JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Low birth weight is implicated as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. However, the strength, consistency, independence, and shape of the association have not been systematically examined. ⋯ In most populations studied, birth weight was inversely related to type 2 diabetes risk.
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Review Meta Analysis
Clinical equivalence of generic and brand-name drugs used in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Use of generic drugs, which are bioequivalent to brand-name drugs, can help contain prescription drug spending. However, there is concern among patients and physicians that brand-name drugs may be clinically superior to generic drugs. ⋯ Whereas evidence does not support the notion that brand-name drugs used in cardiovascular disease are superior to generic drugs, a substantial number of editorials counsel against the interchangeability of generic drugs.
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Review Meta Analysis
Inhaled corticosteroids in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Recent studies of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for managing stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have yielded conflicting results regarding survival and risk of adverse events. ⋯ Among patients with COPD, ICS therapy does not affect 1-year all-cause mortality. ICS therapy is associated with a higher risk of pneumonia. Future studies should determine whether specific subsets of patients with COPD benefit from ICS therapy.
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Review Meta Analysis
Risk of venous thromboembolism with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab in cancer patients: a meta-analysis.
Venous thromboembolism is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Concerns have arisen regarding the risk of venous thromboembolism with the novel antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor that is widely used in cancer treatment. Currently, the role of bevacizumab in venous thromboembolism is controversial. ⋯ The use of bevacizumab was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism in cancer patients receiving this drug.
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Emergency departments (EDs) are experiencing increased patient volumes and serve as a source of care of last resort for uninsured patients. Common assumptions about the effect of uninsured patients on the ED often drive policy solutions. ⋯ Some common assumptions regarding uninsured patients and their use of the ED are not well supported by current data.