Early inhaled glucocorticoid therapy to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Article Abstract:

Inhaled corticosteroids may not prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies but appears to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a lung disease caused by supplemental oxygen given to premature babies. Researchers randomly assigned 253 premature babies at risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia to receive inhaled beclomethasone or a placebo for four weeks. The frequency of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was similar in both groups but the babies who received beclomethasone spent less time on a ventilator and needed lower doses of other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Beclomethasone dipropionate, Beclomethasone

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Gauging the Impact of Statins Using Number Needed to Treat

Article Abstract:

It may be better to use the number needed to treat (NNT) rather than relative risk reductions (RRR) when evaluating a class of drugs called statins. Statins are used to lower blood cholesterol levels. Most studies analyze the reduction in the risk of heart disease among patients taking statins compared to those taking a placebo, or inactive substance. However the NNT may be better. NNT means how many patients must be treated to prevent one case of heart disease. It can incorporate the costs of the treatment and therefore can be used to decide which statin is more cost-effective.

Methods, Medical research, Anticholesteremic agents

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