Cochrane Corner: Preventing cold sores: do antivirals work?

Cochrane corner.

We will never have enough data, so we must do the best with what we acquire. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of clinical trials represent one approach to maximizing the usefulness of clinical data. The Cochrane Collaboration thrives on the analyses of the results of tens of thousands of controlled trials in its database. The Collaboration bears the name of the British epidemiologist Archib...

Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus, most often the herpes simplex 1 virus. Cold sores should not be confused with canker sores, which are small ulcerations in the mouth. Rather, cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that form on the gums and the outside of the mouth and lips. The blisters, which are contagious, later break, ooze, and crust over before healing. Recurrences are common and can...

Cochrane Corner Cochrane Corner: Extracts from The Cochrane Library: Intranasal Steroids for Chronic Rhinosinusitis

The Cochrane Corner is a section in the journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a pair of related Cochrane Reviews on intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis, which identify lowto moderate-quality evidence for a beneficial effect on overall symptoms, nas...

Cochrane corner: beta-blockers for hypertension

BaCkground Beta-blockers refer to an assorted group of medications that block the action of endogenous catecholamines on beta-adrenergic receptors. The β1 and β2 receptors are the primary beta-adrenergic receptors in the human cardiovascular system. Betablockers differ in their β1/β2-receptor selectivity and vasodilatory properties. Based on this diversity, beta-blockers have been categorised i...

The Cochrane Corner in the SAMJ: Summaries of Cochrane systematic reviews for evidence-informed practice.