Debbie Rigby takes a look at the latest in research news
In this large multinational study, treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitor (canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) versus other glucose lowering drugs was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for heart failure and death, suggesting that the benefits seen with empagliflozin in a randomized trial may be a class effect applicable to a broad population of T2D patients in real-world practice.
Circulation. 2017
Effect of Statin Treatment vs Usual Care on Primary Cardiovascular Prevention Among Older Adults
A post hoc analysis of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial–Lipid-Lowering Trial (ALLHAT-LLT) has concluded that there were no significant differences in all-cause mortality or cardiovascular outcomes between pravastatin sodium and usual care for primary prevention for adults 65 years and older.
JAMA Intern Med. Published online May 22, 2017.
Advances in rheumatoid arthritis
There are now eight approved biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), two biosimilars and one targeted synthetic DMARD in Australia. bDMARDs have excellent efficacy, especially when combined with traditional DMARDs, and a well characterised but manageable safety profile. Therapy should be commenced as early as possible in the disease process.
Med J Aust 2017; 206 (5): 221-224.
Improving the Management of COPD in Women
This article reviews the current literature on the management of COPD in women. evidence suggests that women with COPD are generally younger, smoke less, have a lower BMI, and are more likely to be of lower socioeconomic status than men. Women appear more likely to exhibit small airway disease (bronchiolitis), whereas men are prone to develop an emphysematous phenotype.
Chest 2017;151(3):686-696.