Compensating patients in trials: Perspectives from an ethical committee versus sponsor.

Background: According to European clinical research legislation, no undue influence, including financial incentives, should be used to encourage participation in clinical trials. Financial compensation should be based on the inconvenience experienced by patients and is determined by the sponsor.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the adequacy of patients' financial compensation by obtaining an external ethical opinion compared to the actual compensation provided.

Real versus sham proximal biofield therapy in the treatment of warts of the hands and feet in adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (MAGNETIK study).

Background: Despite the lack of scientific studies on biofield therapies, they are widely acclaimed by patients. The mechanisms of action are not explained by current allopathic medical approaches. Warts are common and contagious viral lesions that may be refractory to standard dermatologic treatments such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, and keratolytic ointments.

[Not Available].

Purpose: The modalities for anti-dementia drugs' discontinuation are not consensual.

Objective: The objectives of the study were the followings, describe: i) the reasons for discontinuation of anti-dementia drugs of patients treated in a residency for dependent elderly people, ii) security of sudden discontinuation, iii) evolution of troubles.

Methods: Our longitudinal descriptive pilot study aimed at observing consequences of the sudden discontinuation of anti-dementia drugs in a population with a moderate to severe stage of Alzheimer's disease.

[Sudden Discontinuation of Anti-dementia Drugs in Moderate and Severe Alzheimer's Disease in a Residency for Dependent Elderly People: a Longitudinal Descriptive Pilot Study].

Purpose: The modalities for anti-dementia drugs' discontinuation are not consensual.

Objective: The objectives of the study were the followings, describe: i) the reasons for discontinuation of anti-dementia drugs of patients treated in a residency for dependent elderly people, ii) security of sudden discontinuation, iii) evolution of troubles.

Methods: Our longitudinal descriptive pilot study aimed at observing consequences of the sudden discontinuation of anti-dementia drugs in a population with a moderate to severe stage of Alzheimer's disease.

Impact of prolonged dinoprostone cervical ripening on the rate of artificial induction of labor: a prospective study of 330 patients.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate two regimens of administration of sustained-release dinoprostone on the need for oxytocin induction of labor.

Material And Methods: We carried out an open prospective study comparing labor, maternal and neonatal outcomes after 12 h of prostaglandin cervical ripening insert versus 24 h of prostaglandin cervical ripening insert in 284 patients (142 ripenings at 12 h [P12 group] and 142 ripenings at 24 h [P24 group]).

Results: The two groups were demographically similar.

[New frequent adverse reaction of PPI in older adults: mild hyponatremia].

Hyponatremia is a rare side effect described in the product characteristics of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Hyponatremia in the elderly (>65 years) was assessed in patients with exposure to PPIs for at least one year compared to controls not exposed to PPIs counterparts. Included 145 patients, twenty-four patients (16.

[Not Available].

Hyponatremia is a rare side effect described in the product characteristics of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Hyponatremia in the elderly (>65years) was assessed in patients with exposure to PPIs for at least one year compared to controls not exposed to PPIs counterparts. Included 145 patients, twenty-four patients (16.

[Moderate potentially drug-induced hyponatremia in older adults: benefit in drug reduction].

Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the benefit of changing drug therapy in elderly patients with moderate, potentially drug-induced hyponatremia.

Methods: Hospitalized older adults, with moderate hyponatremia, potentially induced by drugs, were randomized into two arms: an interventional group, whose drug therapy was changed, and a reference group, which received standard care. The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by the normalization of serum sodium after four weeks and by the incidence of falls three months later.

Serum neuron-specific enolase as predictor of outcome in comatose cardiac-arrest survivors: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The prediction of neurological outcome in comatose patients after cardiac arrest has major ethical and socioeconomic implications. The purpose of this study was to assess the capability of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a biomarker of hypoxic brain damage, to predict death or vegetative state in comatose cardiac-arrest survivors.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in one university hospital and one general hospital Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Overview of adverse events related to invasive procedures in the intensive care unit.

Background: This study was conducted to determine the frequency, predictors, and clinical impact of adverse events (AEs) related to invasive procedures in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of ICUs in a university hospital.

Results: A total of 893 patients requiring invasive procedures were admitted over a 1-year period.

Predictors of mortality and short-term physical and cognitive dependence in critically ill persons 75 years and older: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of 3-month mortality in critically ill older persons under medical care and to assess the clinical impact of an ICU stay on physical and cognitive dependence and subjective health status in survivors.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study including all older persons 75 years and older consecutively admitted into ICU during a one-year period, except those admitted after cardiac arrest, All patients were followed for 3 months or until death. Comorbidities were assessed using the Charlson index and physical dependence was evaluated using the Katz index of Activity of Daily Living (ADL).

Wound debridement: Comparative reliability of three methods for measuring fibrin percentage in chronic wounds.

The purpose of this study was to examine the intra- and interrater reliability of three methods to measure the percentage of fibrin within a wound, hence reflecting wound debridement. The three methods include visual assessment, a portable wound measurement system (PWMS) Visitrak(R), and a computerized planimetry software Canvas(R). The main objective was to compare the computerized planimetry with visual analysis.

Health-e-Child project: mechanical dyssynchrony in children with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony has been poorly studied in the pediatric population with dilated cardiomyopathy. We investigated the degree of dyssynchrony in children with dilated cardiomyopathy using tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking strain.

Methods: Twenty-five children with dilated cardiomyopathy were compared with healthy subjects.

A clinical and EEG scoring system that predicts early cortical response (N20) to somatosensory evoked potentials and outcome after cardiac arrest.

Background: Anoxic coma following cardiac arrest is a common problem with ethical, social, and legal consequences. Except for unfavorable somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) results, predictors of unfavorable outcome with a 100% specificity and a high sensitivity are lacking. The aim of the current research was to construct a clinical and EEG scoring system that predicts early cortical response (N20) to somatosensory evoked potentials and 6-months outcome in comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

Are elderly hospitalized patients getting enough protein?

Objectives: To determine the protein requirements of elderly hospitalized patients.

Design: Cross-sectional evaluation of nitrogen balance.

Setting: Short-stay geriatric ward or rehabilitation care unit.

Energy requirements in hospitalized elderly people.

Objectives: To estimate energy intake and energy expenditure (EE) in elderly hospitalized patients recovering from an acute illness.

Design: Cross-sectional evaluation of the disparity between energy intake and expenditure.

Participants: Ninety geriatric patients (mean age+/-standard deviation 79.