PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M A Abate

Publications and source records attributed to M A Abate.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Buspirone use for smoking cessation.

The results of buspirone efficacy have been inconsistent and contradictory. The rate of smoking abstinence has been reported to range from 36% to 88% and 16% to 89% in buspirone and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Only one controlled study reported buspirone efficacy in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms, although it was based on a small sample population and only 4 weeks of follow-up. The most recent studies have been unable to demonstrate the efficacy of buspirone in smoking cessation or in the relief of withdrawal symptoms. A placebo-controlled, randomized trial with a large number of patients, relatively high doses of buspirone (30-60 mg/d), strict abstinence criteria, long-term follow-up, and the inclusion of smokers with general anxiety or anxiety reported in previous quit attempts is needed to further evaluate buspirone efficacy in smoking cessation and the reduction of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The treatment effects of buspirone could then be specifically tested as a function of alleviating the anxiety component of the smoking withdrawal syndrome. Finally, buspirone may prove to be an alternative in patients unsuccessful with or unable to tolerate transdermal nicotine therapy. How buspirone compares with bupropion therapy for smoking cessation is also unknown.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The role of dehydroepiandrosterone in AIDS.

The use of DHEA for the treatment of AIDS shows some promise, although controlled trials have not been performed to evaluate its efficacy. Low serum concentrations of DHEA have been correlated with states of decreased immune function in humans, since concentrations are lowest in early childhood, late adulthood, and as HIV disease progresses. DHEA appears to possess immunomodulating effects, perhaps by enhancing the secretion of IL-2 from activated T cells as demonstrated in a murine model. A decline in DHEA concentrations, particularly when initially less than 2.01 micrograms/L, might also prove to be a predictor of HIV disease progression. It is also plausible that a decrease in DHEA concentrations can be used to predict a decline in overall health status. Although the role of DHEA in the treatment of AIDS has not yet been determined, the drug appears to show potential for clinical benefit that should be evaluated in large, randomized, controlled trials.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1996

Attitudes of community pharmacists, university-based pharmacists, and students toward on-line information resources.

The study sought to explore the attitudes of community pharmacists, university-based pharmacists, and pharmacy students before and after exposure to computerized systems of on-line information services. A 42-item attitudinal survey was administered to 21 community pharmacists, 7 university clinical pharmacist faculty, and 17 senior pharmacy students, prior to and at the end of a year of access to Grateful Med and BRS Colleague. Few significant differences were noted among the participants at baseline. No significant interaction-effect differences for type of participant or system used were found. Participants were generally positive about computers in general, the accuracy of on-line information services, their impact on knowledge and confidence, and their usefulness for pharmacists.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Selected topics in drug information access and practice: an update.

The area of drug information is broad and of increasing importance to all pharmacy practitioners. The efficient and effective use of the literature should not be limited to those individuals with specialized drug information education and training. Pharmacists must be familiar with the many sources of information available to them, including the expanding line of CD-ROM products and on-line databases. Drug information specialists should serve as consultants and facilitators in the appropriate use of these products. All pharmacists should have a baseline level of critical literature evaluation skills. Part of the responsibilities of drug information specialists should be to help educate practitioners in the acquisition and development of these skills and to assist with the actual analysis of clinical studies. Finally, pharmacists in all settings, in conjunction with drug information specialists, need to work to develop DUE and adverse event monitoring programs that will maximize positive patient outcomes.

Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems↗
PubMed1992

Use of two online services as drug information sources for health professionals.

The utility of the online computer services BRS Colleague and Dialog Medical Connection, when used primarily as drug information sources by physicians, nurses, and pharmacists and attitudes toward their use, are described. Study sites included office-based medical practices, a university clinic family medicine group, and a university clinical pharmacy department. Participants had access to either of the computer services during two 9 1/2-month periods. All searches were automatically recorded and analyzed. A total of 1,112 search sessions were conducted (78% by pharmacists, 16% by nurses, 6% by physicians) by 38 of 65 participants. Information which completely answered questions was found for slightly less than one-third of searches. Errors occurred in about 81% of searches which retrieved incomplete information. Lack of time was a major factor which limited use of the services, and infrequent users felt that the services did not fit in well with their daily work routine.

Attitude to Computers↗
PubMed1991

Interaction of indomethacin and sulindac with labetalol.

The effects of sulindac and indomethacin on the blood pressure response to labetalol were determined in well-controlled predominantly obese hypertensive patients (n = 26). A stabilized dose of labetalol alone was administered on weeks 1 and 3, and either indomethacin or sulindac was administered with labetalol on week 2, with cross-over to the other drug on week 4. Indomethacin and sulindac increased the sitting and standing systolic blood pressure (BP) to a statistically significant extent compared with placebo. The effects of indomethacin on systolic BP, diastolic BP, and weight were not significantly different from those with sulindac. Indomethacin but not sulindac produced minor increases in diastolic BP and weight compared with placebo.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Effect of naproxen and sulindac on blood pressure response to atenolol.

Twenty-eight patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension well controlled by atenolol entered a five-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the effects of sulindac and naproxen on blood pressure (BP) control. Atenolol alone was administered during weeks 1, 3, and 5. Naproxen or sulindac was administered with atenolol during week 2, with crossover during week 4. Data were analyzed for 27 of the patients (one dropped out after developing a skin rash). Naproxen significantly increased the systolic BP compared with placebo (mean 4.0 mm Hg; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1-7.0; p less than 0.05). There were no significant differences in systolic BP during sulindac administration compared with placebo or naproxen. No significant effects on diastolic BP were observed. Weight was increased by naproxen and sulindac compared with placebo (mean 0.6-0.8 kg, p less than 0.05), although not to a clinically significant extent. One-week therapy with naproxen has a greater potential than sulindac to increase systolic BP in well-controlled hypertensive patients receiving atenolol; however, the increase is minor and unlikely to be of clinical significance.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Topical vancomycin for the treatment of Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus conjunctivitis.

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are organisms that frequently cause conjunctivitis or blepharoconjunctivitis. We describe a patient with methicillin-resistant S. aureus and S. epidermidis conjunctivitis who was treated successfully using an extemporaneously prepared topical ophthalmic solution of vancomycin hydrochloride 31 mg/mL. Studies describing the preparation, stability, and comfort of this solution, as well as reports pertaining to efficacy, are reviewed. Controlled clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of vancomycin ophthalmic solution have not yet been performed.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1990

Analysis of physicians', pharmacists', and nurses' attitudes toward the use of computers to access drug information.

The appropriate utilization of computerized drug information systems is widely recognized as an area of concern by health care professionals. For this reason, attitudes of health care professionals in office-based practices toward computer-based drug information were examined. Sixty individuals in five different practice settings completed an attitude instrument. Of the 36 items categorized into five attitudinal categories, the answers to six items (in three distinct categories) were found to be statistically different among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists. These differences indicate that physicians and nurses are less knowledgeable about the benefits that can be obtained through the use of computerized information resources and, consequently, are more skeptical concerning the role of computer information systems in reducing the costs and improving the quality of health care. Of interest as well was the finding that pharmacists felt more strongly than physicians and nurses that computer information systems would readily fit into their daily work routine.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1986

Medical management of cholesterol gallstones.

Cholesterol gallstones are a significant cause of morbidity in the U.S. Methods used to treat gallstones include cholecystectomy or medical dissolution. The primary drugs used for the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones are two bile acids, chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid. Complete or partial gallstone dissolution rates using chenodeoxycholic acid have ranged from 30 to 80 percent. Factors affecting gallstone dissolution using the bile acids include the dosage and administration schedule, obesity, the stone characteristics, diet, and the duration of therapy. The adverse effects of chenodeoxycholic acid include gastrointestinal complaints, hepatotoxicity, and increased serum cholesterol. Ursodeoxycholic acid, which is investigational, differs from chenodeoxycholic acid in its mechanism of action. Ursodeoxycholic acid has similar efficacy with chenodeoxycholic acid, at a lower daily dosage, with less gastrointestinal and hepatic adverse effects. If appropriate patient selection is used, the response rate to medical therapy can range from 50 to 80 percent.

Bile↗
PubMed1985

Monooctanoin use for gallstone dissolution.

Monooctanoin (Capmul 8210), a digestion product of medium chain triglycerides, is a cholesterol solvent that has been used for the dissolution of retained cholesterol gallstones following cholecystectomy. Bile duct infusion of monooctanoin is associated with little toxicity, although potentially serious problems can result from absorption of the drug or tissue infiltration. Gastrointestinal side effects such as anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain have been reported most commonly. Complete gallstone dissolution has occurred in approximately 50-75 percent of patients receiving monooctanoin. Although mechanical stone removal is still considered to be the treatment of choice for retained gallstones, monooctanoin use appears promising for stone dissolution in patients in whom mechanical removal has been unsuccessful or is impossible.

Biological Availability↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nifedipine-induced gingival hyperplasia.

Gingival hyperplasia, a condition characterized by increased amounts of gingival connective tissue, has most commonly been observed in patients receiving phenytoin, but has also been noted in patients receiving cyclosporine and, as in this case report, nifedipine. Patients receiving nifedipine should be advised to practice good oral hygiene to lessen the possibility of hyperplasia occurring. If gingival hyperplasia develops in a patient taking nifedipine, the drug should be suspected as being responsible and discontinued. Limited data suggest verapamil can be substituted for nifedipine in these patients with improvement of the hyperplasia.

Gingival Hyperplasia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Management of breast cancer.

Hormonal therapy, surgical and medical ablation procedures, and the use of palliative cytotoxic and adjuvant chemotherapy in the management of breast cancer are reviewed. Breast cancer staging systems are described that use various clinical and histological criteria in choosing the most appropriate therapy and in predicting therapeutic response. Estrogen and progesterone receptor titers now allow for a more reliable prediction of whether palliative hormonal therapy or cytotoxic drug therapy is preferable. Endocrine methods include surgical ablative procedures, additive hormonal therapy, and antiestrogenic therapy with tamoxifen or aminoglutethimide. Aminoglutethimide appears to be at least as efficacious as surgical adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy in treating hormonally sensitive tumors in women with advanced breast cancer, and it is associated with a lower incidence of complications than surgical ablation procedures. Tamoxifen appears to be at least as effective as other forms of endocrine treatment, and it is now preferred to diethylstilbestrol in the treatment of postmenopausal women. Compared with androgens, progestogens, and glucocorticoids, estrogens have the highest rate of objective response in the treatment of advanced breast cancer; however, the use of estrogens has diminished since tamoxifen is associated with similar efficacy and a lower incidence of side effects. Palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy is used for those women who have low titers of hormone receptors, rapidly progressing disease, widespread disease to visceral organs, or tumors that are refractory to hormonal therapy. Combinations of cytotoxic agents yield response rates and durations of response that are superior to single-agent therapy. Attempts are being made to enhance the "cure" rate, postoperative disease-free intervals, and survival times for women who have undergone surgical resection of the breast tumor. The benefits of adjuvant cytotoxic chemotherapy are particularly evident for pre- and postmenopausal women with three or less involved lymph nodes. The potential merits of adjuvant hormonal therapy and combination therapy with hormones and cytotoxic agents are being studied.

Adrenalectomy↗