Double-blind group comparative study of 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops with 2% sodium cromoglycate and placebo eye drops in the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

A 4 week, multicentre, double-blind, double dummy, placebo controlled group comparative study was carried out during the birch pollen season to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 2% nedocromil sodium eye drops (twice daily) and 2% sodium cromoglycate eye drops (four times daily). Participants with a history of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) were randomized to receive nedocromil sodium (60), sodium cromoglycate (61) or placebo (64). Clinical assessment of SAC showed improvement with both active treatments compared to placebo but symptomatology was low and only changes in photophobia and grittiness reached significance (P < 0.05). Patient diaries showed significant control of itching by both active treatments, compared to placebo, with no differences between the active preparations. Patients' opinions indicated a marked placebo effect: 73% of this group reported full or moderate control of symptoms, compared with 75% in sodium cromoglycate and 80% in the nedocromil sodium group. Unusual symptoms were most common (27 patients) with nedocromil sodium eye drops: P < 0.05 vs. placebo (15 patients). There were no serious adverse events. Nedocromil sodium eye drops (b.d.) and sodium cromoglycate eye drops (q.i.d.) were both considered clinically more effective than placebo in controlling symptoms of SAC due to birch pollen.

The freedom to condemn tobacco advertising.

Following the publication of a booklet by two Swedish government bodies and an international nongovernmental organization, in which tobacco advertising techniques were strongly criticized, Sweden's Tobacco Trade Association lodged a complaint with the country's Parliamentary Ombudsman. The Ombudsman, rejecting the main part of the Association's case, ruled that the government authorities had a constitutional right to express opinions on tobacco advertising and that these could hardly be expected to be neutral or free from challenging statements.

Moist snuff in Sweden--tradition and evolution.

Snuff-dipping was already widespread in Sweden in the 19th century. After the 1920s snuff sales went down, but Sweden still kept its position as world leader in per capita consumption of moist snuff. Following a major advertising campaign snuff consumption began rising again in the late 1960s. The Swedish Tobacco Company claims that Swedish snuff is a 'less harmful' alternative to cigarettes. Swedish epidemiological studies indicate that there is a cancer risk from snuff-dipping, but it is low compared with smoking. Accordingly, the STC claims to "do a good job replacing cigarettes with snuff". However, an analysis of the trends in tobacco usage patterns in Sweden during the last few decades does not support this claim. The marketing of moist snuff has not primarily attracted older smokers who would seek help in order to stop smoking, but young people. The use of snuff is no prerequisite and no guarantee for a decrease of smoking. On the contrary, taking up snuff must be seen as an introduction to the tobacco habit and possibly a first step towards taking up cigarettes.