News

• DMARD combinations as good as biologicals in RA
• Published on Jul 19, 2010

Combinations of disease-modifying agents (DMARDs) are as effective as a biological agent plus methotrexate in slowing radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to US analysts (Arthr Rheum 2010; published online. doi: 10.1002/art. 27592).

• Diabetes targets ‘not being reached’
• Published on Jul 05, 2010

The 2008/09 National Diabetes Audit for England and Wales shows that treatment targets are not being met for many people with diabetes despite annual contact with 90 per cent of patients (www.ic.nhs.uk).

• Cancer and ARBs
• Published on Jul 05, 2010

ARBs may be associated with a slight increase in the risk of cancer, a meta-analysis suggests (Lancet Oncology 2010; doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(10) 70106-6).

• MI admissions after ban
• Published on Jul 05, 2010

The ban on smoking in public places in England was followed by a small but statistically significant reduction in emergency admissions for MI, say researchers from Bath University (BMJ 2010;340:c2161).

• Insulin safety alert
• Published on Jul 05, 2010

The National Patient Safety Agency (www.nrls. npsa.nhs.uk) has issued an alert on the safe administration of insulin.