Smoking cessation: Is abrupt quitting more effective than a gradual approach?
Lindson-Hawley N, Banting M, West R, Michie S, Shinkins B, Aveyard P. Gradual versus abrupt smoking cessation. A randomized, controlled noninferiority trial. Ann Intern Med 2016;164(9):585-592. Patients in the “abrupt cessation group” were asked to stop smoking on their quit day. Participants in the “gradual cessation group” were also...
Lung ultrasound for paediatric pneumonia
Q. Can Lung ultrasound reduce need for CXR in children with suspected pneumonia? Jones BP, Tay ET, Elikashvili I, et al. Feasibility and safety of substituting lung ultrasonography for chest radiography when diagnosing pneumonia in children: a randomized controlled trial. Chest 2016;150(1):131-138. randomized 191 children and adolescents with clinically suspected...
What is the best duration for nicotine replacement therapy?
525 smokers enrolled. Randomized groups for nicotine replacement via patch at 8, 24, 52 weeks 6 month cessation rates were significantly higher if patches used for 24 wks. vs 8 wks. No adverse effects noted Cost effective benefit long term. No additional therapeutic advantage with long term treatment...