BMJ : British medical journal
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Review Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Intermittent self catheterisation with hydrophilic, gel reservoir, and non-coated catheters: a systematic review and cost effectiveness analysis.
To determine the most effective and cost effective type of catheter for patients performing intermittent self catheterisation in the community. ⋯ The type of catheter used for intermittent self catheterisation seems to make little difference to the risk of symptomatic UTI. Given large differences in resource use, clean non-coated catheters are most cost effective. However, because of limitations and gaps in the evidence base and the designation of non-coated catheters as single use devices, we recommend a precautionary principle should be adopted and that patients should be offered a choice between hydrophilic and gel reservoir catheters.
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Review Meta Analysis
Populations at risk for severe or complicated influenza illness: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To evaluate risk factors for severe outcomes in patients with seasonal and pandemic influenza. ⋯ The level of evidence to support risk factors for influenza related complications is low and some well accepted risk factors, including pregnancy and ethnicity, could not be confirmed as risks. Rigorous and adequately powered studies are needed.
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Review Meta Analysis
Effect of lower sodium intake on health: systematic review and meta-analyses.
To assess the effect of decreased sodium intake on blood pressure, related cardiovascular diseases, and potential adverse effects such as changes in blood lipids, catecholamine levels, and renal function. ⋯ High quality evidence in non-acutely ill adults shows that reduced sodium intake reduces blood pressure and has no adverse effect on blood lipids, catecholamine levels, or renal function, and moderate quality evidence in children shows that a reduction in sodium intake reduces blood pressure. Lower sodium intake is also associated with a reduced risk of stroke and fatal coronary heart disease in adults. The totality of evidence suggests that most people will likely benefit from reducing sodium intake.
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Review Meta Analysis
Egg consumption and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke: dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
To investigate and quantify the potential dose-response association between egg consumption and risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. ⋯ Higher consumption of eggs (up to one egg per day) is not associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. The increased risk of coronary heart disease among diabetic patients and reduced risk of hemorrhagic stroke associated with higher egg consumption in subgroup analyses warrant further studies.
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Review Meta Analysis
Ultrasound imaging for lumbar punctures and epidural catheterisations: systematic review and meta-analysis.
To determine whether ultrasound imaging can reduce the risk of failed lumbar punctures or epidural catheterisations, when compared with standard palpation methods, and whether ultrasound imaging can reduce traumatic procedures, insertion attempts, and needle redirections. ⋯ Ultrasound imaging can reduce the risk of failed or traumatic lumbar punctures and epidural catheterisations, as well as the number of needle insertions and redirections. Ultrasound may be a useful adjunct for these procedures.