Ulcerative colitis: understanding the impact of ulcerative colitis on everyday life and exploring the unmet needs of patients.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a life-long disease characterised by flare ups and periods of remission. This market research sponsored by Janssen-Cilag Ltd was designed to gain an understanding of the impact of UC from the patient's perspective and to establish the main unmet needs associated with it.

Methods: The market research was conducted by telephone among 30 patients in the UK with a diagnosis of moderate to severe UC.

Patient preference for a maintenance inhaler in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a comparison of Breezhaler and Respimat.

Background: Good compliance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is of 'paramount importance' in reducing the occurrence of acute exacerbations, hospitalisation and mortality and in improving quality of life. However, a number of studies have confirmed that long-term compliance is low and often associated with difficulties in handling maintenance inhalers. Therefore, the easier an inhaler is to use, the more likely the patient will comply with handling instructions and so, optimise control of the condition.

The impact of morning symptoms on daily activities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: This survey assessed the impact of symptoms of COPD on patients' ability to perform activities throughout the day and the extent to which physicians provided advice including how medications may help maintain quality of life.

Methods: The survey had three inclusion criteria--physician's diagnosis of COPD, age 30-70 years and presence of at least one of four listed symptoms to a greater extent in the morning. Participants were randomly selected from a panel who had previously agreed to participate in surveys.

Nine-year trends in achievement of risk factor goals in the US and European outpatients with cardiovascular disease.

Background: Although control of major cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes) has been the centerpiece of guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, periodic surveys suggest adherence to recommendations and achievement of goals is poor. Few data are available in outpatients, and no studies describe trends in meeting clinical targets.

Methods: A survey of outpatients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors was conducted annually, with a unique cohort each year, and included medical history, clinical data, and pharmacologic therapies.

An annual, prospective, international study of outpatients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors: design and methods of the CardioMonitor registry.

Objective: To assess penetration and patterns of treatments in outpatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or risk factors.

Study: An international, observational survey of physicians treating outpatients with CVD or risk factors.

Design And Setting: A unique, diversified group of physicians caring for patients with CVD or risk factors is sampled annually in countries around the world.