Issue 59 – March 

Blood oxygen levels in preterm infants
One randomised controlled trial reports that preterm infants with low blood oxygen levels have higher mortality at discharge than infants with high levels. However, a second randomised controlled trial finds no difference in mortality on the basis of blood oxygen level.

Premature mortality in people with epilepsy
A Swedish total population study finds that people with epilepsy are at increased risk of premature death, with the risk even higher among those with psychiatric disorders.

Oral contraceptive pills in preventing ovarian cancer
A meta-analysis reports a lower incidence of ovarian cancer in women who have ever used oral contraceptive pills than in women who have never used oral contraceptives.

Tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia and risk of severe hypotension
An observational study suggests that tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with an increased risk of severe hypotension during the first 8 weeks after both starting and restarting treatment.

Socioeconomic disadvantage and onset of disabling chronic conditions in childhood
A longitudinal study of census data from England and Wales shows a link between socioeconomic disadvantage in early childhood and later development of disabling chronic conditions.

Evidence Updates
NICE has recently published Evidence Updates on:

• Patient experience in adult NHS services

The epilepsies