Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news
This study describes the development and feasibility testing of a Medicines Conversation Guide in HMRs with pharmacists and older patients. Pharmacists found the Guide to be an acceptable and useful component to the HMR, especially among patients with limited knowledge of their medicines. The revised conversation guide, and a series of short training videos, are available on the University of Sydney website.
Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy 2019;15(6):682-690.
Guidelines on diabetes, pre-diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases
These updated Guidelines provide information on the current state of the art in how to prevent and manage the effects of diabetes on the heart and vasculature. Recommendations are included for BP and lipid targets, antiplatelet therapy, glucose-lowering treatment, revascularisation and management of arrhythmias.
European Heart Journal 2019.
Type and timing of menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk
Prospective follow-up of MHT trials reveals an excess risk of breast cancer. Five years of MHT, starting at age 50 years, increases breast cancer incidence at ages 50–69 years by about one in every 50 users of oestrogen plus daily progestagen preparations; one in every 70 users of oestrogen plus intermittent progestagen preparations; and one in every 200 users of oestrogen-only preparations. The corresponding excesses from 10 years of MHT would be about twice as great.
Lancet, published 29 August 2019.
Analysis of registry data from Scandinavia shows SGLT2 inhibitor use compared with DPP4 inhibitor use is associated with reduced risk of heart failure and any cause death, but not with major cardiovascular events. Heart failure was reduced by 34% in patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors compared to DPP4 inhibitors.
BMJ 2019;366:l4772.
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