Archived Evidence Reports

This page links to archived CCE Evidence Reports. These reports are not current and have been archived because it is likely that more recent evidence exists that might change the conclusions of the reports. These reports should not be used to support clinical decision-making without new searches being undertaken to identify more recently published evidence. The reports may be of value to researchers conducting systematic reviews who can update them by rerunning the searches forward from the search date.

More recent CCE Evidence Reports can be found here

Evidence Reports from the Paediatric Evidence Centre can be found here

88 Critical Appraisals 101 Full Reports (Sorted by date)   (Sorted by date) The accuracy of Bioelectric impedance analysis in assessing fat free mass in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Simon Higgins Feb 2004 Oral or Intravenous Cyclophosphamide for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? Tari Turner Dec 2003 Carbonated drinks as first-line therapy for esophageal foreign bodies presenting to the emergency department. Rebecca Ryan Dec 2003 Oxygen versus medical air for nebulisers in patients with COPD Simon Higgins Nov 2003 Assessing the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition for simultaneous renal and pancreatic transplant patients Rebecca Ryan Nov 2003 Multidisciplinary care for chronic low back pain Simon French Oct 2003 Is a digital rectal examination necessary in conscious trauma patients with no clinical evidence of a pelvic fracture or neurological abnormality? Simon French Sep 2003 Diagnosing iron deficiency in patients with chronic renal failure. Tari Turner Sep 2003 Effectiveness of assistive equipment in patients discharged from acute facilities. Simon Higgins Aug 2003 The Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MM) and Autism Simon Higgins Jun 2003 Vasospasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage: papaverine infusion, nimodipine infusion or balloon angioplasty? May 2003 Pre & postoperative blood glucose levels and the risk of deep surgical infection  May 2003 Dipstick urinalysis for screening of childhood urinary tract infection Apr 2003 Hip resurfacing in patients with osteoarthritis Nov 2002 Is cognistat (neuro-behavioural cognitive status exam) a superior cognitive screen than the mini-mental state exam in adult patients? Oct 2002 'Open' versus 'closed' systems for enteral feeding Oct 2002 Exercise therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain Aug 2002 Optimum number of consecutive nights for shift workers Jun 2002 The benefit of moving antenatal classes out of the hospital into the community Jun 2002 Outpatient multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program for patients with chronic respiratory conditions Jun 2002   Flushing of PICC lines April 2002   Gout or uric acid are cardiac risk factors? April 2002   Clopidogrel and bleeding during CABG Mar 2002   Anticoagulation prophylaxis for DVT and PE in neurosurgery Feb 2002   Infection control liaison (link) programs improve patient infection rates Feb 2002   Lavender oil for perineal healing following childbirth Jan 2002   Calendula for perineal healing following childbirth Jan 2002   Proton pump inhibitors versus H2 antagonists or placebo in treating bleeding peptic ulcer Jan 2002   Chronic fatigue syndrome - exercise and cognitive behaviour therapies Dec 2001   Disposable or reusable gowns and drapes and surgical site infections Nov 2001   "Day of surgery" versus "day before" admission for cardiac surgery Oct 2001 Magnets for the alleviating chronic muscular pain Oct 2001   Time to commencement of oral feeding following laryngectomy Oct 2001   Intermittent calf compression versus electrical calf stimulation in preventing deep venous thrombosis in high-risk surgical patients Aug 2001   Hiprex and vitamin C in the management of urethral catheters Aug 2001   Postoperative management of cardiac surgery patients in recovery rooms versus intensive care units Aug 2001   Contraception for protection from exposure to chemotherapy products in body fluids Jul 2001   Risk of cross infection with shared infant feeding equipment Jul 2001   Aminocaproic acid for post-thrombolytic cerebral bleeds Jun 2001   Heel prick versus venipuncture for blood sampling in neonates May 2001   Cognitive impairment in Friedreich's ataxia May 2001   Kangaroo versus standard care for low birth weight infants Jun 2001   Electroconvulsive therapy for bipolar mood disorders during pregnancy May 2001   Infant formula versus breast milk for the prevention of allergies in neonates May 2001   Mood stabilisers for bipolar mood disorders during pregnancy May 2001   Needleless versus conventional intravenous systems May 2001   Risk of cancer in ulcerative colitis May 2001   Ropivacaine versus bupivacaine as an intercostal block for pain management in adult cardiac surgery patients May 2001   Femoral nerve block for pain relief in patients with femoral neck fractures Apr 2001   Allied health interventions for Friedreich's ataxia April 2001   Octreotide for enteric and pancreatic fistulae Mar 2001   Sensory integration therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Mar 2001   Early Intervention in Premature Infants Mar 2001   Thorough cleaning of non-critical patient equipment Mar 2001   Botulinum toxin A for upper limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy Feb 2001   Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for haemofiltration Feb 2001   Thoracotomy versus thoracoscopy for empyema in children Dec 2000   Computer assisted decision support systems for improved clinical outcomes Oct 2000   Carotid stenting versus carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention in patients with carotid stenosis Sep 2000   Observations for normal term neonates Sep 2000   Bleeding patterns with long term hormone replacement therapy and their correlations with endometrial pathology Jul 2000   Language and speech deficits in adolescents with mental health problems Jul 2000   Nurse-initiated x-rays of possible limb fractures in emergency departments Jul 2000 Prophylactic b-adrenergic blocking agents given perioperatively for preventing post-operative cardiac adverse events Jun 2000   Transvaginal ultrasound for detecting endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy Jun 2000 What is the optimal position for patients with drug induced or non drug induced partial or total paralysis in intensive care unit Mar 2000   Single dose dexamethasone for preventing relapse of migraine Mar 2000 What is the incidence of temporary epicardial pacemakers requiring troubleshooting Feb 2000   Smoke plume from laser or electric surgical procedures as a health hazard Jan 2000   Bisphosphonates for children and adolescents Nov 1999   Number of prenatal visits and patient satisfaction Nov 1999 What is the effect of pre-operative essential hypertension on outcome following elective surgery? Nov 1999   Perception of friends and relatives of the intensive care unit Nov 1999 Do cardiac surgical patients on clopidogrel bleed more and require more blood transfusions than those not on clopidogrel Nov 1999 Detail the utilization of competencies/accreditation in the nursing profession Nov 1999 What are the criteria for admission/re-admission to an intensive care unit? Oct 1999 What influences a nurse's decision making skill? Oct 1999   Face masks by non-scrub team operating staff and surgical wound infection rates Sep 1999 Are low ambient light levels and low sound levels beneficial to premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit? Sep 1999   Massage for patients in intensive care Aug 1999   Support groups for nursing staff morale Jul 1999 For women in labour, which birth positions have been shown to be related to better outcomes with respect to urinary incontinence May 1999   Biprosthetic and mechanical aortic replacement valves for left ventricular hypertrophy Feb 1999   Falls prevention strategies for institutionalised older patients Feb 1999 Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus Jan 1999   Cutaneous antiseptics (povidone iodine, 70% alcohol, chlorhexidine) for preventing peripheral intravenous catheter-related infection Oct 1998   Hydrotherapy for spinal pain Sep 1998   Physiotherapy after Colles' fracture Sep 1998 Aspiration of nasogastric tubes in infants Tari Turner, Claire Harris Feb 2005 Intravenous or Nasogastric rapid rehydration for children with gastroenteritis Tari Turner Apr 2004 Rehabilitation for postural deformity in Parkinson's disease Dec 2003 Phototherapy in the home for jaundiced neonates Dec 2003 The effectiveness of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) in wound healing Simon Higgins Dec 2003 Magnesium prophylaxis in cardiac surgery patients Simon Higgins Oct 2003 Risk of cerebral herniation due to lumbar puncture in children with suspected meningitis. Jul 2003 Assessing long-term therapy for the treatment of adult survivors of childhood abuse   May 2003 Neural mobilisation after lumbar decompression   May 2003 Cognitive behaviour therapy in the emergency department for patients with suicidal behavior Nov 2002 Comparative incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome (hits) with unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin and low molecular weight heparin Nov 2002 Metformin associated lactic acidosis following administration of intravenous contrast media Oct 2002 Validity of venous thromboembolism risk factor assessment model as described by motykie et al (2000) Oct 2002 Early ambulation after cardiac surgery Aug 2002 Antibiotic therapy for acute appendicitis:  ampicillin, metronidazole plus gentamycin versus cephalosporin Jul 2002 Splints/orthotics for upper extremities in adult rheumatoid arthritis Jul 2002 Splints/orthotics in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis  Jul 2002 Laser resection of T1-T2 N0 glottic cancer versus conventional radical radiotherapy Jul 2002 Scoring systems for assessing postoperative risk in colorectal surgery Jun 2002 Prone positioning of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) May 2002   Bolus versus continuous infusion of antibiotics in paediatric patients and its effect on intravenous access patency May 2002   Mini mental state examination in predicting discharge destination for geriatric patients May 2002   Percutaneous vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures May 2002   Tourniquets and cross infection in phlebotomy Mar 2002   Anticoagulation therapy and risk of cerebral haemorrhage in patients with cerebral metastases Jun 2001   Below-knee versus full-length thromboembolic deterrent garments for preventing deep venous thrombosis Jun 2001   Birth stools and the risk of perineal tears in women in the second stage of labour Jun 2001   Gestalt therapy for emotional well-being in psychological therapy candidates Jun 2001   Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of calf vein thrombosis May 2001   Colloid or crystalloid solutions for fluid resuscitation Apr 2001   Therapy, counselling, or group work for women victims of domestic violence Mar 2001 Venous versus arterial blood gases in the assessment of acidosis Feb 2001   Fast-tracking "on-pump" coronary artery bypass surgery patients Feb 2001   Coenzyme Q10 for muscle dystrophy Feb 2001   Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy for facial blushing Feb 2001   Skin or tissue necrosis following traction splints for fractures of the femoral shaft Feb 2001 Ultrasound or venogram for diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis Jan 2001   Acetylcysteine for the prevention of reduced renal function caused by contrast agents Jan 2001   Laser therapy for tendinitis Jan 2001   Shoulder supports for hypotonicity following stroke Jan 2001   Safety of open versus closed laparoscopic techniques Jan 2001   Carbogen gas for sudden sensorineural hearing loss Dec 2000   Low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin for pulmonary thromboembolism Dec 2000   Prevention of pressure ulcers Dec 2000   Computer assisted decision support systems for continuing medical education Nov 2000   Dressings moistened with sodium hypochlorite (Dakin's) solution for improved wound healing Nov 2000   Intravenous corticosteroids as initial management for acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Nov 2000   Low molecular weight heparin (subcutaneous) versus unfractionated heparin (intravenous) for unstable angina [update] Nov 2000   DTPA scans for the diagnosis of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome in children Oct 2000   Infection risk in femoral fractures following surgical delays of more than 12 hours Oct 2000   Nasogastric tube placement Aug 2000   Prophylactic beta-adrenergic blocking agents given perioperatively for preventing postoperative cardiac adverse events Aug 2000   Antibiotics and steroids for pain and haemorrhaging after tonsillectomy Jul 2000   Occlusive dressing for reducing infections in surgical wounds Jul 2000   Minimal or mild endometriosis and the risk of infertility Apr 2000   Intrathecal baclofen for spasticity Mar 2000   Clonidine in epidural and intrathecal catheters Mar 2000   Prophylactic routine anticoagulant therapy for hysterectomies in low-risk women Feb 2000   Route of delivery for preterm breech infants Feb 2000   High dose follicle stimulating hormone for stimulation of ovulation in assisted reproduction Jan 2000   Prevention of post-stroke hemiplegia shoulder pain Dec 1999   Cryotherapy for improved early postoperative outcomes Nov 1999   Location of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and the risk of postphlebitic syndrome Nov 1999   Location of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and the risk of pulmonary embolism Nov 1999   Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: evidence-based management Nov 1999   Physiotherapy for lymphoedema Nov 1999   Spiral computed tomography versus pulmonary angiography for diagnosing pulmonary embolism Nov 1999 Universal (or standard) precautions for preventing transmission of blood-borne viruses in the haemodialysis unit Oct 1999   Barrier devices for preventing transmission of infection during mouth to mouth ventilation Oct 1999   Influences on decision-making skills in nurses Oct 1999 Is standard (or universal) precautions effective in preventing the transmission of blood borne viruses (HIV, HBV, HCV) in the haemodialysis unit setting?  What preventive measures have been effective? Oct 1999 Mouth to mouth ventilation: transmission of infection and the use of barrier devices Oct 1999   Community education for encouraging participation in breast cancer screening in Southeast Asian women Sep 1999   Methodology and group size for postgraduate medical education meetings Sep 1999   Number of neonatal examinations before discharge for detecting congenital hips, cleft palates, and cardiac and eye abnormalities in healthy term neonates Sep 1999   Problem-based versus didactic teaching of medical students and junior medical staff in clinical units Aug 1999   Serum progesterone for assessing foetal viability in women in the first half of pregnancy presenting with vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain Aug 1999   Drug treatment, invasive monitoring, and fluid therapy for severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia Jul 1999   Accelerated rehabilitation for fractures of the femoral neck Jun 1999 Importance of surgical timing in femoral neck fracture May 1999   Membrane rupture during oxytocin labour induction May 1999   Oxytocin regimens for induction of labour May 1999   Emergency treatment for warfarin ingestion in children Mar 1999   In-line filters for reducing microbiological contamination of intravenous fluids Feb 1999   Arterial and venous graft patency following coronary artery bypass surgery Jan 1999   Falls risk identification and measurement in community-dwelling adults Dec 1998   Heel pressure sore treatment following hip surgery in the elderly Dec 1998   Antiseptic cleansing of the birth canal and perineum for reducing maternal and neonatal infections Oct 1998   Cost-effectiveness of nutritional support Oct 1998   Washing soda (sodium carbonate) for reducing postoperative oedema following knee replacement surgery Oct 1998   Assessment of neonatal jaundice in a multicultural population Sep 1998   Intensity of physical therapy for stroke Sep 1998   Intermittent pneumatic calf compression for postoperative deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism Sep 1998   Low molecular weight heparin (subcutaneous) versus unfractionated heparin (intravenous) for unstable angina Sep 1998   Maternal age and risk of adverse perinatal events in primiparous women Sep 1998   Biopsies and frozen sections of lipolymph nodes for detecting metastases in prostatic and uterine cancers Aug 1998   Timed "up and go" test for assessing mobility in Parkinson's disease Aug 1998   Clomiphene citrate for pregnancy rates in infertile women who ovulate spontaneously Jul 1998   Endoluminal grafts for abdominal aortic aneurysms Jul 1998