Systematic Reviews: Some examples

Reviewing the literature is a scientific inquiry that needs a clear design to preclude bias. It is a real enterprise if one aims at completeness of the literature on a certain subject. Going through refereed English language journals is not enough. On line databases are helpful, but mainly as a starting point. This article gives examples of systematic reviews on vitamin C and the common cold, pyridoxine against the premenstrual syndrome, homeopathy, and physiotherapy.

[1]  H. Doll,et al.  Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. , 1989, The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

[2]  R G Priest,et al.  Recognition and management of depression in general practice: consensus statement. , 1992, BMJ.

[3]  W. McIlroy,et al.  Should unpublished data be included in meta-analyses? Current convictions and controversies. , 1993, JAMA.

[4]  Linus Pauling,et al.  How to Live Longer and Feel Better , 1986 .

[5]  J. Kleijnen,et al.  Belief in the efficacy of alternative medicine among general practitioners in The Netherlands. , 1990, Social science & medicine.

[6]  P. Knipschild.  Searching for alternatives: loser pays , 1993, The Lancet.

[7]  J. Kleijnen,et al.  Vitamin B6 in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome — A review , 1991, British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology.

[8]  L. Bouter,et al.  Physiotherapy exercises and back pain: a blinded review. , 1991, BMJ.

[9]  J. Kleijnen,et al.  Clinical trials of homoeopathy. , 1991, BMJ.

[10]  J. Kleijnen,et al.  Vitamin B6 in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome–a review , 1990 .

[11]  I. Liljefors.  [Vitamin C and the common cold]. , 1972, Lakartidningen.

[12]  V. Tuason,et al.  Comparison of Pharmacological Treatment Response between Situational and Non-situational Depressions , 1984, British Journal of Psychiatry.

[13]  M. L. Taylor,et al.  Vitamin B-6 in premenstrual syndrome. , 1990, Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

[14]  L M Bouter,et al.  Spinal manipulation and mobilisation for back and neck pain: a blinded review. , 1991, BMJ.

[15]  Lex M. Bouter,et al.  Effectiviteit van fysiotherapie: een literatuuronderzoek , 1991 .