Exercise in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma: A randomized controlled trial of effects on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass, bone mineral density, pain, and quality of life.

Reduced physical function caused by bone destruction, pain, anemia, infections, and weight loss is common in multiple myeloma (MM). Myeloma bone disease challenges physical exercise. Knowledge on the effects and safety of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM is limited. In a randomized, controlled trial, we studied the effect of a 10-week individualized physical exercise program on physical function, physical activity, lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QoL), and pain in patients newly diagnosed with MM. Lytic bone disease was assessed, and exercise was adjusted accordingly. Primary outcome: knee extension strength. Secondary outcomes: Six-Minute-Walk-Test, 30-s Sit-to-Stand-Test (SST), grip strength, level of physical activity, LBM, BMD, QoL, and pain. Measurements were conducted pre- and post-intervention, and after 6 and 12 months. We included 100 patients, 86 were evaluable; 44 in the intervention group (IG) and 42 in the control group (CG). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed. Knee extension strength declined in the IG (p = .02). SST, aerobic capacity, and global QoL improved in both groups. Pain decreased consistently in the IG regardless of pain outcome. No significant safety concerns of physical exercise in newly diagnosed patients with MM were observed.

Effect of Metformin vs. Placebo in Combination with Insulin Analogues on Bone Markers P1NP and CTX in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Preclinical studies have shown a potential osteoanabolic effect of metformin but human studies of how metformin affects bone turnover are few. A post hoc sub-study analysis of an 18-month multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), randomizing participants to metformin versus placebo both in combination with different insulin analogue regimens (Metformin + Insulin vs. Placebo + Insulin). Patients were not treatment naive at baseline, 83% had received metformin, 69% had received insulin, 57.5% had received the combination of metformin and insulin before entering the study. Bone formation and resorption were assessed by measuring, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) at baseline and end of study. The influence of gender, age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), T2DM duration, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), c-reactive protein (CRP) and insulin dosage was also included in the analyses. The levels of bone formation marker P1NP and bone resorption marker CTX increased significantly in both groups during the trial. P1NP increased less in the Metformin + Insulin compared to the placebo + insulin group (p = 0.001) (between group difference change), while the increases in CTX levels (p = 0.11) were not different. CRP was inversely associated (p = 0.012) and insulin dosage (p = 0.011) was positively related with change in P1NP levels. BMI (p = 0.002) and HbA1C (p = 0.037) were inversely associated with change in CTX levels. During 18 months of treatment with metformin or placebo, both in combination with insulin, bone turnover increased in both groups. But the pattern was different as the bone formation marker (P1NP) increased less during Metformin + Insulin treatment, while change in bone resorption (CTX) was not significantly different between the two groups.

Quality of life, patient satisfaction, and cardiovascular outcomes of the randomised 2 x 3 factorial Copenhagen insulin and Metformin therapy (CIMT) trial - A detailed statistical analysis plan.

Background: The evidence on the effects of metformin and insulin in type 2 diabetes patients on quality of life, patient satisfaction, and cardiovascular outcomes is unclear. Methods: The Copenhagen Insulin and Metformin Therapy (CIMT) trial is an investigator-initiated multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 3 factorial design conducted at eight hospitals in Denmark. Participants with type 2 diabetes were randomised to metformin (n = 206) versus placebo (n = 206); in combination with open-label biphasic insulin aspart one to three times daily (n = 137) versus insulin aspart three times daily in combination with insulin detemir once daily (n = 138) versus insulin detemir once daily (n = 137).We present a detailed description of the methodology and statistical analysis of the clinical CIMT outcomes including a detailed description of tests of the assumptions behind the statistical analyses. The outcomes are quality of life (Short Form Health Survey (SF-36)), Diabetes Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Insulin Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (assessed at entry and 18 months after randomisation) and cardiovascular outcomes including time to a composite of either myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral amputation, coronary revascularisation, peripheral revascularisation, or death. Discussions: This statistical analysis plan ensure the highest possible quality of the subsequent post-hoc analyses. Trial registration: The protocol was approved by the Regional Committee on Biomedical Research Ethics (H-D-2007-112), the Danish Medicines Agency (EudraCT: 2007-006665-33 CIMT), and registered within ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00657943, 8th of April 2008).

Metabolic syndrome in a cohort of affectively ill patients, a naturalistic study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with affective disorder have higher mortality not only because of their affective illness but also because of a higher risk of death from physical illness especially cardiovascular diseases. AIM: To investigate the prevalence in a naturalistic cohort of patient treated at a Mood Disorder Clinic. METHODS: Patients were evaluated for the presence of metabolic syndrome (MeS) according to modified NCEP ATP III criteria. RESULTS: Of the 143 patients eligible for participation, 100 patients participated in the study (32% male, mean age 43.6 ± 14.2); the prevalence of MeS was 26%. Higher age and high body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with MeS. No association between present medication and MeS was seen. CONCLUSION: More than a quarter of affectively ill patients had MeS, which emphasizes the importance of integrated somatic and psychiatric care in order to reduce this group of patients' risk profile concerning cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Clinically, it seems reasonable to prioritize overweight and obese patients for further examination.

Effects of 18-months metformin versus placebo in combination with three insulin regimens on RNA and DNA oxidation in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Formation of reactive oxygen species has been linked to the development of diabetes complications. Treatment with metformin has been associated with a lower risk of developing diabetes complications, including when used in combination with insulin. Metformin inhibits Complex 1 in isolated mitochondria and thereby decreases the formation of reactive oxygen species. Thus, we post-hoc investigated the effect of metformin in combination with different insulin regimens on RNA and DNA oxidation in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Four hundred and fifteen individuals with type 2 diabetes were randomized (1:1) to blinded treatment with metformin (1,000 mg twice daily) versus placebo and to (1:1:1) open-label biphasic insulin, basal-bolus insulin, or basal insulin therapy in a 2 × 3 factorial design. RNA and DNA oxidation were determined at baseline and after 18 months measured as urinary excretions of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), respectively. Urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo changed by +7.1% (95% CI: 0.5% to 14.0%, P = 0.03) following metformin versus placebo, whereas changes in 8-oxodG were comparable between intervention groups. Biphasic insulin decreased urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo (within-group: -9.6% (95% CI: -14.4% to -4.4%)) more than basal-bolus insulin (within-group: 5.2% (95% CI: -0.5% to 11.2%)), P = 0.0002 between groups, and basal insulin (within-group: 3.7% (95% CI: -2.0% to 9.7%)), P = 0.0007 between groups. Urinary excretion of 8-oxodG decreased more in the biphasic insulin group (within-group: -9.9% (95% CI: -14.4% to -5.2%)) than basal-bolus insulin (within group effect: -1.2% (95% CI: -6.1% to 3.9%)), P = 0.01 between groups, whereas no difference was observed compared with basal insulin. In conclusion, eighteen months of metformin treatment in addition to different insulin regimens increased RNA oxidation, but not DNA oxidation. Biphasic insulin decreased both RNA and DNA oxidation compared with other insulin regimens.

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Danish psychiatric outpatients treated with antipsychotics.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of the metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, is increasing worldwide and is suggested to be higher among psychiatric patients, especially those on antipsychotic treatment. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Danish psychiatric outpatients and compare it with the general population. METHODS: In a cross-sectional, observational study in 2007-08, 170 Danish outpatients on antipsychotic drug treatment were monitored for the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition and compared with a general population group of 3303 randomly selected Danes. RESULTS: Of the antipsychotic-treated patients 48.2% fulfilled the IDF criteria for the metabolic syndrome, compared with 29.6% of the general population. The antipsychotic-treated patients had higher rates of increased waist circumference, triglyceride and glucose levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Compared with the general population, the odds ratio (OR) of the metabolic syndrome among antipsychotic-treated patients was 2.2. After adjustment for age and sex, the OR increased to 2.7. In the antipsychotic-treated group, statistically different rates of the metabolic syndrome for patients in monopharmacy vs. polypharmacy, and for patients in monotherapy with first-generation vs. second-generation antipsychotics, could not be found. CONCLUSION: The metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among a Danish outpatient population treated with antipsychotics compared with the general population. Monitoring of lipid and glucose levels, blood pressure and waist circumference before start-up and during treatment with antipsychotic medication is of pivotal importance in order to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this patient population.

Prediction of carotid intima-media thickness and its relation to cardiovascular events in persons with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To investigate measures of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and conventional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as predictors of future carotid IMT, and the prediction of CV events during follow-up based on measures of carotid IMT. METHODS: Observational longitudinal study including 230 persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D). RESULTS: Mean age at follow-up was 66.7 (SD 8.5) years, 30.5% were women and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.8 (4.4) kg/m2. Carotid IMT was measured at baseline, after 18 months of intervention in the Copenhagen Insulin and Metformin Therapy (CIMT) trial and after a mean follow-up of 6.4 (1.0) years. Baseline carotid IMT, carotid IMT after 18 months' intervention, and CV risk factors (age, sex and baseline systolic blood pressure) gave the best prediction of carotid IMT (root mean-squared error of prediction of 0.106 and 95% prediction error probability interval of -0.160, 0.204). CONCLUSIONS: Measures of carotid IMT combined with CV risk factors at baseline predicts attained carotid IMT better than measures of carotid IMT or CV risk factors alone. Carotid IMT did not predict CV events, and the present results do not support the use of carotid IMT as a predictor of CV events in persons with T2D.

Effect of tesofensine on bodyweight loss, body composition, and quality of life in obese patients: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Weight-loss drugs produce an additional mean weight loss of only 3-5 kg above that of diet and placebo over 6 months, and more effective pharmacotherapy of obesity is needed. We assessed the efficacy and safety of tesofensine-an inhibitor of the presynaptic uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin-in patients with obesity. METHODS: We undertook a phase II, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in five Danish obesity management centres. After a 2 week run-in phase, 203 obese patients (body-mass index 30-

Metformin versus placebo in combination with insulin analogues in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus-the randomised, blinded Copenhagen Insulin and Metformin Therapy (CIMT) trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of metformin versus placebo both in combination with insulin analogue treatment on changes in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 3 factorial design conducted at eight hospitals in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: 412 participants with type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.5% (≥ 58 mmol/mol); body mass index >25 kg/m2) were in addition to open-labelled insulin treatment randomly assigned 1:1 to 18 months blinded metformin (1 g twice daily) versus placebo, aiming at an HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (≤ 53 mmol/mol). OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was change in the mean carotid IMT (a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease). HbA1c, insulin dose, weight and hypoglycaemic and serious adverse events were other prespecified outcomes. RESULTS: Change in the mean carotid IMT did not differ significantly between the groups (between-group difference 0.012 mm (95% CI -0.003 to 0.026), p=0.11). HbA1c was more reduced in the metformin group (between-group difference -0.42% (95% CI -0.62% to -0.23%), p<0.001)), despite the significantly lower insulin dose at end of trial in the metformin group (1.04 IU/kg (95% CI 0.94 to 1.15)) compared with placebo (1.36 IU/kg (95% CI 1.23 to 1.51), p<0.001). The metformin group gained less weight (between-group difference -2.6 kg (95% CI -3.3 to -1.8), p<0.001). The groups did not differ with regard to number of patients with severe or non-severe hypoglycaemic or other serious adverse events, but the metformin group had more non-severe hypoglycaemic episodes (4347 vs 3161, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Metformin in combination with insulin did not reduce carotid IMT despite larger reduction in HbA1c, less weight gain, and smaller insulin dose compared with placebo plus insulin. However, the trial only reached 46% of the planned sample size and lack of power may therefore have affected our results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00657943; Results.

Effects of biphasic, basal-bolus or basal insulin analogue treatments on carotid intima-media thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the randomised Copenhagen Insulin and Metformin Therapy (CIMT) trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of 3 insulin analogue regimens on change in carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 3 factorial design, conducted at 8 hospitals in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Participants with type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 7.5% (≥ 58 mmol/mol), body mass index >25 kg/m(2)) were, in addition to metformin versus placebo, randomised to 18 months open-label biphasic insulin aspart 1-3 times daily (n=137) versus insulin aspart 3 times daily in combination with insulin detemir once daily (n=138) versus insulin detemir alone once daily (n=137), aiming at HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (≤ 53 mmol/mol). OUTCOMES: Primary outcome was change in mean carotid IMT (a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease). HbA1c, insulin dose, weight, and hypoglycaemic and serious adverse events were other prespecified outcomes. RESULTS: Carotid IMT change did not differ between groups (biphasic -0.009 mm (95% CI -0.022 to 0.004), aspart+detemir 0.000 mm (95% CI -0.013 to 0.013), detemir -0.012 mm (95% CI -0.025 to 0.000)). HbA1c was more reduced with biphasic (-1.0% (95% CI -1.2 to -0.8)) compared with the aspart+detemir (-0.4% (95% CI -0.6 to -0.3)) and detemir (-0.3% (95% CI -0.4 to -0.1)) groups (p<0.001). Weight gain was higher in the biphasic (3.3 kg (95% CI 2.7 to 4.0) and aspart+detemir (3.2 kg (95% CI 2.6 to 3.9)) compared with the detemir group (1.9 kg (95% CI 1.3 to 2.6)). Insulin dose was higher with detemir (1.6 IU/kg/day (95% CI 1.4 to 1.8)) compared with biphasic (1.0 IU/kg/day (95% CI 0.9 to 1.1)) and aspart+detemir (1.1 IU/kg/day (95% CI 1.0 to 1.3)) (p<0.001). Number of participants with severe hypoglycaemia and serious adverse events did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid IMT change did not differ between 3 insulin regimens despite differences in HbA1c, weight gain and insulin doses. The trial only reached 46% of planned sample size and lack of power may therefore have affected our results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00657943.

Twenty-four-hour plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios are below normal in obese subjects and are not normalized by substantial weight reduction.

BACKGROUND: Plasma tryptophan concentrations and the ratio of tryptophan to other large neutral amino acids (plasma tryptophan ratio) are reportedly low in obese subjects. The plasma tryptophan ratio predicts brain tryptophan uptake and serotonin production. If this ratio is low in obese subjects, serotonin function may also be low. Plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios have been measured only at single time points in obese subjects; it is not known whether low values for these 2 variables persist throughout a 24-h period. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine whether plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios in obese subjects are lower than those in normal-weight subjects throughout a 24-h period and whether they increase when body weight is reduced. DESIGN: Plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios were examined in obese subjects before and after weight loss and in nonobese control subjects. Blood samples were drawn frequently throughout the 24-h period. An insulin tolerance test was also used to determine whether weight loss altered the ability of insulin to modify plasma concentrations of tryptophan and of the other large neutral amino acids. RESULTS: Plasma tryptophan concentrations and ratios in obese subjects were low at all times; these effects persisted after weight reduction. Plasma concentrations of all the large neutral amino acids decreased during insulin infusion in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The low 24-h plasma tryptophan ratios in obese and formerly obese subjects suggest that brain tryptophan uptake may be continuously diminished and may remain below normal despite weight reduction.

Bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma presenting with adrenal insufficiency.

Lymphoma may occasionally involve the adrenal glands, but primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is very rare and only few cases have been reported. We present a case of a 60-year-old, otherwise healthy, woman, with bilateral PAL presenting with adrenal insufficiency. The patient responded initially upon administration of large doses of intravenously hydrocortisone with total remission of symptoms. An abdominal computerized tomography scan demonstrated bilateral adrenal lesions but did not demonstrate any other pathology. Since metastatic malignant disease was suspected a positron-emission-tomography scan was performed only showing significant uptake in the adrenal glands. Endocrine evaluation did not reveal abnormal function of any hormonal system and the patient was scheduled for bilateral adrenalectomy. However the clinical condition deteriorated rapidly and the patient was readmitted to hospital before surgery was performed. A new computerized tomography scan showed rapid progression of disease with further enlargement of the adrenal masses and both pulmonary and hepatic metastasis. Needle biopsy was performed but the patient refused further treatment and died before a diagnosis was obtained. The immuneohistochemical diagnosis was large B-cell lymphoma. This case should remind clinicians that PAL may be a cause of bilateral adrenal incidentaloma especially if the patient presents with adrenal insufficiency.

[Abdominal obesity and associated comorbidities among primary care patients]. / Abdominal fedme og fedmerelaterede sygdomme hos patienter i almen praksis.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The prevalence of abdominal obesity and its relationship with these comorbidities have not previously been examined in Danish primary care patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The IDEA study was an international cross sectional study including 168,159 patients worldwide. In Denmark, 47 randomly selected general practitioners included 847 consecutive patients. Age, gender, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and the presence of known comorbidities were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal obesity (waist circumference = 80 cm for women and = 94 cm for men) was 66% among women and 60% among men. There was a significant relationship between the degree of abdominal obesity and the prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension for both sexes. There was a trend towards an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease with increased waist circumference. CONCLUSION: Abdominal obesity is very frequently found in Danish primary care patients, and it is associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Patients with increased waist circumference should be screened to diagnose comorbidities related to the abdominal obesity.

[The effect of tesofensine on body weight and body composition in obese subjects--secondary publication]. / Effekt af tesofensine på kropsvaegt og kropssammensaetning hos svaert overvaegtige--sekundaerpublikation.

Results from a phase II trial with Tesofensine for treatment of obesity are presented. In total 203 obese persons were randomised to treatment with Tesofensine 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg, or placebo daily for 24 weeks. Treatment with Tesofensine resulted in a mean weight reduction of 4.5, 9.2 and 10.6% higher than that of placebo for 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg, respectively. Tesofensine 0.5 mg might have the potential to produce a weight loss twice that of currently approved anti-obesity drugs. Findings of safety and efficacy of 0.5 mg Tesofensine need confirmation in phase III trials.

Initiating or switching to biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 therapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate tolerability and glycemic control over 26 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who initiated insulin with, or switched to, biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in routine clinical care. METHODS: This was a non-randomized, non-interventional, open-label, observational study involving patients under the care of approximately 150 insulin-prescribing physicians in Denmark. All patients enrolled were prescribed BIAsp 30 in routine care. Starting dose, dose titration and injection frequency were determined individually by each physician. Information on serious adverse drug reactions (SADR), glycemic parameters and hypoglycemic events were obtained from patients' notes, patients' diaries and recall, and transferred to case report forms by physicians at baseline (during 4 weeks prior to BIAsp 30 therapy) and after 12 and 26 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: 421 subjects were recruited and 392 provided safety data. The age (mean +/- SD) was 62.0 +/- 11.4 years, body mass index (BMI) 30.4 +/- 6.4 kg/m(2), duration of diabetes 9.1 +/- 8.1 years and HbA1c (%) 9.4 +/- 1.7. 199 subjects were prior insulin users and 193 were insulin-naïve patients. Four patients reported a SADR (3 hypoglycemia, 1 severe hypoglycemia). HbA1c was significantly reduced after 26 weeks of BIAsp 30 therapy: prior insulin users -1.2%, insulin-naïve patients -2.2% (both p < 0.001). 28% and 41% of patients, respectively, reached target HbA1c < 7%. Overall the hypoglycemia rate was lower for insulin-naïve patients than for prior insulin users: 5.0 vs. 6.6 episodes/patient-year (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Initiating insulin with, or switching insulin to, BIAsp 30 in routine care was safe and effective in patients with T2D.

3-Month Results from Denmark within the Globally Prospective and Observational Study to Evaluate Insulin Detemir Treatment in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: The PREDICTIVE Study.

PREDICTIVEtrade mark is a large, multi-national, open-label, prospective, observational study to assess the efficacy and safety of insulin detemir in clinical practice. We report 3-month follow-up data from 389 patients with type 1 (n = 312) and type 2 (n = 77) diabetes from Denmark. Insulin detemir improved glycemic control in type 1 patients, with decreases in mean HbA1c (-0.2%, p = 0.0026), fasting glucose (-1.7 mmol/l, p = 0.0033) and within-patient fasting glucose variability (-0.6 mmol/l, p = 0.0472). Non-significant reductions in glycemic parameters were observed in type 2 patients (-0.3% for HbA1c and -2.7 mmol/l for fasting glucose). There was a decrease in mean body weight in both type 1 and type 2 patients (-0.6 kg, p = 0.025 and -1.0 kg, p = 0.0361, respectively). Three patients (0.8%) reported 4 serious adverse drug reactions, including major hypoglycemia. The incidence of major hypoglycemic episodes was reduced from 3.9/patient-years at baseline to 0.4/patient-years at follow-up in type 1 patients (p < 0.0001), and from 1.0 to 0.0/patient-years in type 2 patients (p = 0.1250). In addition, the mean incidence of total and nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes was reduced in both type 1 (-37.4 and -17.7/patient-years, p < 0.0001 for both) and type 2 patients (-17.7 and -7.8/patient-years, p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0020, respectively). The observations from the Danish cohort of the PREDICTIVE study support the overall findings of PREDICTIVE, i.e. insulin detemir improves glycemic control, with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia and no weight gain.

Lemierre's syndrome: still an important clinical entity.

We report a case of Lemierre's syndrome caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum and discuss characteristics of this potentially fatal condition which, though rare, may have a rising frequency. Familiarity with the signs and symptoms of Lemierre's syndrome is therefore of great importance.

[Drug treatment of obesity]. / Medikamentel behandling af fedme.

Acceptable adverse effects and a clinical relevant weight loss of 3 to 5 kilograms have been found in long-term randomized clinical trials for sibutramine (Reductil) and orlistat (Xenical); these drugs may be prescribed for treatment of obesity for a duration of one and four years, respectively. This also seems to be the case for rimonabant (Acomplia), which is expected to receive approval in 2005 or 2006. However, until data on morbidity and mortality are available from RCTs, there is no absolute indication for prescribing drugs for treatment of obesity.