Q&A
Q&A
Ephedra and ephedrine: Modest short-term weight loss, with a price
BACKGROUND: The US Department of Health and Human Services requested an analysis of the past studies of products containing ephedrine and ephedra...
Q&A
Heliox of minimal benefit in acute asthma
BACKGROUND: During an asthmatic attack, not all patients respond to treatment with bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Heliox, because of its low...
Q&A
Natural progesterone prevents preterm birth in high-risk pregnancies
BACKGROUND: Synthetic progesterone has been used to reduce the number of preterm births; this is the first study to evaluate the effects of...
Q&A
False-positive mammograms increase follow-up rates
BACKGROUND: Women enrolled in health maintenance organizations that use patient reminder systems have been shown to be more likely to receive...
Q&A
ACE inhibitors are better than diuretics for treatment of hypertension in the elderly
BACKGROUND: The recent ALLHAT study compared the diuretic chlorthalidone with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril and the calcium-channel blocker...
Q&A
12-hour protocol safe for cocaine-associated chest pain
BACKGROUND: In the first hour after cocaine use, there is a 24-fold increase in the risk of sustaining MI. In 2000, over $83 million was spent on...
Q&A
Analgesics do not interfere with diagnosing abdominal pain
BACKGROUND: For years physicians have withheld pain medication from patients with abdominal pain to avoid interfering with a surgical evaluation...
Q&A
Not all fish products prevent heart disease
BACKGROUND: The protective effect of fish consumption on fatal ischemic heart disease may be related to the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated...
Q&A
Admission electronic fetal monitoring does not improve neonatal outcomes
BACKGROUND: No studies have been able to demonstrate that routine electronic fetal monitoring decreases fetal birth asphyxia or its attending...
Q&A
Cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise minimally help Gulf War veterans’ illnesses
BACKGROUND: Many Gulf War veterans have reported persistent pain, fatigue, and cognitive problems. This multisystem complex is similar to, and...
Q&A
Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs reduce pain faster than placebo
BACKGROUND: Corneal abrasions are common in primary care and emergency practices, and the pain can be quite disabling. Standard acute treatment...