OBJECTIVES The lack of cure with medical therapy implies life-long treatment emphasising the need for a thorough understanding of the long-term outcome. We review the natural history, markers for progression, placebo effect, efficacy, pharmacoeconomic aspects, and preventive measures. METHODS Literature review with particular reference to long-term controlled studies using plant extracts, alp...

In 1991, the National Institutes of Health consensus statement on the treatment of late-life depression ranked psychotherapy as third in a line of treatment options, with antidepressant medication first and electroconvulsive therapy second, indicating that there was insufficient evidence to recommend psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for depression in older adults [1]. Since that time, nu...

Stem cell-based therapy has great potential in treating health conditions including cardiovascular, autoimmune, type I diabetes, neurodegenerative and bone and cartilage diseases also in spinal cord injuries, malformations and cancer. In addition to their potential use to treat systemic diseases, stem cell-based therapy also provides a powerful tool to treat oral and dental diseases such as cra...

Anemia is the most common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with reduced quality life and increased morbidity mortality. The purpose this review was to discuss management anemia in CKD. following topics are considered: prevalence anemia, symptoms, impact CKD, diagnosis, iron replacement therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this health technology assessment (HTA), commissioned by the German Agency for HTA at the German Federal Ministry of Health and Social Security, was to systematically review the evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of antiviral treatment (AVT) for initial chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and to apply these data in the context of the German health care system. MET...

Quality of life and well-being are frequently restricted in adults with neuromuscular disorders. As such, identification of appropriate interventions is imperative. The objective of this paper was to systematically review and critically appraise quantitative studies (RCTs, controlled trials and cohort studies) of psychosocial interventions designed to improve quality of life and well-being in a...

Anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive compulsive disorder and other related can be crippling cause significant distress impairment. They may very difficult to treat some cases also life threatening. In this review, the authors summarise latest research on efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in treating refractory anxiety disorders.