In a randomized controlled trial, massage was an effective and safe adjunct treatment to relieve acute postoperative pain in patients who had major surgery. Medscape Medical News
In a randomized trial, continuous vs cyclic oral contraception did not reduce bleeding days for a 168-day period but provided greater suppression of the ovary and endometrium, with improved symptoms. Medscape Medical News
The xanthine oxidase inhibitor, febuxostat, lowers serum urate levels to a greater extent than allopurinol in patients with gout, researchers report in the November 15 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
An initial dose of 162-mg aspirin may be as effective as and perhaps safer than 325 mg for the acute treatment of ST-elevation MI, a new study suggests. Heartwire
In patients with hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B, 1-year therapeutic and histologic response to telbivudine was significantly higher, with greater hepatitis B virus DNA suppression. Medscape Medical News