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Biomedical subjects

E Ernst

Publications and source records attributed to E Ernst.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine: reasons and consequences for vaccination.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become a popular form of healthcare and the predictions are that, it will increase further. The reasons for this level of popularity are highly diverse, and much of the motivation to turn to CAM pertains to a deeply felt criticism of mainstream medicine - many people (are led to) believe that conventional interventions, including immunisation, are associated with the potential to do more harm than good. Thus, it is hardly surprising that CAM also lends support to the "anti-vaccination movement". In particular, sections of the chiropractors, the (non-medically trained) homoeopaths and naturopaths tend to advise their clients against immunisation. The reasons for this attitude are complex and lie, at least in part in the early philosophies which form the basis of these professions. The negative attitude of some providers of CAM towards immunisation constitutes an important example of indirect risks associated with this form of healthcare. The best way forward, it seems, would be a campaign to clarify the risk-benefit profile of immunisations for both users and providers of CAM.

Chiropractic↗
PubMed2001

A profile of journals of complementary and alternative medicine.

An increasing amount of medical scientific information is published in specialised journals on various subjects, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). There are indications that positive findings may be published at the expense of methodological rigour. The aim of this investigation was to provide a profile of CAM journals currently available on Medline, and monitor trends in publication practice between the years 1995 and 2000. Systematic literature searches were performed to identify all CAM journals indexed in Medline. Journals published in 1995 and 2000 were identified by their title and content. Primary CAM research journals only were included in this analysis. All articles were read, data were extracted and categorised according to pre-defined criteria, e.g. type of methodology used, subject area, and direction of outcome. The number of original articles increased from a total of 61 in 1995 to 97 in 2000 across all four journals, the number of papers reporting clinical trials decreased by 4% between 1995 and 2000, and the number of surveys increased more than six times. Less positive and more negative articles were published in 2000 compared with 1995. The subject areas of papers varied greatly. The majority of articles published in 1995 suggested positive treatment effects, a phenomenon that was still present in 2000 albeit less strong. CAM journals, and most likely CAM itself, are associated with a lack of clinical trials and a bias in favour of positive conclusions.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2001

Guar gum for body weight reduction: meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of the dietary fiber guar gum as a therapeutic option for reducing body weight by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Literature searches were performed on the electronic databases Medline, Embase, Biosis, Amed, and the Cochrane Library. Manufacturers of commercial guar gum preparations and experts on the subject were contacted to provide any published or unpublished trials. For inclusion, trials had to state that they were randomized, double blinded, and placebo controlled, used guar gum monopreparations, and reported body weight as an endpoint. No language restrictions were imposed. Two reviewers independently extracted data in a standardized manner according to predefined criteria and evaluated methodological quality using the scoring system developed by Jadad. Discrepancies were settled through discussion. RESULTS: Thirty-four trials were identified and 20 could be included. Eleven trials provided data that were suitable for statistical pooling. The meta-analysis indicated a nonsignificant difference in patients receiving guar gum compared with patients receiving placebo (weighted mean difference -0.04 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.2 to 2.1). Analysis of six trials with similar methodologic features corroborates these findings (weighted mean difference -0.3 kg; 95% CI: -4.0 to 3.5). Adverse events most frequently reported were abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea, and cramps. Overall, 11 patients (3%) dropped out owing to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that guar gum is not efficacious for reducing body weight. Considering the adverse events associated with its use, the risks of taking guar gum outweigh its benefits for this indication. Therefore, guar gum cannot be recommended as a treatment for lowering body weight.

Double-Blind Method↗
PubMed2001

Complementary therapies in palliative cancer care.

BACKGROUND: Complementary medicine has become an important aspect of palliative cancer care. This overview is primarily aimed at providing guidance to clinicians regarding some commonly used complementary therapies. METHODS: Several complementary therapies were identified as particularly relevant to palliative cancer care. Exemplary studies and, where available, systematic reviews are discussed. RESULTS: Promising results exist for some treatments, e.g. acupuncture, enzyme therapy, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, and relaxation techniques. Unfortunately, the author finds that the evidence is not compelling for any of these therapies. CONCLUSION: These results point to some potential for complementary medicine in palliative care. They also demonstrate an urgent need for more rigorous research into the value (or otherwise) of such treatments in palliative and supportive cancer care.

Acupuncture Therapy↗