Reviews

Two low-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems: a randomized controlled trial
Both lower-dose levonorgestrel intrauterine contraceptive systems were highly effective for 3 years of use and generally well tolerated. Nelson A, Apter D, Hauck B, Schmelter T, Rybowski S, Rosen K, Gemzell-Danielsson K. Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Dec;122(6):1205-13. PMID: 24240244

Antibiotics for acute maxillary sinusitis in adults
There is moderate evidence that antibiotics provide a small benefit for clinical outcomes in immunocompetent primary care patients with uncomplicated acute sinusitis. However, about 80% of participants treated without antibiotics improved within two weeks. Clinicians need to weigh the small benefits of antibiotic treatment against the potential for adverse effects at both the individual and general population levels. Ahovuo-Saloranta A, Rautakorpi UM, Borisenko OV, Liira H, Williams Jr JW, Mäkelä M. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Feb 11;2:CD000243. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24515610

Treatment of venous thromboembolism
The mainstay of VTE treatment is anticoagulation, while interventions such as thrombolysis and inferior vena cava filters are reserved for limited circumstances. Multiple therapeutic modes and options exist for VTE treatment with small but nonetheless important differential effects to consider. Anticoagulants will probably always increase bleeding risk, necessitating tailored treatment strategies that must incorporate etiology, risk, benefit, cost, and patient preference. Although great progress has been made, further study to understand individual patient risks is needed to make ideal treatment decisions. Wells PS, Forgie MA, Rodger MA. JAMA. 2014 Feb 19;311(7):717-28. PMID: 24549552

The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review
Acupuncture during pregnancy appears to be associated with few AEs when correctly applied. Park J, Sohn Y, White AR, Lee H. Acupunct Med. 2014 Feb 19. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010480. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24554789

Self-Directed Interventions to Promote Weight Loss: A Systematic Review of Reviews
Current evidence suggests that self-directed interventions can independently promote weight loss and can augment interventions involving personal contact. Particular change techniques and delivery modes including individualized feedback, email counseling, and online social support appear to enhance effectiveness. Further reviews of the content of self-directed weight-loss intervention studies are needed to clarify which change techniques delivered through which delivery formats optimize intervention effectiveness. Tang J, Abraham C, Greaves C, Yates T. J Med Internet Res. 2014 Feb 19;16(2):e58. Review. PMID: 24554464

Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold
Echinacea products have not here been shown to provide benefits for treating colds, although, it is possible there is a weak benefit from some Echinacea products: the results of individual prophylaxis trials consistently show positive (if non-significant) trends, although potential effects are of questionable clinical relevance. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Feb 20;2:CD000530. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 24554461