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Warwick Medical School research in this week's BMJ
Research published in this week's edition of the BMJ (19 January 2008) suggests applying anti-inflammatory gels or creams to the skin may be a useful alternative to taking them orally. The study is one of three research articles from Warwick Medical School published in the current edition of the BMJ.
Professor Martin Underwood, Professor of Primary Care Research and Vice Dean at Warwick Medical School, reported the results of a trial to determine whether older patients with chronic knee pain should be advised to use topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
This two-year trial recruited patients with chronic knee pain aged 50 and over from 26 general practices in the UK. Patients completed postal questionnaires at three, six, 12 and 24 months after study entry. There were also nurse assessments and blood tests at 12 and 24 months.
The researchers noted there were no significant differences between patients using anti-inflammatory creams on the skin or oral tablets. In his paper, Professor Underwood said: “Participants who wanted a choice predominantly selected topical rather than oral medication, although those with more severe or widespread pain chose oral rather than topical medication.”
Professor Underwood added that the study revealed the decision to prescribe oral or topical drugs was often affected by patient choice. Results showed more widespread or chronic pain was perceived by patients to be ‘more serious’ and to require oral medication.
Professor Underwood's research is accompanied by a qualitative study exploring the issues which influence older people with knee pain to choose topical or oral anti-inflammatories. Also featured in this week's edition of the BMJ is a study by Professor Sallie Lamb and Dr Simon Gates into the effectiveness of fall prevention programmes for older people.
Notes
The current edition of the BMJ can be accessed online at: http://www.bmj.com/current.dtl
For more information, contact Kelly Parkes, Communications Officer, Warwick Medical School, k.e.parkes@warwick.ac.uk, 0247 615 0483, 07824 540863