Effect of calcium-based versus non-calcium-based phosphate binders on mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Phosphate binders (calcium-based and calcium-free) are recommended to lower serum phosphate and prevent hyperphosphataemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, but their effects on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes are unknown. We aimed to update our meta-analysis on the effect of calcium-based versus non-calcium-based phosphate binders on mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods: We did a systematic review of articles published in any language after Aug 1, 2008, up until Oct 22, 2012, by searching Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature.

Paradoxically lower prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in South Asians: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: While people of South Asian (SA) descent have higher rates of cardiovascular disease compared with people of White European (WE) descent, a lower prevalence of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been suggested in SA. Our intent was to systematically review the literature on PAD prevalence in people of SA descent and to conduct a meta-analysis to identify differences in PAD prevalence between SA and WE.

Methods: Standard Cochrane systematic review methodology was used for conducting a literature review of published research.

Health information support provided by professional associations in Canada.

Background: Healthcare practitioners in Alberta and across Canada have varying levels of access to information resources depending on their institutional and professional affiliations, yet access to current health information is critical for all.

Objectives: To determine what information resources and services are provided by Albertan and Canadian professional health associations to their members.

Methods: Representatives of professional colleges and associations were interviewed regarding information resources and services offered to members and perceptions of their members' information needs.

Do calcium channel blockers increase the diagnosis of heart failure in patients with hypertension?

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used to control hypertension. Previous work suggested that their use could increase heart failure (HF), which is 1 of the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension. Information about the effect of CCBs on incident HF in patients with hypertension is scarce.

Effect of fish oil on arrhythmias and mortality: systematic review.

Objective: To synthesise the literature on the effects of fish oil-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-on mortality and arrhythmias and to explore dose response and formulation effects.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, IPA, Web of Science, Scopus, Pascal, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Academic OneFile, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine, and LILACS.