Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news
In this meta-analysis of 16 prospective cohort studies and three nested case–control studies, low serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was associated with increased risks of total (RR 1.25) and hip fractures (RR 1.48).
Osteoporosis International 2017;28(5):1641–1652.
This analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials reviewed the use of LAMA/LABA compared with ICS/LABA therapy for COPD maintenance therapy. LAMA/LABA combination therapy demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function tests compared to ICS/LABA, as well as improved clinical outcomes with LAMA/LABA therapy, specifically reduction in COPD exacerbation rates. The safety of LAMA/LABA combination therapy also is favorable compared with ICS/LABA combination therapy because of the increased infection risk with ICS therapy.
Annals of Pharmacotherapy 2017;1–10.
Long-term persistence and adherence on urate-lowering treatment
Nurse-led treatment of gout improves persistence and adherence on urate-lowering treatment (ULT) in primary care. Initial treatment that includes individualized patient education and involvement in treatment decisions resulted in excellent adherence and persistence on ULT >4 years after the responsibility of treatment is taken over by the patient’s general practitioner.
Rheumatology (Oxford) (2017) 56 (4): 529-533.
A non-dispensing pharmacist conducts clinical pharmacy services aimed at optimizing patients individual pharmacotherapy. Embedding a non-dispensing pharmacist in primary care practice enables collaboration enhances patient care. This literature review concludes that full integration adds value to patient-centered clinical pharmacy services.
Research in Social & Administrative Pharmacy (2017), doi: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2017.04.014.
