[Top 4 Research Studies of the month for Italian Primary Care Physicians: December 2023]

Recenti Prog Med. 2024 Jan;115(1):21-24. doi: 10.1701/4169.41641.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

This monthly article provides a collection of summaries of the most relevant studies identified as POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters) for Italian primary care physicians. 1) According to a high-quality network meta-analysis, oral isotretinoin is the most effective therapy for decreasing the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions in patients with acne vulgaris. 2) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (Nsaid) use is associated with a small increase (0.004%) in the risk of venous thromboembolism. Combining Nsaid use with a medium-risk hormonal contraceptive increases the risk to 0.011%; the addition of a high-risk hormonal contraceptive increases the risk to 0.023%. 3) For adults who wish to quit smoking, nicotine delivery via e-cigarettes, plus counseling, may be more effective than other means of nicotine replacement, or counseling alone for long-term smoking cessation. 4) We can reassure our patients that nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (Gerd) does not increase the likelihood of esophageal cancer. Erosive Gerd, however, is associated with a doubled - but still low - risk of developing cancer, with the likelihood increasing over time.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Contraceptive Agents
  • Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Nicotine
  • Physicians, Primary Care*
  • Smoking Cessation*
  • Tobacco Use Cessation Devices

Substances

  • Nicotine
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Contraceptive Agents