Annals of family medicine
-
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.
-
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.
-
Annals of family medicine · Jul 2003
Review Meta AnalysisThe effectiveness of primary care-based interventions to promote breastfeeding: systematic evidence review and meta-analysis for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
We wanted to systematically review whether primary care-based interventions improve initiation and duration of breastfeeding. ⋯ Educational programs were the most effective single intervention. One woman would breast-feed for up to 3 months for every 3 to 5 women attending breastfeeding educational programs. Future research and policy should focus on translating these findings into more widespread practice in diverse primary care settings.