Latest Articles
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To assess the efficacy of ondansetron and the incidence of headache when used as prophylaxis for postoperative vomiting. ⋯ While ondansetron is an effective antiemetic with minimal adverse effects, the data obtained on the numbers needed to be treated calculation for prophylaxis of postoperative vomiting should be considered in future cost-effective strategies of postoperative management.
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Meta Analysis
Incidence of adverse drug reactions in hospitalized patients: a meta-analysis of prospective studies.
To estimate the incidence of serious and fatal adverse drug reactions (ADR) in hospital patients. ⋯ The incidence of serious and fatal ADRs in US hospitals was found to be extremely high. While our results must be viewed with circumspection because of heterogeneity among studies and small biases in the samples, these data nevertheless suggest that ADRs represent an important clinical issue.
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Meta Analysis
A meta-analysis to assess the incidence of adverse effects associated with the transdermal nicotine patch.
To estimate the frequency of adverse effects associated with the use of the transdermal nicotine patch, we abstracted and analysed data from 47 reports of 35 clinical trials. The meta-analysis presented here represents a synthesis of data from 41 groups of nicotine patch recipients totalling 5501 patients, and 33 groups of placebo recipients totalling 3752 patients. Smoking abstinence was the primary outcome in 32 of the trials, and relief of colitis symptoms was the primary outcome in 2 of the trials; 1 study of contact sensitisation was included in the skin irritation analysis. ⋯ The incidence of nausea or vomiting appeared to be lowest when the patch dose was tapered. The results of this meta-analysis indicate that very large studies would be needed to assess the effect of the patch, if any, on serious, rare outcomes. These results also suggest that the rate of minor adverse effects might be lowered by modifying patch-use protocols.
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The scientific evidence that bicycle helmets protect against head, brain and facial injuries has been well established by 5 well designed case-control studies. Additional evidence of helmet effectiveness has been provided from time series studies in Australia and the US. Bicycle helmets of all types that meet various national and international standards provide substantial protection for cyclists of all ages who are involved in a bicycle crash. ⋯ Helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by 85%, brain injury by 88% and severe brain injury by at least 75%. Helmets should be worn by all riders whether the cyclist is a recreational rider or a serious competitor engaged in training or race competition. The International Cycling Federation (ICF) should make the use of helmets compulsory in all sanctioned races.
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To evaluate the effect of heparin on duration of catheter patency and on prevention of complications associated with use of peripheral venous and arterial catheters. ⋯ Use of intermittent heparin flushes at doses of 10 U/ml in peripheral venous catheters locked between use had no benefit over normal saline flush. Infusion of low dose heparin through a peripheral arterial catheter prolonged the duration of patency but further study is needed to establish its benefit for peripheral venous catheters.