The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD)

CRD is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is a department of the University of York. CRD, which was established in 1994, is one of the largest groups in the world engaged exclusively in evidence synthesis in the health field. CRD undertakes systematic reviews evaluating the research evidence on health and public health questions of national and international importance.  They produce the DARE, NHS EED and HTA databases which are used extensively by health professionals, policy makers and researchers around the world.  They also undertake methods research and produce internationally accepted guidelines for undertaking systematic reviews.

CRD databases updated
In the week of 29/11/12 to 05/12/12, 30 new records were added to the DARE database.

Abstracts of the week - a selection

• Annualized relapse rate of first-line treatments for multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis, including indirect comparisons versus fingolimod.  This review found that first-line treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis with fingolimod was associated with significant decreases in relapse rates compared to beta interferon and glatiramer acetate. The results were derived from indirect comparisons between the treatments but the authors' cautious conclusions are likely to be reliable.
• Collaborative care to improve the management of depressive disorders: a community guide systematic review and meta-analysis.  This review concluded that there was robust evidence to show that collaborative care models were effective for treating depressive disorders in a wide range of populations, settings and organisations. Despite gaps in the reporting of the review, the conclusions appeared to reflect the evidence and are likely to be reliable.
• Dose-specific efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.  The authors concluded that Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination had an average efficacy of 93% and 92% after three and two doses and of 59% after one dose and that incomplete dosing needed to be taken into account when assessing vaccination impact. The review had some quality limitations but the results appear to be supported by the data presented.
• Dual or mono antiplatelet therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.  The authors concluded that compared to mono antiplatelet therapy, dual antiplatelet therapy seemed to be safe and effective in the reduction of stroke and vascular event recurrence for patients with acute ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack. They added that their findings needed to be confirmed in prospective studies. The authors' conclusions reflect the presented evidence and appear appropriate and reliable.

Website: University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination