Systematic review

Researchers question use of methylphenidate for ADHD patients

Clinicians cannot know for sure whether taking methylphenidate will improve the lives of children with ADHD because of the quality of the available evidence, according to the lead author of a Cochrane Review.…

Fewer antibiotics prescribed when doctors share decision with patients

Fewer antibiotic prescriptions are issued for acute respiratory infections when doctors share decision making with patients, according to a review published by the Cochrane Library on 12 November 2015.…

Intensive lowering of blood pressure cuts heart attacks and strokes, review says

Intensive blood pressure reduction is more beneficial for patients than less intensive BP reduction, concludes a review published in The Lancet.…

Not enough evidence for omega-3 supplementation in depression

Cochrane review says more evidence is needed on omega-3’s role in major depression before firm conclusions are drawn.…

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.…

Modafinil could be the first safe ‘smart drug’

Modafinil, approved for narcolepsy and other wakefulness disorders, could be the first safe pharmaceutical nootropic agent or ‘smart drug’, according to a review published in European Neuropsychopharmacology .…

Corticosteroids may reduce mortality in community-acquired pneumonia

Corticosteroids significantly reduce mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation and hospital stay in adults with community acquired pneumonia, say researchers.…

Study finds pharmacist-led medication reviews may not improve health outcomes

Reviewing the medication of patients presenting at hospital promptly was not found to have an impact on the length of hospital admission, mortality or re-admissions, finds a systematic review.…

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.…