British medical bulletin
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2015
ReviewClinical trial transparency: many gains but access to evidence for new medicines remains imperfect.
Although selective and incomplete publication is widely acknowledged to be a problem, full access to clinical trial data remains illusive. ⋯ Documenting the effects of prospective trial registration and requirements for proactive clinical trial publication on healthcare decisions, public health and rational resource allocation.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2015
ReviewNew paradigms in hepatitis B management: only diamonds are forever.
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in ∼350 million people worldwide who have an increased risk of end-stage liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ Potential new therapies include viral entry inhibitors, RNA interference technologies (i.e. RNAi) and small molecules that modulate cccDNA transcription, as well as novel immunomodulatory therapies to boost HBV-specific T cell responses. The ultimate goal of new tests and anti-HBV therapies is to reduce the burden and expense of life-long CHB treatment, as 'only diamonds are forever'.
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British medical bulletin · Jan 2015
ReviewThe development of urban community health centres for strengthening primary care in China: a systematic literature review.
This review outlines the development of China's primary care system, with implications for improving equitable health care. ⋯ Future prospective studies should aim to provide solutions for strengthening the leading role of CHCs in providing equitable care in response to population ageing and multimorbidity challenges.
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British medical bulletin · Dec 2014
ReviewPlatelet-rich plasma injections for chronic plantar fasciopathy: a systematic review.
There is an increasing interest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection as a treatment for chronic plantar fasciopathy (PF). We wished to evaluate the evidence for the use of PRP in PF/fasciitis. ⋯ Evidence for the use of PRP in PF shows promising results, and this therapy appears safe. However, the number of studies available is limited and randomized placebo-controlled studies are required. Characterizing the details of the intervention and standardizing the outcome scores would help to better document the responses and optimize the treatment.
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British medical bulletin · Dec 2014
ReviewMemory difficulties are not always a sign of incipient dementia: a review of the possible causes of loss of memory efficiency.
Memory problems are a very common reason for presenting to primary care. There is a need for better treatments for dementia. Increased government and media interest may result in greater number seeking help for memory problems, which may not reduce the dementia gap but rather increase numbers seen who do not have dementia. This review highlights the issues around the diagnostic criteria and terminology used for people with memory complaints. ⋯ The accurate distinction of premorbid dementia syndromes from benign non-progressive memory problems. Studies of treatment options for people with benign non-progressive memory problems and longer-term follow-up to determine which patients develop chronic problems.