Effects of an interactive CD-program on 6 months readmission rate in patients with heart failure - a randomised, controlled trial [NCT00311194].

Background: Disease-management programmes including patient education have promoted improvement in outcome for patients with heart failure. However, there is sparse evidence concerning which component is essential for success, and very little is known regarding the validity of methods or material used for the education.

Methods: Effects of standard information to heart failure patients given prior to discharge from hospital were compared with additional education by an interactive program on all-cause readmission or death within 6 months.

[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.

[Audit of prescribing practices in nursing homes. Many preparations but few serious interactions].

Information on all prescribed drugs to 112 patients in three nursing homes in the community of Malmoe and Trelleborg were analysed. The age of the patients was 84.5 years (mean) and number of prescribed drugs was 9.

[Ranking the efficacy of drugs--a question of "class"? It is difficult to determine equivalency of two different treatments].

Criteria for equivalence are essential when classifying drugs. Results from clinical trials remain the most practical way of defining "class". Class effect cannot be assumed, it must be proven, and one should not attempt to generalize results from one drug to another drug in the same class.