Comparison of long-term safety of fixed-dose combinations azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone vs olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide.

This 52-week, randomized, open-label study evaluated long-term safety/tolerability of fixed-dose combination azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone (AZL-M/CLD) vs fixed-dose combination olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide (OLM/HCTZ) in patients with essential hypertension (stage 2; clinic systolic blood pressure 160-190 mm Hg). Initial AZL-M/CLD 40/12.5 mg/d (n=418) or OLM/HCTZ 20/12.

Evaluation of the angiotensin II receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil in African-American patients with hypertension.

The efficacy and safety of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) were evaluated in African-American patients with hypertension in a 6-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, for which the primary end point was change from baseline in 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (BP). There were 413 patients, with a mean age of 52 years, 57% women, and baseline 24-hour BP of 146/91 mm Hg. Treatment differences in 24-hour systolic BP between AZL-M 40 mg and placebo (-5.

Safety and tolerability of azilsartan medoxomil in subjects with essential hypertension: a one-year, phase 3, open-label study.

This 56-week phase 3, open-label, treat-to-target study, involving 2 consecutive, non-randomized cohorts, evaluated the safety and tolerability of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) in essential hypertension (mean baseline blood pressure [BP] 152/100 mmHg). All subjects (n = 669) initiated AZL-M 40 mg QD, force-titrated to 80 mg QD at week 4, if tolerated. From week 8, subjects could receive additional medications, starting with chlorthalidone (CLD) 25 mg QD (Cohort 1) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.

Meet the reformer.

When Elizabeth Tysoe accepted a secondment in the prison service she had no idea what to expect.

Recruitment network.

An innovative campaign developed on social media has helped an NHS trust to attract and recruit more than 150 qualified nurses.

A solid basis for improvement.

A two-day training plan delivered to ward-based staff at a West Midlands trust has had a major effect on the care of patients with cognitive impairment and dementia.

Calling on some foreign aid.

Hospitals are becoming increasingly reliant on overseas nurses, according to figures showing that the UK imports more nurses than it exports for the first time in eight years.

Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of azilsartan medoxomil with or without chlorthalidone during and after 8 months of treatment for hypertension.

A phase 3, 26-week, open-label, titrate-to-target study (n=418) assessed the safety of azilsartan medoxomil (AZL-M) alone and with chlorthalidone (CLD), followed by a 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled reversal phase with change in clinic diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as the primary endpoint. Target blood pressure (BP) was <140/90 mm Hg (<130/80 mm Hg with diabetes/chronic kidney disease). AZL-M was initiated at 40 mg once a day (QD), force-titrated to 80 mg at week 4.

Investing in wellbeing.

A trust in the West Midlands has introduced wellbeing apprentices to offer one-to-one support to patients with dementia of at high risk of falls. As well as providing companionship to ease patients' stress during hospital stays, the young apprentices receive training that can set them on the path to a nursing career.

Wards in good cheer.

Over the past year a West Midlands trust has introduced activities to improve the experience of patients in a co-ordinated and sustainable way. The initiative is spreading to other settings across the country.

Antihypertensive efficacy of hydrochlorothiazide vs chlorthalidone combined with azilsartan medoxomil.

Background: Chlorthalidone has proven efficacy to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet it is infrequently used in practice. This study provides a direct comparison of chlorthalidone with hydrochlorothiazide, each combined with the angiotensin receptor blocker azilsartan medoxomil, on blood pressure reduction and control rates.

Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, titrate-to-target blood pressure trial comparing the single-pill combination of azilsartan medoxomil and chlorthalidone versus co-administration of azilsartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide in participants with stage 2 primary hypertension.

Wards in good cheer.

Over the past year a West Midlands trust has introduced activities to improve the experience of patients in a co-ordinated and sustainable way. The initiative is spreading to other settings across the country.

In their words.

Innovative work by specialist nurses in Manchester is helping young people with congenital heart conditions make the transition from paediatric to adult services. Young people contact nurses directly for advice using a text messaging service, and have access to a website and social group. Many ideas for the initiative came from young people themselves.

Life and limb.

Clinical nurse specialist Philippa Bridgeman supports patients through the lengthy treatment required to save a limb following a complex fracture. Up to 20 per cent of her patients at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham are injured soldiers.

Paternal instincts.

When it comes to the care of their sick children, fathers can often feel marginalised, partly because nurses tend to interact more fully with mothers. However, healthcare staff can help ensure fathers are completely involved.

One step at a time.

A cross-sector, nurse-led pilot project has reduced the number of falls in nursing homes. Now the work could be introduced elsewhere.