Our cases had good neonatal outcome, H1N1 intrauterine transmission still a possibility that needs further LY294002 research efforts.”
“Objective: To summarize the role, benefits, and risks of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy for treating diabetes.

Data sources: A literature search was conducted in Medline (1996 to July 2008) using the search terms intensive insulin therapy, insulin pump, and continuous

subcutaneous insulin infusion. Reference lists from comprehensive review articles were also used to identify additional original research publications.

Study selection: Review articles and studies evaluating the role, benefits, and risks of CSII.

Data synthesis: More than 300,000 individuals use CSII to treat diabetes. Many experts believe that CSII is the best insulin delivery method for highly motivated patients with type 1 diabetes who are technologically savvy and have the means to pay for the device and infusion sets. CSII is also useful for patients with type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily injections and experience wide fluctuations in blood glucose throughout the day or who experience severe hypoglycemia. A variety of CSII systems are currently available. All CSII systems provide precise insulin delivery throughout the day

and improve the accuracy of bolus dose calculations, thereby achieving improved glycemic control with HSP inhibitor less frequent and severe hypoglycemic episodes. Patients who choose CSII report improved quality of life. Potential risks associated with CSII include mechanical

problems leading to diabetes ketoacidosis, infections at the infusion site, hypoglycemia, and lipodystrophy.

Conclusion: CSII is an attractive treatment option for many patients with diabetes. Given the widespread use of CSII, all health professionals should be familiar with the basic features of insulin pump technology, the potential risks and benefits of CSII, and how to troubleshoot common problems.”
“Background: Written asthma action plans are an important part of asthma management, but cannot be used for illiterate people. Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the effectiveness of a pictorial asthma action plan on asthma control, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and asthma morbidity in a population of illiterate women with asthma. Methods: PF-6463922 Forty illiterate women with moderate-severe persistent asthma were assigned alternatively to receive either asthma education alone (control group) or asthma education and a pictorial asthma action plan (study group). Asthma control was assessed using the asthma control test (ACT), HRQoL was assessed using the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the frequency of non-scheduled hospital or emergency visits was monitored. Results: Thirty-four patients completed the study. The ACT and SGRQ scores of both groups improved at every follow-up time point compared with baseline (p < 0.001).