Cost of postoperative complications after general surgery at a major Canadian academic centre.

Background: In a fiscally constrained health care environment, the need to reduce unnecessary spending is paramount. Postoperative complications contribute to hospital costs and utilization of health care resources.

Objective: The purpose of this observational study was to identify the cost associated with complications of common general surgery procedures performed at a major academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario.

Tumor necrosis factor therapy and the risk of serious infection and malignancy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of the rates of serious infection and malignancy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have started anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy and had not received treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or methotrexate (MTX).

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted through the summer of 2009. All studies included were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving patients with early RA who were started on anti-TNF therapy without prior DMARD/MTX use.

Counseling regarding pregnancy--related drug exposures by family physicians in Ontario.

Background: Family physicians may play a significant role in providing information to their patients on the effects of medication exposure during pregnancy. Women must receive accurate information, as unrealistic perception of teratogenic risk may lead to inadequate treatment of maternal disease or termination of otherwise wanted pregnancies.

Objectives: To collect data on the current practices of family physicians in providing information regarding pregnancy-related drug exposures, in particular, their confidence in providing counseling and their sources of information.