Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2009
Meta AnalysisThe effects of barley-derived soluble fiber on serum lipids.
We wanted to determine the association between consumption of barley and changes in plasma lipids in healthy and hypercholesterolemic men and women. ⋯ Barley-derived beta-glucan appears to beneficially affect total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, but not HDL-cholesterol.
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Annals of family medicine · Jan 2009
Review Meta AnalysisScreening colonoscopies by primary care physicians: a meta-analysis.
There is currently too few endoscopists to enact a national colorectal cancer screening program with colonoscopy. Primary care physicians could play an important role in filling this shortage by offering screening colonoscopy in their practice. The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of colonoscopies performed by primary care physicians. ⋯ Colonoscopies performed by primary care physicians have quality, safety, and efficacy indicators that are comparable to those recommended by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. Based on these results, colonoscopy screening by primary care physicians appears to be safe and effective.
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Annals of family medicine · May 2006
Review Meta AnalysisEfficacy and safety of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis of health outcomes.
We wanted to review systematically the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of inhaled corticosteroids with respect to health outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Overall, the risk-benefit ratio appears to favor inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Existing evidence does not indicate a treatment benefit for patients with mild COPD.
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Annals of family medicine · Sep 2005
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyEfficacy and tolerability of tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs compared with placebo for treatment of depression in primary care: a meta-analysis.
Depression is common in primary care. There are no systematic reviews of depression treatment comparing antidepressants with placebo; hence, we do not know whether these medications are effective in primary care. ⋯ This systematic review is the first comparing antidepressants with placebo for treatment of depression in primary care. Both TCAs and SSRIs are effective. This review is also the first to show that low-dose TCAs are effective in primary care. Prescribing antidepressants in primary care is a more effective clinical activity than prescribing placebo.
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Annals of family medicine · Nov 2004
Review Meta AnalysisLay understanding of familial risk of common chronic diseases: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research.
Although the family history is increasingly used for genetic risk assessment of common chronic diseases in primary care, evidence suggests that lay understanding about inheritance may conflict with medical models. This study systematically reviewed and synthesized the qualitative literature exploring understanding about familial risk held by persons with a family history of cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes mellitus. ⋯ Persons with a family history of a common chronic disease develop a personal sense of vulnerability that is informed by the salience of their family history and interpreted within their personal models of disease causation and inheritance. Features that give meaning to familial risk may be perceived differently by patients and professionals. This review identifies key areas for health professionals to explore with patients that may improve the effectiveness of communication about disease risk and management.