Meta-analysis

Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use not linked to fracture risk in asthma

$Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a recommended first-line preventative therapy for asthma and long-term use is not linked with bone-density-related adverse effects, such as osteoporosis and fractures. In the image, a woman holds an asthma inhaler$

Review offers reassurance over link between long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids and bone density.…

Antibiotic resistance threatens surgical procedures and chemotherapy, study warns

Around 120,000 additional infections and 6,300 deaths in the United States each year could occur as a result of a 30% reduction in the efficacy of prophylactic use of antibiotics.…

Varenicline addresses gender gap in smoking cessation rates for women

Ordinarily, women have poorer smoking quit rates than men but a new analysis of data shows that the drug varenicline could tackle this issue.…

Fears over cancer risk with MS drug cladribine unfounded

Cladribine was refused a licence for multiple sclerosis because of fears it increases the risk of cancer, but a new analysis finds no evidence to support this.…

Review highlights most effective H pylori eradication strategies

Among strategies used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection in adults, the previously recommended seven days of standard triple treatment was the least effective, according to a review.…

Biological agents can reduce work absenteeism in patients with rheumatic disease

Patients with rheumatic disease who are treated with biological drugs miss fewer days of work and are more productive than patients treated with non-biological agents, reveals a meta-analysis. …

Review collates evidence on increased risk of death for anticholinergics

A new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that patients using any drug with anticholinergic effects have a 45% increased risk of cognitive impairment.…

Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD have neutral effect on mortality despite increased pneumonia risk

Use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia but a neutral or even reduced risk of pneumonia-associated and overall mortality.…

Systematic review suggests mortality benefits of new cholesterol lowering biologics

Monoclonal antibodies designed to lower cholesterol by inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) are effective and associated with few major side effects.…

Meta-analysis casts doubt over first-line paracetamol use for back pain and osteoarthritis

A meta-analysis published in The BMJ has cast doubt on the use of paracetamol as the first-line analgesic for spinal pain and osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.…