BMJ : British medical journal
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Short term and intermediate term comparison of endarterectomy versus stenting for carotid artery stenosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials.
To evaluate the relative short term safety and intermediate term efficacy of carotid endarterectomy versus carotid artery stenting. ⋯ Carotid endarterectomy was found to be superior to carotid artery stenting for short term outcomes but the difference was not significant for intermediate term outcomes; this difference was mainly driven by non-disabling stroke. Significantly fewer cranial nerve injuries and myocardial infarctions occurred with carotid artery stenting.
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To determine whether moderate hypothermia after hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in neonates improves survival and neurological outcome at 18 months of age. ⋯ In infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, moderate hypothermia is associated with a consistent reduction in death and neurological impairment at 18 months.
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Sutures versus staples for skin closure in orthopaedic surgery: meta-analysis.
To compare the clinical outcomes of staples versus sutures in wound closure after orthopaedic surgery. ⋯ After orthopaedic surgery, there is a significantly higher risk of developing a wound infection when the wound is closed with staples rather than sutures. This risk is specifically greater in patients who undergo hip surgery. The use of staples for closing hip or knee surgery wounds after orthopaedic procedures cannot be recommended, though the evidence comes from studies with substantial methodological limitations. Though we advise orthopaedic surgeons to reconsider their use of staples for wound closure, definitive randomised trials are still needed to assess this research question.
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Review Meta Analysis
Local anaesthesia for pain control during outpatient hysteroscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To compare the effects of different types of local anaesthetic for pain control during outpatient hysteroscopy. ⋯ Paracervical local anaesthetic injection is the best method of pain control for women undergoing hysteroscopy as outpatients.
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Review Meta Analysis
Prophylactic antibiotics for burns patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To assess the evidence for prophylactic treatment with systemic antibiotics in burns patients. ⋯ Prophylaxis with systemic antibiotics has a beneficial effect in burns patients, but the methodological quality of the data is weak. As such prophylaxis is currently not recommended for patients with severe burns other than perioperatively, there is a need for randomised controlled trials to assess its use.