In a nutshell This study assessed the effects on cholesterol of tocilizumab (TCZ, Actemra) and adalimumab (Humira) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The results showed that cholesterol levels increased more with TCZ. Other risk factors for heart disease decreased more with TCZ. Some background RA is a chronic autoimmune disease (when the...
Read MoreLibrary Item Posts on Medivizor
Does the sequence of food affect blood glucose levels?
In a nutshell This study examined whether meal sequence affects blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that meal sequence affects blood glucose levels after a meal and nutritional therapy may be important in managing type 2 diabetes. Some background Postprandial blood glucose levels are the levels of sugar...
Read MoreAzilsartan medoxomil for lowering blood pressure in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
In a nutshell This study examined whether azilsartan medoxomil (Edarbi) is safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. The authors concluded that azilsartan medoxomil is safe and effective for the treatment of high blood pressure. Some background Cardiovascular...
Read MoreNew faster acting insulin aspart
In a nutshell This study compared the effects of two types of insulin – the currently used fast-acting insulin aspart (NovoLOG/NovoRapid) and a new faster-acting insulin aspart. The study concluded that the faster-acting insulin aspart had a faster blood glucose lowering effect. Some background In individuals without diabetes, the...
Read MorePrevention of bone mineral loss in prostate cancer patients
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the change in bone density in patients who received luteinizing hormone-releasing agonists (LHRHa, treatments that reduce testosterone production in the body) compared to estradiol patches (patches that deliver the hormone estradiol). The authors concluded that EPs reduce the loss of bone density and...
Read MoreHow important is drug sequence in advanced prostate cancer survival?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine the benefit of sequencing docetaxel (Taxotere) and abiraterone (Zytiga) treatment to improve progression-free survival (patients who did not experience cancer growth after treatment) in patients with metastaic (cancer that has spread) hormone-resistant (cancer that does not respond to hormone...
Read MoreThe impact of high blood glucose levels on the arteries
In a nutshell This study examined whether high blood glucose levels can alter the function of arteries. The authors concluded that type 2 diabetes patients, particularly those with decreased kidney function, have higher arterial stiffness after experiencing high blood glucose levels. Some background Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a...
Read MoreCurrent guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell This summary outlined the current recommendations for the management of type 2 diabetes. The authors concluded that the management strategies available differ for each individual. Some background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a progressive disease. While it may be controlled at first with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise,...
Read MoreWhat effect does weight loss have on bone health in women with breast cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated the associations of weight loss with bone mineral density and bone turnover in overweight postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. The study concluded that weight loss did not have a negative effect on bone health. Some background Chemotherapy may cause some patients to go through menopause by disrupting female...
Read MoreFertility treatment does not increase pain in women with endometriosis
In a nutshell This study assessed whether women with endometriosis experienced more pain than disease-free women when undergoing fertility treatment. The results showed that fertility treatment did not worsen endometriosis symptoms or negatively impact quality of life in these women. Some background Endometriosis is a chronic disorder that causes...
Read MoreCombining therapies for a treatment-resistant BRAF-mutant colorectal cancer
In a nutshell This study reviewed therapies under development for the treatment of a rare form of colorectal cancer. It was found that the combination of 2 or more drug types may be the most effective treatment regime. Some background 10% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have a rare genetic form of the disease. This form of CRC is called...
Read MoreHow do age and other illnesses affect survival of patients with colorectal cancer?
In a nutshell This study investigated how age and other illnesses affected the survival of patients with cancer of the colon or rectum. It was found that survival decreases with age and the presence of other illnesses. Some background Roughly 70% of colorectal cancer patients are above the age of 65. 21% are aged over 80. However, few...
Read More
