A systematic review of the public's knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to systematically review quantitative and qualitative studies on the public's knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic resistance. METHODS: We searched four databases to July 2014, with no language or study design restrictions. Two reviewers independently extracted data. We calculated the median (IQR) of the proportion of participants who agreed with each statement and synthesized qualitative data by identifying emergent themes. RESULTS: Of 3537 articles screened, 54 studies (41 quantitative, 3 mixed methods and 10 qualitative) were included (55 225 participants). Most studied adults (50; 93% studies) and were conducted in Europe (23; 43%), Asia (14; 26%) or North America (12; 22%). Some participants [median 70% (IQR 50%-84%); n = 8 studies] had heard of antibiotic resistance, but most [median 88% (IQR 86%-89%); n = 2 studies] believed it referred to changes in the human body. Many believed excessive antibiotic use [median 70% (IQR 59%-77%); n = 11 studies] and not completing antibiotic courses [median 62% (IQR 47%-77%); n = 8 studies] caused resistance. Most participants nominated reducing antibiotic use [median 74% (IQR 72%-85%); n = 4 studies] and discussing antibiotic resistance with their clinician (84%, n = 1 study) as strategies to reduce resistance. Qualitative data supported these findings and additionally identified that: participants believed they were at low risk from antibiotic resistance participants; largely attributed its development to the actions of others; and strategies to minimize resistance should be primarily aimed at clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: The public have an incomplete understanding of antibiotic resistance and misperceptions about it and its causes and do not believe they contribute to its development. These data can be used to inform interventions to change the public's beliefs about how they can contribute to tackling this global issue.

Not in my backyard: a systematic review of clinicians' knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic resistance.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review clinicians' knowledge and beliefs about the importance and causes of antibiotic resistance, and strategies to reduce resistance. METHODS: Four databases were searched (until July 2014), without restrictions on language, setting or study design. Fixed responses (from surveys) were grouped into categories. The proportion of participants who agreed with each category was expressed as median, percentage and IQR. Qualitative data were coded into emergent themes. Quantitative categories and qualitative themes were grouped into four overarching categories that emerged from the data. RESULTS: There were 57 included studies (38 quantitative, 14 qualitative, 5 mixed methods) of 11593 clinicians. Most clinicians (69%, IQR 63%-72%, n=5 studies) had heard of antibiotic resistance and 98% (IQR 93%-99%, n=5 studies) believed it was serious. The proportion who believed it was a problem for their practice (67%, IQR 65%-74%, n=13 studies) was smaller than the proportion who believed it was a problem globally (89%, IQR 85%-97%, n=5 studies) or nationally (92%, IQR 88%-95%, n=21 studies). Most believed excessive antibiotic use (97%, IQR 91%-98%, n=12 studies) and patient non-adherence (90%, IQR 82%-92%, n=7 studies) caused resistance. Most knew of strategies to reduce resistance (e.g. clinician education, 90%, IQR 85%-96%, n=7 studies). Qualitative findings support these data: they attributed responsibility for antibiotic resistance to patients, other countries and healthcare settings; resistance was considered a low priority and a distant consequence of antibiotic prescribing. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians believe antibiotic resistance is a serious problem, but think it is caused by others. This needs to be accommodated in interventions to reduce antibiotic resistance.

Body-site distribution of skin cancer, pre-malignant and common benign pigmented lesions excised in general practice.

BACKGROUND: Concern about skin cancer is a common reason for people from predominantly fair-skinned populations to present to primary care doctors. OBJECTIVES: To examine the frequency and body-site distribution of malignant, pre-malignant and benign pigmented skin lesions excised in primary care. METHODS: This prospective study conducted in Queensland, Australia, included 154 primary care doctors. For all excised or biopsied lesions, doctors recorded the patient's age and sex, body site, level of patient pressure to excise, and the clinical diagnosis. Histological confirmation was obtained through pathology laboratories. RESULTS: Of 9650 skin lesions, 57·7% were excised in males and 75·0% excised in patients ≥ 50 years. The most common diagnoses were basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (35·1%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (19·7%). Compared with the whole body, the highest densities for SCC, BCC and actinic keratoses were observed on chronically sun-exposed areas of the body including the face in males and females, the scalp and ears in males, and the hands in females. The density of BCC was also high on intermittently or rarely exposed body sites. Females, younger patients and patients with melanocytic naevi were significantly more likely to exert moderate/high levels of pressure on the doctor to excise. CONCLUSIONS: More than half the excised lesions were skin cancer, which mostly occurred on the more chronically sun-exposed areas of the body. Information on the type and body-site distribution of skin lesions can aid in the diagnosis and planned management of skin cancer and other skin lesions commonly presented in primary care.

Prospective study of skin surgery in smokers vs. nonsmokers.

BACKGROUND: Smoking may increase complications following minor surgery leading many clinicians to urge patients to refrain from smoking before and after surgery. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between smoking and complications following skin surgery. METHODS: In a 5-year prospective observational study 7224 lesions were excised on 4197 patients. Patients were not instructed regarding smoking. All complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 439 smokers (10.5%) underwent 646 procedures (9%), 3758 nonsmokers (89.5%) underwent 6578 procedures (91%). Smokers were younger (55 +/- 16 years) than nonsmokers (66 +/- 17 years) (P < 0.001). Infection incidence was not significantly different, 1.9% (12/646) in smokers compared with 2.2% (146/6578) in nonsmokers (P = 0.55). There were two bleeds with smokers (0.3%) vs. 50 in nonsmokers (0.8%) (P = 0.2). The incidence of wound dehiscence in nonsmokers (three) was not different from nonsmokers (21) (P = 0.54). However, the incidence of scar contour distortion in smokers (three) was greater than in nonsmokers (two) (odds ratio 15.3; 95% confidence interval 2.5-92). Total complication incidence was similar, 3.6% in smokers vs. 4.0% in nonsmokers (P = 0.58). Out of 2371 flaps there were 14 (0.6%) cases of end-flap necrosis but smokers were not at increased risk. The case-control analysis compared each smoker with two nonsmokers matched for age, sex, postal code and outdoor occupational exposure. This again demonstrated no difference in infection, scar complication, bleed, dehiscence, end-flap necrosis or total complication incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers and nonsmokers suffer skin surgery complications similarly. The increased risk of contour distortion identified was difficult to interpret. Advice to cease smoking in the short term to improve outcomes with skin cancer surgery is not supported by these data.

Do case conferences between general practitioners and specialist palliative care services improve quality of life? A randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN 52269003).

Australian palliative care is delivered by general practitioners (GPs) and specialist palliative care teams. Patient outcomes should improve if they work in formal partnership. We conducted a multi-centred randomised controlled trial of specialist- GP case conferences, with the GP participating by teleconference, or usual care and communication methods. Primary outcome measure was global Quality of Life (QoL) scores at 3 weeks from intervention. Secondary measures included subscale QoL scores and carer burden. Two a priori intention-to-treat analyses were conducted using recruitment, and time of death, as fixed time points. There was no difference between groups in the magnitude of change in global QoL measures from baseline to any time point up to 9 weeks post-case conference, or at any time before death. The case conference group showed better maintenance of some physical and mental health measures of QoL in the 35 days before death. Case conferences may improve clinical relationships and care plans at referral, which are not implemented until severe symptoms develop. Case conferences between GPs and specialist palliative care services may be warranted for palliative care patients.

Delayed antibiotics for respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Modest benefits of antibiotics for acute upper respiratory tract infections have to be weighed against common adverse reactions, cost and antibacterial resistance. There has been interest in ways to reduce antibiotic prescribing. One strategy is to provide the prescription, but advise delay of more than 48 hours before use, in the hope symptoms resolve first. Advocates suggest this will preserve patient satisfaction. This review asks what effect delayed antibiotics have on clinical outcomes of respiratory infections, antibiotic use and patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prescribing strategy of delayed antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections compared to immediate or no antibiotics for clinical outcomes, antibiotic use and patient satisfaction. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2006); MEDLINE (January 1966 to January Week 2, 2007), EMBASE (1990 to Week 2, 2007) and Current Contents - ISI Web of Knowledge (1998 to January 2007). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients of all ages defined as having an acute respiratory infection were included in which delayed antibiotics were compared to antibiotics used immediately or no antibiotics. Outcomes measured included clinical outcomes, antibiotic use and patient satisfaction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were collected and analysed by three review authors. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials were eligible on the basis of design and relevant outcomes. For most clinical outcomes there was no difference between delayed, immediate and no antibiotics. Antibiotics prescribed immediately were more effective than delayed for fever, pain and malaise in some studies of patients with acute otitis media and sore throat but for other studies there was no difference. There was no difference for the common cold and bronchitis. Delaying antibiotic prescriptions reduced antibiotic use, and in three studies, reduced patient satisfaction compared to immediate antibiotics. In the other two studies comparing delayed and immediate antibiotics measuring satisfaction, there was no difference. Two studies also included a 'no antibiotics' arm for bronchitis and sore throat: there was no difference in symptom resolution nor patient satisfaction from antibiotic delay. In one study, but not the other, antibiotic use was significantly decreased with no, rather than delayed, antibiotics. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: For most clinical outcomes there is no difference between the strategies. Immediate antibiotics was the strategy most likely to provide the best clinical outcomes in patients with sore throat and otitis media. Delaying or avoiding antibiotics, rather than providing them immediately, reduces antibiotic use for acute respiratory infections. Delay also reduced patient satisfaction in three trials, compared to immediate antibiotics with no difference in two other trials. Delaying antibiotics seems to have little advantage over avoiding them altogether where it is safe to do so.

Antibiotics for bronchiolitis in children.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiolitis is a serious, potentially life-threatening respiratory illness commonly affecting young babies. It is most often caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds (especially tachypnoea and wheezing in a child less than two years of age). Antibiotics are not recommended for bronchiolitis unless there is concern about complications such as secondary bacterial pneumonia. Despite this, they are used at rates of 34 to 99% in uncomplicated cases. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of antibiotics for bronchiolitis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) which includes the Acute Respiratory Infection Groups' specialised register, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2006); MEDLINE (January 1966 to August Week 2, 2006); EMBASE (1990 to March 2006); and Current Contents (2001 to September 2006). SELECTION CRITERIA: Types of studies: single or double blind randomised controlled trials comparing antibiotics to placebo in the treatment of bronchiolitis. TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS: children under the age of two years diagnosed with bronchiolitis using clinical criteria (including respiratory distress preceded by coryzal symptoms with or without fever). Types of interventions: oral, intravenous, intramuscular or inhaled antibiotics versus placebo. Types of outcome measures: primary clinical outcomes: time for the resolution of symptoms/signs (pulmonary markers: respiratory distress; wheeze; crepitations; oxygen saturation; and fever). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: hospital admissions; time to discharge from hospital; re-admissions; complications/adverse events developed; and radiological findings. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All data were analysed using Review Manager software, version 4.2.7. MAIN RESULTS: One study met our inclusion criteria. It randomised children presenting clinically with bronchiolitis to either ampicillin or placebo. The main outcome measure was duration of illness and death. There was no significant difference between the two groups for length of illness and there were no deaths in either group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found no evidence to support the use of antibiotics for bronchiolitis. This results needs to be treated with caution given only one RCT justified inclusion. It is unlikely that simple RCTs of antibiotics against placebo for bronchiolitis will be undertaken in future. Research to identify a possible small subgroup of patients presenting with bronchiolitis-like symptoms who may benefit from antibiotics may be justified. Otherwise, research may be better focussed on determining the reasons for clinicians to use antibiotics so readily for bronchiolitis, and ways of reducing their anxiety, and therefore their use of antibiotics for bronchiolitis.

Prolotherapy injections for chronic low-back pain.

BACKGROUND: Prolotherapy involves repeated injections of irritant solutions to strengthen lumbosacral ligaments and reduce some types of chronic low-back pain; spinal manipulation and exercises are often used to enhance its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of prolotherapy in adults with chronic low-back pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched CENTRAL 2006, Issue 3 and MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and AMED from their respective beginnings to October 2006, with no restrictions on language, and consulted content experts. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised (RCT) and quasi-randomised controlled trials (QRCT) that compared prolotherapy injections to control injections, alone or in combination with other treatments, which measured pain or disability before and after the intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected the trials and assessed methodological quality. Intervention protocols varied from study to study, making meta-analysis impossible. MAIN RESULTS: We identified five high quality studies with a total of 366 participants. All measured pain or disability levels at six months, and four measured the proportion of participants reporting a greater than 50% reduction in pain or disability scores. Three randomized controlled trials (206 participants) found that prolotherapy injections alone are no more effective than control injection for chronic low-back pain and disability. At six months, there was no difference between groups in mean pain or disability scores (2 RCTs; 184 participants) and no difference in proportions who reported over 50% improvement in pain or disability (3 RCTs; 206 participants). These trials could not be pooled due to clinical heterogeneity. Two RCTs (160 participants) found that prolotherapy injections, given with spinal manipulation, exercise, and other therapies, are more effective than control injections for chronic low-back pain and disability. At six months, one study reported a significant difference between groups in mean pain and disability scores, whereas the other study did not. Both studies reported a significant difference in the proportion of individuals who reported over 50% reduction in disability or pain. Co-interventions confounded interpretation of results and clinical heterogeneity in the trials prevented pooling. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of prolotherapy injections for patients with chronic low-back pain. When used alone, prolotherapy is not an effective treatment for chronic low-back pain. When combined with spinal manipulation, exercise, and other co-interventions, prolotherapy may improve chronic low-back pain and disability. Conclusions are confounded by clinical heterogeneity amongst studies and by the presence of co-interventions.

Interventions for the interruption or reduction of the spread of respiratory viruses.

BACKGROUND: Viral epidemics or pandemics such as of influenza or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pose a significant threat. Antiviral drugs and vaccination may not be adequate to prevent catastrophe in such an event. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the evidence of effectiveness of interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses (excluding vaccines and antiviral drugs, which have been previously reviewed). SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 4); MEDLINE (1966 to November 2006); OLDMEDLINE (1950 to 1965); EMBASE (1990 to November 2006); and CINAHL (1982 to November 2006). SELECTION CRITERIA: We scanned 2300 titles, excluded 2162 and retrieved the full papers of 138 trials, including 49 papers of 51 studies. The quality of three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was poor; as were most cluster RCTs. The observational studies were of mixed quality. We were only able to meta-analyse case-control data. We searched for any interventions to prevent viral transmission of respiratory viruses (isolation, quarantine, social distancing, barriers, personal protection and hygiene). Study design included RCTs, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-over studies, before-after, and time series studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We scanned the titles, abstracts and full text articles using a standardised form to assess eligibility. RCTs were assessed according to randomisation method, allocation generation, concealment, blinding, and follow up. Non-RCTs were assessed for the presence of potential confounders and classified as low, medium, and high risk of bias. MAIN RESULTS: The highest quality cluster RCTs suggest respiratory virus spread can be prevented by hygienic measures around younger children. Additional benefit from reduced transmission from children to other household members is broadly supported in results of other study designs, where the potential for confounding is greater. The six case-control studies suggested that implementing barriers to transmission, isolation, and hygienic measures are effective at containing respiratory virus epidemics. We found limited evidence that the more uncomfortable and expensive N95 masks were superior to simple surgical masks. The incremental effect of adding virucidals or antiseptics to normal handwashing to decrease respiratory disease remains uncertain. The lack of proper evaluation of global measures such as screening at entry ports and social distancing prevent firm conclusions about these measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Many simple and probably low-cost interventions would be useful for reducing the transmission of epidemic respiratory viruses. Routine long-term implementation of some of the measures assessed might be difficult without the threat of a looming epidemic.

Immunoglobulin treatment for respiratory syncytial virus infection.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and pneumonia hospitalize hundreds of thousands of infants every year. Treatment is largely supportive therapy, (for example, oxygen, fluids and occasionally mechanical ventilation). Ribavirin, an antiviral agent, is licensed for severe RSV infection, although systematic reviews find it of no benefit. Passive protection against RSV can be achieved through monthly intramuscular injection of the humanized monoclonal anti-RSV antibody palivizumab (Synagis), and yields a 55% reduction in RSV hospitalisation in susceptible infants. This review assesses immunoglobulin treatment of RSV infection rather than its role as a prophylactic measure. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of adding human or humanized immunoglobulin therapy to supportive therapy in infants hospitalized with laboratory-determined RSV infection. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to Week 4, January 2006) and EMBASE (1980 to September 2005). We also ran searches of reference lists of relevant trials and review articles and searches of personal files. We did not impose any language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared immunoglobulin treatment with a placebo control in children hospitalized for RSV infection with bronchiolitis or pneumonia or other lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) with laboratory-documented RSV infection. The primary outcomes of interest were mortality, length of hospitalisation, length of ventilation and oxygen dependence. Secondary outcome measures were pulmonary function and re-hospitalisations for recurrent breathing difficulties in subsequent years. Any adverse effects of the treatments were also noted, for example, hypersensitivity reactions. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted but cross-comparison was not possible due to the shortage of studies and lack comparative measurements. MAIN RESULTS: Four papers fitted the search criteria. None demonstrated statistically significant benefit of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment added to supportive care compared with supportive care alone. The evidence does not support a role for RSVIG in such a setting, with the doses used in the studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence on the role of respiratory syncytial virus immunoglobulin (RSVIG) in treating RSV severe infections is limited. Future research might consider using stronger titres of neutralising antibodies; and further analyse severely ill children (who might respond differentially compared to those less ill, but yet hospitalised).

Antibiotics for sore throat.

BACKGROUND: Sore throat is a very common reason for people to present for medical care. Although it remits spontaneously, primary care doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics for it. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits of antibiotics for sore throat. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (January 1966 to March 2006) and EMBASE (January 1990 to December 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA: Trials of antibiotic against control with either measures of the typical symptoms (throat soreness, headache or fever), or suppurative or non-suppurative complications of sore throat. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Potential studies were screened independently by two authors for inclusion, with differences in opinion resolved by discussion. Data were then independently extracted from studies selected by inclusion by two authors. Researchers from three studies were contacted for additional information. MAIN RESULTS: There were 27 studies with 2835 cases of sore throat. 1. Non-suppurative complications: There was a trend for antibiotics to protect against acute glomerulonephritis, but there were insufficient cases to be sure. Several studies found antibiotics reduced acute rheumatic fever by more than two thirds (relative risk (RR) 0.22; 95% CI 0.02 to 2.08). 2. Suppurative complications: Antibiotics reduced the incidence of acute otitis media (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.58); of acute sinusitis (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.08 to 2.76); and of quinsy (peritonsillar abscess) compared to those taking placebo (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.47). 3. SYMPTOMS: Throat soreness and fever were reduced by antibiotics by about one half. The greatest difference was seen at about 3 to 4 days (when the symptoms of about 50% of untreated patients had settled). By one week about 90% of treated and untreated patients were symptom-free. The overall number need to treat to prevent one sore throat at day 3 was just under six (95% CI 4.9 to 7.0); at week 1 it was 21 (95% CI 13.2 to 47.9). 4. Subgroup analyses of symptom reduction: Analysis by: age; blind versus unblinded; or use of antipyretics, found no significant differences. Analysis of results of throat swabs showed that antibiotics were more effective against symptoms at day 3, RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.71) if the swabs were positive for Streptococcus, compared to RR 0.78 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.97) if negative. Similarly at week 1, RRs 0.29 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.70) for positive, and 0.73 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.07) for negative swabs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics confer relative benefits in the treatment of sore throat. However, the absolute benefits are modest. Protecting sore throat sufferers against suppurative and non-suppurative complications in modern Western society can only be achieved by treating many with antibiotics, most of whom will derive no benefit. In emerging economies (where rates of acute rheumatic fever are high, for example), the number needed to treat may be much lower for antibiotics to be considered effective. Antibiotics shorten the duration of symptoms by about sixteen hours overall.

Exercise for overweight or obesity.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have shown that exercise in adults with overweight or obesity can reduce bodyweight. There has been no quantitative systematic review of this in The Cochrane Library. OBJECTIVES: To assess exercise as a means of achieving weight loss in people with overweight or obesity, using randomised controlled clinical trials. SEARCH STRATEGY: Studies were obtained from computerised searches of multiple electronic bibliographic databases. The last search was conducted in January 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials that examined body weight change using one or more physical activity intervention in adults with overweight or obesity at baseline and loss to follow-up of participants of less than 15%. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: The 43 studies included 3476 participants. Although significant heterogeneity in some of the main effects' analyses limited ability to pool effect sizes across some studies, a number of pooled effect sizes were calculated. When compared with no treatment, exercise resulted in small weight losses across studies. Exercise combined with diet resulted in a greater weight reduction than diet alone (WMD -1.1 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.5 to -0.6). Increasing exercise intensity increased the magnitude of weight loss (WMD -1.5 kg; 95% CI -2.3 to -0.7). There were significant differences in other outcome measures such as serum lipids, blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose. Exercise as a sole weight loss intervention resulted in significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (WMD -2 mmHg; 95% CI -4 to -1), triglycerides (WMD -0.2 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.3 to -0.1) and fasting glucose (WMD -0.2 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.3 to -0.1). Higher intensity exercise resulted in greater reduction in fasting serum glucose than lower intensity exercise (WMD -0.3 mmol/L; 95% CI -0.5 to -0.2). No data were identified on adverse events, quality of life, morbidity, costs or on mortality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review support the use of exercise as a weight loss intervention, particularly when combined with dietary change. Exercise is associated with improved cardiovascular disease risk factors even if no weight is lost.

Topical analgesia for acute otitis media.

BACKGROUND: Acute otitis media (AOM) is a spontaneously remitting disease for which pain is the most distressing symptom. Antibiotics are now known to have less benefit than previously assumed. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of topical analgesia for AOM. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to May Week 3 2006), EMBASE (1990 to December 2005) and LILACS (1982 to September 2005) without language restriction, and the reference lists of articles. We also contacted manufacturers and authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Double-blind randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing an otic preparation with an analgesic effect (excluding antibiotics) versus placebo or an otic preparation with an analgesic effect (excluding antibiotics) versus any other otic preparation with an analgesic effect, in adults or children presenting at primary care settings with AOM without perforation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Potential studies were screened independently and trial quality was assessed by three authors, and differences were resolved by discussion. Data was then independently extracted from the trials selected by two authors. We contacted the authors of three trials to acquire additional information not available in published articles. MAIN RESULTS: Our searches yielded 356 records; four trials met our criteria. One trial with 54 participants compared treatment with anaesthetic ear drops versus an olive oil placebo immediately at diagnosis. All patients were also given paracetamol. There was a statistically significant pain reduction of 25% in those receiving anaesthetic drops 30 minutes after instillation. Three trials (with one common co-author) compared anaesthetic ear drops with naturopathic herbal ear drops in 274 patients. One of these trials also used antibiotics in both groups. There were statistically significant differences at instillation of drops, or 15 or 30 minutes after the instillation (or both) on one to three days after diagnosis, always favouring the naturopathic group in each trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from these four randomised controlled trials, only one of which addresses the most relevant question of primary effectiveness, is insufficient to know whether ear drops are effective or not.

Psychological interventions for overweight or obesity.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are global health problems which are increasing throughout the industrialised world. If left unchecked, they will continue to contribute to the ever increasing noncommunicable disease burden. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of psychological interventions for overweight or obesity as a means of achieving sustained weight loss. SEARCH STRATEGY: Studies were obtained from searches of multiple electronic bibliographic databases. The date of the latest search was June 2003. SELECTION CRITERIA: Trials were included if the fulfilled the following criteria: 1) they were randomised controlled clinical trials of a psychological intervention versus a comparison intervention, 2) one of the outcome measures of the study was weight change measured by any method, 3) participants were followed for at least three months, 4) the study participants were adults (18 years or older) who were overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m(2)) at baseline. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two people independently applied the inclusion criteria to the studies identified and assessed study quality. Disagreement was resolved by discussion or by intervention of a third party. Meta-analyses were performed using a fixed effect model. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Overall, 3495 participants were evaluated. The majority of studies assessed behavioural and cognitive-behavioural weight reduction strategies. Cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, relaxation therapy and hypnotherapy were assessed in a small number of studies. Behaviour therapy was found to result in significantly greater weight reductions than placebo when assessed as a stand-alone weight loss strategy (WMD -2.5 kg; 95% CI -1.7 to -3.3). When behaviour therapy was combined with a diet / exercise approach and compared with diet / exercise alone, the combined intervention resulted in a greater weight reduction. Studies were heterogeneous however the majority of studies favoured combining behaviour therapy with dietary and exercise interventions to improve weight loss. Increasing the intensity of the behavioural intervention significantly increased the weight reduction (WMD -2.3 kg; 95% CI -1.4 to - 3.3). Cognitive-behaviour therapy, when combined with a diet / exercise intervention, was found to increase weight loss compared with diet / exercise alone (WMD -4.9 kg; 95% CI -7.3 to - 2.4). No data on mortality, morbidity or quality of life were found. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: People who are overweight or obese benefit from psychological interventions, particularly behavioural and cognitive-behavioural strategies, to enhance weight reduction. They are predominantly useful when combined with dietary and exercise strategies. The bulk of the evidence supports the use of behavioural and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Other psychological interventions are less rigorously evaluated for their efficacy as weight loss treatments.

Advising patients to increase fluid intake for treating acute respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection is a common reason for people to present for medical care. Advice to increase fluid intake is a frequent treatment recommendation. Attributed benefits of fluids include replacing increased insensible fluid losses, correcting dehydration from reduced intake and reducing the viscosity of mucus. However, there are theoretical reasons for increased fluid intake to cause harm. Anti-diuretic hormone secretion is increased in lower respiratory tract infections of various aetiologies. This systematic examination of the evidence sought to determine the benefit versus harm from increasing fluid intake. OBJECTIVES: To answer the following questions. (1) Does recommending increased fluid intake as a treatment for acute respiratory infections improve duration and severity of symptoms? (2) Are there adverse effects from recommending increased fluids in people with acute respiratory infections? (3) Are any benefits or harms related to site of infection (upper or lower respiratory tract) or a different severity of illness? SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to July Week 1, 2005), EMBASE (1974 to Week 29, 2005), Current Contents (current 5 years) and CINAHL (1982 to July week 3 2005). Reference lists of articles identified were searched, and experts in the relevant disciplines were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of increasing fluid intake in people with acute respiratory infections. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Each author assessed the identified studies to determine eligibility for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS: No RCTs assessing the effect of increasing fluid intake in acute respiratory infections were found. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence for or against the recommendation to increase fluids in acute respiratory infections. The implications for fluid management in acute respiratory infections have not been studied in any RCTs to date. Some non-experimental (observational) studies report that increasing fluid intake in acute respiratory infections may cause harm. RCTs need to be done to determine the true effect of this very common medical advice.

Commentary on Cochrane review of neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children.

In recent years there has been much debate and controversy surrounding the efficacy and safety of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza, in part because the data underlying certain efficacy claims were not available for independent scrutiny. In 2014, a Cochrane review was published, based exclusively on an almost complete set of clinical study reports and other regulatory documents. Clinical study reports can run to thousands of pages, providing an extensive amount of information on the planning, conduct and results of each trial. After a protracted campaign to obtain the reports, the manufacturers of the medications provided them unconditionally. The review authors subsequently published the underlying documents simultaneously with the Cochrane review, endorsing the concept of open science. In the following commentary, the background to and results of this review are summarized and put into clinical context.

Skin cancer screening by Australian family physicians: variation with physician beliefs and geographic locality.

INTRODUCTION: Australian national policies do not recommend skin cancer screening. We measured family physicians' beliefs, self-reported practices, and predictors of using clinical skin examination for skin cancer screening. METHOD: Random self-administered postal survey of 1271 Australian family physicians (FPs) performed during 1996, obtaining 855 completed questionnaires (67% response rate). RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of FPs surveyed indicated that they thought clinical skin examination was effective in reducing premature death from skin cancer; 72% indicated that they should be performed annually; and 60% indicated that all adults should be screened. Only 3% indicated correctly that screening has not been tested to determine its effectiveness. Although most FPs were unlikely to adopt an opportunistic approach to screening, 64% indicated that they would recommend clinical skin examination during a health check-up. FPs in northern (high incidence) latitudes were 3 to 4 times more likely to adopt opportunistic screening, and twice as likely to discuss clinical skin examination in a dedicated check-up. FPs were more likely to advocate screening in male rather than female patients. Half of respondents were unaware of relevant guidelines. CONCLUSION: Although Australian policies do not recommend clinical skin examination because of insufficient evidence as yet of effectiveness, FPs show considerable support for screening. Geographic location, patient gender, and physician beliefs predict the self-reported provision of clinical skin examination by family physicians, suggesting that factors other than published guidelines affect clinical practice.

Patterns of excision and referral from primary care of melanocytic lesions.

There is debate about the margin of normal tissue that should be included with excisions of melanocytic lesions of the skin, and about which lesions should be referred for specialist care. We describe the determinants of the margins of excised melanocytic skin lesions and of referral patterns from primary care. Copies of the pathology reports of melanocytic skin lesions excised from two cities in tropical Queensland were obtained; questionnaires about each lesion were administered to the excising doctor. Data about 3275 lesions (2914 naevi, 130 lentigos, 151 melanomas, 51 dysplastic naevi, 21 Hutchinson's melanotic freckles and eight other melanocytic lesions) were analysed. Twenty-one per cent of the treatment sessions involved the excision of more than one lesion; 5% involved three lesions or more. Most lesions were managed by one doctor. The overall mean margin of excision was 2.8 mm. It was greater for longer qualified doctors, surgeons and college-affiliated general practitioners, for lesions excised to address malignancy (3.0 mm) rather than cosmetic appearance (2.4 mm), for Hutchinson's melanotic freckles (5.9 mm) and melanomas (5.1 mm) compared with benign lesions (2.7 mm) (P < 0.001) and for older patients (2.6 mm for those < or = 15, 3.5 mm for those > 40 years) (P = 0.001). Wider excisions of skin melanocytic lesions are performed by older and more experienced doctors, on older patients, and for lesions in which malignancy is being addressed.

Do psycho-social factors contribute more to symptom reporting by middle-aged women than hormonal status?

Six hundred women aged between 45 and 54 were randomly selected from the electoral roll in Brisbane, Australia. A questionnaire addressing their symptoms, hormone status and psycho-social factors was successfully administered to 381 women (64% of the original sample; 83% of those contactable). Although cardiovascular symptoms were experienced by 25% of the sample, the most common (hot flushes) ranked only tenth on a list of recently experienced symptoms. The association of hormone status with symptoms was weak in comparison with other factors. Most symptoms were reported by women who were perimenopausal, had undergone a hysterectomy, or were currently using hormone replacement therapy. A poor mental health index was strongly associated with all groups reporting symptoms. It is concluded that clinicians responding to symptoms from middle-aged women should continue to address psychosocial factors just as vigorously as those related to their hormone status.