Current medical research and opinion
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Review Meta Analysis
Intravenous Ringer's lactate versus usual care during labor in nulliparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Due to limited research on the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) fluids administered during labor, there are no guidelines available. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate efficacy of IV Ringer's lactate during labor as compared to usual care. ⋯ IV Ringer's lactate reduced the duration of active labor, the need for oxytocin augmentation and the prolonged labor incidence. However, it did not differ in effect on immediate neonatal health but was found to have more potential for reducing maternal vomiting as compared to usual care with unrestricted oral intake. Further research is needed to explore its effects in the larger and more diverse populations and with different IV fluids for evidence-based guidelines.
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Review Meta Analysis
Intravenous Ringer's lactate versus usual care during labor in nulliparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Due to limited research on the effectiveness and safety of intravenous (IV) fluids administered during labor, there are no guidelines available. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate efficacy of IV Ringer's lactate during labor as compared to usual care. ⋯ IV Ringer's lactate reduced the duration of active labor, the need for oxytocin augmentation and the prolonged labor incidence. However, it did not differ in effect on immediate neonatal health but was found to have more potential for reducing maternal vomiting as compared to usual care with unrestricted oral intake. Further research is needed to explore its effects in the larger and more diverse populations and with different IV fluids for evidence-based guidelines.
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The benefits of improved clinical outcomes through blood pressure (BP) reduction have been proven in multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses. The new (2023) guideline from the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) includes β-blockers within five main classes of antihypertensive agents suitable for initiation of antihypertensive pharmacotherapy and for combination with other antihypertensive agents. This is in contrast to the 2018 edition of ESH guidelines that recommended β-blockers for use primarily in patients with compelling indications such as cardiovascular comorbidities, e.g. coronary heart disease, heart failure. ⋯ Hypertension management guidelines support for the use of combination therapies for almost all patients with hypertension, ideally within a single-pill combination to optimise adherence to therapy. Where a β-blocker is prescribed, the inclusion of a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker within a combination regimen is rational. These agents together reduce both peripheral and central BP, which epidemiological studies have shown is important for reducing the burden of premature morbidity and mortality associated with uncontrolled hypertension, especially strokes.
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The onset of pregnancy places additional stress of the thyroid gland, which must produce additional thyroid hormones to support the developing foetus. Hypothyroidism, including subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), may appear de novo at this time, or existing thyroid disease may become more severe. Accordingly, SCH is a relatively common complication of up to about 3% of pregnancies, with higher rates in some areas. ⋯ The titration of LT4 is likely to occur within a range of LT4 daily doses between 25 µg and 75 µg for the majority of this population. LT4 is a narrow therapeutic index drug and small variations in dosage may produce a clinically significant change in thyroid status. Newer formulations of LT4, engineered to provide more precise and consistent dosing, and with a broad range of tablet strengths, may facilitate the precise titration of the LT4 dose for these patients.
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A bibliometric analysis (BA) is a knowledge synthesis methodology aimed at quantitively summarizing large amounts of bibliometric data. We aimed to summarize the performance of BAs in the health sciences. We searched Scopus for BAs in the health sciences published prior to May 10, 2023. ⋯ Common BA themes included oncology, public health, neurosciences, mental health, artificial intelligence, and COVID-19. BAs are increasingly common in the health sciences, but their performance remains limited. More international collaborations and standardized guidelines could help improve their performance, notably the frequency at which they are cited.