[Insulin glargine--a systematic review of clinical studies. No documented advantages with Lantus compared to NPH insulin].

The prescription of insulin glargine has increased in Sweden and during 2003 the cost in the county of Skåne equalled all intermediate-acting insulins (ATC-code A10AC01). To investigate the evidence behind claimed advantages of insulin glargine over existing therapy, we carried out a systematic review. We analysed the available documentation presented after registration of the drug by the drug regulatory authorities FDA and EMEA.

Association of outpatient utilisation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hospitalised heart failure in the entire Swedish population.

Objective: Individual-based studies on restricted geographical settings have suggested that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may precipitate congestive heart failure. As NSAID use is very extensive, it might increase the occurrence of symptomatic heart failure in the general population. Therefore, in order to study the impact of NSAID utilisation (prescribed and over the counter) on hospitalised heart failure in an entire country (Sweden), we performed an ecological analysis, a design appropriate for studying large geographical areas.

Survival after initial hospitalisation for heart failure: a multilevel analysis of patients in Swedish acute care hospitals.

Study Objective: Although national variation in short-term prognosis (that is, 30 day mortality) after a patient's first hospitalisation for heart failure may depend on individual differences between patients, dissimilarities in hospital practices may also influence prognosis. This study, therefore, sought to disentangle patient determinants from institutional factors that might explain such variation.

Design: A multilevel logistic regression modelling was performed with patients (1st level) nested in hospitals (2nd level).

Non-compliance and knowledge of prescribed medication in elderly patients with heart failure.

Aims: To determine the extent of non-compliance to prescribed medication in elderly patients with heart failure and to determine to what extent patients recall information given regarding their medication.

Methods And Results: Non-compliance and knowledge of prescribed medication was studied in 22 elderly heart failure patients [mean age 79 +/- 6 (range 70-97); 14 (64%) male], using in-depth interviews performed 30 days after having been prescribed medication. All patients received standardised verbal and written information regarding their medication.