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.

In the weeks of 06/07/12 to 25/07/12, 40 new records were added to the DARE database.

Abstracts of the week - a selection

A network meta-analysis on the efficacy of serotonin type 3 receptor antagonists used in adults during the first 24 hours for postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis. The review found than dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron and tropisetron were all more effective than placebo at preventing post-operative nausea and vomiting. Granisetron may be more effective than dolasetron, or ondansetron. The review was not well reported, but the large number of trials identified means that the results of the comparisons with placebo are likely to be reliable.
Cranberry-containing products for prevention of urinary tract infections in susceptible populations. The authors concluded that cranberry-containing products were associated with protective effect against urinary tract infection. The authors advised cautious interpretation of this result given substantial variation across the included trials. Together with methodological concerns in the included trials, this tentative conclusion seems justified.
Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart defects in asymptomatic newborn babies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The authors concluded that pulse oximetry was highly specific for the detection of critical congenital heart defects in asymptomatic newborn babies, with moderate sensitivity. This was generally a well-conducted review and the authors' conclusion is likely to be reliable.
Comparison of icodextrin and glucose solutions for long dwell exchange in peritoneal dialysis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The authors cautiously suggested that, for patients undergoing long-dwell exchange in peritoneal dialysis, icodextrin provided greater fluid removal and small-solute clearance, did not cause damage to residual kidney function and was particularly appropriate for use in patients with high peritoneal transport status. This conclusion reflects the evidence presented and seems reliable.
Individual patient data meta-analysis of randomized trials evaluating IL-2 monotherapy as remission maintenance therapy in acute myeloid leukemia. This review of individual patient data concluded that IL-2 alone was not an effective maintenance therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in first complete remission. This conclusion accurately reflects the results of the review and, despite some concern over data verification, appears likely to be reliable
Meta-analysis of early versus deferred revascularization for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. This well-conducted review concluded that early revascularisation was not better than deferred revascularisation in the prevention of all-cause death and myocardial infarction in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Early revascularisation significantly reduced refractory ischaemia (untreatable blood flow obstructions). These findings are likely to be reliable, although based on few trials.
Pancreatic stents for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. This review of pancreatic stent placement after ERCP concluded that they significantly decreased the odds of post-ERCP pancreatitis and lowered both mild and moderate post-ERCP pancreatitis. Despite the lack of detail on study selection, this was a well-conducted review and its conclusions and recommendation for further research seem appropriate.
The acute management of trauma hemorrhage: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. This review of interventions for trauma patients within 24 hours of injury found no evidence of an association between transfusion reduction and improvements in survival. The conclusions of this well-conducted review appear reliable.