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B Gjelsvik

Publications and source records attributed to B Gjelsvik.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

[Botulinum toxin A--effect on spasticity].

BACKGROUND: Severe spasticity may lead to problems of movement and function, pain and hygiene, and may be difficult to treat. A team of neurologists and physiotherapists evaluated the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) on spasticity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients with central nervous disorders were included in this study. Function, pain and personal hygiene were assessed before and after injections with BTX-A. RESULTS: Nine patients experienced improvement of function and/or pain relief. One patient had improved perception in his hand, and one patient needed only two injections to stop a vicious circle. The effect varied from patient to patient. It seemed that patients with some preserved motor control in the spastic limb could use it to learn more appropriate movement strategies. INTERPRETATION: We recommend that doctors and physiotherapists work together to identify muscle groups that need to be targeted for injection and evaluate consequences of the treatment. Injections with BTX-A should be combined with physiotherapy.

Adult↗

[Pharmacological prevention of cardiovascular diseases in general practice].

BACKGROUND: In this paper the Norwegian College of General Practitioners, Working Group on Hypertension report recommendations for primary preventive drug treatment of elevated cardiovascular risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Updated metaanalyses and randomised controlled trials are the main basis for the recommendations. The purpose of treating hypertension is prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Drug treatment with documented effect on morbidity and mortality is therefore recommended. We have also evaluated the cost effectiveness of drug treatment. RESULTS: An estimate of the total risk of future cardiovascular disease is a necessary basis for treatment decisions. This paper presents tools for estimating total cardiovascular risk. Drug treatment is recommended if ten-year risk exceeds 20% or blood pressure equals or exceeds 170/100 mmHg. Drug treatments include antihypertensive, antithrombotic, antidiabetic and lipid-lowering drugs with documented effect on hard endpoints. Aspirin, thiazides, betablockers, metformin, calcium blockers, ACE inhibitors and statins are all drugs with documented effects on significant endpoints, but the costs of these treatments differ substantially. INTERPRETATION: Drug treatment to prevent cardiovascular disease should be recommended for patients at significant risk of cardiovascular disease. Drugs with documented effect on morbidity and mortality should be used. Considerations of costs are important in treatment decisions.

Adult↗

[Life style advice provided by primary health care to prevent cardiovascular diseases].

BACKGROUND: The Working Group on Hypertension of the Norwegian College of General Practitioners reports in this paper on the documentation on behavioural advice in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Emphasis is given to hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The recommendations are mainly based on updated metaanalyses and randomised controlled trials. Hypertension is treated to prevent cardiovascular disease; that is why we put emphasis on documentation with significant end points. The validity of the documentation for general practice is assessed. We have also assessed whether certain methods or theories for behavioural change could be helpful to the general practitioner. RESULTS: The value of advice against smoking, dietary advice (increased intake of grain products, vegetables, fruit, poultry and fish), and advice about exercise are well documented and applicable in general practice. Respect for the patient's autonomy and interest in the patients and their health-related habits seem to be important factors for improving doctor's chances of influencing patient behaviour. INTERPRETATION: The value of life-style advice is well documented and should play an important role in clinical strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients.

Antioxidants↗