated ED. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Eight internal medicine residents in each of three study periods; numbers of adult asthmatics for each period were: control group, 129 (Nov-Dec 1989); INT group A, 82 (Jan-Feb 1990); and INT group B, 139 (Nov-Dec 1990). INTERVENTIONS: INT consisted of a ten-minute verbal presentation, a three-page summary of the literature, and a posted protocol in the ED. Control data were collected prior to any INT. Prescribing patterns were covertly evaluated in each of the three study periods. Because discharge prescribing of long-term antiinflammatory therapy with inhaled corticosteroids was not improved in group A, emphasis on this point was added for group B. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of patients who received desired acute and discharge therapies and LOS for each study period. RESULTS: Increased prescribing of desired acute therapy in the ED was seen in both INT groups. For discharge prescribing, the INT was partially successful. Reduced LOS was not found for the INT groups. CONCLUSIONS: A brief INT effectively improves prescribing of optimal acute therapy of asthma in the ED, yet does not appear to reduce LOS. Further strategies are needed to impact on therapy prescribed at discharge from the ED.

Adult↗

Drug interaction.

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Ciprofloxacin↗