Estimating treatment benefits for the elderly: the effect of competing risks
Article Abstract:
A balanced and informed evaluation of benefits and risks of therapy in the elderly may be advisable when contemplating new treatment. Researchers presented guidelines for weighing and calculating the benefits and risks of treatment based on patient age, perceived health status, expected health risk, and published life expectancy rates. As a patient gets older, the increase in life expectancy associated with a proposed treatment is smaller than if the patient was younger or in better health. The risk associated with treatment may be greater than the benefit of that treatment. Elderly patients may also face other disabling complications that may compromise proposed treatments. Doctors and elderly patients may also discuss the quality of life associated with proposed treatment apart from a possible increase in life expectancy. These guidelines are only appropriate for specific diseases with defined risk.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1996
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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with ticlopidine: a review of 60 cases
Article Abstract:
The anticoagulant drug ticlopidine may cause thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura in some patients. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura is a serious condition caused by a drop in the number of blood platelets, which form blood clots. In a survey of 60 cases of thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura caused by ticlopidine, 80% of the patients had been taking the drug for less than one month. Thirty-three percent died from the condition. Those who were treated with plasmapheresis had much lower mortality rates; only 24% died compared to 50% of the patients who did not receive plasmapheresis.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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Single-Therapy Androgen Suppression in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Article Abstract:
Drugs that mimic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) appear to be as effective as orchiectomy in treating men with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be stimulated by male hormones, so removing the testes or treating men with drugs that inhibit male hormone production are two treatment options. In a review of 24 studies covering more than 6,600 patients, survival rates were similar in men who were treated surgically and those who were treated with drugs that mimic LHRH. These drugs suppress male hormone production and include leuprolide, buserelin, and goserelin.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2000
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