Use of ibuprofen for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a systematic review of meta-analyses.

To systematically review ibuprofen, including versus indomethacin and paracetamol/acetaminophen, for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and gray literature were searched to summarize ibuprofen outcomes in closure of PDA in published meta-analyses (MAs). Seven MAs were included.

'Asking the Right Question'. A Comparison of Two Approaches to Gathering Data on 'Herbals' Use in Survey Based Studies.

Background: Over the last decade academic interest in the prevalence and nature of herbal medicines use by pregnant women has increased significantly. Such data are usually collected by means of an administered questionnaire survey, however a key methodological limitation using this approach is the need to clearly define the scope of 'herbals' to be investigated. The majority of published studies in this area neither define 'herbals' nor provide a detailed checklist naming specific 'herbals' and CAM modalities, which limits inter-study comparison, generalisability and the potential for meta-analyses.

Complementary and alternative medicine use during early pregnancy.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and explore predictors of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use during early pregnancy.

Study Design: A questionnaire survey of pregnant women (500) attending for mid trimester scan at the maternity services in Grampian, North-East Scotland. Outcome measures included; CAM used; vitamins and minerals used; independent predictors of use; views and experiences.

Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Pregnant Women and Healthcare Professional Views and Experiences.

Aims. To undertake a systematic review of the recent (2008-2013) primary literature, describing views and experiences of CAM use during pregnancy by women and healthcare professionals. Method.