June coverage 2008

30 June 2008 BMJ

Alternative approaches to endoscopic ablation for benign enlargement of the prostate: systematic review of randomised controlled trials

To compare the effectiveness and risk profile of newer methods for endoscopic ablation of the prostate against the current standard of transurethral resection

27 June 2008 Optician

Projects aim to help detection

Over £500,000 is being invested in research projects to evaluate the effectiveness of screening tests used in diabetic eye care. One project, part of the National Institute for Health Research's Health Technology Assessment programme, will investigate ways of improving screening for diabetic macular oedema with the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT).

27 June 2008 Medical News Today

Exercise Referral Schemes For The Elderly Assessed

A new clinical trial commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme is assessing exercise programmes for older patients. Regular physical activity is associated with decreased mortality and has also been shown to reduce the risks of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, plus additional benefits include improved bone density, muscle mass, arterial compliance and energy.

24th June 2008 Media Newswire

New drug trial for serious blister disease

Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) is a serious skin disease which leaves elderly people covered in large skin blisters, at risk of infection and, in around 40% of cases, death. Currently treatment is by oral steroids. ... Reacting to the substantial financial award of £796,770 from the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment ( NIHR HTA ) programme Professor Williams said: “It is wonderful that the NHS has not turned its back on elderly people with pemphigoid just because it is a less common condition.

23rd June 2008 PharmaLive

Management of High Blood Pressure Immediately After Stroke

LEICESTER, England, June 23, 2008-A research project at the University of Leicester in conjunction with the University of East Anglia, indicates that early reduction of high blood pressure following stroke is feasible and safe, and both Labetalol & Lisinopril were found to be suitable a medications for this purpose.
Larger studies will now be necessary to confirm this result and test the effects on recovery from stroke.

21st June 2008 BBC News

Treat knee pain with creams call

Gels or creams containing painkillers are better than tablets for chronic knee pain, NHS research suggests.

18th June 2008 Medical News Today

Topical NSAID As Effective As Tablets For Knee Pain

17th June 2008 Health4Media

Topical NSAID as effective as tablet

Research published by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme has found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) creams is as effective as tablets for the treatment of chronic knee pain in older people. Currently both topical and oral NSAID preparations of drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac, are used to treat knee pain.

15th June 2008 Medical News Today

Research Targets Diabetes-Related Eye Conditions

New research projects commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Technology Assessment (NIHR HTA) programme will evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different screening tests used in diabetic eye care.