Entresto: added value in heart failure?
The combined sacubitril/valsartan molecule (Entresto®) has been authorised in Europe since 2015 for the treatment of symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Since Entresto is con ...
Recent articles
Use of benzodiazepines in the Netherlands
After the opioid crisis, a new problem appears to be arising in the United States, regarding the inappropriate use of benzodiazepines. Their use has been discouraged in the Netherlands, for instan ...
Herpes zoster vaccine for older adults?
The Dutch National health Care Institute recommends including the new recombinant herpes zoster vaccine Shingrix® in the government’s national vaccination programme for adults aged 60 years, to pr ...
Network meta-analysis of drugs
The literature shows that the use of network meta-analysis is increasing. Unlike ordinary meta-analysis, network meta-analysis enables more than two drugs with the same indication to be compared, ...
Resistance to antibiotics due to gastric acid suppressants?
Gastric acid-suppressive agents such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine 2(H2) antagonists or antacids effectively reduce gastro-oesophageal and gastro-duodenal symptoms and prevent the de ...
Omega-3 fatty acids not better than placebo
Recent studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation offers no added value for the prevention of premature birth, the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (‘dry eye syndrome’) ...
Higher mortality risk with high B12 blood levels?
A Dutch study found a significantly higher mortality rate among patients with high plasma levels of vitamin B12 than among those with low plasma vitamin B12 levels. The levels found were mostly wi ...
Is hydroxycarbamide effective in sickle cell disease?
Hydroxycarbamide is an oncolytic drug which is used to treat sickle cell disease. Research has shown that hydroxycarbamide reduces the frequency of the pain episodes inherent in severe forms of th ...
