Debbie Rigby rounds up the latest in research news
De-Intensification Of Blood Glucose Lowering Medication In People Identified As Being Over-Treated
This study shows that de-intensification of glucose-lowering medication occurred in more than half of the patients (56.3%), one year after detection of possible overtreatment. From the patients’ perspective, glucose levels, the burden of medication usage, such as adverse effects, should be considered when changing glucose-lowering medication. Care providers should engage in a conversation with their patients, explaining the benefits and harms of a (less) stringent glycaemic control, reaching a mutually agreed target level.
Patient Preference and Adherence 2019;13:1775–83.
Self‐reported influenza and pneumococcal vaccination coverage among Indigenous adults was analysed by age, remoteness, gender and risk factor status in this study. Indigenous adult vaccination coverage for influenza and pneumococcal disease remains unacceptably low. Despite national funding of influenza vaccine in 2010, there was no increase in influenza coverage compared to 2004-5, except for the 18–49‐year age group.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, first published 16 October 2019.
Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for heavy menstrual bleeding
Cochrane authors investigated whether non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) helped reduce heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women before they reach the menopause. The review of trials found that NSAIDs were modestly effective in reducing HMB, but other medicines, such as danazol, tranexamic acid and levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS), are more effective. These results were based on a small number of low‐ to moderate‐quality trials.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 9.
Medication Regimen Complexity In 8 Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities
Cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Simplification of Medications Prescribed to Long-tErm care Residents (SIMPLER) cluster-randomized controlled trial shows that residents with longer lengths of stay, more dependent in ADLs and most frail had the most complex medication regimens and, therefore, may benefit from targeted strategies to reduce medication regimen complexity. The study collected data from 242 residents from 8 RACFs in South Australia.
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2019;14:1783-95.
