[Up until now, angiotensin-receptor blockers have been considered to be the safest cardio-, cerebro-, reno- and vasculoprotective drugs. In a previous metaanalysis, ARBs were accused of increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, but a number of metaanalyses and randomised, controlled trials have disproved this hypothesis. In a recent metaanalysis, ARBs were associated with an increased risk of tumours. The author reviews this issue, discusses the flaws of the above metaanalysis and, on the basis of the most up-to-date data in the literature, expert opinions and official statements (FDA, EMA), concludes that members of this drug class should continue to be used according to their approved indications, which is supported by their cardio-, reno-, cerebro- and vasculoprotective effects demonstrated in a number of appropriate, large-scale clinical studies.]

[INTRODUCTION - The reduction of need-adjusted inequalities in the use of healthcare results in higher efficiency and fairer allocation of resources. PATIENTS AND METHODS - Data for all patients who received inpatient care (same-day or hospital treatment) in 2007 were used in the analysis. Beyond the diagnostic and diagnosisrelated group’s weight information and the number of inpatient days, the patients’ record contained data on age, sex, and postal code of residency. Besides personal data, socio-economic characteristics and general indicators of healthcare capacity have been included in the applied multilevel statistical analysis. Inequalities were estimated for all patients, and separately for those treated for malignant tumour, cardio-vascular diseases, or other diseases. RESULTS - Significant regional inequalities were observed in one-day care but an order of magnitude less in longer inpatient care. Comparing the two major diagnostic groups, the inequalities were greater among patients with cardiovascular diseases than for those with cancer. Only a small fraction of the observed inequalities was explained by the differences in the composition of population of small regions. The inequalities in the use of healthcare were largely explained by socio-economic characteristics of the regions. CONCLUSIONS - Need-adjusted inequalities in the use of healthcare supported the hypothesis that efficiency of the Hungarian healthcare system can be significantly improved by allocating the available resources according to the patients’ need.]

[Following the publication of some large, randomised trials (LIFE, ASCOT), the benefits of the use of beta-blockers in hypertension have been questioned. On the basis of these clinical trials it has been posited that beta-blockers administered for the treatment of hypertonia are less effecient for stroke prevention. It has been suggested that first-generation beta-blockers (atenolol) have adverse metabolic effects (insulin sensitivity, lipid parameteres), which might contribute to the differences observed in clinical outcomes. On the basis of a number of clinical trials and meta-analyses performed in recent years it is now evident that the most important goal is to reach target blood pressure levels, which is usually achieved by combination therapy. Choosing drugs on the basis of strict protocols is less important. In general, beta-blockers remain one of the most important drug class for the treatment of hypertension. The author reviews the pharmacology of the cardioselective, vasodilatory drug nebivolol in detail, as well as clinical trials on nebivolol. Nebivolol has a neutral (or rather beneficial) effect on metabolic parameters (lipid parameters, blood glucose level and insulin sensitivity) as well as on left ventricular function. If hypertension is associated with cardiovascular diseases (left ventricular dysfunction, ischaemic hears disease, atrial fibrillation), nebivolol offers an excellent therapeutic alternative due to its excellent tolerability and side effect profile.]