The art versus the science of medicine: are clinical practice guidelines the answer?

Article Abstract:

Clinical practice guidelines can reduce the cost and improve the quality of patient care, particularly if they are limited in scope. Practice guidelines synthesize existing medical research into a set of clinical recommendations, which may reduce inappropriate and ineffective treatment. Drafters of guidelines should focus on conditions for which there is clear evidence that patients are not adequately managed, then test the guidelines in clinical practice to assure relevancy.

Methods, Analysis, Practice guidelines (Medicine), Evidence-based medicine

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Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in three geographically and genetically different populations of ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies

Article Abstract:

Hardening of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) seems to be common in patients with spinal diseases. The PLL is a ligament that runs down the spine. Researchers used X-rays to detect hardening of the PLL in 154 patients in Mexico and 39 patients in Canada, all of whom had spinal diseases. Fifteen percent to 29% of the patients had hardening of the PLL. Hardening of the PLL was associated with older age, more severe disease and longer disease duration.

Abnormalities, Physiological aspects, Spinal diseases, Ankylosing spondylitis, Ligaments

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Long term effectiveness of antimalarial drugs in rheumatic diseases

Article Abstract:

Chloroquine appears to be more effective in treating rheumatic diseases than hydroxychloroquine. These two anti-malarial drugs are commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A study of 940 patients with various rheumatoid diseases found that hydroxychloroquine had fewer side effects but was less effective than chloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine is also more expensive than chloroquine.

Evaluation, Drug therapy, Rheumatic diseases, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine

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