Observational studies

Antipsychotics associated with increased risk of pneumonia

The use of antipsychotic drugs in patients with Alzheimer’s disease doubles their risk of pneumonia, while pneumonia risk in patients without AD who take antipsychotics is more than three-fold, according to research from Finland.…

Intranasal steroids underused in chronic sinusitis

Topical intranasal steroids are underused among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, a Canadian study has revealed. …

Breast cancer risk associated with hormone replacement therapy has been underestimated

Risk of breast cancer in women taking combined menopausal hormone therapy is three times higher than in non-users, study finds.…

Calcium supplements pose dementia risk in some women

An observational study revealed that older women with cerebrovascular disease were at increased risk of dementia if they took calcium supplements…

Paracetamol use in pregnancy linked to childhood behaviour problems

Prenatal exposure to paracetamol (acetaminophen) is associated with an increased risk of behavioural problems among children by the age of seven, according to a study.…

Prescription drug misusers in EU more likely to be male and unemployed

Great Britain has the highest prevalence of non-medical use of stimulants compared with four other EU countries, according to new research.…

Study finds no link between IVF and breast cancer risk

Researchers have found no increased risk of breast cancer among women who have undergone IVF, even after more than 20 years of follow up. …

Antiretroviral therapy virtually eliminates HIV transmission within couples

Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) virtually eliminates the risk of HIV transmission to an uninfected partner, according to a study of serodiscordant couples. …

Data back up drive to cut antibiotic prescribing for respiratory infections

A large reduction in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections only results in a small number of complications, such as pneumonia, new research suggests, a finding that the authors say is “reassuring”.…

Doctors who accept industry lunches prescribe more promoted drugs

Doctors who accept free meals from the pharmaceutical industry have higher prescribing rates for the branded drugs the manufacturers promote, according to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine.…