Biomedical subjects

J F McKellican

Publications and source records attributed to J F McKellican.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1990

Controlled-release indomethacin and sustained-release diclofenac sodium in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative controlled clinical trial.

The efficacy and tolerability of a new, controlled-release indomethacin (75 mg) tablet was compared to that of a sustained-release diclofenac sodium (100 mg) tablet in 84 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study was designed as a double-blind, double-dummy crossover trial, patients being allocated at random to receive 1 active tablet and 1 placebo tablet of the alternative medication at night for 4 weeks before being crossed over to the alternative treatment for a further 4 weeks. Patient and clinical assessments on entry and at the end of each treatment period showed that pain scores for day and night, duration of morning stiffness, requirement for escape analgesia (paracetamol) and treatment preference were similar for both treatments. Both preparations also significantly improved the degree of joint tenderness compared to baseline (p less than 0.001), as measured by a modified Ritchie Articular Index. Incidence and severity of side-effects were comparable, with a significant improvement in degree of constipation reported for both treatments compared to baseline (p less than 0.05). The incidence and severity of headache was statistically significantly worse (p less than 0.05) for controlled-release indomethacin; however, there was no difference in any other parameter of tolerability. It was concluded that controlled-release indomethacin tablets (75 mg) given as a single night-time dose were as efficacious and well tolerated as sustained-release diclofenac sodium (100 mg).

Adult↗

PubMed1988

Heroin users in general practice: ascertainment and features.

A case-control study of heroin users in general practice showed a prevalence of roughly two per 1000 of the urban population or four per "average" general practice list of patients. A method of studying heroin users who attend general practice was used that has advantages over existing techniques. Thirty six heroin users had a statistically significantly higher yearly doctor-patient consultation rate than a group of matched controls. More heroin users also failed to attend appointments than controls. When consultations directly related to heroin and its effects were excluded, however, the consultation rates in the two groups were similar. The heroin users did not have an excess of psychiatric disorder or disturbed family background compared with controls but had a noticeable history of dishonest and violent behaviour towards medical staff. A high proportion of heroin users in the study were antibody positive for the human immunodeficiency virus. General practitioners should take advantage of their frequent contacts with heroin users and their families to give them support and counselling about the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Family Practice↗

PubMed1984

Audit on hypertension management in general practice.

The case records of an urban teaching practice in Britain were studied to assess the performance of the practice in the detection and management of hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension among adults was 9%. The original diagnosis of hypertension was made by the patients' own general practitioner in two-thirds of patients. Evidence of adequate monitoring of treatment and follow-up by general practitioners was seen in only one-third of patients with hypertension. The effect of these findings on the subsequent performance of the practice is discussed.

Adolescent↗