BiotechMashup

The likelihood that the treatment of a middle ear infection will fail is slightly higher for a child who is given a shorter course of antibiotics, according to a new review. The results are conclusive, but the researchers say there are other factors that must be considered when the drugs are prescribed.

Adding new evidence to the debate on the best treatment for middle-ear infections, or acute otitis media, in young children, clinical researchers have found antibiotics to be more effective than a placebo in relieving symptoms.

(Wiley-Blackwell) An expensive treatment recommended for a genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency has no proven clinical benefit, according to a systematic review by Cochrane researchers. The disorder causes chronic lung disease and the review concludes that considering the lack of evidence for its benefits, and possible adverse effects, the treatment should not be recommended.

As middle ear infections increase during the winter months, researchers suggest that in many cases the most appropriate treatment is "watchful waiting" instead of using antibiotics immediately. The authors indicate that watchful waiting could substantially reduce the use of antibiotics in the treatment of AOM and play a major role in helping fight the development of treatment-resistant bacteria.

(Wiley-Blackwell) Some biologic drugs may be safer than others according to a new systematic review by Cochrane researchers. Biologics are a broad class of drugs based on biological molecules. The drugs are used to reduce inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

(Wiley-Blackwell) More studies that directly compare the effectiveness of different biologic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis are needed, say Cochrane Researchers. The researchers reviewed all previous Cochrane Systematic Reviews assessing the effectiveness of biologic disease-modifying drugs for treatment of RA and found that although all were very effective, there was little data on direct comparisons between the drugs that could help doctors decide which to prescribe.

(American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev) As middle ear infections increase during the winter months, researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev suggest that in many cases the most appropriate treatment is "watchful waiting" instead of using antibiotics immediately. The authors indicate that watchful waiting could substantially reduce the use of antibiotics in the treatment of AOM and play a major role in helping fight the development of treatment-resistant bacteria.

(Wiley-Blackwell) Antioxidant supplements may benefit couples who have difficulty conceiving naturally, according to a new systematic review published today in the Cochrane Library. The review provides evidence from a small number of trials that suggest the partners of men who take antioxidants are more likely to become pregnant.

(Wiley-Blackwell) Drugs widely prescribed to treat facial paralysis in Bell's palsy are ineffective and are based on false notions of the cause of the condition, according to Cochrane Researchers. They say research must now focus on discovering other potential causes and treatments.