Integrative Medicine Alert – June 1, 2009
June 1, 2009
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Exercise for Chronic Heart Failure: A Call to ACTION?
Heart failure (HF), the end result of many cardiovascular disorders and a common disabling clinical syndrome, affects almost 6 million people in the United States. -
For What 'Ales' You: Ginger, N/V, and Pregnancy
A brief intervention of an extract of ginger administered four times daily was effective in ameliorating nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in this small single-blind trial. -
Drug Blues: Antidepressants, Efficacy, and Effectiveness
Upon evaluating data from the STAR*D project, researchers concluded that phase III clinical trials often do not recruit representative populations of depressed outpatients, making the recommendations drawn from the studies' conclusions of limited applicability to general clinical practice. -
Warm Baths for Sore Backs
A study of thermal spa baths for chronic low back pain revealed some benefits over warm tap water baths. However, multiple hypothesis testing takes away from the confidence clinicians can have regarding the true effect. Nonetheless, all patients improved during and after the treatment period of daily baths. -
Nutrients Direct': Myers' Cocktail and FMS
This small pilot study represents the first controlled assessment of intravenous micronutrient therapy for fibromyalgia. No statistically significant benefit over placebo was identified, though clinical benefit was apparent, and feasibility was established. Regardless of one's bias regarding this type of care, further study is needed. -
News Briefs: Translating CAM Research Results into Clinical Practice
In an initial investigation of the potential for information from CAM research to influence clinical practice, a 2007 national survey asked acupuncturists, naturopaths, internists, and rheumatologists about their awareness of CAM clinical trials, ability to interpret research results, and use of research evidence in decision making.