Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .
North of England evidence based guidelines development project: methods of developing guidelines for efficient drug use in primary care
Practice guidelines are valid if “ they lead to the health gains and costs predicted for them.”1 When implemented , valid guidelines lead to changes in clinical practice and improvements in outcomes for patients .2 - 5 Invalid guidelines , however , may lead to the use of ineffective interventions that waste re sources , or even to harm . Guidelines must offer recommendations for both effective and efficient care , and these have not previously been available in the United Kingdom . We have reported the development and content of guidelines for primary care in the United Kingdom based explicitly on evidence of effectiveness.6 - 9 Here , we present the methods used to develop evidence based guidelines on the use in primary care of four important groups of drugs — angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with heart failure , choice of antidepressants , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with osteoarthritis , and aspirin as an antithrombotic agent.10 - 13 Abridged versions of the guidelines on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors , aspirin , and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will be published in subsequent articles.14 - 16 # # # # Summary points Guideline development groups defined important clinical questions , produced search criteria , and drew up protocol s for systematic review and , where appropriate , meta- analysis Medline and Embase were search ed for systematic review s and meta-analyses , r and omised trials , quality of life studies , and economic studies Meta- analysis was used extensively by the group to answer specific clinical questions Statements on evidence were categorised in relation to study design , reflecting their susceptibility to bias Strength of recommendations was grade d according to the category of evidence and its applicability , economic issues , values of the guideline group and society , and the groups ' awareness of practical issues Recommendations cease to apply in December 1999 , by which time relevant results that may affect recommendations may be known Guideline development groups comprised three broad classes of members — relevant healthcare professionals ( up to five general practitioners ( all with
Clinical efficacy on pain reduction was present , although not predictable after weight loss .
Meta-regression analysis indicated that physical disability of patients with knee OA and overweight diminished after a moderate weight reduction regime .
This review aims to assess by meta- analysis of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) changes in pain and function when overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis ( OA ) achieve a weight loss .