Impact of different anticoagulation management strategies on outcomes in atrial fibrillation: Dutch and Belgian results from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

Background: The uptake rate of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) was far lower in the Netherlands (NL) compared to Belgium (BE). Also, patients on VKA in NL were treated with a higher target international normalized ratio (INR) range of 2.5 to 3.

Colchicine in Patients with Chronic Coronary Disease.

Background: Evidence from a recent trial has shown that the antiinflammatory effects of colchicine reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with recent myocardial infarction, but evidence of such a risk reduction in patients with chronic coronary disease is limited.

Methods: In a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, we assigned patients with chronic coronary disease to receive 0.5 mg of colchicine once daily or matching placebo.

Changes in anticoagulant prescription in Dutch patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation: observations from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

Background: For the improvement of AF care, it is important to gain insight into current anticoagulation prescription practices and guideline adherence. This report focuses on the largest Dutch subset of AF-patients, derived from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

Methods: Across 35 countries worldwide, patients with newly diagnosed 'non-valvular' atrial fibrillation (AF) with at least one additional risk factor for stroke were included.

[Respiratory depression following controlled-release morphine sulfate tablets].

Controlled release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) is a relatively new oral preparation for the relief of chronic severe (cancer) pain. We describe a patient with severe neuralgia who experienced respiratory depression after ingestion of one single dose of morphine sulfate (20 mg). Administration of nalorphine chloride resulted in instant normalisation of respiratory function.