Meta-analysis

Antidepressants linked to increased risk of mortality and new cardiovascular events

Antidepressant use increases the risk of mortality and new cardiovascular events, according to a study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics…

Link between Viagra and melanoma is weak, meta-analysis shows

A meta-analysis reveals a significant association between the use of Viagra and low-stage melanoma but the criteria for causation were not met.…

Intense blood pressure control cuts cardiovascular risk, researchers find

Reducing the systolic blood pressure of people with hypertension to below currently recommended targets reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to the findings of a systematic review.…

Antibiotic treatment for paediatric appendicitis a viable alternative to surgery

Having reviewed 10 trials involving 413 children, researchers found that non-operative treatment was initially effective for 97% of children, with 82% not needing an appendectomy up to four years later.…

Gastric acid drugs linked to increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection

Meta-analysis of studies suggest that patients who receive gastric acid drugs may be at increased risk for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.…

Study finds vitamin D supplements cut respiratory infections but public health officials not convinced

Results from a meta-analysis involving 11,321 people show that those given vitamin D supplementation were less likely to experience an acute respiratory infection.…

Antibiotic policies reduce unnecessary use in hospitals and cut lengths of stays

Antibiotic stewardship interventions are more effective if they contain enabling components, such as goal setting, feedback and action planning, say the authors of an updated Cochrane review.…

Industry-funded trials show bias for pharmacotherapy over psychotherapy

Analysis of 45 studies leads researchers to conclude that journals should require authors to declare any industry ties.…

Anti-inflammatory drugs could treat symptoms of depression

Anti-cytokine drugs typically prescribed to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, can also improve symptoms of depression, according to new research.…

Pharmacist-led medication reviews reduce drug-related readmissions

Medication reviews carried out by hospital pharmacists can reduce drug-related readmissions and emergency department visits but the evidence behind these services is of poor quality, according to a study.…