Lancet
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Are the clinical effects of homoeopathy placebo effects? Comparative study of placebo-controlled trials of homoeopathy and allopathy.
Homoeopathy is widely used, but specific effects of homoeopathic remedies seem implausible. Bias in the conduct and reporting of trials is a possible explanation for positive findings of trials of both homoeopathy and conventional medicine. We analysed trials of homoeopathy and conventional medicine and estimated treatment effects in trials least likely to be affected by bias. ⋯ Biases are present in placebo-controlled trials of both homoeopathy and conventional medicine. When account was taken for these biases in the analysis, there was weak evidence for a specific effect of homoeopathic remedies, but strong evidence for specific effects of conventional interventions. This finding is compatible with the notion that the clinical effects of homoeopathy are placebo effects.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Chemotherapy versus allogeneic transplantation for very-high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in first complete remission: comparison by genetic randomisation in an international prospective study.
The dismal prognosis of very-high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia could be improved by allogeneic haemopoietic cell transplantation. We compared this strategy with intensified chemotherapy protocols, with the aim to improve the outcome of children with very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in first complete remission. ⋯ Children with very-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia benefit from related-donor haemopoietic-cell transplantation compared with chemotherapy. The gap between the two strategies increases as the risk profile of the patient worsens.
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Multicenter Study Meta Analysis
NAT2 slow acetylation, GSTM1 null genotype, and risk of bladder cancer: results from the Spanish Bladder Cancer Study and meta-analyses.
Many reported associations between common genetic polymorphisms and complex diseases have not been confirmed in subsequent studies. An exception could be the association between NAT2 slow acetylation, GSTM1 null genotype, and bladder-cancer risk. However, current evidence is based on meta-analyses of relatively small studies (range 23-374 cases) with some evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity. Associations between polymorphisms in other NAT and GST genes and bladder-cancer risk have been inconsistent. ⋯ Although the relative risks are modest, these polymorphisms could account for up to 31% of bladder cancers because of their high prevalence.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Roflumilast--an oral anti-inflammatory treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive airflow limitation associated with chronic inflammation. There are few treatment options for the disease. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, in patients with moderate to severe COPD. ⋯ Roflumilast is a promising candidate for anti-inflammatory COPD treatment because it improved lung function and reduced exacerbations compared with placebo. Long-term studies are needed to fully assess the effect on health-related quality of life.