Is Extended-Release Guaifenesin No Better Than a Placebo?

Is extended-release guaifenesin no better than a placebo?

In this issue of RESPIRATORY CARE, Hoffer-Schaefer et al1 report the results of a double-blind randomized placebocontrolled trial examining the effects of guaifenesin on both the volume and physical properties of sputum in patients with acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Guaifenesin has been marketed as an FDA-approved over-thecounter (OTC) expectorant medication with annual sales of ap...

Dolev-Yao is no better than Machiavelli

Review: placebo is better than no treatment for subjective continuous outcomes and for treatment of pain.

Main results 114 trials published from 1946–98 were included in the analysis. The typical placebo for drugs was a lactose tablet; for physical interventions, the procedure done with a machine turned off; and for psychological interventions, an attention placebo. 40 clinical conditions were investigated. Meta-analysis showed that placebo did not differ from no treatment for binary outcomes (32 t...

Is any wheelchair better than no wheelchair? A Zimbabwean perspective

BACKGROUND Within a rights-based paradigm, wheelchairs are essential in the promotion of user autonomy, dignity, freedom, inclusion and participation. OBJECTIVES This paper aimed to describe a group of Zimbabwean wheelchair users' satisfaction with wheelchairs, wheelchair services and wheelchair function. METHOD A mixed method, descriptive study was done. Quantitative data was collected fro...

Total Knee Replacement Sizing: Shoe Size Is a Better Predictor for Implant Size than Body Height

Background: Various sizes of implants need to be available during surgery. The purpose of this paper is to comparebody height and shoe size with implant sizes in patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery to see whichbiomarker is a better predictor for preoperative planning to determine implant size.Methods: A total of 100 knees, belonging to 50 females and 50 males, were observed. P...