summaries.yml

- question: Does caffeine improve symptoms of asthma?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001112.pub2/full
  notes: Caffeine is a bronchodilator, and can modestly improve airway function for
    up to four hours in people with asthma. People taking a lung function test should
    avoid caffeine for at least four hours beforehand.
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - asthma
  - respiratory
  - diet
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2010-01-20'
- question: Does quarantine work to prevent the spread of viruses?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013574/epdf/full
  notes: 'Studies simulating the spread of disease show that quarantine reduces the
    number of people with the disease by 44–81% and the number of deaths by 31–63%.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - infection
  - prevention
  - general-health
  date: '2020-04-08'
- question: Do corticosteroids help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cca/doi/10.1002/cca.2682/full
  notes: 'There is some limited evidence that all-cause mortality in ARDS patients
    is reduced by corticosteroids.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - respiratory
  - medication
  date: '2019-11-12'
- question: Does gabapentin help with neuropathic pain?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007938/SYMPT_gabapentin-chronic-neuropathic-pain-adults
  notes: Gabapentin improves neuropathic pain in adults suffering from severe pain
    after singles or due to diabetes.
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - chronic-pain
  - brain-nerves
  - medication
  - painkillers
  date: '2017-06-09'
- question: Does Vitamin C help with colds?
  answer: Partly, yes.
  url: http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000980.pub4/abstract
  notes: 'Regular supplementation seems to shorten how long your cold is, but it doesn''t
    make you less likely to get sick in the first place.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - cold
  - respiratory
  - vitamins
  - supplements
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2013-01-31'
- question: Does paracetamol (acetaminophen) help with lower back pain?
  answer: No.
  url: http://www.cochrane.org/CD012230/BACK_paracetamol-low-back-pain
  notes: 'There''s no evidence that paracetamol works better than placebo to treat
    acute or chronic back pain.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - back-pain
  - chronic-pain
  - painkillers
  - medication
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2016-06-07'
- question: Do nicotine replacements (gum, sprays, etc.) help when quitting smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: http://www.cochrane.org/news/featured-review-nicotine-replacement-therapy-versus-control-smoking-cessation
  notes: 'All forms of nicotine replacement therapy are effective, and they increase
    the rate of long-term quitting by approximately 50% to 60% in those smoking 15
    cigarettes a day or more.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - smoking
  - lifestyle
  - general-health
- question: Should I wear a bicycle helmet?
  answer: Yes.
  url: http://www.cochrane.org/CD001855/INJ_wearing-a-helmet-dramatically-reduces-the-risk-of-head-and-facial-injuries-for-bicyclists-involved-in-a-crash-even-if-it-involves-a-motor-vehicle
  notes: 'Wearing a helmet dramatically reduces the risk of injury to your head and
    face if you''re in an accident.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - brain-nerves
  - prevention
  - general-health
  date: '1999-10-25'
- question: Do antidepressants work better than placebo?
  answer: Yes.
  url: http://www.cochrane.org/CD007954/DEPRESSN_antidepressants-versus-placebo-for-depression-in-primary-care
  notes: 'SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants work better than placebo when treating
    depression.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - depression
  - mental-health
  - antidepressants
  - medication
  date: '2009-07-08'
- question: Will taking antioxidants before/after exercise stop me getting sore?
  answer: No.
  url: http://www.cochrane.org/news/featured-review-antioxidants-preventing-and-reducing-muscle-soreness-after-exercise
  notes: 'Antioxidant supplementation may make a very small difference, but it''s
    likely to be so small as to be undetectable.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - exercise
  - supplements
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
- question: Is cannabis helpful for neuropathic pain?
  answer: No.
  url: http://cochranelibrary-wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD012182.pub2/abstract
  notes: 'There is a lack of good evidence that any cannabis-derived product works
    for any chronic neuropathic pain.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - chronic-pain
  - brain-nerves
  - alternative-medicine
  - myth-buster
  date: '2018-03-07'
- question: Is the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) effective for screening anxiety
    disorders?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015458
  notes: 'The STAI wasn''t designed for screening and has high false positive rates,
    incorrectly flagging about 75% of people without anxiety. Shorter questionnaires
    specifically developed for anxiety screening are preferable.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - anxiety
  - mental-health
  - screening
  date: '2025-12-19'
- question: Do rapid tests for tuberculosis improve patient outcomes?
  answer: Partly, yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016194
  notes: 'Rapid nucleic acid tests (like Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra) reduce the time to diagnose
    TB and start treatment, but they don''t reduce deaths within 18 months.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - tuberculosis
  - infection
  - screening
  date: '2025-12-18'
- question: Do multi-component interventions help adolescents with obesity?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016062
  notes: 'Community-based approaches may slightly improve physical well-being and
    reduce BMI, but healthcare-based approaches made little difference. Evidence is
    limited and mostly from high-income countries.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - weight-loss
  - children
  - lifestyle
  date: '2025-12-18'
- question: Does electrical stimulation help stroke survivors recover muscle strength?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015338
  notes: 'Electrical stimulation shows moderate benefit for muscle strength and everyday
    activities like reaching and walking. However, once patients can practice activities
    independently, stimulation provides minimal extra benefit.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - stroke
  - brain-nerves
  - physiotherapy
  - procedure
  date: '2025-12-15'
- question: Is the Beck Anxiety Inventory effective for screening anxiety disorders?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015457
  notes: 'The BAI''s utility for detecting anxiety disorders is uncertain. It misses
    many people with anxiety and incorrectly identifies others. Shorter screening
    questionnaires may be preferable.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - anxiety
  - mental-health
  - screening
  date: '2025-12-12'
- question: Is it safe to use lower hemoglobin thresholds for blood transfusions in
    premature infants?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000512
  notes: 'Lower and higher hemoglobin thresholds show similar rates of death or disability
    at two years. Using lower thresholds reduces the number of transfusions without
    compromising outcomes.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - blood
  - children
  - procedure
  date: '2025-12-11'
- question: Do school meal programs improve outcomes for disadvantaged children?
  answer: Partly, yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014794
  notes: 'In low- and middle-income countries, school meals lead to small increases
    in math scores, enrollment, height and weight. However, they may have little effect
    on reading scores or attendance.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - children
  - diet
  - general-health
  date: '2025-12-11'
- question: Does manual therapy combined with exercise help with neck pain?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011225
  notes: 'Manual therapy with exercise provides a large reduction in pain and moderate
    improvements in function compared to no treatment. Compared to placebo, benefits
    are minimal for pain but moderate for function.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - chronic-pain
  - physiotherapy
  - exercise
  - general-health
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Does methylphenidate (Ritalin) help children with ADHD?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009885
  notes: 'Methylphenidate may improve ADHD symptoms and general behavior based on
    teacher ratings. It may not affect quality of life and can cause side effects
    like sleep problems and decreased appetite.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - adhd
  - mental-health
  - children
  - medication
  date: '2025-12-04'
- question: Does taking calcium supplements during pregnancy prevent pre-eclampsia?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001059
  notes: 'Calcium supplementation shows little to no difference in preventing pre-eclampsia
    for women with adequate calcium diets. It may help women with low calcium intake,
    but overall evidence doesn''t support calcium as effective prevention.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - pregnancy
  - supplements
  - prevention
  - myth-buster
  date: '2025-12-03'
- question: Does acupuncture help with insomnia in people with cancer?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015177
  notes: 'Acupuncture may be more effective than no treatment for insomnia in cancer
    patients, but evidence is weak. It was probably less effective than cognitive
    behavioral therapy (CBT-I).

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - cancer
  - acupuncture
  - alternative-medicine
  date: '2025-12-05'
- question: Is conservative kidney management a good alternative to dialysis for older
    adults?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015151
  notes: 'It''s unclear whether conservative kidney management affects death rates
    or quality of life compared to dialysis in older adults with stage 5 kidney disease.
    No randomized trials exist.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - kidney
  - elderly
  - procedure
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Is there an effective treatment for neurotrophic keratopathy?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015723
  notes: 'Recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) may help heal corneal wounds,
    but evidence is uncertain. More studies with better designs are needed to determine
    the best treatment.

    '
  interest: 3
  tags:
  - eye
  - medication
  date: '2025-12-05'
- question: Does digital technology improve treatment adherence in cystic fibrosis
    patients?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013733
  notes: 'Data-tracking nebulisers with online support probably improve adherence
    to inhaled therapies and reduce treatment burden, but make little difference to
    quality of life or disease flare-ups.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - respiratory
  - lifestyle
  date: '2025-12-10'
- question: Do multi-component interventions help children with obesity?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016063
  notes: 'Healthcare-based programs may improve physical activity, and community-based
    programs may slightly improve quality of life, but overall effects on weight and
    other outcomes are limited.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - weight-loss
  - children
  - lifestyle
  date: '2025-12-16'
- question: Are the GAD-7 and GAD-2 questionnaires effective for screening anxiety
    disorders?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015455
  notes: 'GAD-7 and GAD-2 show acceptable accuracy for screening generalized anxiety
    disorder, but cannot diagnose anxiety disorders alone. They provide an indication
    of whether anxiety may be present.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - anxiety
  - mental-health
  - screening
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: Can First Rank Symptoms alone diagnose schizophrenia?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010653
  notes: 'First Rank Symptoms correctly identify only about 57% of people with schizophrenia
    and incorrectly diagnose about 20% without it. They may help identify candidates
    for specialist evaluation but cannot be used alone.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - schizophrenia
  - mental-health
  - screening
  date: '2015-01-25'
- question: Does convalescent plasma help treat COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013600
  notes: 'Convalescent plasma makes no difference to deaths or clinical outcomes for
    people with moderate to severe COVID-19. For mild COVID-19, evidence is uncertain.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - infection
  - blood
  - procedure
  - myth-buster
  date: '2023-05-10'
- question: Does fecal microbiota transplantation help with inflammatory bowel disease?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012774
  notes: 'FMT may help people with active ulcerative colitis achieve disease control,
    but evidence for Crohn disease is very limited. Safety and quality of life effects
    are uncertain.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - digestive
  - crohns
  - procedure
  date: '2023-04-25'
- question: Do chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine help treat or prevent COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013587
  notes: 'Hydroxychloroquine does not reduce COVID-19 deaths and probably doesn''t
    reduce the need for mechanical ventilation. It also doesn''t prevent infection
    and may cause mild side effects.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  - myth-buster
  date: '2021-02-12'
- question: Are rapid antigen tests reliable for detecting COVID-19 in people without
    symptoms?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013705
  notes: 'Rapid antigen tests detect only about 55% of COVID-19 infections in asymptomatic
    people. None meet WHO standards for confirming or ruling out COVID-19 in people
    without symptoms.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - infection
  - screening
  - general-health
  date: '2025-11-28'
- question: Does remdesivir help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014962
  notes: 'Remdesivir makes little difference to deaths but may slightly improve recovery
    and reduce risk of needing ventilation for hospitalized patients. For non-hospitalized
    patients, it may reduce hospitalization risk.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  date: '2023-01-25'
- question: Do IL-6 blocking medicines like tocilizumab help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013881
  notes: 'Tocilizumab reduces COVID-19 deaths within 28 days with high certainty,
    but makes little difference to clinical improvement like hospital discharge or
    symptom relief.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  date: '2023-06-01'
- question: Does ivermectin help prevent or treat COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015017
  notes: 'Ivermectin has no beneficial effect for people with COVID-19. It hasn''t
    been tested for prevention, and medical regulators have not approved it for COVID-19
    use.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  - myth-buster
  date: '2022-06-21'
- question: Does quitting smoking improve mental health?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013522
  notes: 'People who stop smoking show greater reductions in anxiety, depression,
    and stress, plus improvements in positive feelings and well-being. This is true
    whether or not they have existing mental health conditions.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - smoking
  - mental-health
  - depression
  - anxiety
  - lifestyle
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2021-03-09'
- question: Does Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015395
  notes: 'Paxlovid may reduce deaths and hospitalizations for unvaccinated, high-risk
    outpatients treated within 5 days of symptoms. It can cause taste disturbance
    and diarrhea.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  date: '2023-11-30'
- question: Can symptoms alone accurately diagnose COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013665
  notes: 'Most individual symptoms have poor diagnostic accuracy. Loss of smell/taste
    is the most useful indicator, making COVID-19 five times more likely, but symptoms
    alone cannot reliably diagnose the disease.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - infection
  - screening
  - general-health
  date: '2022-05-20'
- question: Do corticosteroids help treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014963
  notes: 'Systemic corticosteroids probably reduce deaths slightly and may increase
    hospital discharge rates for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Long-term effects
    and safety are uncertain.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - infection
  - medication
  date: '2022-11-17'
- question: Do non-medicinal measures prevent COVID-19 in long-term care facilities?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015085
  notes: 'Testing, isolation, and combination measures may prevent COVID-19 infections,
    but evidence quality is low. Visiting restrictions may prevent spread but can
    cause mental health harms like depression.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - infection
  - elderly
  - prevention
  date: '2021-09-15'
- question: Should cancer patients on chemotherapy take blood thinners to prevent
    clots?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008500
  notes: 'Low-molecular-weight heparins reduce blood clots in cancer patients on chemotherapy
    with high certainty, but increase bleeding risk. The balance of benefits and harms
    should be considered individually.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - cancer
  - blood
  - medication
  date: '2020-12-18'
- question: Are rapid molecular tests useful for diagnosing tuberculosis outside the
    lungs?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012768
  notes: 'Xpert Ultra and Truenat MTB Plus tests are helpful for diagnosing extrapulmonary
    TB, with high accuracy for cerebrospinal fluid and rifampicin resistance detection.
    Sensitivity varies by specimen type.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - tuberculosis
  - infection
  - screening
  date: '2025-08-04'
- question: Do placebos have significant clinical effects?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003974
  notes: 'Placebos show no dramatic general benefits, but can modestly influence subjective
    patient experiences like pain and nausea. Physical placebo interventions work
    better than pills.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Are there effective interventions for increasing shared decision-making
    in healthcare?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006732
  notes: 'There''s no clear evidence that training programs or decision aids effectively
    increase shared decision-making. Many activities exist, but evidence is too weak
    to determine which work best.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - general-health
  date: '2018-07-19'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements prevent death?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007176
  notes: 'Antioxidant supplements showed no overall mortality benefit in 78 trials
    with nearly 300,000 participants. Beta-carotene and vitamin E may actually increase
    mortality.

    '
  interest: 10
  tags:
  - supplements
  - vitamins
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2021-07-01'
- question: Does reminiscence therapy help people with dementia?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001120
  notes: 'Reminiscence therapy may improve quality of life, cognition, communication
    and possibly mood in people with dementia, though all benefits are small. Effectiveness
    depends on delivery setting.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - dementia
  - brain-nerves
  - elderly
  - therapy
  date: '2018-03-01'
- question: Does animal-assisted therapy help people with dementia?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013243
  notes: 'People with dementia who had animal-assisted therapy were possibly slightly
    less depressed, but there''s no clear evidence for benefits on quality of life,
    behaviors, or daily activities.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - dementia
  - brain-nerves
  - elderly
  - therapy
  date: '2019-11-25'
- question: Is rehabilitation beneficial after carpal tunnel surgery?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004158
  notes: 'There''s limited and low-quality evidence for post-surgery rehabilitation
    benefits like splinting, exercise, or laser therapy. Decisions should be based
    on clinical expertise and patient preferences.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - bones-joints
  - surgery
  - physiotherapy
  date: '2016-02-17'
- question: Do computer-generated reminders improve healthcare quality?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001175
  notes: 'Reminders for doctors improve quality of care by about 7-11%, helping with
    guideline compliance. However, evidence for improved patient outcomes is uncertain.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - general-health
  date: '2017-07-06'
- question: Can urine tests diagnose endometriosis?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012019
  notes: 'There''s insufficient evidence to recommend any urinary biomarker for diagnosing
    endometriosis. Laparoscopy (surgical visualization) remains the gold standard
    for diagnosis.

    '
  interest: 4
  tags:
  - screening
  date: '2015-12-23'
- question: Do nicotine e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216
  notes: 'Nicotine e-cigarettes can help people stop smoking for at least six months
    and work better than nicotine replacement therapy. Common side effects include
    throat irritation, headache, and cough.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - smoking
  - lifestyle
  - general-health
  date: '2025-11-10'
- question: Are 'red flag' screening tests accurate for detecting spinal fractures?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008643
  notes: 'Most individual red flag tests are not accurate. Steroid use, age over 74,
    and recent trauma are the most useful indicators. Combining multiple red flags
    improves accuracy.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - back-pain
  - bones-joints
  - screening
  date: '2023-11-28'
- question: Does exercise help women undergoing breast cancer treatment?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005001
  notes: 'Exercise during cancer treatment probably improves physical fitness and
    slightly reduces fatigue, but provides little improvement in depression or overall
    quality of life.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - cancer
  - exercise
  date: '2016-09-21'
- question: Do antidepressants help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000031
  notes: 'Bupropion makes it 49-72% more likely that a person will quit smoking. However,
    it may increase serious unwanted effects and cause side effects leading to treatment
    dropout.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - smoking
  - antidepressants
  - medication
  date: '2023-05-24'
- question: Do stress management interventions help healthcare workers?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002892
  notes: 'Individual stress management interventions like CBT, yoga, or relaxation
    may reduce stress among healthcare workers for up to one year. Evidence quality
    is low.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - mental-health
  - anxiety
  - cbt
  - therapy
  - lifestyle
  date: '2023-05-12'
- question: Does advice from doctors help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000165
  notes: 'Even brief, simple advice from doctors increases the likelihood of quitting
    smoking by 1-3% beyond natural quit rates. More intensive interventions provide
    small additional benefits.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - smoking
  - lifestyle
  - general-health
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does cognitive behavioral therapy help with chronic pain?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007407
  notes: 'CBT provides slight reductions in pain and distress for adults with persistent
    pain compared to no treatment. Benefits are smaller when compared to other treatments
    like exercise.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - chronic-pain
  - cbt
  - therapy
  date: '2020-08-14'
- question: Do omega-3 fatty acids help treat depression?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004692
  notes: 'Omega-3 fatty acids show a small positive effect compared to placebo, but
    the benefit is unlikely to be meaningful for people with major depression. Evidence
    quality is low.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - depression
  - mental-health
  - supplements
  - myth-buster
  date: '2021-11-24'
- question: Do psychological therapies like CBT and EMDR help with PTSD?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003388
  notes: 'Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are effective for reducing PTSD symptoms compared
    to waitlist or usual care. They appear equally effective as each other.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - ptsd
  - mental-health
  - cbt
  - therapy
  date: '2013-12-13'
- question: Do patient decision aids help people make better healthcare choices?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001431
  notes: 'Decision aids help adults choose options matching their values, increase
    knowledge about treatment options, and promote active participation in medical
    decisions with no negative side effects.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - general-health
  date: '2024-01-29'
- question: Do masks prevent respiratory infections like flu?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006207
  notes: 'Wearing masks may make little to no difference in how many people catch
    flu-like illness. N95 respirators show similar results to surgical masks. Hand
    hygiene may be more effective.

    '
  interest: 9
  tags:
  - flu
  - respiratory
  - infection
  - prevention
  - general-health
  - myth-buster
  date: '2023-01-30'
- question: Does exercise-based rehabilitation help people with heart disease?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001800
  notes: 'Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces heart attack risk and hospital
    admissions, may slightly reduce death rates, and improves quality of life within
    12 months.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - heart-disease
  - exercise
  - physiotherapy
  date: '2021-11-06'
- question: Does honey help heal wounds?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005083
  notes: 'Honey dressings heal partial thickness burns faster than conventional dressings
    (4-5 days faster). Evidence is unclear for other wound types like leg ulcers or
    diabetic foot ulcers.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - wound-healing
  - skin
  - alternative-medicine
  date: '2015-03-06'
- question: Does exercise therapy help with chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Exercise therapy probably reduces fatigue compared to passive treatments,
    but improvements may not last. Compared to CBT or pacing strategies, it makes
    little difference.

    '
  interest: 6
  tags:
  - exercise
  - lifestyle
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Does fluoride toothpaste prevent tooth decay?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007868
  notes: 'Toothpaste containing 1000-1250 ppm fluoride is more effective than non-fluoride
    toothpaste with high certainty. Higher concentrations provide slightly more protection
    but increase fluorosis risk in children.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - general-health
  - prevention
  - children
  date: '2019-03-04'
- question: Does exercise help treat depression?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004366
  notes: 'Exercise shows a moderate effect in reducing depression symptoms compared
    to no treatment, but is no more effective than antidepressants or psychological
    therapy.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - depression
  - mental-health
  - exercise
  - general-health
  date: '2013-09-12'
- question: Do alpha2-agonists like clonidine help manage opioid withdrawal?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002024
  notes: 'Clonidine and lofexidine are more effective than placebo for managing opioid
    withdrawal. Methadone has fewer side effects and shorter treatment duration. Lofexidine
    is safer than clonidine.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - medication
  date: '2016-05-03'
- question: Do psychological therapies help parents of children with chronic illness?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009660
  notes: 'CBT and problem-solving therapy may improve parenting behavior and mental
    health, especially for parents of children with cancer or chronic pain. Effects
    are generally small.

    '
  interest: 5
  tags:
  - mental-health
  - children
  - cbt
  - therapy
  date: '2019-03-18'
- question: Does the flu vaccine protect healthy adults?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001269
  notes: 'Inactivated flu vaccines reduce influenza cases from 2.3% to 0.9%, but 71
    people need vaccination to prevent one case. Effects on hospitalization and work
    days lost are minimal.

    '
  interest: 8
  tags:
  - flu
  - infection
  - vaccine
  - prevention
  - general-health
  date: '2018-02-01'
- question: Does nicotine replacement therapy help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000146
  notes: 'All forms of NRT (patches, gum, spray, lozenges) increase the chance of
    quitting by 50-60% with high-certainty evidence. Minor side effects include skin
    or mouth irritation.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - smoking
  - lifestyle
  - general-health
  date: '2018-05-31'
- question: Do flexible working arrangements improve employee health?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008009
  notes: 'Self-scheduling and employee-controlled flexibility improve blood pressure,
    sleep, and mental health. Employer-dictated flexibility (overtime, fixed-term
    contracts) shows no health benefits.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - mental-health
  - general-health
  - lifestyle
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does garlic help prevent the common cold?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006206
  notes: 'One study showed fewer colds in people taking daily garlic (24 vs 65 colds
    over 3 months), but there''s insufficient evidence overall. More studies are needed.

    '
  interest: 7
  tags:
  - cold
  - respiratory
  - herbs
  - supplements
  - general-health
  date: '2014-11-11'
- question: Does organized support help mothers continue breastfeeding?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001141
  notes: 'Extra support from professionals or trained workers reduces the number of
    women who stop breastfeeding by 10-19%. Support is more effective when delivered
    as 4-8 scheduled visits.

    '
  date: '2022-10-25'
- question: Do statins prevent heart disease in people without prior cardiovascular
    events?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004816
  notes: 'Statins reduce mortality and cardiovascular events in primary prevention.
    For every 1,000 people treated for 5 years, 18 avoid a major cardiovascular event.
    No evidence of serious harm.

    '
  date: '2013-01-31'
- question: Should pregnant women take vitamin D supplements?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008873
  notes: 'Vitamin D may reduce severe postpartum bleeding and low birthweight risk,
    but evidence quality is low. Effects on pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and
    preterm birth are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2024-07-30'
- question: Does galantamine help with Alzheimer's disease?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001747
  notes: 'Galantamine slows decline in memory and self-care abilities at 6 months.
    It does not help mild cognitive impairment. Users are 3 times more likely to have
    GI side effects.

    '
  date: '2024-11-05'
- question: Do educational meetings improve healthcare professional practices?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003030
  notes: 'Healthcare professionals who attend educational meetings are more likely
    to follow recommended practices and produce slightly improved patient outcomes.

    '
  date: '2021-09-15'
- question: Do psychological therapies help children with chronic pain?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003968
  notes: 'Therapies like CBT and relaxation reduce pain and disability immediately
    after treatment, but benefits often fade at follow-up. No effect on depression.

    '
  date: '2018-10-01'
- question: Should breastfed babies receive supplementary foods or fluids before 6
    months?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006462
  notes: 'There''s no evidence of benefit from giving water, formula, or early complementary
    foods to breastfed infants. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is supported.

    '
  date: '2016-08-30'
- question: Do probiotics help treat acute diarrhea?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003048
  notes: 'Probiotics probably make little to no difference to diarrhea duration or
    recovery. Previous positive findings were likely due to publication bias.

    '
  date: '2020-12-08'
- question: Is methadone maintenance therapy effective for heroin dependence?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002209
  notes: 'Methadone is more effective than non-pharmacological approaches at retaining
    patients in treatment and suppressing heroin use. No advantage seen for criminal
    activity or mortality.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do programs for people with multiple chronic conditions improve health?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006560
  notes: 'Overall clinical outcomes show little improvement, but mental health (especially
    depression) may improve modestly. Targeted interventions work better than broad
    approaches.

    '
  date: '2021-01-15'
- question: Does collaborative care improve treatment of depression and anxiety?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006525
  notes: 'Collaborative care involving doctors, case managers, and mental health specialists
    improves depression for up to 2 years and is equally effective for anxiety.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does adding psychotherapy to antidepressants help treatment-resistant
    depression?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010558
  notes: 'Patients who receive psychotherapy plus antidepressants have fewer symptoms
    and are more often depression-free at 6 months than those on medication alone.

    '
  date: '2018-05-15'
- question: Is it safe to use lower blood count thresholds for transfusions?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002042
  notes: 'Using lower thresholds (7-8 g/dL vs 9-10 g/dL) reduces transfusions by 42%
    without increasing death or complications for most patients. Patients with brain
    injury may need higher thresholds.

    '
  date: '2025-10-20'
- question: Do flu vaccines help prevent heart attacks and strokes?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005050
  notes: 'Flu vaccination may reduce cardiovascular deaths in people with heart disease.
    Evidence quality is moderate, and more research is needed for general populations.

    '
  date: '2015-05-05'
- question: Do deworming drugs benefit people with HIV?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006419
  notes: 'Deworming drugs are safe for HIV-positive individuals. Treatment of confirmed
    worm infections shows some viral load reduction, but effects on those without
    confirmed infections are minimal.

    '
  date: '2016-04-14'
- question: Does sucrose help reduce pain in newborns during medical procedures?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001069
  notes: 'Sucrose reduces pain during heel lances, blood draws, and injections in
    newborns. It doesn''t work for circumcision. Minor adverse events like choking
    are rare.

    '
  date: '2016-07-16'
- question: Does early intervention help prevent or treat psychosis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004718
  notes: 'Specialized early intervention teams improve treatment compliance and reduce
    dropout. However, individual interventions show inconsistent results, and long-term
    benefits are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does mammography screening reduce breast cancer deaths?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001877
  notes: 'For every 2,000 women screened over 10 years, one avoids dying of breast
    cancer but 10 healthy women are treated unnecessarily. Over 200 experience psychological
    distress from false alarms.

    '
  date: '2013-06-04'
- question: Do antibiotics help treat acute bronchitis?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000245
  notes: 'Antibiotics provide minimal benefit (half a day improvement over 8-10 days)
    and cause side effects. The modest gains don''t outweigh the risks of antibiotic
    resistance.

    '
  date: '2017-06-19'
- question: Does massage help with low back pain?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001929
  notes: 'Massage may provide short-term pain relief for chronic low back pain compared
    to no treatment, but benefits don''t persist long-term. Evidence quality is very
    low.

    '
  date: '2015-09-02'
- question: Does pelvic floor training prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007471
  notes: 'Pregnant women without leakage who do pelvic floor exercises probably report
    less incontinence in late pregnancy. Exercises don''t help women who already have
    leakage.

    '
  date: '2020-05-07'
- question: Does continuous support during labor improve birth outcomes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003766
  notes: 'Continuous one-to-one support leads to more spontaneous vaginal births,
    shorter labor, fewer cesareans, and greater satisfaction. Benefits are strongest
    with trained doulas.

    '
  date: '2017-07-06'
- question: Does skin-to-skin contact after birth benefit mothers and babies?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003519
  notes: 'Mothers practicing skin-to-skin contact are more likely to exclusively breastfeed.
    Babies show higher body temperatures and blood glucose levels, helping them adapt
    after birth.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Are there effective ways to help people take medicines as prescribed?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000011
  notes: 'Even the most effective interventions don''t lead to large improvements
    in medication adherence. No reliable method has emerged for helping people consistently
    follow prescriptions.

    '
  date: '2014-11-20'
- question: Does chemotherapy after surgery improve survival in early-stage ovarian
    cancer?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004706
  notes: 'Women with early-stage ovarian cancer who receive chemotherapy after surgery
    have lower risk of dying within 10 years and reduced cancer recurrence.

    '
  date: '2015-12-17'
- question: Does controlling house dust mites improve asthma?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001187
  notes: 'Chemical and physical methods to reduce dust mite exposure (including mattress
    encasings) show no difference in lung function, symptoms, or medication use. Cannot
    be recommended.

    '
  date: '2008-04-16'
- question: Are there effective treatments for rosacea?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003262
  notes: 'Topical metronidazole, azelaic acid, and ivermectin effectively reduce rosacea
    symptoms. Oral antibiotics like doxycycline reduce pimples. Laser treatments help
    with blood vessels.

    '
  date: '2015-04-28'
- question: Does advice from nurses help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001188
  notes: 'Nursing interventions increase quitting success by 29% compared to no intervention.
    Simpler interventions appear just as effective as more intensive ones.

    '
  date: '2017-12-15'
- question: Is the Xpert Ultra test accurate for diagnosing tuberculosis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009593
  notes: 'Xpert Ultra correctly identifies 91% of people with TB and 95% without it.
    It also accurately detects rifampicin resistance, allowing rapid treatment for
    drug-resistant TB.

    '
  date: '2025-07-29'
- question: Do B vitamins that lower homocysteine prevent heart attacks?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006612
  notes: 'Despite lowering homocysteine levels, B vitamins (B6, B9, B12) don''t prevent
    heart attacks or reduce death rates. There''s a small benefit for stroke prevention.

    '
  date: '2017-08-17'
- question: Do tailored interventions improve healthcare professional practices?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005470
  notes: 'Interventions designed to address specific barriers show modest effectiveness
    compared to no intervention. Effects are variable and tend to be small to moderate.

    '
  date: '2015-04-29'
- question: Does dietary advice help reduce cardiovascular risk?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002128
  notes: 'Dietary advice produces modest reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol,
    and increases fruit/vegetable intake by about 1 serving daily. Long-term effects
    are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2013-12-06'
- question: Is there a clear best treatment for male subfertility?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000360
  notes: 'No evidence of differences in live birth rates between timed intercourse,
    IUI, IVF, or ICSI for male subfertility. Evidence quality is low to very low.

    '
  date: '2016-02-26'
- question: Do inhaled corticosteroids help with bronchiectasis?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000996
  notes: 'Inhaled corticosteroids show no significant effect on lung function or exacerbation
    frequency in adults with stable bronchiectasis. Insufficient evidence for routine
    use.

    '
  date: '2018-05-16'
- question: Does allergen immunotherapy help with chronic asthma?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001186
  notes: 'Immunotherapy reduces symptoms, medication use, and severe attack risk.
    However, 1 in 9 patients experience systemic reactions, and rare fatal reactions
    can occur.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does vitamin D prevent fractures in older people?
  answer: Partly, yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000227
  notes: 'Vitamin D alone doesn''t prevent fractures. However, vitamin D plus calcium
    slightly reduces hip fractures (by about 16%) especially in institutional settings.

    '
  date: '2014-04-14'
- question: Are there effective treatments for renal vasculitis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003232
  notes: 'Plasma exchange reduces need for dialysis in severe cases. Cyclophosphamide,
    rituximab, and mycophenolate are effective. Lower-dose steroids work as well as
    high doses with fewer infections.

    '
  date: '2020-01-12'
- question: Is excision or ablation better for treating ovarian endometriomas?
  answer: Excision may be better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004992
  notes: 'Excision may reduce painful periods, pain during sex, and cyst recurrence
    compared to ablation. No clear difference in fertility outcomes.

    '
  date: '2024-11-26'
- question: Should milk feeds be advanced slowly in premature infants?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001241
  notes: 'Slow advancement has little effect on preventing bowel inflammation or death.
    It may increase infections because infants stay on IV nutrition longer.

    '
  date: '2021-08-24'
- question: Does aerobic exercise help with fibromyalgia?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012700
  notes: 'Walking, swimming, and other aerobic exercises improve quality of life,
    pain, and physical function in fibromyalgia. Improvements are generally small
    (7-11 points on 100-point scales).

    '
  date: '2017-06-21'
- question: Do mobility exercises help recovery after hip fracture surgery?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001704
  notes: 'Additional exercises targeting balance, walking, and strength help people
    regain mobility and walking speed after hip fracture surgery, both in hospital
    and after discharge.

    '
  date: '2022-09-07'
- question: Does duloxetine help with chronic pain conditions?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007115
  notes: 'Duloxetine at 60mg daily reduces pain in diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia.
    About 1 in 5-8 patients benefit. Common side effects include nausea, headaches,
    and dry mouth.

    '
  date: '2014-01-03'
- question: Does acupuncture help with low back pain?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001351
  notes: 'Acupuncture is more effective than no treatment for chronic low back pain
    in the short term, but shows no advantage over other treatments. Insufficient
    evidence for acute pain.

    '
  date: '2005-01-24'
- question: Does reminder packaging help people take their medications?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005025
  notes: 'Reminder packaging with dates/times increases pill-taking by about 11% and
    can improve clinical measures like blood pressure and blood sugar.

    '
  date: '2011-09-07'
- question: Do omega-3 supplements prevent heart disease?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003177
  notes: 'Omega-3 supplements have little or no effect on deaths and cardiovascular
    events (high-certainty evidence). They slightly reduce triglycerides and may marginally
    reduce coronary events.

    '
  date: '2020-02-29'
- question: Do SSRIs improve recovery after stroke?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009286
  notes: 'SSRIs don''t reduce disability or dependency after stroke. They may reduce
    depression risk by 25%, but increase seizure and fracture risk.

    '
  date: '2021-11-15'
- question: Does audit and feedback improve healthcare professional performance?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000259
  notes: 'Audit and feedback improves performance by about 6%. Works best when comparing
    to top performers, focusing on important areas, and including actionable tips.

    '
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: Do modifications to whole brain radiotherapy improve outcomes for brain
    metastases?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003869
  notes: 'Higher doses, chemotherapy, or radiosensitizers added to standard WBRT don''t
    improve survival. Adding radiosurgery improves brain control but worsens cognitive
    outcomes.

    '
  date: '2018-01-25'
- question: Are there effective medications for treating alcohol withdrawal?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008537
  notes: 'Benzodiazepines perform better than placebo for preventing seizures during
    alcohol withdrawal. Evidence for other medications like anticonvulsants is limited.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Can clinical symptoms diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009175
  notes: 'M. pneumoniae cannot be reliably diagnosed in children based on symptoms
    and signs alone. Clinical features are not sufficient to guide antibiotic prescribing
    decisions.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Should episiotomy be used routinely during childbirth?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000081
  notes: 'Selective episiotomy (only when necessary) results in 30% fewer cases of
    severe perineal trauma compared to routine use. No benefits of routine episiotomy
    found for mothers or babies.

    '
  date: '2017-02-08'
- question: Do omega-3 supplements during pregnancy reduce preterm birth?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003402
  notes: 'Omega-3 fatty acids reduce preterm birth and low birthweight. However, they
    may increase pregnancies continuing beyond 42 weeks. No clear effects on maternal
    depression or child development.

    '
  date: '2018-11-15'
- question: Does aromatherapy help with nausea after surgery?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007598
  notes: 'Aromatherapy may reduce need for anti-nausea medications, but doesn''t reliably
    eliminate nausea itself. Isopropyl alcohol inhalation showed faster relief than
    standard drugs.

    '
  date: '2018-03-09'
- question: Are short-acting insulin analogues better than regular insulin?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003287
  notes: 'Short-acting insulin analogues are almost identically effective to regular
    human insulin for blood sugar control and have similar rates of low blood sugar
    episodes.

    '
  date: '2006-04-19'
- question: Can diet and exercise prevent type 2 diabetes in people with prediabetes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003054
  notes: 'Diet plus physical activity reduces diabetes risk from 26% to 15%. Diet
    alone or physical activity alone don''t show clear benefits. Long-term outcomes
    need more research.

    '
  date: '2017-12-05'
- question: Does telemedicine improve health outcomes?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002098
  notes: 'Telemedicine improves blood sugar control in diabetes and performs similarly
    to face-to-face care for mental health. Results for heart failure and other conditions
    are mixed.

    '
  date: '2015-09-07'
- question: Does exercise help people with dementia?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006489
  notes: 'Exercise may help with daily activities but shows no clear benefit for cognition,
    mood, or behavior in people with dementia. It appears safe but more research is
    needed.

    '
  date: '2015-04-15'
- question: Is there effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004767
  notes: 'Topical imiquimod is no more effective than placebo and causes more skin
    reactions. No treatment shows convincing effectiveness. Natural resolution remains
    the best approach.

    '
  date: '2017-05-17'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements improve male fertility?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007411
  notes: 'Antioxidants may increase live birth rates from 16% to 17-27%, but benefit
    disappeared when low-quality studies were excluded. Evidence is inconclusive.

    '
  date: '2022-05-04'
- question: Is laparoscopic surgery better than open surgery for appendix removal?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001546
  notes: 'Laparoscopic surgery reduces pain, wound infections, and hospital stay (by
    1 day), with faster return to activities (5 days earlier). May increase internal
    abdominal infections.

    '
  date: '2018-11-28'
- question: Do gels and fluids prevent scar tissue after gynecological surgery?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001298
  notes: 'Gels and fluids reduce visible adhesion formation, but there''s no evidence
    they improve fertility or reduce pelvic pain. Practical clinical benefits remain
    unproven.

    '
  date: '2020-07-19'
- question: Is sustained lung inflation better for newborns needing breathing help?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004953
  notes: 'Sustained inflation makes little to no difference to survival. It may reduce
    ventilation need, but overall evidence doesn''t support its use over standard
    methods.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Does acupuncture help people quit smoking?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000009
  notes: 'Acupuncture shows weak short-term benefit but no lasting effect at 6+ months.
    It''s less effective than nicotine replacement therapy and no better than counseling
    alone.

    '
  date: '2014-01-23'
- question: Should infants be exclusively breastfed for six months?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003517
  notes: 'Six months of exclusive breastfeeding reduces gastrointestinal and respiratory
    infections. Mothers experience delayed menses and faster weight loss. No clear
    benefits for allergies.

    '
  date: '2021-11-01'
- question: Do drainage tubes after breast cancer surgery reduce complications?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006823
  notes: 'Drains reduce fluid collection (seroma) by about half. However, patients
    stay in hospital 1.5 days longer. No difference in infection or lymphedema.

    '
  date: '2013-10-20'
- question: Does St. John's wort help treat depression?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000448
  notes: 'St. John''s wort is similarly effective as standard antidepressants with
    fewer side effects. Products vary greatly and can interact with other medications.

    '
  date: '2008-10-08'
- question: Does behavioral therapy help with chronic low back pain?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002014
  notes: 'Operant and cognitive behavioral therapies are more effective than waiting
    list in the short term. No clear advantage over group exercise in the longer term.

    '
  date: '2010-07-07'
- question: Does protective ventilation with lower volumes improve respiratory failure
    outcomes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003844
  notes: 'Lower tidal volume ventilation decreases short-term deaths by 26% in patients
    with acute respiratory failure. Long-term effects are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2013-02-28'
- question: Does information-only education improve asthma outcomes?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001005
  notes: 'Information-only education doesn''t reduce hospitalizations, doctor visits,
    or medication use for asthma. It may improve symptom perception but not overall
    health outcomes.

    '
  date: '1998-01-26'
- question: Does electrotherapy help with neck pain?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004251
  notes: 'Some modalities like TENS might be more effective than placebo, but evidence
    quality is very low. No definite statements can be made about effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2013-08-26'
- question: Should metastatic breast cancer be treated first with chemotherapy or
    hormonal therapy?
  answer: Hormonal therapy first is preferred.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002747
  notes: 'Chemotherapy has higher response rates but similar survival. Hormonal therapy
    has fewer side effects. Recommended first except for rapidly progressive disease.

    '
  date: '2003-04-22'
- question: Do counseling interventions help heart attack patients quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, in certain cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006886
  notes: 'Interventions lasting more than one month help patients quit (46% vs 37%
    success). Brief single sessions don''t work. Long-term benefits beyond 12 months
    are unclear.

    '
  date: '2015-07-06'
- question: Does chlorpromazine help treat schizophrenia?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000284
  notes: 'Chlorpromazine reduces relapse and improves symptoms, but causes significant
    side effects including sedation, movement disorders, and weight gain.

    '
  date: '2014-01-06'
- question: Does non-invasive brain stimulation help with chronic pain?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008208
  notes: 'rTMS and tDCS may produce small, short-term pain reductions, but effects
    are not clinically important. Evidence quality is very low. Seizures have been
    reported with rTMS.

    '
  date: '2018-04-13'
- question: Is single inhaler therapy better than separate inhalers for asthma?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007313
  notes: 'Single inhaler therapy probably reduces flare-ups requiring oral steroids.
    Evidence for reducing hospitalizations is weak, and more people discontinue due
    to side effects.

    '
  date: '2013-04-30'
- question: Does exercise help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003817
  notes: 'Exercise combined with diet produces greater weight loss than diet alone.
    Higher intensity is more effective. Exercise improves cardiovascular risk factors
    even without weight loss.

    '
  date: '2006-10-18'
- question: Does chondroitin help with osteoarthritis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005614
  notes: 'Chondroitin may provide small, short-term pain relief (about 10 points on
    100-point scale). Benefits disappear in high-quality studies. Evidence is inconsistent.

    '
  date: '2015-01-28'
- question: Do psychosocial interventions help pregnant women quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001055
  notes: 'Counseling, feedback, and financial incentives are effective. Health education
    and peer support are not clearly effective. Interventions reduce low birthweight
    by 17%.

    '
  date: '2017-02-14'
- question: Does individual counseling help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001292
  notes: 'Individual counseling from trained therapists increases quit rates from
    7% to 10-12%. More intensive counseling shows modest additional benefits. High-quality
    evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-03-31'
- question: Do antibiotics help with the common cold?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000247
  notes: 'Antibiotics provide no benefit for the common cold or acute purulent rhinitis.
    They cause significant adverse effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
    Routine use is not recommended.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Does long-term hormone therapy benefit postmenopausal women?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004143
  notes: 'Combined hormone therapy reduces fractures but increases breast cancer,
    stroke, and blood clot risks. Estrogen-only therapy reduces fractures with less
    cancer risk but may increase stroke. Benefits depend on individual circumstances.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: Do e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216
  notes: 'Nicotine e-cigarettes help people quit smoking more effectively than nicotine
    replacement therapy. About 8-11% quit with e-cigarettes vs 6% with patches or
    gum. They work better than non-nicotine e-cigarettes.

    '
  date: '2025-11-10'
- question: Does colchicine prevent heart attacks and strokes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014808
  notes: 'Low-dose colchicine reduces heart attack and stroke risk in people with
    cardiovascular disease. However, it doesn''t reduce death risk. May cause mild
    gastrointestinal side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-11-13'
- question: Does HPV vaccination prevent cervical cancer?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015363
  notes: 'HPV vaccination reduces cervical cancer by about 80% when given before age
    16. It also reduces pre-cancerous lesions and genital warts. Evidence from 132
    million people shows it''s safe with no increased infertility risk.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Do interventions help people quit vaping?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016058
  notes: 'Text messaging and varenicline may help people quit vaping, but evidence
    is limited. More research is needed on effective vaping cessation methods. Only
    15 small studies available.

    '
  date: '2025-11-25'
- question: Does cyproterone acetate help with unwanted hair growth in women?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001125
  notes: 'Cyproterone acetate is similar to most alternatives for treating hirsutism.
    It shows modest advantages over spironolactone at 6 months. Larger studies needed
    for firm conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-11-25'
- question: Does non-invasive ventilation help people with cystic fibrosis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002769
  notes: 'Evidence is uncertain whether CPAP or BiPAP helps people with cystic fibrosis.
    Some find it helpful while others discontinue due to discomfort. High-quality
    long-term studies are needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-18'
- question: Does breast surgery improve survival in metastatic breast cancer?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011276
  notes: 'Breast surgery does not improve overall survival for women with metastatic
    breast cancer. It controls local disease but doesn''t prevent spread. May have
    modest benefit for luminal-type tumors specifically.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Does surgery for septate uterus improve pregnancy outcomes?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008576
  notes: 'Hysteroscopic septum resection shows little to no difference in live birth
    rates compared to watchful waiting. May even increase miscarriage risk. More research
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-21'
- question: Do immunosuppressant eye drops help blepharitis?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013550
  notes: 'Topical corticosteroids and cyclosporine make little to no difference for
    blepharitis symptoms. Conventional lid hygiene and warm compresses remain the
    valid treatment approach.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Do decongestants or antihistamines help ear infections in children?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015839
  notes: 'Evidence is unclear whether decongestants or antihistamines help acute middle
    ear infections in children. Studies were too small and poorly designed for reliable
    conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: Does nucleoplasty help cervical disc herniation?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011852
  notes: 'Nucleoplasty may reduce neck and arm pain at 3 months compared to conservative
    treatment, but shows little effect on function or quality of life. Insufficient
    evidence to support its use.

    '
  date: '2025-11-26'
- question: Do DPP-4 inhibitors prevent complications in diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015906
  notes: 'Despite 59 studies, it''s unclear whether DPP-4 inhibitors prevent death,
    heart problems, or kidney complications in people with both chronic kidney disease
    and diabetes. More rigorous trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Is high-frequency ventilation better for sick newborns?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002974
  notes: 'Unable to support or refute high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for term
    infants with severe lung problems. May increase mortality. Only 3 small studies
    available.

    '
  date: '2025-11-11'
- question: Do thiazolidinediones prevent complications in diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015907
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence on whether thiazolidinediones prevent death, heart
    problems, or kidney issues in people with both chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-13'
- question: Does tirzepatide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016018
  notes: 'Tirzepatide likely produces sustained weight loss. However, long-term impact
    on other health outcomes is uncertain. All studies were manufacturer-funded, raising
    conflict of interest concerns.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does semaglutide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015092
  notes: 'Semaglutide produces more weight loss than placebo over 24+ months. However,
    more people discontinue due to side effects long-term, and it shows little effect
    on quality of life or cardiovascular events. 17/18 studies were manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does molnupiravir help treat COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015381
  notes: 'Molnupiravir probably makes little to no difference in death or hospitalization
    rates for mild to moderate COVID-19 outpatients. Improves early viral clearance
    but benefit diminishes by day 14.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does skin-to-skin contact after birth help newborns?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003519
  notes: 'Skin-to-skin contact promotes exclusive breastfeeding and improves infant
    temperature and blood sugar levels. Recommended for all healthy full-term and
    late preterm infants regardless of birth mode.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Does acupuncture help polycystic ovary syndrome?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007689
  notes: 'Acupuncture shows little or no effect on live birth, pregnancy, or ovulation
    rates compared to sham acupuncture. May actually increase adverse events. Current
    evidence doesn''t support use for PCOS fertility.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Are restrictive blood transfusion thresholds safe?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002042
  notes: 'Waiting to transfuse until hemoglobin is 7-8 g/dL (vs 9-10 g/dL) doesn''t
    increase death, heart attack, stroke, or infection risk. Reduces transfusions
    by 42%. Exception: brain injury patients may benefit from liberal approach.

    '
  date: '2025-10-20'
- question: Does intravenous immunoglobulin help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013801
  notes: 'IVIg may slightly improve symptoms for up to 6 months, but effects may not
    be clinically meaningful. Causes headaches in up to 1/3 of patients. Plasma exchange
    may be more beneficial. Low-quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: Is propofol better than traditional sedatives for colonoscopy?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006268
  notes: 'Propofol may improve recovery time and patient satisfaction with little
    effect on completion rates or complications. Non-anesthesiologist administration
    is as safe as anesthesiologist-directed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does cognitive behavioral therapy help insomnia in cancer patients?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015176
  notes: 'CBT-I may slightly reduce insomnia severity and improve sleep quality in
    cancer patients, but findings are very uncertain. Benefits are modest and depend
    on availability, cost, and patient preference.

    '
  date: '2025-10-31'
- question: Does cryotherapy help after knee replacement surgery?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007911
  notes: 'Cold therapy may reduce blood loss by 264mL and pain by 1.6 points (out
    of 10), but these benefits may be too small to justify its use. Effects on function
    and adverse events are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does continuous combined hormone therapy protect against endometrial cancer?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000402
  notes: 'Continuous combined hormone therapy has similar endometrial hyperplasia
    risk to placebo. Unopposed estrogen increases risk at all doses. Sequential combined
    therapy also increases risk. Cancer effects are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-10-23'
- question: Does riboflavin lower blood pressure?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015464
  notes: 'The effect of vitamin B2 supplements on blood pressure is uncertain. Only
    4 small studies with 374 people available. Large, well-conducted trials are needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Do treatments help impulsive behaviors in Parkinson's disease?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015046
  notes: 'We don''t know if medications (amantadine, naltrexone, clonidine) or CBT
    help reduce impulsive-compulsive behaviors in Parkinson''s. Studies are too small
    and limited. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: Does liraglutide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016017
  notes: 'Liraglutide increases the proportion achieving 5%+ weight loss. However,
    effects on quality of life and mortality are uncertain, and it may increase adverse
    events. 22 studies were manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Do nicotine pouches help people quit smoking?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016220
  notes: 'Uncertain if nicotine pouches help quit smoking. May have lower quit rates
    than e-cigarettes. No serious short-term harms found, but evidence is very limited.
    More research urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-24'
- question: Should older adults take blood pressure medication?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000028
  notes: 'Blood pressure medications lower death risk and probably reduce heart attacks
    and strokes in adults 60+. Thiazide diuretics are effective first-line treatment.
    Higher withdrawal rates due to side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do work breaks prevent musculoskeletal problems?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012886
  notes: 'Not enough good-quality evidence to draw reliable conclusions. Additional
    breaks may reduce back pain in office workers, but evidence is very uncertain.
    Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-08'
- question: Are there effective medications for cannabis use disorder?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008940
  notes: 'THC preparations, CBD, N-acetylcysteine, oxytocin, and PF-04457845 are probably
    ineffective for stopping cannabis use. No approved medications exist. Psychological
    treatments are the only recommended approach.

    '
  date: '2025-09-30'
- question: Do RSV vaccines work?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016131
  notes: 'RSV prefusion vaccines reduce respiratory illness by 77% in older adults.
    Maternal vaccination reduces infant hospitalizations by 54% and severe cases by
    74%. Little difference in serious adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Should people with mild hypertension take blood pressure medication?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006742
  notes: 'Medications may not reduce death or cardiovascular disease risk in people
    with mild hypertension (140-159/90-99) and no prior heart disease. May reduce
    stroke but increase side effect withdrawals.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Do antibiotic eye drops prevent infection after corneal abrasion?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014617
  notes: 'Not enough evidence that antibiotic eye drops or ointments prevent infections
    after corneal scratches. We don''t know if one antibiotic is better than another.
    Similar mild side effects across groups.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Do progestagens help endometriosis pain?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002122
  notes: 'Oral progestagens probably reduce overall pain and period pain at 3 months
    compared to placebo. Compared to other hormonal treatments, evidence is less certain
    due to limited studies.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Does remote ischaemic conditioning help prevent stroke?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012503
  notes: 'RIC probably slightly reduces recurrent stroke and may improve recovery.
    Involves briefly restricting blood flow to a limb with a blood pressure cuff.
    Minor side effects like arm pain are common. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does omega-3 help diabetic nerve damage?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014623
  notes: 'Little to no benefit of omega-3 supplements for peripheral neuropathy symptoms
    or quality of life in diabetics. Only 2 small studies (87 people total). Inadequate
    data to draw conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Is pyronaridine-artesunate effective for malaria?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006404
  notes: 'Pyronaridine-artesunate is effective for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria,
    performing comparably to other artemisinin combinations. Treatment failure below
    5%. May temporarily elevate liver enzymes.

    '
  date: '2025-10-14'
- question: Does strength training help stroke survivors?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016001
  notes: 'Resistance training is safe for stroke survivors and increases muscle strength
    and balance. Little effect on walking speed. Long-term benefits and effects on
    disability are unclear.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Do probiotics prevent C. difficile diarrhea?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006095
  notes: 'Probiotics may prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhea, especially in high-risk
    patients (70% risk reduction). For every 65 people using probiotics, one case
    may be prevented. Benefits less clear in low-risk patients.

    '
  date: '2025-09-11'
- question: Does wrist acupressure prevent post-surgical nausea?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003281
  notes: 'PC6 acupoint stimulation (acupressure bands, needles) combined with anti-nausea
    medication reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. May cause minor side effects.
    Evidence quality is low.

    '
  date: '2025-09-12'
- question: Do interventions prevent falls in care home residents?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016064
  notes: 'Customized multifactorial interventions probably reduce falls in care facilities.
    Exercise and vitamin D supplementation probably reduce fall rates. Medication
    optimization shows minimal benefit.

    '
  date: '2025-08-20'
- question: Does calcium before pregnancy prevent pre-eclampsia?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011192
  notes: 'Calcium supplements started before pregnancy show little to no difference
    in pre-eclampsia or pregnancy loss. High dropout rates limit confidence. Current
    evidence neither supports nor refutes routine use.

    '
  date: '2025-09-18'
- question: Is opioid treatment effective in primary care vs specialty clinics?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013672
  notes: 'Unclear if primary care opioid treatment differs from specialty clinics
    for retention or adverse effects. May improve avoidance of non-prescribed opioids.
    Evidence is low quality and limited to lower-risk patients.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Does VR training help endoscopy trainees?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008237
  notes: 'VR simulation may have little effect on overall competency but trainees
    are probably better able to complete procedures independently. Insufficient evidence
    to recommend replacing traditional patient-based training.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Should women get HPV vaccine after cervical surgery?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016121
  notes: 'HPV vaccination after conisation may reduce risk of precancerous lesions.
    Effects on cervical cancer rates are uncertain. Minor side effects common, severe
    allergic reactions in ~1%.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Does misoprostol help with IUD insertion?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015584
  notes: 'Misoprostol makes little to no difference to pain or ease of IUD placement.
    May help after failed insertion attempts. Increases abdominal cramping and diarrhea
    side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-09-23'
- question: Is single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy better?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009022
  notes: 'Single-incision appendix removal probably has better cosmetic outcomes but
    higher risk of needing to switch to multiple incisions. Similar complication risks,
    hospital stays, and recovery times.

    '
  date: '2025-09-19'
- question: Is there a best timing method for intrauterine insemination?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006942
  notes: 'Not enough evidence to know if different timing methods (hCG, LH detection)
    are safer or more effective than others. No clear evidence any method improves
    live birth rates.

    '
  date: '2025-09-23'
- question: Does combined cardio and strength training help stroke survivors?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016002
  notes: 'Combined training may cause small improvements in fitness, disability, walking
    speed, and balance. Well tolerated with no serious adverse events. Long-term benefits
    uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Should children with hemophilia receive preventive clotting factor?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003429
  notes: 'Preventive clotting factor therapy may reduce annual bleeding rates in children
    with severe hemophilia. However, likely no difference in joint damage and may
    not improve quality of life.

    '
  date: '2025-08-21'
- question: Does ketamine help chronic pain?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015373
  notes: 'Unclear whether ketamine or other NMDA antagonists (memantine, dextromethorphan)
    reduce chronic pain. IV ketamine may cause dissociation, nausea, and vomiting.
    Very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-08-18'
- question: Does vitamin D in pregnancy prevent childhood asthma?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013396
  notes: 'High-dose vitamin D in pregnancy likely helps prevent childhood wheeze but
    effects on asthma are uncertain. Vitamin D in early childhood may have little
    effect. Limited evidence overall.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Does first aid training improve emergency care?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015538
  notes: 'First aid training probably increases knowledge and skills in the short
    term. Unknown whether it actually improves real-world emergency care outcomes.
    No studies measured actual health outcomes.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Which medications work best for psoriasis?
  answer: Yes, biologics.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011535
  notes: 'Biologic medicines work best to clear psoriasis after 6 months. Top performers:
    infliximab, ixekizumab, bimekizumab, risankizumab. Longer studies needed for safety
    data.

    '
  date: '2025-08-06'
- question: Does natalizumab help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015123
  notes: 'Natalizumab reduces relapses and disability in relapsing-remitting MS after
    2 years. Less effective for secondary progressive MS. Most studies only 24 months
    with limited diversity.

    '
  date: '2025-08-06'
- question: Does desmopressin help bedwetting in children?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002112
  notes: 'Desmopressin may provide about one additional dry night per week. Similar
    effectiveness to alarm therapy. Side effects include dizziness, headaches, and
    low sodium. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-07-29'
- question: Do trauma systems improve injury outcomes?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012500
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to determine if organized trauma systems improve outcomes.
    Only 4 studies found with inconsistent results. No studies from resource-limited
    countries.

    '
  date: '2025-08-01'
- question: Does palivizumab prevent RSV in high-risk children?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013757
  notes: 'Systemic palivizumab reduces RSV hospitalizations and wheezing days in high-risk
    children (premature, heart/lung problems). Little effect on mortality. Intranasal
    form may actually increase hospitalizations.

    '
  date: '2025-07-23'
- question: Is CPAP better than theophylline for preterm apnea?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001072
  notes: 'Very uncertain evidence from a single 40-year-old study with 32 infants.
    Both treatments largely replaced by modern nasal CPAP and caffeine. No meaningful
    difference detected.

    '
  date: '2025-07-22'
- question: Do vaginal lasers help stress urinary incontinence?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013643
  notes: 'Vaginal lasers may have little to no effect on stress urinary incontinence.
    Any improvement is small and may not be noticeable to patients. No major adverse
    events reported.

    '
  date: '2025-07-25'
- question: Does telerehabilitation help neck pain?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014428
  notes: 'Psychological/educational interventions via telehealth likely improve function.
    Exercise-based telerehabilitation may slightly reduce pain. Overall evidence is
    very uncertain and inconclusive.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Does exercise therapy help ICU delirium?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015830
  notes: 'Exercise therapy may reduce delirium duration and shorten ICU stay. Appears
    safe with no harmful side effects. Benefits and risks are unclear due to limited
    evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Should anal intraepithelial neoplasia be treated?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009244
  notes: 'Treatment may reduce anal cancer development compared to active monitoring.
    No single treatment proven superior. Evidence is very uncertain, especially for
    HIV-negative populations.

    '
  date: '2025-08-13'
- question: Is linked color imaging better for colonoscopy?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015476
  notes: 'Linked color imaging slightly improves detection of precancerous growths
    and polyps compared to white-light colonoscopy. Similar safety profiles. Unclear
    if this reduces cancer rates.

    '
  date: '2025-08-19'
- question: Does shockwave therapy help erectile dysfunction?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013166
  notes: 'Low-intensity shockwave therapy may have a small improving effect on erections,
    but it may not be noticeable to men. Side effects are uncommon. Low confidence
    in findings due to study limitations.

    '
  date: '2025-07-14'
- question: Does surgery help brain hemorrhage?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015387
  notes: 'Surgery plus standard care may increase functional independence and reduce
    death compared to medical management alone. Craniotomy likely reduces mortality.
    Minimally invasive surgery may improve outcomes.

    '
  date: '2025-07-17'
- question: Are automated ventilator weaning systems better?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009235
  notes: 'Automated systems reduce ventilator time by ~24% (1.7 days), shorten ICU/hospital
    stays, and lower reintubation needs. Little effect on mortality. Moderate evidence
    supports adoption in adult critical care.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Should midazolam be used for newborn sedation?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002052
  notes: 'Not enough evidence to support midazolam use in babies, especially preterm.
    Higher neurological complications vs morphine. Longer ICU stays. No studies measured
    pain relief or brain development effects.

    '
  date: '2025-07-17'
- question: Do phosphate binders help kidney disease patients?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006023
  notes: 'Sevelamer may reduce death vs calcium binders in dialysis patients. Both
    sevelamer and lanthanum cause less hypercalcemia. No clear cardiovascular benefits.
    Constipation and nausea common.

    '
  date: '2025-06-27'
- question: Is peritoneal drainage better than surgery for infant bowel disease?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006182
  notes: 'Peritoneal drainage shows little difference in death or mental impairment
    vs laparotomy. Associated with increased cerebral palsy risk. Half of drainage
    patients still need surgery later.

    '
  date: '2025-06-24'
- question: Does sustained lung inflation help newborn resuscitation?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004953
  notes: 'Sustained lung inflation makes little to no difference in newborn mortality.
    May slightly reduce need for mechanical ventilation. No evidence to support its
    use over standard resuscitation.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Does manual rotation help during labor?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009298
  notes: 'Manual rotation may result in little to no difference in operative delivery
    rates. Cannot confirm if it prevents cesarean or instrumental births. No deaths
    reported. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Do perioperative interventions help pelvic prolapse surgery?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013105
  notes: 'Limited evidence to recommend any perioperative treatment. One key finding:
    catheters left >24 hours increase UTI risk 3-8 times. Insufficient data for most
    interventions studied.

    '
  date: '2025-07-22'
- question: Is surgical or medical abortion safer in second trimester?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006714
  notes: 'Both surgery and medicines may be safe and effective. Medical abortion may
    have higher incomplete abortion risk and slightly more bleeding. Surgical may
    have less pain. Very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-07-08'
- question: Does rituximab help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014574
  notes: 'Very uncertain effects on symptom severity and daily activities. Probably
    causes large reduction in relapse needing rescue therapy (220 vs 490 per 1000).
    Only 2 studies with 99 participants.

    '
  date: '2025-07-03'
- question: Do skin products prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011627
  notes: 'Very uncertain if any treatment works better than others. Specialized cleansers
    might be better than soap/water. Combining cleansers with moisturizers might help.
    Very low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-07-11'
- question: Does virtual reality help stroke rehabilitation?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008349
  notes: 'VR may slightly improve arm function and balance, probably reduces activity
    limitation. Best as supplement to usual care, not replacement. Minor side effects
    like headaches. Moderate to low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-06-20'
- question: Do infant probiotics prevent allergies?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006475
  notes: 'Probiotics may slightly reduce eczema by age 2 but show little to no difference
    for asthma, allergic rhinitis, or cow''s milk allergy. Effects on food allergies
    uncertain. No serious adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2025-06-13'
- question: Does progestogen prevent recurrent miscarriage?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003511
  notes: 'Progestogen probably makes little to no difference to miscarriage or live
    birth rates for women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Regardless of delivery
    method (oral, injection, vaginal).

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Do corticosteroids help treat sepsis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002243
  notes: 'Corticosteroids probably reduce death at 28 days and may shorten ICU/hospital
    stays. Little effect on mortality beyond 3 months. May increase blood sugar, infections,
    and muscle weakness.

    '
  date: '2025-06-05'
- question: Should preterm infants with PDA be treated early?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013278
  notes: 'Early drug treatment probably makes little to no difference in mortality.
    Very early ibuprofen may increase death in extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks).
    Only benefit: 5 days shorter hospitalization.

    '
  date: '2025-06-23'
- question: Do diet and activity programs prevent obesity in toddlers?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015326
  notes: 'Combined dietary/activity interventions may have very modest BMI benefits
    at 15+ months. Diet or activity alone show little effect. Modest improvement considered
    meaningful from public health perspective.

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Is warfarin better than aspirin for heart failure?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003333
  notes: 'Warfarin and aspirin probably both reduce mortality with little difference
    between them. However, warfarin probably doubles major bleeding risk. No clear
    advantage to prescribing warfarin over aspirin.

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Do topical antibiotics help chronic ear infections?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013051
  notes: 'Very uncertain if topical antibiotics reduce ear discharge. Some indication
    they may help vs placebo. Insufficient evidence on which antibiotic works best.
    Harmful effects poorly documented.

    '
  date: '2025-06-09'
- question: Do GnRH agonists help premenstrual syndrome?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011330
  notes: 'GnRH agonists improve PMS symptoms but many discontinue due to menopausal
    side effects (hot flushes). Long-term use problematic due to bone loss. Add-back
    therapy shows low-certainty benefit.

    '
  date: '2025-06-10'
- question: Do fertility preservation methods work for cancer patients?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012891
  notes: 'Ovarian suppression may reduce ovarian insufficiency. Insufficient evidence
    on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for live births. No studies directly compare
    methods. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-06-19'
- question: Does yoga help cancer-related fatigue?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015520
  notes: 'Yoga after anticancer therapy probably reduces short-term fatigue. Effects
    during treatment are uncertain. Long-term benefits unknown. More research needed
    on sustainability.

    '
  date: '2025-05-27'
- question: Do strengthening exercises help patellar tendinopathy?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013078
  notes: 'Evidence is very uncertain. May make little to no difference to function
    compared to no treatment or injections. Unclear if better than surgery for return-to-sport.

    '
  date: '2025-05-27'
- question: Do robotic devices help stroke patients walk again?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006185
  notes: 'Robotic devices plus physiotherapy probably help walk independently after
    stroke, especially in first 3 months. For every 9 treated, 1 extra person walks
    independently. No speed improvement.

    '
  date: '2025-05-14'
- question: Do atypical antipsychotics help autism symptoms?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014965
  notes: 'Risperidone and aripiprazole may reduce irritability in autistic children.
    Lurasidone probably makes little difference. Uncertainty about aggression, weight
    gain, and effects in adults.

    '
  date: '2025-05-21'
- question: Is telemedicine safe for medical abortion?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013764
  notes: 'Telemedicine for early pregnancy medical abortion may have similar safety,
    effectiveness, and acceptability as in-clinic care. Post-abortion telemedicine
    actually improves follow-up adherence.

    '
  date: '2025-06-04'
- question: Are surgical drains beneficial after pancreatic surgery?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010583
  notes: 'Unclear if drains reduce complications after pancreatic surgery. Early drain
    removal probably slightly reduces abdominal infection in low-risk patients. Very
    uncertain evidence overall.

    '
  date: '2025-05-16'
- question: Is one FET preparation cycle better than others?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003414
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to recommend natural cycle, hormone therapy, or ovulation
    induction for frozen embryo transfer. Low quality evidence across all comparisons.
    Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-06-03'
- question: Do vaccines help blood cancer patients prevent infections?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015530
  notes: 'Herpes zoster vaccines may decrease infection risk up to 21 months but don''t
    affect mortality. COVID-19 and influenza vaccine evidence is very uncertain. Limited
    quality evidence overall.

    '
  date: '2025-05-21'
- question: Does ustekinumab help Crohn's disease?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007572
  notes: 'Ustekinumab is more effective than placebo at achieving remission (74% vs
    87% failure at 8 weeks). Probably doesn''t cause increased severe adverse effects.
    Insufficient evidence vs other medications.

    '
  date: '2025-05-13'
- question: Does sustained-release naltrexone help opioid dependence?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006140
  notes: 'Better than standard care for reducing illicit opioid use. Probably slightly
    worse than methadone/buprenorphine. Requires prior detoxification. More research
    needed on long-term outcomes.

    '
  date: '2025-05-09'
- question: Does the DASH diet prevent heart disease?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013729
  notes: 'Unclear if DASH diet reduces heart attacks, strokes, or cardiovascular death.
    Studies were small with short follow-up. No studies in people with existing heart
    disease. Larger long-term studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-06'
- question: Do typhoid conjugate vaccines prevent typhoid fever?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015746
  notes: 'Typhoid conjugate vaccines may cause a large decrease in typhoid fever with
    protection lasting up to 4 years. Little difference compared to other typhoid
    vaccines. More research needed in endemic countries.

    '
  date: '2025-05-06'
- question: Does melatonin help cancer patients?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010145
  notes: 'Effects on quality of life and sleep are unclear. Probably reduces fatigue
    and may reduce nausea when added to standard treatment. Insufficient data to recommend
    for or against use.

    '
  date: '2025-04-30'
- question: Is one treatment best for ulnar nerve compression at the elbow?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006839
  notes: 'Simple nerve release, repositioning, and endoscopic surgery show similar
    results. Written info alone as effective as info plus splints/exercises for mild
    cases. Dextrose injections may help.

    '
  date: '2025-04-29'
- question: Do PPIs prevent ulcers from NSAIDs?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014585
  notes: 'PPIs probably reduce new ulcers (36 vs 119 per 1000 people) and slightly
    decrease indigestion compared to placebo. May increase ulcers compared to H2-blockers
    or misoprostol.

    '
  date: '2025-05-08'
- question: Do interventions help people quit smokeless tobacco?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015314
  notes: 'Counseling, brief advice, varenicline, and NRT may all help quit smokeless
    tobacco. Varenicline probably most effective (36-56% vs 33% placebo). Most users
    are in Asia but few trials conducted there.

    '
  date: '2025-04-15'
- question: Do stem cell injections help knee osteoarthritis?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013342
  notes: 'Stem cell injections may slightly improve pain (1.2 points on 0-10 scale)
    and function. Uncertain effects on quality of life. Disease progression not studied.
    Safety remains uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-04-02'
- question: Is it safe to stop blood pressure medication in older adults?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012572
  notes: 'Stopping antihypertensives may result in little difference in mortality,
    hospitalization, or stroke, but blood pressure increases. Effects on heart attack,
    falls, and adverse reactions are uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-03-31'
- question: Are gonadotropins better than clomiphene for PCOS fertility?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010290
  notes: 'Gonadotropins probably result in more live births than continuing clomiphene.
    Little difference between different gonadotropin types. May increase miscarriage
    rates.

    '
  date: '2025-04-07'
- question: Does preoperative medication help fibroid surgery?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000547
  notes: 'GnRH analogues may reduce uterus and fibroid size, increase hemoglobin,
    and reduce surgery time. SPRMs probably also help. Side effects like hot flushes
    are common with GnRHa.

    '
  date: '2025-04-04'
- question: Does mexiletine help myotonia?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004762
  notes: 'Mexiletine appears safe and effective for managing myotonia symptoms. Lamotrigine
    may also help in non-dystrophic myotonia. Common side effects include headache
    and GI symptoms.

    '
  date: '2025-04-08'
- question: Should drains be used after appendectomy for complicated appendicitis?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010168
  notes: 'No evidence for clinical improvement with drain use. Drains probably increase
    death rate after open surgery and may increase hospital stay. Very low quality
    evidence overall.

    '
  date: '2025-04-11'
- question: Should antipsychotics be switched when schizophrenia doesn't respond?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011885
  notes: 'Very uncertain whether switching antipsychotics helps when initial treatment
    fails. Only 10 small studies available. No definitive recommendations can be made.
    Larger trials urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2025-04-11'
- question: Should mesenteric defects be closed during gastric bypass?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014612
  notes: 'Closure may reduce internal hernias but evidence is unclear. Minimal difference
    in complications or death. May increase hospital stay. More well-designed trials
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-04-08'
- question: Do TAP blocks help pain after gynecologic laparoscopy?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015145
  notes: 'Women receiving TAP blocks may experience little to no difference in opioid
    needs. Small reduction in pain vs local anesthetic. No clinically meaningful effect
    on postoperative pain.

    '
  date: '2025-04-03'
- question: Does psychological therapy help inflammatory bowel disease?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006913
  notes: 'Psychological treatments probably have small benefits on quality of life,
    depression, and anxiety. No effect on inflammation or physical symptoms. Effective
    for improving quality of life in younger patients too.

    '
  date: '2025-04-17'
- question: Which uterotonic is best for preventing postpartum hemorrhage?
  answer: Yes, combination therapy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011689
  notes: 'Ergometrine plus oxytocin and misoprostol plus oxytocin are better than
    oxytocin alone. Carbetocin is comparable with fewer side effects. All agents except
    carbetocin increase some side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-04-16'
- question: Do amphetamines affect blood pressure?
  answer: Yes, increases it.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007896
  notes: 'Daily amphetamines increase systolic BP by ~2 mmHg, diastolic by ~2 mmHg,
    and heart rate by ~4 bpm. Nearly 3x more people withdraw due to adverse effects
    vs placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-03-28'
- question: Do non-drug treatments help low back pain?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014691
  notes: 'Advice to stay active probably reduces pain vs bed rest for acute pain.
    For chronic pain, acupuncture, exercise, and multidisciplinary therapies work.
    Traction probably doesn''t help.

    '
  date: '2025-03-27'
- question: Does audit and feedback improve healthcare practices?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000259
  notes: 'Audit and feedback improves health professional performance by about 6%
    on average. Works best when comparing to top performers and including actionable
    improvement tips.

    '
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: Do NSAIDs help kidney stone pain?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006027
  notes: 'NSAIDs may reduce pain in adults with renal colic. IV route probably similar
    to intramuscular but may be better than rectal. Insufficient information about
    potential harms.

    '
  date: '2025-03-14'
- question: Does biofeedback improve pelvic floor muscle training for incontinence?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009252
  notes: 'Adding biofeedback to pelvic floor training results in little to no difference
    in quality of life. Only slight reduction in leakage frequency, unlikely to be
    noticeable.

    '
  date: '2025-03-11'
- question: Is combined medication and therapy better for alcohol use disorder?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015673
  notes: 'Adding medications (like naltrexone) to psychological treatment is probably
    safe and helpful for reducing alcohol use. More studies needed to compare with
    medication-only approaches.

    '
  date: '2025-03-20'
- question: Do oral decongestants raise blood pressure?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007895
  notes: 'No clear evidence that daily oral decongestants change blood pressure or
    heart rate. However, evidence quality is very low. Theoretical risk should be
    considered.

    '
  date: '2025-03-27'
- question: Should Hodgkin lymphoma treatment be adjusted based on PET scans?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010533
  notes: 'For advanced-stage disease, reducing chemotherapy after negative PET may
    increase survival. Effects uncertain for early/intermediate stages. Treatment
    intensification increases adverse events.

    '
  date: '2025-03-26'
- question: Do multimodal interventions help cachexia?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015749
  notes: 'Not enough robust studies to know if combining medication, diet, and exercise
    helps cachexia. Very low certainty evidence. More rigorous studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: What's the best nutrition approach after Whipple surgery?
  answer: Maybe jejunostomy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014792
  notes: 'Jejunostomy (tube feeding) likely reduces hospital stay vs IV nutrition.
    Little difference between other methods for complications. High-quality research
    still needed.

    '
  date: '2025-03-14'
- question: Does genetic testing improve cancer treatment outcomes?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014872
  notes: 'Matched targeted therapies based on genetic testing probably delay cancer
    progression more than standard treatments. Unclear effect on overall survival
    or quality of life.

    '
  date: '2025-03-24'
- question: Does rituximab help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013874
  notes: 'Rituximab shows favorable results preventing relapses in relapsing MS. Long-term
    disability effects uncertain. Likely increases serious infections but absolute
    risk is low.

    '
  date: '2025-03-11'
- question: Do antidepressants help low back pain?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001703
  notes: 'SNRIs probably provide small reductions in pain and trivial function improvements.
    TCAs may slightly improve function. SNRIs probably increase unwanted effects.

    '
  date: '2025-03-10'
- question: Does music therapy help people with dementia?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003477
  notes: 'Music therapy probably improves depression and may improve behavioral problems.
    No clear effects on emotional well-being, agitation, or cognition. Benefits are
    temporary.

    '
  date: '2025-03-07'
- question: Does vaccinating healthcare workers protect elderly care home residents
    from flu?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005187
  notes: 'Offering flu vaccination to healthcare workers may have little to no effect
    on flu in residents. Fewer resident deaths observed but mechanism unexplained,
    not attributed to flu reduction.

    '
  date: '2025-02-27'
- question: Do thiopurines maintain ulcerative colitis remission?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000478
  notes: 'Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine seem more effective than placebo (45%
    vs 67% relapse rate). Evidence quality is low. May help prevent symptom recurrence.

    '
  date: '2025-02-27'
- question: Do GLP-1 agonists help people with kidney disease and diabetes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015849
  notes: 'GLP-1 agonists probably reduce overall death risk and major cardiovascular
    events. Little to no effect on kidney failure progression. 42 studies with 48,000+
    participants.

    '
  date: '2025-02-18'
- question: Do TNF inhibitors help psoriatic arthritis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013614
  notes: 'TNF inhibitors probably result in large clinical improvement vs placebo
    for disease control, quality of life, and radiographic outcomes. Slightly increases
    withdrawals due to side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-02-13'
- question: Does cardiovascular training reduce cancer fatigue?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015517
  notes: 'Cardio training during treatment probably reduces short-term fatigue slightly
    with little effect on quality of life. Effects after treatment are uncertain.
    50 ongoing studies may provide more evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-02-20'
- question: Does angioplasty or stenting help deep vein thrombosis?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011468
  notes: 'Angioplasty/stenting may increase secondary patency but evidence is very
    uncertain for reducing post-thrombotic syndrome or improving quality of life.
    More large trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-19'
- question: Do breastfeeding interventions prevent postpartum depression?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014833
  notes: 'Psychosocial breastfeeding support may prevent some postpartum depression
    cases and increase breastfeeding duration. Effects on anxiety and breastfeeding
    exclusivity are very uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-02-18'
- question: Do TNF inhibitors help juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013715
  notes: 'TNF inhibitors may increase treatment response (34% vs 14% on placebo).
    Uncertain effects on pain, function, and quality of life. More high-quality studies
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-20'
- question: Do vasodilators improve fertility treatment outcomes?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010001
  notes: 'Vasodilators likely increase clinical pregnancy rates but show little to
    no difference in live births. Probably increase side effects like headache. 13
    ongoing studies may provide more evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-03-06'
- question: Do alternative care models improve low back pain management?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015083
  notes: 'Alternative care models (telemedicine, group care) lead to little or no
    difference in pain, function, or quality of care. Improvements are clinically
    unimportant (0.24 points on 10-point scale).

    '
  date: '2025-03-07'
- question: Does balloon dilation help Eustachian tube dysfunction?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013429
  notes: 'Balloon dilation may reduce Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms within
    3 months compared to nasal medications. Long-term effects uncertain. No serious
    complications documented.

    '
  date: '2025-02-26'
- question: Do interventions slow childhood myopia progression?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014758
  notes: 'Higher-dose atropine and orthokeratology contact lenses may reduce myopia
    progression. Low-dose atropine and other lenses uncertain. Long-term maintenance
    of benefits unclear (most studies 2 years or less).

    '
  date: '2025-02-13'
- question: Does physical rehabilitation help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001920
  notes: 'Physical rehabilitation may improve daily activities, leg movement, balance,
    and walking. More rehabilitation provides greater benefit. Functional task training
    may be better than neurophysiological approaches.

    '
  date: '2025-02-11'
- question: Does colchicine prevent heart disease in healthy people?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015003
  notes: 'Benefits and harms remain unclear for primary prevention. Possible reduction
    in all-cause mortality but very low certainty. Increases diarrhea risk. More robust
    trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-10'
- question: Does home-based asthma education help children?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008469
  notes: 'May improve quality of life and reduce hospitalizations. Little to no difference
    in ED visits or missed school days. Evidence is uncertain and studies are diverse.

    '
  date: '2025-02-06'
- question: Is in vitro maturation better than standard IVF for PCOS?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006606
  notes: 'IVM greatly reduces ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but increases miscarriage
    rates. Uncertain if better for live births. No difference in premature births
    or fetal development.

    '
  date: '2025-02-06'
- question: Should ovarian cancer have chemotherapy before or after surgery?
  answer: Either.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005343
  notes: 'Little difference in survival whether chemotherapy comes before or after
    surgery. Chemotherapy first probably reduces surgical risks and need for stoma/bowel
    removal. Choice depends on individual factors.

    '
  date: '2025-02-10'
- question: Do antidepressants help generalized anxiety disorder?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012942
  notes: 'Antidepressants achieve 50%+ anxiety reduction more than placebo. About
    7 people need treatment for 1 to benefit. More side effect dropouts but fewer
    ineffectiveness dropouts. High confidence evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-01-30'
- question: Do diuretics prevent or treat acute kidney injury?
  answer: Yes, for prevention.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014937
  notes: 'For prevention, diuretics probably reduce dialysis need and may reduce AKI
    risk. For treatment, they make little difference to dialysis need or death. May
    increase hypotension and irregular heartbeat.

    '
  date: '2025-01-29'
- question: Does alendronate prevent osteoporotic fractures?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001155
  notes: 'Probably prevents spinal fractures. May prevent non-spinal, hip, and wrist
    fractures in high-risk women. Low confidence in evidence for some outcomes. Modest
    benefits for vertebral fractures.

    '
  date: '2025-01-27'
- question: Does tranexamic acid prevent postpartum bleeding in vaginal birth?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007872
  notes: 'TXA given preventively makes little to no difference to heavy bleeding after
    vaginal birth. Lack of demonstrated benefit combined with uncertain harms should
    inform clinical decisions.

    '
  date: '2025-01-15'
- question: Does calorie labeling reduce food consumption?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014845
  notes: 'Calorie labeling leads to ~11 fewer kcal selected and ~35 fewer kcal consumed
    per meal. Potentially meaningful at population scale. Insufficient evidence for
    alcoholic drinks.

    '
  date: '2025-01-17'
- question: Does pre-emptive CMV treatment help transplant recipients?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005133
  notes: 'Pre-emptive treatment probably reduces CMV disease risk vs placebo. Little
    difference vs prophylaxis for disease prevention. Fewer adverse drug effects but
    higher infection risk than prophylaxis.

    '
  date: '2025-01-14'
- question: Do interventions reduce pharmacy antibiotic sales without prescriptions?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013722
  notes: 'No clear evidence that educational training, regulations, or incentives
    reduce non-prescription antibiotic sales. Even multicomponent interventions show
    uncertain effectiveness. Higher-quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-01-29'
- question: Are direct factor Xa inhibitors better for joint replacement surgery?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011762
  notes: 'May slightly reduce symptomatic blood clots (2-5 fewer per 1000 patients).
    Rivaroxaban may slightly increase major bleeding. Very uncertain if better at
    preventing death or major clots.

    '
  date: '2025-01-27'
- question: What's the best IV antibiotic approach for cystic fibrosis flare-ups?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009730
  notes: 'No difference found between treatment approaches for lung function or time
    to next flare-up. Shorter antibiotic duration may work as well as longer in early
    responders. Evidence quality is poor.

    '
  date: '2025-01-20'
- question: Do ankle-foot orthoses improve walking in neuromuscular disorders?
  answer: Yes, mildly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014871
  notes: 'Carbon AFOs may reduce walking effort, increase speed, and enhance satisfaction.
    Leather AFOs may increase speed. Polypropylene and elastic AFOs show little difference.
    Low to very low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-01-16'
- question: Do financial incentives help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004307
  notes: 'High-certainty evidence shows incentives improve quit rates. 10 in 100 quit
    with incentives vs 7 without. Benefits persist after rewards end. Even stronger
    effects in pregnant people (13% vs 6%).

    '
  date: '2025-01-13'
- question: Does the GnRH agonist protocol type matter for IVF?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006919
  notes: 'Little to no difference in live birth rates between long and short protocols.
    Long protocol may slightly improve clinical pregnancy rates. More research needed
    on cost-effectiveness and side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-01-09'
- question: Can virtual reality help multiple sclerosis rehabilitation?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013834
  notes: 'VR might improve balance, upper limb function, and quality of life compared
    to conventional therapy. Evidence is limited by small study sizes. More high-quality
    trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-01-07'
- question: Which pelvic floor training approach works best for incontinence?
  answer: Combined training may help slightly more.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009508
  notes: 'Combined training (body movements with pelvic floor contractions) may be
    slightly better than isolated pelvic floor exercises. Direct training beats indirect.
    Group vs individual supervision shows no difference.

    '
  date: '2024-12-20'
- question: Do school-based programs prevent self-harm and suicide in youth?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013844
  notes: 'Universal awareness programs show little effect on suicidal thinking. Targeted
    therapy may help reduce self-harm but evidence is low quality. More large-scale
    studies needed combining multiple approaches.

    '
  date: '2024-12-20'
- question: Does artificial oocyte activation improve ICSI success?
  answer: Maybe for specific cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014040
  notes: 'Very uncertain evidence for general ICSI. May improve live birth rates for
    couples with previous low/failed fertilization. No studies reported on birth defects.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2024-12-20'
- question: Does cycled lighting in NICU help preterm babies?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006982
  notes: 'Very uncertain effects on growth and development. May reduce hospital stay
    by 10 days compared to constant bright light, but confidence is very low. Physicians
    should weigh benefits/risks for each case.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Does exercise therapy help chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Likely reduces fatigue and improves physical functioning compared to passive
    control. Long-term benefits unclear. Similar effectiveness to CBT or pacing. Results
    based on older diagnostic criteria.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Should older adults aim for lower blood pressure targets?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011575
  notes: 'Lower targets significantly reduce stroke risk and probably reduce heart
    attacks and heart failure. Little difference in overall mortality over 2-4 years.
    More research needed for frail adults 80+.

    '
  date: '2024-12-17'
- question: What's the best treatment for postpartum iron deficiency anaemia?
  answer: IV iron may reduce fatigue faster.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010861
  notes: 'IV iron likely reduces tiredness more than oral iron in first 8-28 days.
    Oral iron causes more constipation (10.7% vs <1%). IV iron has rare serious allergic
    reaction risk. Evidence quality is low.

    '
  date: '2024-12-13'
- question: Does exercise help knee osteoarthritis?
  answer: Yes, modestly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004376
  notes: 'Exercise reduces pain and improves function compared to no treatment. However,
    benefits may not result in noticeable symptom changes for patients. Evidence quality
    is moderate to low.

    '
  date: '2024-12-03'
- question: Do dressings or creams prevent pressure ulcers?
  answer: Unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009362
  notes: 'Very uncertain whether dressings, creams, oils, or fatty acids make any
    difference to pressure ulcer development. Studies had risk of bias and small samples.
    Better-designed research needed.

    '
  date: '2024-12-03'
- question: Does azathioprine help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Maybe, but with more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015005
  notes: 'May reduce relapses compared to interferon for relapsing MS. However, more
    serious harmful effects over 2 years. Evidence limited by few small studies. Quality
    of life not measured.

    '
  date: '2024-12-09'
- question: Which chemotherapy is best for advanced pancreatic cancer?
  answer: FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine+taxane.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011044
  notes: 'FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus taxane both extend survival and improve
    quality of life vs gemcitabine alone, but increase side effects. Treatment selection
    remains unpersonalized.

    '
  date: '2024-12-05'
- question: Is IV iron better than oral iron for anemia in pregnancy?
  answer: Likely yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016136
  notes: 'IV iron likely treats pregnancy anemia better than oral iron. Little difference
    in postpartum hemorrhage or transfusion rates. Serious side effects are rare with
    either approach.

    '
  date: '2024-12-09'
- question: What prevents wound infections after heart surgery?
  answer: Several approaches may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013332
  notes: 'Tight blood sugar control may reduce infections in diabetics. Negative pressure
    wound therapy and topical antibiotic sponges may reduce infections. Overall evidence
    quality is poor.

    '
  date: '2024-12-02'
- question: Are biosimilar cancer drugs as effective as originals?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013539
  notes: 'Biosimilar bevacizumab, rituximab, and trastuzumab show similar survival
    rates and side effects compared to originator medicines. May offer cost advantages
    while maintaining effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2024-11-28'
- question: Does resistance training help cancer-related fatigue?
  answer: Probably yes, during treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015518
  notes: 'During cancer therapy, resistance training probably has beneficial effect
    on short-term fatigue. May have small benefit on quality of life. Effects after
    therapy completion less clear.

    '
  date: '2024-11-28'
- question: Is long-term hormone therapy safe for menopause?
  answer: Mixed results depending on type.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004143
  notes: 'Combined therapy probably increases breast cancer (19→24 per 1000) but reduces
    fractures (111→87). Estrogen-only probably doesn''t increase breast cancer but
    increases stroke risk. Both reduce fractures.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: Do antibiotics help the common cold?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000247
  notes: 'Antibiotics do not work for the common cold or colored nasal mucus. Colds
    are caused by viruses. Adults taking antibiotics had more side effects like diarrhea.
    Routine use not recommended.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Does HPV vaccination prevent cervical cancer?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015363
  notes: 'HPV vaccination probably reduces cervical cancer by ~80% when given before
    age 16. Also reduces pre-cancerous lesions and warts. Not associated with chronic
    fatigue, paralysis, or infertility.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Do e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216
  notes: 'Nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than nicotine patches or gums.
    8-11 per 100 quit with e-cigs vs 6 per 100 with NRT. Side effects (throat irritation,
    headache) typically diminish with use.

    '
  date: '2025-11-10'
- question: Does colchicine prevent heart attacks and strokes?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014808
  notes: 'High-certainty evidence that low-dose colchicine reduces heart attacks and
    strokes without increasing serious side effects. Probably doesn''t reduce overall
    mortality. May cause mild GI side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-11-13'
- question: Does non-invasive ventilation help cystic fibrosis patients?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002769
  notes: 'Evidence is highly uncertain about effectiveness. Some patients find it
    helpful, others discontinue due to discomfort. Effects on mortality and quality
    of life unclear. Studies too small.

    '
  date: '2025-11-18'
- question: Does breast surgery improve survival in metastatic breast cancer?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011276
  notes: 'Surgery does not improve overall survival or prevent cancer spread. It does
    help control local disease in the breast. May have modest benefits for certain
    tumor types (luminal cancers).

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Is excision or ablation better for ovarian endometriomas?
  answer: Excision may be better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004992
  notes: 'Excision may better reduce painful periods, lower recurrence risk, and reduce
    need for repeat surgery. Little difference in natural pregnancy rates within one
    year post-surgery.

    '
  date: '2024-11-26'
- question: Does tirzepatide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes, but limited evidence on broader health effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016018
  notes: 'Likely helps adults lose weight over 1-2 years. May cause non-serious side
    effects but doesn''t increase serious adverse events. All studies manufacturer-funded,
    raising bias concerns.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does liraglutide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes, but may increase side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016017
  notes: 'More people achieve 5%+ weight loss vs placebo. May increase GI side effects
    like nausea and diarrhea. Little to no difference in quality of life. 22 of 24
    studies manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does semaglutide help with weight loss?
  answer: Yes, but may increase side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015092
  notes: 'Adults on semaglutide lost considerably more weight than placebo. More GI
    side effects (nausea, diarrhea). Little to no difference in quality of life. 17
    of 18 studies manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does immediate skin-to-skin contact benefit newborns?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003519
  notes: 'Mothers practicing skin-to-skin are more likely to exclusively breastfeed.
    Newborns have higher blood glucose and better temperature regulation. Minimal
    effect on maternal blood loss.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Is a restrictive blood transfusion strategy safe?
  answer: Yes, for most patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002042
  notes: 'Waiting for lower blood counts (7-8 g/dL vs 9-10 g/dL) reduced transfusions
    by 42% without increasing death, heart attacks, or infections. Exceptions: GI
    bleeding does better with restrictive; brain injury may need liberal.

    '
  date: '2025-10-20'
- question: Does molnupiravir effectively treat COVID-19?
  answer: Little to no benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015381
  notes: 'For outpatients with mild-moderate COVID, molnupiravir produces little to
    no difference in death risk and may not prevent hospitalization. Appears safe.
    Insufficient evidence for hospitalized patients.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does immunoglobulin help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: Maybe, modestly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013801
  notes: 'IVIg may produce modest symptom improvements for up to 6 months, though
    effects may not matter clinically to patients. Causes headache in up to 1/3. Less
    effective than plasma exchange.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: Does acupuncture help polycystic ovary syndrome?
  answer: Probably not.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007689
  notes: 'Acupuncture vs sham may have little or no effect on live birth, ovulation,
    pregnancy, or miscarriage rates. Side effects (dizziness, nausea, bruising) are
    more common with acupuncture.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Should adults 60+ take blood pressure medication?
  answer: Yes, it reduces death and heart events.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000028
  notes: 'Blood pressure medications reduce mortality, heart attacks, and strokes
    in adults 60+. Benefits strongest in ages 60-79. May increase side effects leading
    to treatment withdrawal. Thiazides most studied.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do progestagens help endometriosis pain?
  answer: Probably yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002122
  notes: 'Oral progestagens probably reduce overall pain and period pain compared
    to placebo. Also improve quality of life. Depot progestagens may have fewer side
    effects than GnRH agonists.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do work breaks prevent musculoskeletal problems?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012886
  notes: 'Additional work breaks may reduce back pain intensity but evidence is very
    uncertain. Active breaks (stretching) show little to no effect on fatigue vs passive
    breaks. Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-08'
- question: Should mild hypertension without heart disease be treated?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006742
  notes: 'Blood pressure meds in mild hypertension did not reduce mortality or heart
    attacks but may reduce stroke. Increases treatment withdrawals due to side effects
    (9% more). Benefit-risk balance uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Are there effective medications for cannabis dependence?
  answer: No proven effective medications.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008940
  notes: 'THC, CBD, and N-acetylcysteine are probably ineffective for stopping cannabis
    use. No medications showed significant advantage over placebo. Psychological treatments
    remain the recommended approach.

    '
  date: '2025-09-30'
- question: Do antibiotics prevent infection after corneal abrasion?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014617
  notes: 'Very uncertain evidence about whether antibiotics prevent eye infection.
    Probably little to no difference in healing within 48 hours. Side effects (irritation,
    allergic reactions) were mild and similar across groups.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Are RSV vaccines effective?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016131
  notes: 'For older adults: 77% reduction in RSV respiratory illness. For infants
    via maternal vaccination: 54% reduction in RSV illness, 74% in severe cases. Safety
    comparable to placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Does remote ischaemic conditioning help prevent or treat stroke?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012503
  notes: 'May reduce recurrent stroke risk in people with artery narrowing. Might
    slightly improve excellent recovery rates. Safe, with minor side effects (arm
    pain, redness). Most evidence from China; larger trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does PC6 acupoint stimulation prevent post-surgery nausea?
  answer: Probably yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003281
  notes: 'Acupuncture and acupressure wristbands targeting PC6 may reduce postoperative
    nausea/vomiting when combined with anti-nausea meds. Reduces need for rescue medication.
    Minor temporary side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-09-12'
- question: Do probiotics prevent C. diff diarrhea during antibiotics?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006095
  notes: 'Probiotics may be effective in preventing C. diff diarrhea. For every 65
    people taking probiotics, one case may be prevented. Probably safe with no increased
    harm. Evidence quality moderate to low.

    '
  date: '2025-09-11'
- question: Does resistance training help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes, for strength and balance.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016001
  notes: 'Safely improves muscle strength in legs and arms and improves balance. Little
    to no effect on walking speed. May reduce depression. Most studies in people who
    could walk independently.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: What prevents falls in care facility residents?
  answer: Exercise, vitamin D, and multifactorial interventions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016064
  notes: 'Multifactorial interventions and exercise probably reduce fall rates. Vitamin
    D supplementation probably reduces falls. Increased dairy may decrease falls and
    fractures. Medication optimization shows mixed results.

    '
  date: '2025-08-20'
- question: Is primary care as effective as specialty clinics for opioid treatment?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013672
  notes: 'May result in greater avoidance of non-prescribed opioids and greater patient
    satisfaction. Unclear if retention differs. Studies involved lower-risk patients
    and experienced primary care clinics.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Does pre-pregnancy calcium prevent pregnancy complications?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011192
  notes: 'One study found calcium before pregnancy may result in little to no difference
    in pre-eclampsia or pregnancy loss. Slight reduction seen in those who became
    pregnant. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-09-18'
- question: Does ketamine help chronic pain?
  answer: Unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015373
  notes: 'It''s unclear whether ketamine (IV, oral, or topical) reduces chronic pain
    intensity. May have side effects when given IV. Evidence too low-quality to draw
    firm conclusions. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-08-18'
- question: Does vitamin D prevent childhood asthma?
  answer: May help during pregnancy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013396
  notes: 'High-dose vitamin D in pregnancy likely helps prevent childhood wheeze.
    Effects on asthma less certain. Early childhood supplementation may have little
    effect. More infant/child studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Which medications work best for plaque psoriasis?
  answer: Biologic medications targeting interleukins.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011535
  notes: 'Infliximab, ixekizumab, bimekizumab, xeligekimab, and risankizumab perform
    similarly well. All tested medicines worked better than placebo. Longer studies
    needed for long-term safety data.

    '
  date: '2025-08-06'
- question: Does natalizumab help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Yes, for relapsing-remitting MS.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015123
  notes: 'For relapsing-remitting MS, reduces relapses and slows disability progression
    over 2 years. Slightly reduces serious side effects and improves quality of life.
    For secondary progressive MS, benefits less clear.

    '
  date: '2025-08-06'
- question: Do anti-TNF drugs help pediatric Crohn's disease?
  answer: Maybe, limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014497
  notes: 'One small trial suggests infliximab may slightly improve remission rates
    vs standard treatment. Limited evidence for this population. Larger, well-designed
    studies needed for safety and efficacy data.

    '
  date: '2025-08-01'
- question: Does telerehabilitation help neck pain?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014428
  notes: 'Exercise-based telerehab may slightly reduce pain. Psychological/educational
    interventions probably improve function. Overall effectiveness remains uncertain.
    More high-quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Does first aid training improve outcomes?
  answer: Unknown for outcomes, but increases knowledge.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015538
  notes: 'No studies show whether training improves actual health outcomes of people
    receiving aid. Training does increase knowledge, skills, and confidence in trainees.
    Effect on willingness to help is uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-08-12'
- question: Should anal intraepithelial neoplasia be treated?
  answer: Treatment appears better than monitoring.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009244
  notes: 'Treated patients had lower cancer rates (0.4% vs 0.9% over 25-28 months).
    Those monitored had worsening psychological functioning. Treatment side effects
    minimal. Evidence from HIV+ population only.

    '
  date: '2025-08-13'
- question: Does desmopressin help bedwetting in children?
  answer: May provide modest improvement.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002112
  notes: 'Children get about one additional dry night per week. Similar effectiveness
    to alarm therapy. Combining both may work better. Side effects include dizziness,
    headaches, mood changes. Evidence quality low.

    '
  date: '2025-07-29'
- question: Does palivizumab prevent severe RSV in children?
  answer: Yes, for high-risk children.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013757
  notes: 'Systemic palivizumab reduces RSV hospitalizations by 56% and wheezing days
    by 61% in high-risk children. Little to no effect on death rates. Intranasal form
    may actually increase infections.

    '
  date: '2025-07-23'
- question: Do organized trauma systems improve patient outcomes?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012500
  notes: 'Currently insufficient evidence to determine if trauma networks and designated
    trauma centers benefit patients. No studies from resource-limited countries where
    injury burden is highest.

    '
  date: '2025-08-01'
- question: Does low-intensity shockwave therapy help erectile dysfunction?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013166
  notes: 'May improve erections long-term. Short-term improvements small and potentially
    unnoticeable. Side effects uncommon. Low confidence in results due to poor study
    methodology and industry funding.

    '
  date: '2025-07-14'
- question: Should brain bleeding strokes be treated surgically?
  answer: Maybe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015387
  notes: 'Surgery may increase functional independence and reduce death risk vs medical
    care alone. Minimally invasive surgery showed potential benefits. Effects on quality
    of life very uncertain. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-07-17'
- question: Do automated systems speed up weaning from ventilators?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009235
  notes: 'Automated systems reduce ventilator time by ~24% (1.7 days in adults), shorten
    ICU stays by ~14%, and reduce reintubation need. Little to no effect on mortality.
    Moderate-certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Is CPAP better than methylxanthine for preterm apnea?
  answer: Unknown.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001072
  notes: 'Only one small study from 1981 (32 infants). Both treatments largely replaced
    by modern approaches (nasal CPAP and caffeine). Findings have questionable relevance
    to current practice.

    '
  date: '2025-07-22'
- question: Do vaginal lasers help stress urinary incontinence?
  answer: Probably minimal benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013643
  notes: 'May improve patient-reported incontinence slightly, but improvement small
    and may not be noticeable. No major side effects reported. Very low confidence
    in results.

    '
  date: '2025-07-25'
- question: Does rituximab help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: Maybe, needs more research.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014574
  notes: 'Substantially decreases relapses requiring emergency treatment at 9 months.
    Effects on symptoms and daily functioning uncertain. May reduce serious side effects.
    Only 2 small studies available.

    '
  date: '2025-07-03'
- question: Do phosphate binders help chronic kidney disease?
  answer: Sevelamer may be best.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006023
  notes: 'Sevelamer may reduce death and causes less high calcium than calcium tablets
    in dialysis patients. No clear benefits for cardiovascular death. Studies too
    short and small to confirm heart/kidney benefits.

    '
  date: '2025-06-27'
- question: Is surgical or medical second-trimester abortion safer?
  answer: Both are effective, with tradeoffs.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006714
  notes: 'Both approaches successfully complete abortion in nearly all cases. Surgical
    may reduce incomplete abortion and cause less pain. Medical shows slightly increased
    bleeding. Satisfaction similar.

    '
  date: '2025-07-08'
- question: Should premature babies with intestinal issues get drainage or surgery?
  answer: Surgery may be better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006182
  notes: 'Peritoneal drainage shows no mortality difference but half still need surgery
    anyway. Drainage associated with increased moderate to severe cerebral palsy.
    Immediate surgery may be preferred.

    '
  date: '2025-06-24'
- question: What fertility-preserving treatments work for early endometrial cancer?
  answer: Hormone IUD may be best.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013111
  notes: 'Levonorgestrel IUS may achieve similar response with fewer side effects
    (less weight gain) than oral progesterone. Adding metformin to progesterone may
    slightly improve response. Evidence quality low.

    '
  date: '2025-07-08'
- question: Does virtual reality help stroke rehabilitation?
  answer: May slightly help arm function.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008349
  notes: 'VR may be slightly better than traditional therapy for improving arm use.
    Small benefits in balance and daily activities. No improvement in walking or quality
    of life. Few adverse effects reported.

    '
  date: '2025-06-20'
- question: Do infant probiotics prevent allergies?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006475
  notes: 'May produce slight reduction in eczema but evidence quality insufficient.
    Little to no difference in asthma, allergic rhinitis, or cow''s milk allergy by
    age 2. No serious side effects reported.

    '
  date: '2025-06-13'
- question: Does progestogen prevent recurrent miscarriage?
  answer: Probably no.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003511
  notes: 'Progestogen in early pregnancy probably makes little or no difference to
    miscarriage chance in women with recurrent unexplained miscarriage. Minimal impact
    on live birth rates. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Can fertility be preserved during cancer chemotherapy?
  answer: Ovarian suppression may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012891
  notes: 'Ovarian suppression therapy may reduce chemotherapy-induced ovarian insufficiency.
    Cannot determine which method is best for preserving fertility in breast cancer
    patients. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-06-19'
- question: Antiplatelet or anticoagulation for heart failure with normal rhythm?
  answer: Aspirin is preferred.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003333
  notes: 'Little to no advantage of warfarin over aspirin for mortality. Warfarin
    slightly better at reducing strokes but doubles major bleeding risk (5.6% vs 2.8%).
    Aspirin recommended given bleeding concerns.

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Can diet and activity prevent obesity in toddlers?
  answer: Combined approaches may help modestly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015326
  notes: 'Combining diet and physical activity strategies may modestly reduce BMI
    over time. Separate approaches show little benefit. Evidence gap for children
    with disabilities. Very low confidence in findings.

    '
  date: '2025-06-11'
- question: Do corticosteroids help treat sepsis?
  answer: Yes, probably reduce 28-day mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002243
  notes: 'Corticosteroids probably reduce death risk at 28 days, likely reduce in-hospital
    mortality, and may shorten ICU/hospital stays. Little to no difference in superinfection
    risk. Long-term effects uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-06-05'
- question: Do topical antibiotics help chronic ear infections?
  answer: Maybe, but evidence is limited.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013051
  notes: 'May reduce ear discharge compared to saline but very uncertain evidence.
    Adding topical to oral antibiotics may improve discharge resolution. Cannot determine
    which antibiotic type works better.

    '
  date: '2025-06-09'
- question: Is telemedicine safe for medical abortion?
  answer: Yes, similar to in-clinic care.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013764
  notes: 'Telemedicine probably results in similar successful abortion rates as in-clinic
    care. May have higher rates of follow-up adherence. Most evidence from high-resource
    settings and early pregnancy.

    '
  date: '2025-06-04'
- question: Does yoga help cancer-related fatigue?
  answer: Probably yes, after treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015520
  notes: 'Yoga probably reduces short-term fatigue when started after anticancer therapy.
    Evidence uncertain for yoga during treatment. More rigorous studies needed for
    medium and long-term effects.

    '
  date: '2025-05-27'
- question: What's the best way to prepare for frozen embryo transfer?
  answer: No clear winner.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003414
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to recommend natural cycles vs hormone therapy vs
    other approaches. Studies were small with inconsistent results. Larger studies
    needed comparing simpler/more affordable methods.

    '
  date: '2025-06-03'
- question: Do GnRH analogues help premenstrual syndrome?
  answer: Yes, but with significant side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011330
  notes: 'GnRH agonists improve PMS symptoms vs placebo. However, menopausal side
    effects like hot flushes are common and many stop treatment. Long-term safety
    including osteoporosis risk needs study.

    '
  date: '2025-06-10'
- question: Do steroids help when added to antibiotic ear drops?
  answer: Probably no benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013054
  notes: 'No evidence that adding steroids to topical antibiotics improves ear discharge
    resolution. Some antibiotics may work better alone. Limited safety data. Low to
    very low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-06-09'
- question: Does community care navigation reduce hospitalizations?
  answer: Probably slightly within 12 months.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014713
  notes: 'Patients with care navigation probably slightly less likely to have unplanned
    hospital admissions within 12 months. Little to no difference in ER visits. May
    increase outpatient appointments.

    '
  date: '2025-06-05'
- question: Do strengthening exercises help jumper's knee?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013078
  notes: 'May reduce pain vs no treatment but very uncertain. Similar return-to-sport
    rates as surgery (~85%). Only small studies involving athletes exist. No side
    effect data available.

    '
  date: '2025-05-27'
- question: Do robotic gait devices help walking after stroke?
  answer: Yes, for regaining walking ability.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006185
  notes: 'Combining devices with physiotherapy helps more people walk independently
    (1 extra per 9 treated). No improvement in walking speed or distance. Benefits
    strongest in first 3 months after stroke.

    '
  date: '2025-05-14'
- question: Does sustained-release naltrexone help opioid addiction?
  answer: Mixed results depending on comparison.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006140
  notes: 'Reduces illicit opioid use vs treatment as usual. May reduce use vs oral
    naltrexone. But probably increases use vs methadone/buprenorphine. Limited long-term
    safety data.

    '
  date: '2025-05-09'
- question: Do PPIs prevent NSAID-induced ulcers?
  answer: Probably yes vs placebo.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014585
  notes: 'PPIs probably reduce new ulcers (36 vs 119 per 1000 vs placebo). Slightly
    decrease indigestion symptoms. May improve quality of life. Comparisons to other
    treatments less clear.

    '
  date: '2025-05-08'
- question: Does ustekinumab help Crohn's disease?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007572
  notes: 'More effective than placebo at reducing treatment failure within 8 weeks.
    Probably doesn''t cause increased serious side effects. Most common issues are
    disease worsening and infections.

    '
  date: '2025-05-13'
- question: What treats steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children?
  answer: Calcineurin inhibitors may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003594
  notes: 'Tacrolimus may be better than cyclosporin for preventing relapse. Cyclosporin
    causes more side effects like excessive hair growth. More well-designed trials
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-08'
- question: Does the DASH diet prevent cardiovascular disease?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013729
  notes: 'Not enough evidence to say DASH diet prevents heart attacks, strokes, or
    heart disease deaths. Minimal adverse effects. Larger, longer-term studies needed.
    Only short-term trials exist.

    '
  date: '2025-05-06'
- question: What treats ulnar neuropathy at the elbow?
  answer: Simple nerve release works as well as moving the nerve.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006839
  notes: 'Simple nerve decompression works about as well as nerve transposition surgeries.
    For mild cases, written information alone may help as much as splints or exercises.
    Dextrose injections may reduce pain.

    '
  date: '2025-04-29'
- question: Do psychological therapies help inflammatory bowel disease?
  answer: Yes, for psychological symptoms.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006913
  notes: 'Psychological interventions improve quality of life and reduce depression/anxiety
    in adults and children with IBD. Little to no effect on disease activity itself.
    Supplements standard medical care.

    '
  date: '2025-04-17'
- question: What's the best medication to prevent postpartum bleeding?
  answer: Ergometrine+oxytocin or misoprostol+oxytocin.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011689
  notes: 'Ergometrine+oxytocin and misoprostol+oxytocin reduce severe bleeding better
    than oxytocin alone. More side effects like nausea/vomiting. Carbetocin works
    similarly with fewer side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-04-16'
- question: Do typhoid conjugate vaccines work?
  answer: Yes, large decrease in typhoid cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015746
  notes: 'May result in large decrease in typhoid fever cases with protection up to
    4 years. Little to no difference in deaths. Slight decrease in serious side effects.
    More research in endemic countries needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-06'
- question: Should clot-busting drugs be added to stroke vessel-opening procedures?
  answer: No clear benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015721
  notes: 'Adding IV thrombolysis did not improve functioning, survival, or reduce
    brain bleeding in stroke patients receiving thrombectomy. Does improve visible
    blood flow. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-04-24'
- question: Is home IV chemotherapy as safe as hospital treatment?
  answer: Uncertain, but patients prefer home.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014861
  notes: 'Uncertain if home treatment affects safety outcomes. 92% treated at home
    prefer home vs 57% hospital-treated prefer hospital. Similar costs. Evidence is
    outdated (>10 years old).

    '
  date: '2025-04-22'
- question: What helps people quit smokeless tobacco?
  answer: Counseling and varenicline probably help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015314
  notes: 'Counseling helps ~23-34 per 100 quit vs 16 with minimal support. Varenicline
    helps ~36-56 per 100 quit vs 33. NRT may help. Bupropion unclear. Limited research
    in South/Southeast Asia.

    '
  date: '2025-04-15'
- question: Do stem cell injections help knee osteoarthritis?
  answer: Maybe, modest improvements.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013342
  notes: 'Pain improved ~1.2 points on 10-point scale at 6 months. More people report
    treatment success (68% vs 53%). Serious adverse events rare. No evidence on slowing
    disease progression.

    '
  date: '2025-04-02'
- question: Can older people safely stop blood pressure medications?
  answer: Insufficient evidence; don't stop without consulting doctor.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012572
  notes: 'May result in little to no difference in death, heart attacks, or strokes
    but blood pressure increases ~10 mmHg. No fall data available. Very low certainty
    evidence. Consult healthcare professional first.

    '
  date: '2025-03-31'
- question: Do oral treatments help children's eye inflammation (BKC)?
  answer: Unknown, no trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011750
  notes: 'No randomized controlled trials have been conducted on systemic treatments
    for blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in children. No evidence exists regarding safety
    or efficacy of antibiotics, supplements, or immunosuppressants.

    '
  date: '2016-05-30'
- question: Does vitamin D prevent fractures after weight-loss surgery?
  answer: Uncertain, limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011800
  notes: 'Moderate-dose vitamin D may improve blood levels but no data on fracture
    prevention. High-dose results very uncertain. Only 5 studies with 314 participants.
    Insufficient evidence to guide practice.

    '
  date: '2024-10-01'
- question: Do fluoride supplements during pregnancy prevent cavities in children?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011850
  notes: 'No statistical difference in tooth decay between children whose mothers
    took fluoride during pregnancy and those who didn''t. At age 5, ~92% in both groups
    remained decay-free. Very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-10-23'
- question: Should drains be used after appendectomy for complicated appendicitis?
  answer: No benefit, may increase mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010168
  notes: 'No clear benefit in reducing abscesses, wound infections, or complications.
    Drain placement probably increases death rate after open surgery. Hospital stays
    may be longer with drains.

    '
  date: '2025-04-11'
- question: Which gonadotropin works best for PCOS?
  answer: Recombinant FSH and urinary types are similar.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010290
  notes: 'Little to no difference in live birth between gonadotropin types. Gonadotropins
    probably result in more live births than continuing clomiphene citrate, but may
    increase miscarriage risk.

    '
  date: '2025-04-07'
- question: Should medications be given before fibroid surgery?
  answer: GnRHa may help reduce fibroid size.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000547
  notes: 'GnRHa may reduce fibroid and uterine size before surgery. Probably increases
    hot flushes. For hysterectomy, may reduce operation time and blood transfusion
    need. Evidence moderate to low.

    '
  date: '2025-04-04'
- question: What treats myotonia (delayed muscle relaxation)?
  answer: Mexiletine is likely effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004762
  notes: 'Mexiletine is likely effective for non-dystrophic myotonia and probably
    slightly reduces symptoms in myotonic dystrophy. Lamotrigine may also help. Side
    effects include heartburn and headache.

    '
  date: '2025-04-08'
- question: What non-drug treatments help low back pain?
  answer: Exercise, acupuncture, and multidisciplinary therapy for chronic pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014691
  notes: 'For chronic pain: acupuncture and exercise probably reduce pain. Multidisciplinary
    therapy likely helps. Staying active better than bed rest for acute pain. Traction
    shows no benefit.

    '
  date: '2025-03-27'
- question: Does audit and feedback improve healthcare quality?
  answer: Yes, small to moderate improvements.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000259
  notes: 'Mean 6.2% increase in desired practices. Most effective when comparing to
    high-performing peers, focusing on important areas with room for improvement,
    and including action plans.

    '
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: Do NSAIDs help acute kidney stone pain?
  answer: May help reduce pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006027
  notes: 'NSAIDs may reduce renal colic pain vs placebo. IV ibuprofen may be more
    effective than IV ketorolac. IV route similar to IM, possibly better than rectal.
    Insufficient safety data.

    '
  date: '2025-03-14'
- question: Does biofeedback improve pelvic floor training for incontinence?
  answer: Minimal additional benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009252
  notes: 'Adding biofeedback produces only small, likely unimportant reduction in
    leakage episodes. Quality of life similar with or without biofeedback. Safe but
    benefits minimal.

    '
  date: '2025-03-11'
- question: Does combining therapy and medication help alcohol use disorder?
  answer: Yes, probably reduces heavy drinking.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015673
  notes: 'Adding medications to therapy probably reduces heavy drinking and may boost
    abstinence rates. Safe combination. More research needed comparing combined approach
    to medication alone.

    '
  date: '2025-03-20'
- question: Do oral decongestants raise blood pressure?
  answer: No clear evidence of effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007895
  notes: 'No clear evidence that daily oral decongestants change blood pressure or
    heart rate. Based on limited, poorly-designed studies. Weigh uncertain evidence
    against theoretical risk.

    '
  date: '2025-03-27'
- question: Do amphetamines raise blood pressure?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007896
  notes: 'Amphetamines increase systolic BP by ~2 mmHg, diastolic by ~2 mmHg, and
    heart rate by ~4 bpm. More people stop taking them due to side effects (68 vs
    25 per 1000).

    '
  date: '2025-03-28'
- question: What's the best nutrition after pancreas surgery?
  answer: Jejunostomy tube feeding may reduce hospital stay.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014792
  notes: 'Enteral feeding via jejunostomy tube likely reduces hospital stay vs IV
    nutrition. Other feeding approaches show little difference. More high-quality
    research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-03-14'
- question: Does rituximab help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Yes, for relapsing MS.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013874
  notes: 'Appears effective at reducing relapses as first-line or switch treatment.
    Insufficient long-term disability data. Likely increases serious infections slightly.
    Limited evidence for progressive MS.

    '
  date: '2025-03-11'
- question: Do antidepressants help low back pain?
  answer: SNRIs may help minimally.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001703
  notes: 'SNRIs likely produce minimal pain reduction with more side effects. TCAs
    unlikely to reduce pain but may slightly improve function. Insufficient evidence
    for SSRIs. Not clear for spine-related leg pain.

    '
  date: '2025-03-10'
- question: Does music therapy help dementia?
  answer: Probably helps depression and behavior.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003477
  notes: 'Probably improves depression and may improve behavioral problems vs usual
    care. May improve social behavior. No clear benefits for anxiety, agitation, or
    cognition. Effects don''t persist after treatment ends.

    '
  date: '2025-03-07'
- question: Does vaccinating care home staff protect elderly residents from flu?
  answer: Limited evidence of resident benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005187
  notes: 'Staff vaccination likely has minimal impact on whether residents get flu.
    Resident deaths decreased (9%→6%) but not attributable to reduced flu. Low confidence
    in findings.

    '
  date: '2025-02-27'
- question: Do azathioprine and 6-MP help maintain ulcerative colitis remission?
  answer: Yes, more effective than placebo.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000478
  notes: '45% on thiopurines failed to maintain remission vs 67% on placebo. Low confidence
    evidence from small studies. Serious side effects like pancreatitis can occur.
    Regular monitoring recommended.

    '
  date: '2025-02-27'
- question: Do TNF inhibitors help juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
  answer: May help some children.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013715
  notes: '34% receiving TNF inhibitors showed improvement vs 14% on placebo. Uncertain
    benefits for pain, joint function, and disease control. Similar side effects to
    placebo (~7% vs 6% serious events).

    '
  date: '2025-02-20'
- question: Does cardio training reduce cancer-related fatigue?
  answer: Slightly, during treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015517
  notes: 'Moderate-certainty evidence that cardio slightly reduces short-term fatigue
    during cancer treatment. Little to no quality of life improvement. Effects after
    treatment uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-02-20'
- question: Do angioplasty or stenting help deep vein thrombosis?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011468
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with very low quality evidence. May improve long-term
    blood vessel patency. Effects on chronic complications and quality of life unclear.
    Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-19'
- question: Can treatments slow myopia progression in children?
  answer: Atropine drops and special lenses may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014758
  notes: 'Higher-dose atropine drops slow myopia progression. Orthokeratology lenses
    most effective but many children stop using them. Multifocal contacts and special
    glasses may help. Most studies only 2 years.

    '
  date: '2025-02-13'
- question: Does physical rehabilitation help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001920
  notes: 'Rehabilitation likely helps function and mobility vs no treatment. Greater
    benefits with >2.5 hours weekly. Functional task training may improve daily activities.
    Traditional Bobath may be less effective.

    '
  date: '2025-02-11'
- question: Does home-based asthma education help children?
  answer: Uncertain, may improve quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008469
  notes: 'Little to no difference in ER visits. May improve quality of life somewhat.
    Intensive home programs may reduce hospitalizations. Considerable study variation
    makes evidence difficult to interpret.

    '
  date: '2025-02-06'
- question: Should chemo come before or after ovarian cancer surgery?
  answer: Similar survival, but chemo first has surgical benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005343
  notes: 'Little difference in survival regardless of order. Chemo first probably
    halves bowel removal risk and reduces stoma need. Fewer surgical deaths. Quality
    of life slightly better at 6 months.

    '
  date: '2025-02-10'
- question: Does colchicine prevent cardiovascular disease in healthy people?
  answer: Unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015003
  notes: 'Benefits and harms for primary prevention remain unclear. May reduce mortality
    but very uncertain. Increases diarrhea risk. High-quality trials needed before
    recommending for primary prevention.

    '
  date: '2025-02-10'
- question: Is in vitro maturation good for PCOS fertility treatment?
  answer: 'Mixed: reduces ovarian complications but increases miscarriage.'
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006606
  notes: 'Similar live birth rates to standard IVF but very low confidence. IVM greatly
    reduces ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but increases miscarriage risk. Trade-off
    decision needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-06'
- question: Do TNF inhibitors help psoriatic arthritis?
  answer: Yes, substantially.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013614
  notes: '359 additional per 1000 improved at 12 weeks. Improves disease control,
    physical function, and quality of life. Slows joint damage. Similar serious side
    effects to placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-02-13'
- question: Do antidepressants help generalized anxiety disorder?
  answer: Yes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012942
  notes: 'High confidence that antidepressants are more effective than placebo. Number
    needed to treat is 7 patients. Twice as many stop due to side effects, but fewer
    stop due to lack of effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2025-01-30'
- question: Does alendronate prevent osteoporotic fractures?
  answer: Probably for spinal fractures.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001155
  notes: 'For higher-risk women, probably prevents clinical spinal fractures and may
    prevent hip/wrist fractures. May reduce serious adverse events. Lower confidence
    findings for lower-risk women.

    '
  date: '2025-01-27'
- question: Does calorie labeling change food choices?
  answer: Small reduction in calories selected.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014845
  notes: 'Calorie labels reduce selection by ~11 kcal (600→589 kcal per meal). May
    reduce consumption by ~35 kcal but less confident. Insufficient evidence for alcohol.
    Higher quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-01-17'
- question: Does tranexamic acid prevent postpartum bleeding after vaginal birth?
  answer: No benefit shown.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007872
  notes: 'Preventive TXA results in little to no difference in heavy bleeding after
    vaginal birth. Very few serious adverse events reported. Not recommended for routine
    use after vaginal delivery.

    '
  date: '2025-01-15'
- question: Do diuretics help acute kidney injury?
  answer: May help prevent but not treat.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014937
  notes: 'For prevention: probably reduce dialysis need and may lower AKI and death
    risk. For treatment: minimal benefit for dialysis or mortality, and increase low
    blood pressure and irregular heartbeat risk.

    '
  date: '2025-01-29'
- question: Should blood thinners be stopped for pacemaker surgery?
  answer: Either approach appears safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013816
  notes: 'Stopping blood thinners before/during CIED surgery may result in little
    to no difference in clots or bleeding vs continuing them. Applies to both warfarin
    and DOACs.

    '
  date: '2025-01-28'
- question: Is pre-emptive CMV treatment effective for transplant recipients?
  answer: Probably reduces CMV disease.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005133
  notes: 'Pre-emptive treatment probably reduces CMV disease vs placebo. Roughly equivalent
    to preventive antiviral therapy for preventing disease. Higher CMV infection risk
    but fewer low white cell counts.

    '
  date: '2025-01-14'
- question: Does methylphenidate help ADHD in children?
  answer: May improve symptoms but very low certainty.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009885
  notes: 'May improve ADHD symptoms and behavior. No increased serious adverse events
    but may cause more sleep problems and appetite loss. Very low certainty evidence;
    studies short and small.

    '
  date: '2025-12-04'
- question: Does calcium supplementation prevent pregnancy blood pressure disorders?
  answer: Probably little to no difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001059
  notes: 'Large high-quality studies show little to no difference in preventing pre-eclampsia.
    Probably little to no difference in maternal death or severe complications. Research
    should focus on other prevention methods.

    '
  date: '2025-12-03'
- question: Does manual therapy with exercise help neck pain?
  answer: Yes, especially vs no treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011225
  notes: 'Large pain reduction and moderate function increase vs no treatment. Moderate
    function increase but little pain reduction vs placebo. Minimal side effects.
    Low confidence in findings.

    '
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Is conservative management vs dialysis better for older kidney failure
    patients?
  answer: Uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015151
  notes: 'No randomized trials available. Uncertain effects on death, hospitalization,
    and quality of life. Unsure whether conservative management impacts life expectancy
    or quality of life vs dialysis.

    '
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Are rapid antigen tests accurate for asymptomatic COVID-19?
  answer: Poor sensitivity, high false positives.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013705
  notes: 'Tests correctly identify only ~55% of asymptomatic infections. 99.5% accurate
    at ruling out infection. At typical prevalence, 2-3 of 5 positive results are
    false positives. None meet WHO asymptomatic standards.

    '
  date: '2025-11-28'
- question: Do stem cells help decompensated cirrhosis?
  answer: Very uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015173
  notes: 'Lower death rates in stem cell group (13% vs 29%) but evidence too low quality
    to conclude. Fewer serious complications. Cannot determine effects with certainty.
    Better-designed trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-28'
- question: Do digital technologies improve CF treatment adherence?
  answer: Probably modest improvement.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013733
  notes: 'Digitally enhanced nebulizers may improve adherence to inhaled therapy.
    Data-tracking with online support probably improves adherence. Little impact on
    quality of life or lung function.

    '
  date: '2025-12-10'
- question: Does electrical stimulation help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes, increases muscle strength.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015338
  notes: 'Cyclical electrical stimulation effectively increases muscle strength and
    helps daily activities. Functional electrical stimulation provides moderate benefit
    vs no treatment, but minimal extra benefit over practice alone.

    '
  date: '2025-12-15'
- question: Should preterm infants have lower or higher transfusion thresholds?
  answer: Lower threshold is safe and equivalent.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000512
  notes: 'Lower and higher thresholds show similar rates of death or disability at
    2 years. Lower threshold means fewer transfusions. No difference in mortality
    or developmental outcomes.

    '
  date: '2025-12-11'
- question: Do school meal programs improve disadvantaged children's health?
  answer: Modest benefits for math and growth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014794
  notes: 'Small increase in math test scores in low/middle-income countries. Little
    effect on reading or attendance. Probably small gains in height and weight. More
    research needed in high-income countries.

    '
  date: '2025-12-11'
- question: Do multi-component programs help adolescents with obesity?
  answer: Slightly improve physical well-being and BMI.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016062
  notes: 'Slightly improved physical well-being and BMI z-score at 2 years. Limited
    effects on mental well-being, physical activity, and quality of life. More studies
    needed in diverse populations.

    '
  date: '2025-12-18'
- question: Do multi-component programs help children with obesity?
  answer: Limited benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016063
  notes: 'Healthcare programs may improve physical activity but minimal weight/mental
    health effects. Community programs may slightly improve quality of life. Limited
    effects on BMI. Most evidence from wealthy nations.

    '
  date: '2025-12-16'
- question: Is lurasidone better than typical antipsychotics for schizophrenia?
  answer: Unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012429
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 308 participants. Very uncertain whether lurasidone
    improves symptoms or has fewer side effects vs haloperidol. More large-scale research
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-01-20'
- question: Does thrombolysis help after subarachnoid hemorrhage?
  answer: Likely reduces poor functional outcome.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013748
  notes: 'Likely reduces poor functional outcome and cerebral artery vasospasm. May
    reduce delayed cerebral ischemia. Little to no effect on death rates. No increase
    in bleeding complications.

    '
  date: '2025-01-17'
- question: Do vasodilators help with female infertility?
  answer: May increase pregnancy but not live birth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010001
  notes: 'Probably increase pregnancy likelihood. Likely cause headaches and rapid
    heartbeat. May have little or no effect on live birth rates. More high-quality
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-03-06'
- question: Do alternative care models help low back pain?
  answer: No meaningful difference vs standard care.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015083
  notes: 'Telemedicine and group-based treatment produce small but clinically unimportant
    pain/function differences. Little difference in imaging referrals or opioid use.
    Don''t substantially improve care quality.

    '
  date: '2025-03-07'
- question: Should Hodgkin lymphoma treatment be adjusted based on PET scans?
  answer: May benefit advanced-stage patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010533
  notes: 'For advanced disease, reducing chemo intensity after negative PET probably
    increases overall survival. Omitting radiotherapy may similarly benefit survival.
    Uncertain effects for early/intermediate-stage disease.

    '
  date: '2025-03-26'
- question: Are renin inhibitors better than ARBs for hypertension?
  answer: Little to no difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012570
  notes: 'Little to no difference in death, adverse effects, or blood pressure control
    between renin inhibitors and ARBs. Studies were short-term (4 weeks to 9 months).
    Longer studies with cardiovascular outcomes needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-27'
- question: Does balloon dilation help Eustachian tube dysfunction?
  answer: Probably improves symptoms short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013429
  notes: 'Probably improves dysfunction symptoms up to 3 months vs nasal medications.
    Effects beyond 3 months very uncertain. No serious complications documented. Low
    to very low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-02-26'
- question: Do GLP-1 drugs help people with kidney disease and diabetes?
  answer: Probably reduce death and heart events.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015849
  notes: 'Probably reduce overall death risk and major cardiovascular events (heart
    attack, stroke). Probably little difference in kidney failure. May have little
    effect on severe low blood sugar risk.

    '
  date: '2025-02-18'
- question: Can breastfeeding support prevent postpartum depression?
  answer: May help prevent some cases short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014833
  notes: 'Psychosocial breastfeeding support may prevent some depression cases at
    1-3 months. May slightly reduce anxiety and help longer-term breastfeeding. Low
    certainty evidence. No harmful effects reported.

    '
  date: '2025-02-18'
- question: Does melatonin help cancer patients?
  answer: May reduce fatigue, unclear on quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010145
  notes: 'Probably reduces fatigue and may reduce nausea alongside cancer treatment.
    Effects on quality of life and sleep unclear. Might not increase adverse events.
    Very low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-04-30'
- question: What's the best cervical preparation for second-trimester abortion?
  answer: Misoprostol plus osmotic dilators probably works well.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007310
  notes: 'Misoprostol plus osmotic dilators probably reduces procedure time and improves
    dilation. Overnight laminaria may be better than same-day Dilapan-S. Both methods
    likely safe and effective.

    '
  date: '2025-03-03'
- question: Should mesenteric defects be closed after gastric bypass?
  answer: May reduce internal hernias.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014612
  notes: 'Closing defects may reduce internal hernias compared to not closing. Little
    difference in complications or death rates. May result in longer hospital stays.
    Limited evidence from 3 studies.

    '
  date: '2025-04-08'
- question: What's the best treatment for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms?
  answer: No evidence available.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014226
  notes: 'No randomized controlled trials exist. Significant research gap due to condition
    rarity and case variability. No guidance available for treatment choices between
    FEVAR, open surgery, or conservative management.

    '
  date: '2025-05-28'
- question: Do EGFR inhibitors after lung cancer surgery help survival?
  answer: Probably extend time before recurrence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015140
  notes: 'Probably extend duration before cancer returns and overall survival vs placebo.
    More mild side effects. Similar to chemotherapy for survival but fewer severe
    side effects. ~50% recur within 1 year after stopping.

    '
  date: '2025-05-27'
- question: Do mobile digital tools improve primary care?
  answer: May help guideline adherence but small effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012925
  notes: 'Digital systems may help healthcare workers follow guidelines better and
    keep more accurate records. Mixed patient outcomes. Many studies showed little
    or no difference. Low confidence in findings.

    '
  date: '2025-04-07'
- question: Do lutein/zeaxanthin supplements help preterm babies?
  answer: Probably reduce severe eye disease.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012178
  notes: 'Probably reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity. Little or no effect on
    death, brain bleeding, or gut inflammation. No harmful effects. All studies from
    Italy/USA; more diverse research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-04-28'
- question: Should antibiotics be given for miscarriage surgery?
  answer: Routine antibiotics reduce infection risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014844
  notes: 'Well-conducted studies show routine antibiotics reduce uterine infection
    risk after surgery. Little difference in vomiting or diarrhea. May increase allergy
    risk. High confidence from best studies.

    '
  date: '2025-04-15'
- question: Should antipsychotics be switched for non-responsive schizophrenia?
  answer: Unclear, very uncertain evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011885
  notes: 'No clear differences between switching vs continuing antipsychotics for
    response rates, tolerability, or quality of life. Evidence highly uncertain. Larger,
    better-designed studies urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2025-04-11'
- question: Should calcineurin inhibitors be delayed after kidney transplant?
  answer: Little difference either way.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014855
  notes: 'Little or no difference in delayed kidney recovery or acute rejection between
    delaying or starting at lower doses. Similar outcomes for death and infection
    risk. Low confidence in evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-04-08'
- question: Does hormonal contraception increase HIV risk?
  answer: DMPA vs implants may slightly increase risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015701
  notes: 'DMPA injections vs copper IUD shows little to no HIV risk difference. LNG
    implants vs copper IUD similar. DMPA vs LNG implants probably slightly increases
    HIV risk. HIV prevention remains crucial.

    '
  date: '2025-06-06'
- question: Are PPIs safe for preterm infants with reflux?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015127
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 62 infants. One study showed reduced acid exposure
    but no effect on symptoms. Insufficient data on benefits and harms despite widespread
    use. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-03-11'
- question: What helps people stop vaping?
  answer: Text support and varenicline may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016058
  notes: 'Text message support may help young people stop vaping. Varenicline may
    help vs placebo. Insufficient evidence for NRT or other treatments. Very few serious
    side effects reported. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-25'
- question: Does acupuncture help newborn drug withdrawal syndrome?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014160
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 104 infants. Unable to draw conclusions about
    benefits and risks. Very low quality evidence. No adverse events reported. More
    large, well-designed studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-02-21'
- question: Can preterm babies be discharged home early with tube feeding?
  answer: Very uncertain, may be safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003743
  notes: 'One small study showed little difference in weight gain, breastfeeding,
    or hospital readmission. May reduce respiratory infections. Very uncertain evidence.
    Larger high-quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-13'
- question: Does sustained lung inflation help newborn resuscitation?
  answer: May reduce need for breathing machines.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004953
  notes: 'May make little or no difference to newborn deaths. May reduce need for
    mechanical ventilation. Limited evidence quality due to study design issues and
    small sample sizes.

    '
  date: '2025-07-18'
- question: Is midazolam safe for newborn sedation in intensive care?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to support use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002052
  notes: 'Very limited and uncertain information about effectiveness and safety. One
    study suggested higher neurological complications vs morphine. Not enough evidence
    to support use, especially in preterm babies.

    '
  date: '2025-07-17'
- question: Do clinical pathways improve hospital care?
  answer: Likely reduce complications and length of stay.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006632
  notes: 'Standalone pathways likely reduce complications and hospital stay. May slightly
    increase guideline adherence. Uncertain effects on mortality and readmissions.
    More implementation research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-14'
- question: Do atypical antipsychotics help autism symptoms?
  answer: Risperidone and aripiprazole may reduce irritability.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014965
  notes: 'Risperidone and aripiprazole may reduce irritability in children with autism.
    Lurasidone probably little difference. May improve obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
    Uncertainty about side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-05-21'
- question: Do vaccines work for adults with blood cancers?
  answer: Herpes zoster vaccines may help, others uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015530
  notes: 'Herpes zoster vaccines may decrease infection risk up to 21 months. Evidence
    for COVID-19 and flu vaccines highly uncertain. No quality of life data. Better-designed
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-05-21'
- question: What's the best breathing support for preterm babies after extubation?
  answer: NIPPV or high-frequency oscillation may be best.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014509
  notes: 'Nasal intermittent positive pressure may reduce treatment failure. Non-invasive
    high-frequency oscillation likely reduces failure and may reduce long-lasting
    lung problems. Moderate to low certainty.

    '
  date: '2025-07-11'
- question: Do brexanolone and zuranolone help postnatal depression?
  answer: Zuranolone probably helps, brexanolone unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014624
  notes: 'Oral zuranolone probably reduces depression symptoms but probably increases
    harmful events. IV brexanolone may make little or no difference. No comparisons
    to traditional antidepressants or talking therapy.

    '
  date: '2025-06-26'
- question: Does genetic testing help select better cancer drugs?
  answer: Probably delays cancer progression.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014872
  notes: 'Matched targeted therapies probably delay cancer progression more than standard
    care. Combined with standard treatment, probably prolongs life. Limited evidence
    on quality of life. Supports making genetic testing accessible.

    '
  date: '2025-03-24'
- question: Do vaccines work for adults with solid tumor cancers?
  answer: Herpes zoster and COVID vaccines help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015551
  notes: 'Herpes zoster vaccines reduce shingles (more injection site reactions).
    COVID vaccines likely reduce infection but increase general side effects. Limited
    flu vaccine evidence. No studies for many vaccine types.

    '
  date: '2025-04-16'
- question: Do smoking cessation interventions work differently by socioeconomic status?
  answer: No clear evidence of differential effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015120
  notes: 'No clear evidence that any intervention works better for lower or higher
    socioeconomic groups. E-cigarettes and cytisine may help lower SES more. Very
    low confidence in findings. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-01-27'
- question: What's the best topical antibiotic for bacterial keratitis?
  answer: Vancomycin+ceftazidime or moxifloxacin.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015350
  notes: 'Vancomycin+ceftazidime, moxifloxacin, and cefazolin+tobramycin showed fastest
    healing. Ciprofloxacin alone slowest. Vancomycin+ceftazidime least likely to cause
    harm. Low confidence overall.

    '
  date: '2025-07-29'
- question: How accurate is Xpert Ultra for TB diagnosis?
  answer: High sensitivity and specificity.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009593
  notes: '91% sensitivity for pulmonary TB, 95% specificity. 96% sensitivity for rifampicin
    resistance. High-certainty evidence. Allows rapid initiation of treatment for
    drug-resistant TB.

    '
  date: '2025-07-29'
- question: What's the best surgical approach for hip replacement?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016031
  notes: 'Minimal differences between anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches
    for activity, function, pain, or mortality. Anterior may slightly reduce limping
    at 3 months. Small study sizes limit conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-06-13'
- question: Does CBT help cancer patients with insomnia?
  answer: May help slightly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015176
  notes: 'CBT-I may slightly reduce insomnia severity and improve sleep quality in
    cancer patients. Effects are modest. Appears safe with no concerning adverse events.
    Evidence quality is low.

    '
  date: '2025-10-31'
- question: Does cold therapy help after knee replacement?
  answer: Small benefits, unclear clinical value.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007911
  notes: 'May reduce blood loss by 264mL, pain by 1.6 points, and improve knee bending
    by 8 degrees. Benefits may be too small to justify routine use. No serious adverse
    events documented.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does tirzepatide help with obesity?
  answer: Yes, significant weight loss.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016018
  notes: 'Likely results in significant weight loss up to 1.5 years and maintains
    gains for 3.5 years. May cause indigestion and nausea. Little effect on cardiovascular
    events or quality of life. All studies manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does liraglutide help with obesity?
  answer: Modest benefit, more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016017
  notes: 'Helps more people achieve 5% weight loss but overall weight change minimal
    long-term. More gastrointestinal side effects and serious adverse events. Little
    effect on quality of life. Most studies manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does semaglutide help with obesity?
  answer: Yes, significant weight loss.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015092
  notes: 'Adults experience greater weight reduction vs placebo. More achieve 5% weight
    loss. Increased side effects become more significant long-term. Little effect
    on quality of life. Most studies manufacturer-funded.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Is propofol better for colonoscopy sedation?
  answer: Faster recovery, similar safety.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006268
  notes: 'May improve recovery time and patient satisfaction vs traditional sedatives.
    No difference in procedure completion, perforation risk, or serious respiratory
    complications. Can be safely given by non-anesthesiologists.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does acupuncture help polycystic ovary syndrome?
  answer: No clear fertility benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007689
  notes: 'Little to no effect on live birth, ovulation, pregnancy, or miscarriage
    rates compared to sham. May slightly reduce days between periods. More adverse
    events than sham including dizziness and nausea.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does molnupiravir help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Minimal to no benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015381
  notes: 'Probably little to no difference in death or hospitalization for outpatients.
    No clear prevention of disease progression. Safety profile acceptable. Evidence
    unclear for hospitalized patients.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Do antibiotics prevent infection after leg artery surgery?
  answer: May reduce infections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015022
  notes: 'Prophylactic antibiotics may reduce surgical site infections. Little difference
    between short-term and long-term courses. Wound vacuum therapy may also help.
    Evidence quality is low.

    '
  date: '2025-10-29'
- question: Can AI detect keratoconus accurately?
  answer: Good for manifest, poor for early disease.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014911
  notes: 'Almost perfect accuracy for clinically detectable keratoconus. Much lower
    accuracy for early/subclinical cases - may miss cases leading to inappropriate
    surgery. Evidence quality low due to study design problems.

    '
  date: '2023-11-15'
- question: Can the HINTS exam identify stroke in dizzy patients?
  answer: Yes, good sensitivity.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015089
  notes: 'HINTS exam correctly identifies brain-related causes 94% of the time in
    emergency settings when performed by trained clinicians. HINTS Plus (with hearing
    test) has 95% sensitivity. Evidence quality is low.

    '
  date: '2023-11-02'
- question: Do nicotine pouches help people quit smoking?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016220
  notes: 'Limited evidence on whether pouches help quit smoking. One small study suggested
    lower quit rates than e-cigarettes. No serious short-term harms identified. More
    research comparing to established treatments needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-24'
- question: Which hormone therapy is safest for the womb?
  answer: Continuous combined therapy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000402
  notes: 'Estrogen alone probably increases endometrial hyperplasia. Sequential combined
    therapy may increase risk at one year. Continuous combined therapy (both hormones
    daily) shows little to no difference vs placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-10-23'
- question: Does skin-to-skin contact benefit newborns?
  answer: Yes, improves breastfeeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003519
  notes: 'Mothers with skin-to-skin contact probably more likely to exclusively breastfeed
    up to 6 months. Infants show higher blood glucose and stable temperature. Little
    effect on placenta delivery or maternal bleeding.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Is it safe to use lower blood transfusion thresholds?
  answer: Yes, for most patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002042
  notes: 'Lower thresholds (7-8 g/dL) reduce transfusions by 42% with no clear difference
    in mortality for most patients. Exception: brain injury patients may need higher
    thresholds for better neurological recovery.

    '
  date: '2025-10-20'
- question: Can treatments help impulsive behaviors in Parkinson's?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015046
  notes: 'Only 4 small studies with 151 participants. Amantadine, naltrexone, clonidine,
    and CBT showed uncertain or minimal effects. More research with larger studies
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: Does immunoglobulin help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: May help slightly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013801
  notes: 'IV immunoglobulin may slightly improve symptoms and daily activities vs
    placebo, but improvements may be too small to matter. Causes headache in up to
    one-third. Less beneficial than plasma exchange.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: How accurate is Xpert Ultra for TB in children?
  answer: Moderate sensitivity, good specificity.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013359
  notes: '75% sensitivity from sputum samples, 96% specificity. May miss 1 in 4 cases.
    Nasopharyngeal samples least reliable (46%). Should not replace comprehensive
    clinical evaluation.

    '
  date: '2025-10-23'
- question: Is pyronaridine-artesunate effective for malaria?
  answer: Yes, less than 5% treatment failure.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006404
  notes: 'May perform better than artemether-lumefantrine. Temporarily raises liver
    enzymes but no severe liver injury. Most evidence from older children and adults.

    '
  date: '2025-10-14'
- question: Do blood pressure medications help adults over 60?
  answer: Yes, reduce death and strokes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000028
  notes: 'Lowers chance of death and probably reduces heart attacks and strokes. 15.7%
    withdrew due to side effects vs 5.4% on placebo. High-certainty evidence for mortality
    reduction.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do progestagens help endometriosis pain?
  answer: Probably reduce pain vs placebo.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002122
  notes: 'Oral progestagens probably reduce overall pain and painful periods. Improve
    quality of life. Inconclusive when compared to other hormonal treatments. May
    cause more cumulative side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do work breaks prevent musculoskeletal problems?
  answer: May reduce back pain, very uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012886
  notes: 'Additional breaks may reduce back pain intensity. Higher frequency or active
    breaks showed little effect. Only 9 small studies, mostly office workers. More
    research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-08'
- question: Does intraperitoneal chemo help stomach cancer?
  answer: May help but evidence very uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015698
  notes: 'Direct abdominal chemotherapy may help patients live longer. Little effect
    on surgical complications. Most studies from Asia. Cannot draw firm conclusions
    due to weak evidence quality.

    '
  date: '2025-10-09'
- question: Do medications help cannabis use disorder?
  answer: Uncertain, probably ineffective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008940
  notes: 'THC preparations, CBD, N-acetylcysteine and others showed limited benefit
    for achieving abstinence. Should still be considered experimental. Psychological
    treatments remain the recommended approach.

    '
  date: '2025-09-30'
- question: Do antibiotics prevent infection after corneal abrasion?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014617
  notes: 'Not enough high-quality evidence to support or refute topical antibiotics.
    Healing rates similar (~94-100% in 1-3 days) with or without antibiotics. Mild
    side effects like irritation occur equally.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Do RSV vaccines work?
  answer: Yes, reduce illness significantly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016131
  notes: 'In older adults, prefusion vaccines reduce RSV illness by 77%. Maternal
    vaccination reduces infant hospitalizations by 54%. Little to no difference in
    serious adverse effects vs placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-09-29'
- question: Do BP medications help mild hypertension?
  answer: May reduce stroke but uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006742
  notes: 'May not reduce death or major cardiovascular disease. May reduce stroke
    risk. Increases withdrawals due to side effects. Only 5 small studies so little
    confidence in evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does remote ischaemic conditioning help stroke?
  answer: Likely reduces recurrent stroke.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012503
  notes: 'Briefly restricting blood flow in a limb likely reduces risk of another
    stroke. May help recovery of brain function and daily abilities. Safe with no
    increased bleeding risk. Most studies from China.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Do omega-3 supplements help diabetic neuropathy?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014623
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 87 participants. May make little or no difference
    to nerve impairment, symptoms, or wellbeing. Similar side effects to placebo.
    Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does combined training help stroke recovery?
  answer: May provide small improvements.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016002
  notes: 'Aerobic plus strength training is safe and may improve fitness, balance,
    and walking speed modestly. Does not reduce deaths or recurrent strokes. Most
    studies in wealthy nations with ambulatory patients.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does strength training help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes, improves muscle strength.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016001
  notes: 'Clearly improves leg and arm strength, especially on unaffected side. Can
    improve balance. Minimal effect on walking speed. May reduce depression. Safe
    to participate.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: Does misoprostol help IUD placement?
  answer: Little benefit, more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015584
  notes: 'Little to no difference in pain during or after placement. May slightly
    help after previous failed attempt. Increases stomach cramps and diarrhea. Not
    recommended for routine use.

    '
  date: '2025-09-23'
- question: Does calcium before pregnancy prevent preeclampsia?
  answer: No clear benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011192
  notes: 'One study with 1,355 women showed little to no difference in preeclampsia
    or pregnancy loss. No harmful effects seen. Current evidence neither supports
    nor refutes routine use.

    '
  date: '2025-09-18'
- question: Does wrist acupoint stimulation prevent post-op nausea?
  answer: May help when combined with drugs.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003281
  notes: 'PC6 stimulation (needle or acupressure) combined with anti-nausea medication
    probably decreases need for additional drugs. Minor side effects like skin irritation
    only. Works similarly to drugs alone.

    '
  date: '2025-09-12'
- question: Do probiotics prevent C. difficile diarrhea?
  answer: May reduce risk in high-risk patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006095
  notes: 'Probiotics may result in small reduction in C. diff diarrhea overall. No
    benefit in low-risk patients but 70% reduction in high-risk groups. Safe with
    fewer side effects than placebo.

    '
  date: '2025-09-11'
- question: Can opioid use disorder be treated in primary care?
  answer: May be effective with greater patient satisfaction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013672
  notes: 'Primary care may result in greater abstinence from non-prescribed opioids
    and higher patient satisfaction. Results from stable patients at experienced clinics.
    May not apply to typical settings.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Does VR training help learn endoscopy?
  answer: Best as supplement to patient training.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008237
  notes: 'VR training may provide advantage for independent completion vs no training.
    Not conclusively better than patient-based training alone. VR plus conventional
    training appears most advantageous.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: What prevents falls in care facilities?
  answer: Multifactorial programs, exercise, vitamin D.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016064
  notes: 'Combined individualized strategies probably reduce falls. Exercise programs
    probably help even with cognitive decline. Vitamin D helps those with low levels.
    Medication changes show mixed results.

    '
  date: '2025-08-20'
- question: Does regular clotting factor prevent hemophilia joint disease?
  answer: Reduces bleeds but may not prevent joint damage.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003429
  notes: 'Prophylactic therapy may reduce joint and overall bleeding. No evidence
    of difference in joint damage vs on-demand treatment. May not improve quality
    of life. Requires many more monthly infusions.

    '
  date: '2025-08-21'
- question: Do antibiotics during labor prevent infections?
  answer: Probably reduce maternal sepsis.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016211
  notes: 'Probably reduce maternal sepsis but make little difference to maternal or
    neonatal death. No difference in neonatal sepsis or NICU admission. Evidence on
    antibiotic resistance remains uncertain.

    '
  date: '2025-08-26'
- question: Does HPV vaccination help after cervical conisation?
  answer: May reduce precancerous changes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016121
  notes: 'May reduce precancerous cervical changes after conisation. Evidence on cervical
    cancer and persistent HPV infection is uncertain. Common side effects include
    redness and headache.

    '
  date: '2025-09-08'
- question: Do multi-component programs help adolescent obesity?
  answer: Small improvements in community settings.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016062
  notes: 'Healthcare-based interventions show minimal impact. Community-based programs
    may slightly improve physical wellbeing and weight over 2 years. Little effect
    on mental health or activity. Low evidence confidence.

    '
  date: '2025-12-18'
- question: Do multi-component programs help childhood obesity?
  answer: May modestly improve some outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016063
  notes: 'Healthcare-based programs may improve physical activity at 12 months. Community-based
    may slightly improve quality of life at 24 months. Minimal effects on weight.
    Only studied in high-income countries.

    '
  date: '2025-12-16'
- question: Do school meals help disadvantaged children?
  answer: Modest educational and health benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014794
  notes: 'Modest improvement in math scores and small enrollment increase. Likely
    small gains in height and weight. Little effect on reading or attendance. Most
    evidence from low/middle-income countries.

    '
  date: '2025-12-11'
- question: Can the STAI screen for anxiety disorders?
  answer: Not well-suited for screening.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015458
  notes: '83% sensitivity but many false positives. Designed to measure severity,
    not for screening. Of 1,000 screened, 381 without anxiety would be falsely flagged.
    Shorter specialized questionnaires recommended.

    '
  date: '2025-12-19'
- question: Can the BAI screen for anxiety disorders?
  answer: Utility is uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015457
  notes: '54% sensitivity at standard cutoff, misses 46% of cases. 87% specificity.
    Would miss 124 cases and falsely identify 95 per 1,000 screened. Shorter screening
    questionnaires may be preferable.

    '
  date: '2025-12-12'
- question: Do rapid TB tests improve patient outcomes?
  answer: Faster diagnosis but no mortality benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016194
  notes: 'Xpert Ultra makes little difference to mortality. Probably decreases time
    to diagnosis and treatment. May increase loss to follow-up. No data on cure rates.
    Based on only 2 trials with adults.

    '
  date: '2025-12-18'
- question: Is conservative management as good as dialysis for older adults?
  answer: Very uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015151
  notes: 'Unclear if conservative kidney management affects death or quality of life
    vs dialysis. No randomized studies available. Cannot establish if conservative
    approach is better, worse, or equivalent.

    '
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Does manual therapy with exercise help neck pain?
  answer: Better than nothing, minimal benefit vs placebo.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011225
  notes: 'Large pain reduction and moderate function improvement vs no treatment.
    Little to no pain reduction but moderate function increase vs sham. Similar rates
    of minor side effects like headache.

    '
  date: '2025-12-09'
- question: Does acupuncture help insomnia in cancer patients?
  answer: Less effective than CBT, may help vs no treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015177
  notes: 'Probably less effective than CBT-I for insomnia. May help vs no treatment
    but very low confidence. Minimal effect vs sham acupuncture. Larger trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-12-05'
- question: Does methylphenidate help ADHD in children?
  answer: May improve symptoms with some side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009885
  notes: 'May improve ADHD symptoms and behavior based on teacher ratings. May not
    affect quality of life. Increased sleeping problems and decreased appetite. Very
    low certainty evidence, mostly short studies.

    '
  date: '2025-12-04'
- question: Does calcium during pregnancy prevent preeclampsia?
  answer: Probably little to no effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001059
  notes: 'Little to no difference in preeclampsia risk based on large rigorous studies.
    Probably little to no difference in maternal death or severe complications. Does
    not appear effective for prevention.

    '
  date: '2025-12-03'
- question: Do decongestants or antihistamines help ear infections in children?
  answer: Very uncertain, minimal evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015839
  notes: 'Unclear effects on ear pain or fluid buildup. May have little impact on
    complications. No new research since 2003. Evidence too uncertain to draw conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: What are long-term effects of hormone therapy?
  answer: Reduces fractures but increases some risks.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004143
  notes: 'Combined therapy reduces fractures but increases breast cancer (19→24/1000)
    and may increase stroke/clots. Estrogen-only reduces fractures with minimal breast
    cancer impact but increases stroke and gallbladder disease.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: Does cyproterone acetate help unwanted hair growth?
  answer: Similar to alternatives.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001125
  notes: 'No important differences vs most alternative treatments for reducing unwanted
    hair. Marginal advantage vs spironolactone at 6 months and finasteride at 24 months
    when combined with ethinylestradiol.

    '
  date: '2025-11-25'
- question: What helps people quit vaping?
  answer: Text messaging and varenicline may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016058
  notes: 'Text messaging may help young people quit vaping. Varenicline may help compared
    to placebo. Nicotine replacement, cytisine, and incentives showed inconclusive
    results. Evidence remains limited.

    '
  date: '2025-11-25'
- question: Do antibiotics help the common cold?
  answer: No, and more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000247
  notes: 'Antibiotics do not work for common cold or purulent rhinitis. No symptom
    improvement vs placebo. Adults on antibiotics had 2.6 times more adverse reactions.
    Routine use not recommended.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Do HPV vaccines reduce cervical cancer in populations?
  answer: Yes, about 80% reduction if vaccinated young.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015363
  notes: 'Reduces cervical cancer by ~80% when vaccinated at or before age 16. Also
    protects against precancerous lesions and genital warts. Not associated with long-term
    side effects or infertility.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: How effective are HPV vaccines individually?
  answer: Reduce precancer by 30-60% and warts by 62%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015364
  notes: 'Reduce high-grade cervical precancer by ~30% overall, 60% for vaccine-matched
    types. Reduce anogenital warts by 62%. Studies too short to measure cancer directly.
    Common local reactions only.

    '
  date: '2025-11-24'
- question: Does uterine septum surgery improve pregnancy outcomes?
  answer: Little to no difference in live birth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008576
  notes: 'One small trial with 79 participants showed little to no difference vs watchful
    waiting. Risks include uterine perforation and incomplete removal. More high-quality
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-21'
- question: Do anti-inflammatory drops help blepharitis?
  answer: Limited evidence, lid hygiene still valid.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013550
  notes: 'Unclear if steroids or cyclosporine improve symptoms vs placebo. Steroids
    plus antibiotics probably help corneal staining. Well-tolerated. Lid hygiene and
    warm compress remain valid options.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Do DPP-4 inhibitors help diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: Unclear if they prevent major outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015906
  notes: 'Evidence does not establish whether DPP-4 inhibitors reduce death, heart
    attacks, or kidney complications. Insufficient evidence comparing to other diabetes
    medications. Better trials needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: What treats urinary incontinence in older women?
  answer: Pelvic floor training may be most effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015376
  notes: 'Pelvic floor training with or without complementary treatments may be most
    effective. Physical therapies with education show strong results. No serious adverse
    events from exercise. Medications reported some.

    '
  date: '2025-11-27'
- question: Is single-incision appendix surgery better?
  answer: Better cosmetics but more conversions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009022
  notes: 'Probably superior cosmetic results. No difference in pain, infection, or
    serious complications. Higher risk of needing to switch to multiple incisions.
    Similar hospital stay and recovery time.

    '
  date: '2025-09-19'
- question: Does breast surgery help metastatic breast cancer?
  answer: Improves local control but not survival.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011276
  notes: 'Reduces cancer progression in the breast but did not improve overall survival.
    May slightly extend life for luminal tumors. Does not prevent distant spread.
    May not affect quality of life.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Does non-invasive ventilation help cystic fibrosis?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to conclude.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002769
  notes: 'May ease breathlessness and improve oxygen levels. May enhance sleep quality
    and reduce exercise fatigue. All studies too small. Low to very low confidence.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-11-18'
- question: Does colchicine prevent heart attacks and strokes?
  answer: Yes, high-certainty evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014808
  notes: 'High-certainty evidence that colchicine reduces heart attack and stroke
    risk without increasing serious adverse events. Does not reduce mortality. Increases
    gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea.

    '
  date: '2025-11-13'
- question: Do e-cigarettes help quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, better than nicotine replacement.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216
  notes: '8-11 per 100 quit with nicotine e-cigs vs 6 per 100 with NRT. Probably better
    than non-nicotine e-cigs. Common side effects include throat irritation and headache.
    Rare serious adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2025-11-10'
- question: Is high-frequency ventilation better for term infants?
  answer: Very unclear, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002974
  notes: 'Very unclear whether HFOV is better than conventional ventilation. No clear
    mortality difference. Only 3 small studies with 368 infants. Unable to support
    or refute its use.

    '
  date: '2025-11-11'
- question: Do thiazolidinediones help diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: Unclear, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015907
  notes: 'Unclear if they prevent heart problems, strokes, or kidney complications.
    May have little effect on cardiovascular death. Insufficient data, especially
    for advanced kidney failure.

    '
  date: '2025-11-13'
- question: What IUI timing method works best?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006942
  notes: 'No clear superiority of any timing approach. Different intervals, hormone
    triggers, and monitoring methods showed no difference in pregnancy rates. Studies
    too small for confident conclusions.

    '
  date: '2025-09-23'
- question: Does riboflavin lower blood pressure?
  answer: Very uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015464
  notes: 'Effect on blood pressure is very uncertain. May produce little to no difference.
    Very low confidence due to small study sizes and incomplete reporting. Large trials
    needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: What predicts glaucoma progression?
  answer: Disc hemorrhage and bilateral disease.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015436
  notes: 'Disc hemorrhage and glaucoma in both eyes associated with faster worsening.
    Treatment slows progression. Pressure, age, and cardiovascular factors showed
    inconsistent results. Most studies poor quality.

    '
  date: '2025-12-10'
- question: Is simple hysterectomy safe for early cervical cancer?
  answer: May be viable with fewer side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012335
  notes: 'May result in similar death and recurrence rates vs radical surgery. Likely
    reduces surgical side effects. May improve sexual health and wellbeing. Two studies
    with 740 women.

    '
  date: '2025-10-15'
- question: Which pancreatic reconnection prevents leaks?
  answer: No clear difference between techniques.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013462
  notes: 'Duct-to-mucosa may have little to no effect on leakage vs invagination.
    Very low certainty evidence. Surgeons should use preferred methods. Most studies
    from China.

    '
  date: '2025-10-10'
- question: What predicts seizure recurrence after first seizure?
  answer: Abnormal EEG most predictive.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013848
  notes: 'Abnormal EEG probably associated with increased recurrence risk. Abnormal
    brain imaging, sleep seizures, and family history may also increase risk. Important
    for treatment and lifestyle decisions.

    '
  date: '2025-10-10'
- question: Do behavioral treatments help childhood epilepsy?
  answer: May reduce seizures slightly, low evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015287
  notes: 'Group psychotherapy may slightly reduce seizure frequency in teens. Unclear
    if yoga helps achieve seizure freedom. No harmful events reported. Very low evidence
    quality, more research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-22'
- question: Do behavioral treatments help adult epilepsy?
  answer: May reduce seizures slightly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015284
  notes: 'Psychological treatments probably reduce seizure frequency slightly. Yoga
    may help slightly. Self-management may improve quality of life. No high-certainty
    evidence. Only short-term data available.

    '
  date: '2025-09-24'
- question: What treats neurotrophic keratopathy?
  answer: No clear best treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015723
  notes: 'Cannot be certain any treatment is better than none. Nerve growth factor
    may help corneal healing. Other medical and surgical approaches showed no clear
    benefit. Low-quality evidence only.

    '
  date: '2025-12-05'
- question: Does COVID testing reduce hospitalizations and deaths?
  answer: Very uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016192
  notes: 'Cannot draw conclusions about testing vs no testing on reducing hospitalizations
    or deaths. Only 4 studies with relevant outcomes. Very low-certainty evidence.
    Better studies needed.

    '
  date: '2025-10-02'
- question: Does nucleoplasty help neck disc herniation?
  answer: May reduce pain but insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011852
  notes: 'May greatly reduce pain at 3 months vs conservative treatment. Little to
    no difference in function or quality of life. No serious adverse events. Insufficient
    evidence to recommend.

    '
  date: '2025-11-26'
- question: Does child feces disposal prevent diarrhea?
  answer: Some evidence it helps.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011055
  notes: 'Education programs reduced diarrhea by ~30%. No reliable evidence for preventing
    soil-transmitted helminth infections. Most interventions part of broader sanitation
    programs. Stronger research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-09-24'
- question: Does cooler dialysate prevent blood pressure drops?
  answer: May help but causes discomfort.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012598
  notes: 'Very low quality evidence that cooler dialysate may reduce low blood pressure
    episodes. Increases cold sensations and shivering. No data on death or heart attacks.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-07-05'
- question: Do GLP-1 agonists help type 2 diabetes?
  answer: Yes, reduce HbA1c by ~1% and weight.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006423
  notes: 'All GLP-1 agonists reduce HbA1c by about 1%. Exenatide and liraglutide cause
    greater weight loss than most drugs. Main side effect is nausea, strongest initially.
    No long-term studies available.

    '
  date: '2011-10-05'
- question: Should both cataracts be removed on the same day?
  answer: Probably no difference in outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013270
  notes: 'Probably no clinically important differences in infection, vision, or complications.
    Similar patient satisfaction. Same-day surgery has lower costs. Evidence quality
    moderate to very low.

    '
  date: '2022-04-25'
- question: What influences pregnant women using NRT to quit smoking?
  answer: Baby protection, provider advice, past experience.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013629
  notes: 'Women use NRT/e-cigs mainly to protect their babies. Health provider advice
    that they''re safer than smoking increases confidence. Past positive NRT experience
    increases willingness.

    '
  date: '2020-05-22'
- question: What prevents chemo-induced nausea best?
  answer: No single superior combination.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012775
  notes: 'Multiple drug combinations prevent vomiting in 60-81% of patients. No single
    combination is superior. For moderate chemo, choice of 5-HT3 inhibitor may matter.
    Serious adverse events are rare.

    '
  date: '2021-11-16'
- question: Can simple tests detect dehydration in elderly?
  answer: No individual test is reliable.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009647
  notes: 'No tests were consistently useful. Dry mouth, thirst, urine color, and heart
    rate should not be relied upon alone. Combining missing drinks and fatigue may
    help. Most tests miss many dehydrated people.

    '
  date: '2015-04-30'
- question: Does aromatherapy help post-surgery nausea?
  answer: Limited benefit, may reduce medication need.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007598
  notes: 'Not effective in reducing nausea severity vs placebo. May reduce need for
    anti-nausea medications. Isopropyl alcohol vapour provided faster relief. No adverse
    effects reported. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2018-03-09'
- question: Do drugs prevent hereditary angioedema attacks?
  answer: Yes, most reduce attack frequency.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013403
  notes: 'C1-INH, berotralstat, lanadelumab, and danazol reduce attack frequency vs
    placebo. C1-INH and lanadelumab also decrease severity. Improve quality of life.
    No head-to-head comparisons available.

    '
  date: '2022-11-03'
- question: Does CBT help chronic pain?
  answer: Small beneficial effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007407
  notes: 'CBT probably provides slightly less pain, disability, and distress vs no
    treatment. Very slight benefit vs other treatments like exercise. Benefits persist
    at 6-12 months. Insufficient adverse effect data.

    '
  date: '2020-08-14'
- question: Should babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months?
  answer: Yes, reduces GI infections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003517
  notes: '6 months exclusive breastfeeding lowers GI infection risk. Faster maternal
    weight loss. No growth deficits. No advantages for allergies, obesity, or cognition.
    May need iron monitoring in developing countries.

    '
  date: '2021-11-01'
- question: Does chondroitin help osteoarthritis?
  answer: May slightly improve pain short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005614
  notes: 'May improve pain by 10 points on 100-point scale short-term. Probably slightly
    improves quality of life. May slightly slow joint space narrowing. Fewer serious
    adverse events than placebo.

    '
  date: '2015-01-28'
- question: Does massage help low back pain?
  answer: Very little confidence in effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001929
  notes: 'Short-term pain improvement vs inactive controls. Modest relief vs active
    treatments. Short-term function improvement only. No serious adverse events. Most
    common issue is increased pain in 1.5-25%.

    '
  date: '2015-09-02'
- question: Can interventions improve medication adherence?
  answer: Limited success, no consistent approach.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000011
  notes: 'Patients take about half their doses. Complex interventions with family/peer
    support show some promise. Only 5 of 17 high-quality studies improved both adherence
    and outcomes. Even effective interventions show small improvements.

    '
  date: '2014-11-20'
- question: Does neck manipulation help neck pain?
  answer: May help, but low quality evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004249
  notes: 'Multiple thoracic manipulation sessions may reduce acute neck pain. More
    effective than medications for acute cases. Manipulation and mobilization produce
    similar results. No high-quality evidence available.

    '
  date: '2015-09-23'
- question: Can stress interventions help healthcare workers?
  answer: May reduce stress short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002892
  notes: 'CBT-type approaches may reduce stress up to 1 year. Yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture
    may also help short-term. Combined interventions may help for months. Long-term
    effects unknown. Low confidence evidence.

    '
  date: '2023-05-12'
- question: Does continuous labor support improve birth outcomes?
  answer: Yes, more vaginal births and satisfaction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003766
  notes: 'More likely to have spontaneous vaginal births. 25% less likely to have
    cesarean. Shorter labors, greater satisfaction, less pain medication. Support
    from doulas appears most beneficial. No adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2017-07-06'
- question: Do alpha2-agonists help opioid withdrawal?
  answer: Yes, as effective as methadone but faster.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002024
  notes: 'More effective than placebo. Similarly effective to methadone but withdrawal
    resolves 10 days faster. Methadone has fewer side effects. Lofexidine safer than
    clonidine for blood pressure.

    '
  date: '2016-05-03'
- question: Does garlic prevent colds?
  answer: One trial suggests it may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006206
  notes: 'Single trial: 24 colds in garlic group vs 65 in placebo over 3 months. Similar
    recovery time when colds occurred. Insufficient evidence overall. Possible odor
    and rash side effects.

    '
  date: '2014-11-11'
- question: Do patient decision aids help?
  answer: Yes, improve informed decisions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001431
  notes: 'Help people choose options matching their values. Improve knowledge and
    understanding of benefits/harms. Users feel better informed. No adverse effects
    or decision regret. 209 studies with 107,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2024-01-29'
- question: Does exercise help after heart disease?
  answer: Yes, reduces heart attacks and hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001800
  notes: 'Large reduction in heart attacks and hospitalizations short-term. Reduces
    cardiovascular death long-term. Modest quality of life improvements. Cost-effective.
    85 trials with 23,430 participants.

    '
  date: '2021-11-06'
- question: Does exercise help chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Probably reduces fatigue short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Probably less fatigue at treatment end vs usual care. Uncertain if improvement
    lasts. Moderate physical function improvement. Uncertain risk of serious side
    effects. No better than CBT.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Do statins prevent heart disease in healthy people?
  answer: Yes, reduce events and mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004816
  notes: 'Reduce all-cause mortality and CVD events. 18 per 1000 avoid major event
    over 5 years. Reduce heart attacks and strokes. No serious harm found. Likely
    cost-effective. 57,000 participants.

    '
  date: '2013-01-31'
- question: Can training increase shared decision making?
  answer: Uncertain, very low quality evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006732
  notes: 'Uncertain whether any interventions improve shared decision making. Professional
    training may slightly improve mental health quality of life. Studies varied greatly
    in design with potential errors.

    '
  date: '2018-07-19'
- question: Does manual therapy help asthma?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001002
  notes: 'Chiropractic manipulation showed no significant differences vs sham. One
    small massage trial showed promise but poorly reported. Only 3 small trials with
    156 patients. Cannot support or refute use.

    '
  date: '2005-04-20'
- question: What treats molluscum contagiosum?
  answer: No treatment convincingly effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004767
  notes: 'No single treatment shown effective. Imiquimod no better than inactive cream.
    Condition resolves naturally within months. Most treatments cause minor side effects.
    Waiting for natural resolution remains valid.

    '
  date: '2017-05-17'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements prevent death?
  answer: No, some may increase mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007176
  notes: 'Beta-carotene and vitamin E appear to increase mortality. Higher vitamin
    A doses may also increase risk. Vitamin C and selenium show no effect. 11.7% died
    vs 10.2% in controls. 78 trials, 297,000 people.

    '
  date: '2021-07-01'
- question: Does whole brain radiation help brain metastases?
  answer: Standard doses sufficient, additions unhelpful.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003869
  notes: 'Higher doses provide no additional benefit. Adding chemo or other drugs
    not shown to help. Adding to radiosurgery improves brain control but not survival
    and worsens cognition. May not improve survival in some lung cancer patients.

    '
  date: '2018-01-25'
- question: Do diet and exercise prevent childhood obesity?
  answer: Modest benefit in young children only.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001871
  notes: 'Combined interventions modestly reduce weight in ages 0-12. Physical activity
    alone helps school-age children. Largely ineffective in adolescents. No harm caused.
    Diet alone not effective.

    '
  date: '2019-07-23'
- question: Does exercise treat depression?
  answer: Moderate effect, diminishes in quality studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004366
  notes: 'Moderate effectiveness vs no treatment. When only high-quality trials included,
    effect not significant. No difference vs antidepressants or psychological therapies.
    Long-term effects inconclusive.

    '
  date: '2013-09-12'
- question: Does reminiscence therapy help dementia?
  answer: Mixed results, modest benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001120
  notes: 'Group therapy probably improves communication. Individual therapy may help
    cognition and mood. Care home settings show broader benefits. No clear quality
    of life improvement. No harmful effects.

    '
  date: '2018-03-01'
- question: Does psychological therapy help children with chronic pain?
  answer: May reduce pain and disability.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003968
  notes: 'Reduces headache frequency immediately after treatment. Reduces pain intensity
    for mixed pain conditions. Reduces disability up to 12 months. Benefits don''t
    persist for all conditions. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2018-10-01'
- question: Does behavioral therapy help chronic back pain?
  answer: Better than waiting, similar to exercise.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002014
  notes: 'More effective than waiting list for short-term pain relief. Different behavioral
    approaches show little difference. Similar to group exercise long-term. Adding
    to rehab doesn''t enhance results.

    '
  date: '2010-07-07'
- question: Should episiotomy be routine or selective?
  answer: Selective reduces severe trauma by 30%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000081
  notes: 'Selective episiotomy results in ~30% fewer severe perineal tears. No advantage
    for protecting babies. No difference in infection or long-term pain. Routine use
    not justified by evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-02-08'
- question: Does discharge planning improve outcomes?
  answer: Modest benefits for length of stay and readmissions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000313
  notes: 'Probably small reduction in hospital stay. Probably slightly fewer readmissions.
    May increase patient satisfaction. Little effect on health status or mortality.
    Costs uncertain.

    '
  date: '2022-02-24'
- question: Does exercise help low back pain?
  answer: Slightly effective for chronic pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000335
  notes: 'Slightly effective for chronic back pain, especially in healthcare-seeking
    patients. Graded activity may reduce work absence for subacute pain. No advantage
    for acute pain vs no treatment.

    '
  date: '2005-07-20'
- question: Does breastfeeding support help mothers continue?
  answer: Probably helps, 4-8 contacts recommended.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001141
  notes: '17-19% fewer stop exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks to 3-4 months. 10%
    fewer stop at 6 months. 4-8 contacts may be optimal. No difference between professional
    or volunteer support.

    '
  date: '2022-10-25'
- question: Does ultrasound help venous leg ulcers?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001180
  notes: 'Uncertain whether ultrasound improves healing. High-frequency may increase
    adverse events like pain and redness. Probably no quality of life improvement.
    Compression remains first-line treatment.

    '
  date: '2017-05-15'
- question: Do gels prevent adhesions after gynecological surgery?
  answer: May reduce adhesions but fertility impact unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001298
  notes: 'Fluids and gels reduce adhesions from 84% to 54-75%. Insufficient evidence
    on pain relief or live birth improvement. No adverse events reported in 32 trials
    with 3,492 women.

    '
  date: '2020-07-19'
- question: Does mobility training help after hip fracture?
  answer: Yes, especially after discharge.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001704
  notes: 'Hospital training may moderately increase mobility at 4 months. Post-discharge
    training meaningfully increases mobility and walking speed. Balance and walking
    exercises most effective. No increase in adverse events.

    '
  date: '2022-09-07'
- question: Do low protein diets help kidney disease?
  answer: Very low protein may delay dialysis.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001892
  notes: 'Very low protein probably reduces progression to end-stage disease by 165
    per 1000. Standard low protein shows little benefit. Quality of life not assessed.
    Limited data on adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2020-10-29'
- question: Does mitoxantrone help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Moderately effective but serious risks.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002127
  notes: 'Reduces disability progression and relapse rate over 2 years. Serious concerns
    about cardiotoxicity (12%) and leukemia (0.8%). 35% develop menstrual problems.
    Reserve for worsening MS after careful risk-benefit.

    '
  date: '2013-05-31'
- question: Does behavioral therapy help childhood fecal incontinence?
  answer: With laxatives yes, biofeedback alone no.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002240
  notes: 'Behavior modification plus laxatives significantly reduces soiling at 3
    and 12 months. Biofeedback adds no benefit to conventional treatment. 21 trials
    with 1,371 children. Most studied functional incontinence.

    '
  date: '2021-09-01'
- question: Do inhaled steroids help stable COPD?
  answer: Reduce flare-ups but increase pneumonia risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002991
  notes: 'Probably reduce flare-ups and slow lung function decline. Small quality
    of life improvements. Probably increase pneumonia and oral thrush. Do not improve
    survival. Not recommended as monotherapy.

    '
  date: '2023-03-27'
- question: Do educational meetings improve healthcare practice?
  answer: Probably modest improvements.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003030
  notes: 'Healthcare professionals probably more likely to follow recommended practices.
    Patient health probably slightly improves. May be more effective than other behavior
    change strategies. Effect size varies.

    '
  date: '2021-09-15'
- question: Do probiotics help acute diarrhea?
  answer: Probably little or no effect on duration.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003048
  notes: 'May not affect how long diarrhea lasts. No difference in diarrhea lasting
    48+ hours. Hospital stay results inconsistent. No serious adverse events. 82 studies
    with 12,127 participants.

    '
  date: '2020-12-08'
- question: Can diet and exercise prevent type 2 diabetes?
  answer: Yes, combination reduces risk by ~40%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003054
  notes: 'Combined diet and exercise reduced diabetes from 25.7% to 14.8% in at-risk
    people. Single interventions show similar but limited evidence. Few studies measured
    patient-important outcomes like complications.

    '
  date: '2017-12-05'
- question: What treats rosacea?
  answer: Multiple topical and oral options effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003262
  notes: 'Metronidazole, azelaic acid, ivermectin effective topically. Low-dose doxycycline
    works with fewer side effects. Brimonidine reduces redness for 12 hours. Laser
    helps blood vessels. Most side effects mild.

    '
  date: '2015-04-28'
- question: Do placebos have real clinical effects?
  answer: Generally no clinically important effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003974
  notes: 'Placebo interventions generally lack clinically important effects. Modest
    effects on patient-reported pain and nausea. Larger effects in smaller studies
    and sham physical interventions. Hard to distinguish from biased reporting.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Do lay health workers improve outcomes?
  answer: Yes for breastfeeding, immunization, and TB.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004015
  notes: 'Probably increase breastfeeding and immunization rates. Improve TB cure
    rates. May reduce childhood fever, diarrhea, and mortality. 82 studies show promising
    benefits for maternal and child health.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does acetaminophen help osteoarthritis?
  answer: Limited benefit, NSAIDs work better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004257
  notes: 'Modest pain relief vs placebo (~5% improvement). NSAIDs are superior for
    knee and hip pain. Traditional NSAIDs cause more GI events (19% vs 13%). 15 studies
    with nearly 6,000 participants.

    '
  date: '2006-01-25'
- question: Does exercise help knee osteoarthritis?
  answer: Probably helps but uncertain clinical importance.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004376
  notes: 'Modest improvements in pain (8-13 points on 100-point scale) and function
    (9-12 points). Quality of life gains smaller. Benefits may fall below clinically
    meaningful thresholds. Many poor quality studies.

    '
  date: '2024-12-03'
- question: Do corticosteroids help premature babies survive?
  answer: Yes, reduce death and breathing problems.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004454
  notes: 'Reduce perinatal and neonatal deaths. Lower serious breathing problems.
    Probably reduce brain bleeding and developmental delays. Probably safe for mothers.
    Improve baby survival chances.

    '
  date: '2020-12-25'
- question: Does tirzepatide help with obesity?
  answer: Yes, significant weight loss likely.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016018
  notes: 'Likely results in significant weight loss over 1.5-3.5 years. May cause
    indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, constipation but these rarely lead to stopping
    treatment. No difference in serious side effects. All studies funded by manufacturer.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does liraglutide help with obesity?
  answer: Some weight loss but side effects concern.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD016017
  notes: 'More likely to lose 5% body weight than placebo. May increase unwanted effects
    and serious adverse events. Little to no difference in quality of life or cardiovascular
    events. Limited confidence due to manufacturer involvement in studies.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does semaglutide help with obesity?
  answer: Yes, meaningful weight loss.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015092
  notes: 'Adults lose more weight with semaglutide than placebo. Causes nausea, vomiting,
    diarrhea. Long-term use leads to more treatment discontinuation. Little to no
    difference in quality of life or cardiovascular events. Manufacturer involved
    in most studies.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does molnupiravir help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Probably little to no benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015381
  notes: 'Probably little to no difference in death risk for mild-moderate outpatients.
    May not reduce hospitalizations. Little effect on symptom resolution by day 14
    or 28. Safe with similar adverse events to placebo. Limited data for severe cases.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Does ice/cold therapy help after knee replacement?
  answer: Possibly small benefits, uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007911
  notes: 'Pain may improve by 1.6 points (0-10 scale) at 2 days. Swelling modestly
    better at 2-6 days. Knee bending improved ~8 degrees at discharge. Benefits may
    be too small to justify routine use. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-10-30'
- question: Does CBT help insomnia in cancer patients?
  answer: May slightly help but uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015176
  notes: 'May slightly reduce insomnia severity and improve sleep quality compared
    to other treatments. Does not appear to cause harm. Evidence is low to very low
    quality with small sample sizes.

    '
  date: '2025-10-31'
- question: Does acupuncture help PCOS?
  answer: No clear benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007689
  notes: 'May have little or no effect on live birth, ovulation, pregnancy, or miscarriage
    rates compared to sham acupuncture. May reduce days between periods slightly.
    More side effects like dizziness, nausea, bruising reported.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Is propofol better for colonoscopy sedation?
  answer: May improve recovery and satisfaction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006268
  notes: 'May improve recovery time and patient satisfaction compared to traditional
    sedatives. No difference in procedure time or complication rates. Safety profile
    similar to opioids/benzodiazepines. Low to moderate quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2025-10-28'
- question: Do antibiotics prevent infection in leg artery surgery?
  answer: Yes, reduce surgical site infections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015022
  notes: 'Antibiotics reduce surgical site infections in lower limb arterial surgery.
    Need to treat about 9 patients to prevent one infection. No difference between
    short-term and extended antibiotic use. Negative pressure wound therapy may also
    help.

    '
  date: '2025-10-29'
- question: Is laparoscopic colorectal surgery better?
  answer: Yes, faster recovery with similar outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003145
  notes: 'Less blood loss, reduced pain, faster bowel recovery, shorter hospital stay
    (1.4 days less). Better quality of life in first 30 days. Fewer wound infections.
    Takes about 42 minutes longer. Similar complication and reoperation rates.

    '
  date: '2005-07-20'
- question: Do omega-3 supplements help depression?
  answer: Unlikely to provide meaningful benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004692
  notes: 'Small to modest benefit found but unlikely to be clinically meaningful (~2.5
    points on depression scale vs 3.0 threshold). No difference in remission, response,
    or quality of life compared to placebo. Low to very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2021-11-24'
- question: Does wrist acupoint stimulation prevent post-op nausea?
  answer: May help when combined with drugs.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003281
  notes: 'PC6 acupoint stimulation (needle or wristband) combined with anti-nausea
    drugs may reduce vomiting by 200-380 fewer cases per 1,000 people. Minor side
    effects like skin irritation possible. Low confidence in findings.

    '
  date: '2025-09-12'
- question: Do antibiotics help tonsillectomy recovery?
  answer: No, not recommended.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005607
  notes: 'No significant reduction in pain or bleeding after surgery. Only modest
    reduction in fever. More side effects like rashes and diarrhea with antibiotics.
    Routine prescription not supported and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does massage help chronic neck pain?
  answer: Probably little to no difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004871
  notes: 'Compared to sham massage, only 3% pain improvement at 12 weeks. Function
    improved 10% but clinical significance uncertain. Adverse events poorly documented.
    Little confidence in findings due to study limitations.

    '
  date: '2024-02-28'
- question: Do deworming drugs help people with HIV?
  answer: Small short-term benefit possible.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006419
  notes: 'For those with confirmed worm infections, may show small suppressive effect
    on viral load and slight CD4+ improvement at 6-12 weeks. Effect disappears with
    long-term treatment. Safe but more research needed.

    '
  date: '2016-04-14'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements prevent death?
  answer: No, some may increase risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007176
  notes: 'No evidence supports antioxidant supplements for preventing death. Beta-carotene
    and vitamin E may increase mortality. Higher vitamin A doses also associated with
    increased risk. Vitamin C and selenium show no effect.

    '
  date: '2021-07-01'
- question: Does CBT help chronic pain?
  answer: Small benefits for pain and distress.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007407
  notes: 'Compared to no treatment, CBT probably provides slightly less pain and distress.
    Effects are small but maintained 6-12 months later. Insufficient evidence on safety.
    Not all patients benefit equally.

    '
  date: '2020-08-14'
- question: Does gabapentin help nerve pain?
  answer: Yes, helps some patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007938
  notes: 'At 1200mg+/day, 3-4 in 10 achieve 50% pain relief for shingles or diabetic
    nerve pain vs 2 in 10 with placebo. Side effects (dizziness, drowsiness) affect
    6 in 10. Many don''t benefit but worth trying.

    '
  date: '2017-06-09'
- question: Does flexible work improve employee health?
  answer: Worker-controlled flexibility may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008009
  notes: 'Self-scheduling and employee-controlled arrangements improve blood pressure,
    sleep, and mental health. Flextime and overtime show no significant health effects.
    Employer-imposed flexibility shows minimal or negative effects.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Do blood thinners prevent clots in cancer patients?
  answer: May reduce clots but increase bleeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008500
  notes: 'Low-molecular-weight heparin reduces symptomatic blood clots in cancer patients
    on chemotherapy but increases major bleeding risk. Direct oral anticoagulants
    similar. Trade-off requires individual assessment.

    '
  date: '2020-12-18'
- question: Is fresh blood better for transfusions?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to know.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009330
  notes: 'Only 3 small studies with 120 participants. Very low quality evidence. Cannot
    determine if fresh blood (under 21 days) is better than older blood. Larger ongoing
    trials may provide answers.

    '
  date: '2015-07-14'
- question: Can medication review prevent delirium in care homes?
  answer: Probably reduces delirium.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009537
  notes: 'Computerized medication review identifying delirium-risk drugs probably
    reduces delirium in older care home residents. No clear benefit for hospital admissions,
    deaths, or falls. Limited evidence from only 3 studies.

    '
  date: '2019-04-23'
- question: Can PCR blood tests detect invasive aspergillosis?
  answer: Moderate accuracy, better for ruling out.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009551
  notes: 'Single test: 79% sensitivity and specificity. Two consecutive positives:
    60% sensitivity, 95% specificity. Better at ruling out disease than confirming
    it. Should be combined with other tests for best results.

    '
  date: '2019-09-03'
- question: Do weight programs help obese children's cognition?
  answer: Exercise may improve executive function.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009728
  notes: 'High-quality evidence that physical activity improves executive function
    in obese children vs standard care. No improvement in math or reading scores.
    Combined exercise and education shows no cognitive benefit. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2018-03-02'
- question: Are supraglottic airways safe in obese patients?
  answer: Show promise but safety uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010105
  notes: '3-5% need switch to traditional tube. Better oxygen levels and 75% fewer
    low-oxygen episodes post-op. Less coughing. Takes 6 seconds longer to place. No
    aspiration or deaths seen but inadequate data on serious complications.

    '
  date: '2013-09-09'
- question: Do SNRIs help fibromyalgia?
  answer: Modest benefits but significant side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010292
  notes: '31% achieve 50% pain reduction. No clinically relevant benefit for quality
    of life, fatigue, or sleep. More dropouts due to side effects (nausea, drowsiness).
    Benefits may be outweighed by harms for most patients.

    '
  date: '2018-02-28'
- question: Can PET scans predict Alzheimer's from mild impairment?
  answer: Not accurate enough for routine use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010386
  notes: 'High sensitivity for detecting brain amyloid but 28% with positive scans
    won''t develop Alzheimer''s. 1% with negative scans will progress. Cannot recommend
    for routine clinical use due to inconsistent methods and high cost.

    '
  date: '2014-07-23'
- question: Do medications help aortic aneurysm patients?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010447
  notes: 'Only one small study (227 participants) of beta-blockers after AAA repair.
    Results unclear for mortality and cardiovascular events at 30 days and 6 months.
    More rigorous trials needed despite common medication use.

    '
  date: '2017-01-12'
- question: Can imaging tests replace VCUG for kidney reflux?
  answer: No, neither accurate enough.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010657
  notes: 'Ultrasound sensitivity only 44%, misses many cases. DMSA scan effectively
    rules out severe reflux when negative but produces too many false positives. Neither
    can reliably replace standard VCUG testing.

    '
  date: '2016-07-05'
- question: Can the IQCODE detect dementia in hospitals?
  answer: Useful for ruling out dementia.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010772
  notes: 'High sensitivity (91%) but moderate specificity (66%) in hospital settings.
    Good at identifying who doesn''t have dementia. Less effective in specialist clinics.
    Shorter 16-item version works as well as longer version.

    '
  date: '2021-07-19'
- question: What treats simple bone cysts in children?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to recommend.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010847
  notes: 'Only one small study (90 children) comparing bone marrow vs steroid injections.
    Healing rate under 50% for both treatments at 2 years. Similar pain and function
    outcomes. Larger quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2017-02-04'
- question: Do larger portions make people eat more?
  answer: Yes, consistently leads to more eating.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011045
  notes: 'People eat more when offered larger portions, packages, or plates. Effect
    is small to moderate. Could reduce daily intake by 144-228 calories if sustained.
    Shorter, wider glasses lead to more drinking than tall narrow ones.

    '
  date: '2015-09-14'
- question: Does methadone or buprenorphine work better for opioid dependence?
  answer: Methadone may retain more patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011117
  notes: 'Methadone may keep more people in treatment and reduce opioid use compared
    to buprenorphine. Both similarly safe. Buprenorphine better than non-opioid approaches.
    Low to moderate quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2022-09-05'
- question: Can antidepressants prevent winter depression?
  answer: Modest benefit, most won't benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011268
  notes: 'Bupropion XL prevents winter depression in 1 of 4 high-risk people. 3 of
    4 won''t benefit and face side effect risks (headaches, nausea, insomnia). Light
    therapy and lifestyle changes are alternatives. Patient preference important.

    '
  date: '2019-03-18'
- question: Which MS drug works best for relapsing-remitting MS?
  answer: Natalizumab, cladribine, alemtuzumab most effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011381
  notes: 'These drugs best reduce relapse frequency at 2 years. Natalizumab also slows
    disability worsening. Most studies only 12-24 months so long-term effects uncertain.
    Some drugs increase dropout due to side effects.

    '
  date: '2024-01-04'
- question: Does government regulation improve private health insurance?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to know.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011512
  notes: 'Only 7 studies from USA examining cancer screening mandates. Very low quality
    evidence. No studies measured care quality or health outcomes. Much more research
    needed across different countries and insurance types.

    '
  date: '2021-02-22'
- question: What barriers affect maternity care in developing countries?
  answer: Training, staffing, pay, infrastructure.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011558
  notes: 'Skilled birth attendants report insufficient training, staff shortages,
    inadequate pay, and poor infrastructure (equipment, electricity, water). Solutions
    include housing, allowances, education, and recognition programs.

    '
  date: '2017-11-17'
- question: Can clinical tools detect child spine injuries?
  answer: Insufficient evidence for best tool.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011686
  notes: 'Seven tools examined but none work well enough to recommend. Good at finding
    injuries but poor at ruling them out, leading to unnecessary imaging. Not validated
    for children under 8. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2024-03-22'
- question: Does parent education improve infant feeding?
  answer: Yes, improves feeding practices.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011768
  notes: 'Education reduces early solid food introduction by up to 12%. Improves hygiene,
    breastfeeding duration, and food quality/quantity. May reduce diarrhea. No clear
    effect on growth. Moderate to low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2018-05-18'
- question: How accurate is early pregnancy Down's screening?
  answer: Detects about 7 in 10 cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011975
  notes: 'Double test (PAPP-A + free beta hCG + maternal age) detects ~68% of Down''s
    syndrome. About 5% false positive rate. More markers don''t improve accuracy.
    High-risk results may lead to invasive testing with miscarriage risk.

    '
  date: '2015-11-30'
- question: Can urine tests diagnose endometriosis?
  answer: No reliable test exists.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012019
  notes: 'No urinary biomarker accurate enough for clinical use. Laparoscopic surgery
    remains gold standard for diagnosis. Some biomarkers show potential but need more
    research. Only for research settings currently.

    '
  date: '2015-12-23'
- question: Can endometrial tissue tests diagnose endometriosis?
  answer: Not enough evidence yet.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012165
  notes: 'PGP 9.5 and CYP19 biomarkers show promise but insufficient evidence. 22
    biomarkers assessed across 54 studies. Surgery remains gold standard. Cannot recommend
    any endometrial test for clinical practice currently.

    '
  date: '2016-04-20'
- question: Can non-invasive tests diagnose endometriosis?
  answer: Not reliable enough yet.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012281
  notes: 'Blood tests, imaging, and exam combinations assessed in 11 studies. Vaginal
    exam plus ultrasound shows promise for some types. No combination proven reliable
    enough to replace surgery. More large studies needed.

    '
  date: '2016-07-13'
- question: Does training help healthcare workers respond to domestic violence?
  answer: May improve attitudes and knowledge.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012423
  notes: 'Training may improve attitudes toward survivors and perceived readiness
    to respond. Little to no effect on referral practices. No data on survivor mental
    health outcomes. Low to very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2021-05-31'
- question: What are opioid side effects for chronic pain?
  answer: Common and significant.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012509
  notes: '78% experience adverse events. Common: constipation, dizziness, drowsiness,
    fatigue, nausea, vomiting. 7.5% serious adverse events. Addiction, depression,
    respiratory issues poorly documented. Clear benefit needed before long-term use.

    '
  date: '2017-10-30'
- question: Can PET/MRI predict ovarian cancer surgery success?
  answer: MRI more accurate but more research needed.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012567
  notes: 'MRI detects incomplete tumor removal with 94% sensitivity and 98% specificity.
    PET/CT shows more variable results. Per 1000 women, 211 incorrectly assessed by
    PET vs 37 by MRI. Insufficient evidence for routine clinical use.

    '
  date: '2018-10-09'
- question: Can rapid molecular tests detect TB outside lungs?
  answer: Yes, helpful but accuracy varies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012768
  notes: 'Results in ~2 hours vs weeks for culture. Cerebrospinal fluid: 88% sensitivity,
    96% specificity. Pleural fluid: 74% sensitivity. Excellent for rifampicin resistance
    detection (100% sensitivity). Accuracy varies by specimen type.

    '
  date: '2025-08-04'
- question: Is ultrasound better than X-ray for collapsed lung?
  answer: Yes, much more accurate.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013031
  notes: 'Ultrasound detects 91% of cases vs X-ray 47%. X-ray misses nearly 1 in 5
    cases. Ultrasound has only 3.6% false positive rate. Faster, bedside, no radiation.
    Should be incorporated into trauma protocols.

    '
  date: '2020-07-23'
- question: Does advocacy help abused women?
  answer: Yes, with personalized trust-based approach.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013135
  notes: 'Key elements: education on rights, active referrals, safety planning. Trust
    between advocate and client is fundamental. Must be tailored to individual circumstances.
    Effects may take months. Severe abuse may paradoxically worsen with some interventions.

    '
  date: '2019-06-29'
- question: Does animal therapy help dementia patients?
  answer: May slightly reduce depression, unclear otherwise.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013243
  notes: 'Low-certainty evidence for slight reduction in depressive symptoms. No clear
    benefits for quality of life, behavior, agitation, or daily activities. No difference
    vs robotic animals. Only 9 small studies. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-11-25'
- question: Can non-drug approaches prevent altitude sickness?
  answer: Evidence inconclusive and contradictory.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013315
  notes: 'Simulated altitude training, ginkgo biloba, antioxidants, iron, and supplements
    show no clear benefit. Small studies with quality concerns. Need more rigorous
    research comparing to proven drugs like acetazolamide.

    '
  date: '2019-04-23'
- question: Does convalescent plasma help COVID-19?
  answer: No, makes no difference to deaths.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013600
  notes: 'High certainty that plasma from COVID survivors does not reduce mortality
    in moderate to severe COVID-19. Similar death rates (~220/1000) and hospital discharge
    rates. Serious side effects uncommon. May be inconclusive for mild cases.

    '
  date: '2023-05-10'
- question: Are rapid antigen tests accurate for asymptomatic COVID?
  answer: Poor sensitivity, miss many cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013705
  notes: 'Only 55% sensitivity in people without symptoms, missing ~45% of infections.
    99.5% specificity. Per 10,000 tested with 50 infected, 24 cases missed and 40
    false positives. None meet WHO standards for asymptomatic screening.

    '
  date: '2025-11-28'
- question: Does stool transplant help recurrent C. diff?
  answer: Yes, likely twice as effective as antibiotics.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013871
  notes: 'FMT likely leads to large increase in resolution vs antibiotics. About 1
    in 3 additional patients benefit. Probably slightly reduces serious adverse events.
    May reduce mortality. Only studied in immunocompetent adults.

    '
  date: '2023-04-25'
- question: Do IL-6 blockers help hospitalized COVID patients?
  answer: Tocilizumab reduces deaths.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013881
  notes: 'Tocilizumab reduces 28-day mortality in hospitalized COVID patients. Little
    to no difference in clinical improvement or hospital discharge. Sarilumab shows
    little benefit. Other IL-6 blockers have insufficient evidence. Most data pre-vaccine.

    '
  date: '2023-06-01'
- question: Does arthroscopic surgery help degenerative knee disease?
  answer: No, little or no benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014328
  notes: 'Only 4.6-point pain improvement vs placebo surgery (0-100 scale). No meaningful
    function improvement. 8 vs 6 per 100 serious adverse events. Guidelines recommend
    against it. 16 trials, 2105 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-03-03'
- question: Do corticosteroids help treat COVID-19?
  answer: Probably reduce deaths slightly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014963
  notes: 'Probably reduce deaths by ~28 per 1,000 in hospitalized patients up to 30
    days. May increase discharge rate. No data on non-hospitalized mild cases. Safety
    data urgently needed. Strongest benefit in patients under 70.

    '
  date: '2022-11-17'
- question: Does remdesivir help COVID-19?
  answer: Small benefit, no mortality impact.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014962
  notes: 'Probably no difference to 28-day or 60-day deaths in hospitalized patients.
    May slightly improve chance of getting better and reduce worsening. Non-hospitalized
    patients less likely to need hospitalization. Studied mostly in unvaccinated populations.

    '
  date: '2023-01-25'
- question: How accurate are COVID antibody tests?
  answer: Good after 3 weeks, poor early.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013652
  notes: 'Week 1: only 27-41% detection. Week 3+: 78-88%. At 21+ days, detects 93%
    with only 1% false positives. Useful for confirming past infection when other
    tests fail. Less certain for mild or asymptomatic cases.

    '
  date: '2022-11-17'
- question: Do patient decision aids help?
  answer: Yes, improve knowledge and choices.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001431
  notes: 'Large increases in knowledge and understanding of benefits/harms. Help patients
    choose options matching their values. Patients feel better informed. No unwanted
    effects like regret. No added time burden. 209 studies, 107,000 adults.

    '
  date: '2024-01-29'
- question: Does exercise rehabilitation help heart disease?
  answer: Yes, reduces heart attacks and hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001800
  notes: 'Reduces heart attacks, hospital admissions, and deaths at 6-12 months. Long-term
    reduces cardiovascular deaths. Improves quality of life. Cost-effective. Includes
    cycling, walking, circuits. 85 trials, 23,430 participants.

    '
  date: '2021-11-06'
- question: Is it safe to wait for lower blood counts before transfusion?
  answer: Yes, safe for most patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002042
  notes: 'Waiting until 7-8 g/dL vs 9-10 g/dL shows no higher death, heart attack,
    stroke, or infection risk. 42% fewer transfusions. Exception: brain injury patients
    do better with liberal transfusion. Reduces transfusion reactions.

    '
  date: '2025-10-20'
- question: Does hydroxyurea help sickle cell disease?
  answer: Probably improves pain and prevents strokes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002202
  notes: 'Probably reduces painful episodes in adults and children with HbSS. Increases
    protective fetal hemoglobin. May prevent strokes in high-risk patients. Appears
    safe short-term. Long-term effects and fertility impact uncertain.

    '
  date: '2022-09-01'
- question: Do stress reduction programs help healthcare workers?
  answer: May reduce stress symptoms short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002892
  notes: 'CBT-type interventions may reduce stress up to one year. Yoga/exercise may
    help short-term. Combined approaches show short-term benefit. Poor study quality
    overall. Long-term effects beyond one year largely unknown. 117 studies, 11,119
    workers.

    '
  date: '2023-05-12'
- question: Does exercise help chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Probably reduces fatigue, long-term uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Probably less fatigue at end of treatment vs passive therapies. May improve
    physical function and sleep. Uncertain if benefits persist. Safety data insufficient.
    No advantage over CBT. Only applies to certain diagnostic criteria.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Does omega-3 during pregnancy help?
  answer: Yes, reduces preterm birth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003402
  notes: 'Reduces preterm and very preterm birth rates. Fewer low birthweight babies.
    May reduce perinatal death and NICU admissions. Pregnancies may extend beyond
    42 weeks. No serious adverse effects. High quality evidence. 70 trials, 20,000
    women.

    '
  date: '2018-11-15'
- question: Does music therapy help dementia?
  answer: Probably improves depression.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003477
  notes: 'Probably improves depression and may help behavioral problems vs usual care.
    May improve social behavior vs other activities. No clear benefit for agitation,
    anxiety, or cognition. Effects don''t persist after treatment ends. No serious
    side effects.

    '
  date: '2025-03-07'
- question: Does continuous support during labor help?
  answer: Yes, improves outcomes for mother and baby.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003766
  notes: 'More spontaneous vaginal births, shorter labor, fewer C-sections. Less pain
    medication use. Greater satisfaction. Better infant Apgar scores. Doulas especially
    effective. No adverse effects. 26 studies, 15,000+ women.

    '
  date: '2017-07-06'
- question: Do placebos provide real health benefits?
  answer: No major benefits, some subjective effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003974
  notes: 'No major health benefits overall. Some modest effects on pain and nausea
    but very variable. No significant effects on depression, obesity, hypertension,
    anxiety, or other conditions. Hard to distinguish from biased reporting. 202 trials,
    60 conditions.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does education help childhood eczema?
  answer: Limited evidence shows some benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004054
  notes: 'Group education may modestly improve eczema severity and quality of life
    for children and families. Relaxation methods may reduce severity. Studies varied
    widely. Better-designed trials needed for long-term cost-effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2014-01-07'
- question: Does CBT help non-cardiac chest pain?
  answer: Modest short-term benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004101
  notes: 'CBT shows modest to moderate benefit reducing chest pain in first 3 months.
    More pain-free days short-term. Benefits largely restricted to first 3 months.
    Hypnotherapy another option. No adverse effects. 17 studies, 1,006 participants.

    '
  date: '2015-06-30'
- question: Does exercise help depression?
  answer: Moderately effective vs no treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004366
  notes: 'Moderately more effective than control for reducing depression symptoms.
    Effect smaller in highest-quality studies. Performs equally to antidepressants
    and psychological therapies. Inconclusive for quality of life. 39 studies, 2,326
    participants.

    '
  date: '2013-09-12'
- question: Does consumer involvement improve healthcare materials?
  answer: Yes, more relevant and readable.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004563
  notes: 'Consumer-developed patient information is more relevant, readable, and understandable
    without increasing anxiety. Enhances patient knowledge. Face-to-face public meetings
    more engaging than surveys. Limited rigorous evidence overall.

    '
  date: '2006-07-19'
- question: Does early intervention help psychosis?
  answer: Emerging but inconclusive evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004718
  notes: 'Specialized early intervention teams improve treatment compliance and reduce
    dropout. At 5 years, more living independently. Omega-3 shows promise for at-risk
    individuals. Most studies small with limitations. Larger longer studies needed.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: What treats molluscum contagiosum?
  answer: No treatment proven effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004767
  notes: 'No single intervention convincingly effective. Imiquimod no better than
    placebo but causes more irritation. Potassium hydroxide and iodine/tea tree show
    modest benefit in small studies. Typically resolves naturally. Watching and waiting
    is reasonable.

    '
  date: '2017-05-17'
- question: Does exercise help during breast cancer treatment?
  answer: Probably improves fitness and reduces fatigue.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005001
  notes: 'Probably improves physical fitness and slightly reduces fatigue during chemo/radiation.
    May modestly improve cognition. Little effect on depression or general quality
    of life. Safe for most women. 32 studies, 2,626 women.

    '
  date: '2016-09-21'
- question: Do flu vaccines prevent heart disease?
  answer: May reduce heart events in heart patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005050
  notes: 'May reduce cardiovascular deaths and combined heart events in people with
    existing heart disease. Insufficient evidence for general population without heart
    conditions. Some study bias concerns. More high-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-05-05'
- question: Does honey help heal wounds?
  answer: Yes for burns, unclear for other wounds.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005083
  notes: 'Heals partial-thickness burns 4-5 days faster than conventional dressings.
    More effective than antiseptic/gauze for surgical infections. Insufficient evidence
    for leg ulcers, diabetic ulcers, or pressure sores. 26 studies, 3,011 participants.

    '
  date: '2015-03-06'
- question: Do anti-VEGF injections help wet macular degeneration?
  answer: Yes, effectively preserve and improve vision.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005139
  notes: 'More patients have improved vision and fewer have vision loss with treatment.
    Ranibizumab and bevacizumab equally effective but bevacizumab costs much less.
    Eye inflammation and pressure most common side effects. Serious complications
    rare (<1%).

    '
  date: '2019-03-05'
- question: What improves healthcare worker hand hygiene?
  answer: Feedback, education, cues, and product placement.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005186
  notes: 'Multimodal WHO-based interventions increase compliance in most studies.
    Performance feedback likely reduces infections. Education, visual cues, and product
    placement near care areas help. Unclear which combination is optimal for each
    setting.

    '
  date: '2017-09-01'
- question: Does exercise help arm problems after breast cancer surgery?
  answer: Yes, improves shoulder movement safely.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005211
  notes: 'Shoulder exercises help recover upper-limb movement after surgery. Early
    exercise (days 1-3) improves movement but increases drainage. Formal PT benefits
    shoulder function through 6 months. No increased lymphedema risk from exercise.

    '
  date: '2022-03-01'
- question: Does hospital environment affect patient outcomes?
  answer: Music may reduce anxiety, other factors unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005315
  notes: 'Music may help reduce patient anxiety. Less evidence for reducing heart
    rate, blood pressure, or medications. Environmental changes appear safe. No studies
    on art, nature access, noise reduction, or windows. 102 studies examined.

    '
  date: '2012-03-14'
- question: Do antibiotics before breast cancer surgery help?
  answer: Probably reduce surgical infections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005360
  notes: 'Preoperative antibiotics probably reduce surgical site infections from 105/1000
    to 71/1000 patients. Unclear which antibiotic is best. Only 1 study on during-surgery
    antibiotics with inconclusive results. More research needed on protocols.

    '
  date: '2019-09-26'
- question: Do tailored interventions improve healthcare practice?
  answer: Yes, but effect is small to moderate.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005470
  notes: 'Tailored interventions can change professional practice with odds ratio
    of 1.56. Effect not always present and when present is small to moderate. Insufficient
    evidence on best tailoring approaches or cost-effectiveness. 32 studies.

    '
  date: '2015-04-29'
- question: Does tramadol help osteoarthritis?
  answer: Minimal benefit, substantially more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005522
  notes: 'Only 4% pain improvement vs placebo. No important benefit in physical function.
    66% vs 49% experience side effects. 19% vs 7% withdraw due to side effects (nausea,
    dizziness, tiredness). 22 studies, 6,500 participants.

    '
  date: '2019-05-27'
- question: Does chondroitin help osteoarthritis?
  answer: May slightly improve pain short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005614
  notes: 'May improve pain slightly in short-term (~10 points on 0-100 scale). Modest
    quality of life benefit. Slightly slows joint space narrowing on X-ray. Relatively
    safe. Benefits uncertain in higher-quality studies. 43 studies, 9,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2015-01-28'
- question: Does therapy help borderline personality disorder?
  answer: DBT shows strongest evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005652
  notes: 'Dialectical Behavior Therapy reduces anger, self-harm, and improves functioning.
    Other therapies (MBT, TFT, schema, CBT) show promise in single studies. No treatment
    has robust evidence base. Quality concerns with individual studies. 28 studies,
    1,804 participants.

    '
  date: '2012-08-15'
- question: Does finasteride help enlarged prostate?
  answer: Yes, improves symptoms long-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006015
  notes: 'Improves urinary symptoms long-term vs placebo. Reduces risk of urinary
    retention and surgery. Alpha-blockers provide better symptom relief. Combination
    therapy works best. Increased risk of sexual dysfunction (impotence, reduced libido).

    '
  date: '2010-10-06'
- question: What relieves pain during cervical treatment?
  answer: Local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006120
  notes: 'Injecting local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor (e.g. lignocaine + adrenaline)
    reduces pain and blood loss. Oral pain relievers showed limited benefit in small
    trials. Most studies small and low-to-moderate quality.

    '
  date: '2016-07-18'
- question: Does garlic prevent or treat colds?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006206
  notes: 'Only one quality study (146 participants) found fewer colds with daily garlic
    (24 vs 65 episodes over 3 months). Recovery time similar between groups. Possible
    side effects: odor and rash. Claims largely based on poor-quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2014-11-11'
- question: Should breastfed babies get supplemental fluids?
  answer: No evidence to disagree with exclusive breastfeeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006462
  notes: 'Small formula supplements slightly increase breastfeeding at 3 months. Water/glucose
    water reduces breastfeeding rates. Early solids at 4-6 months don''t reduce allergies.
    Supports WHO recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months.

    '
  date: '2016-08-30'
- question: Do Chinese herbs help neck pain from disc disease?
  answer: Weak evidence for short-term relief.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006556
  notes: 'Compound Qishe Tablet may relieve pain short-term better than placebo. Topical
    Nucis Vomicae comparable to anti-inflammatory medication. All studies small, short-term,
    in Chinese. Further research very likely to change results. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do B vitamins that lower homocysteine prevent heart disease?
  answer: No benefit for heart attacks, small for stroke.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006612
  notes: 'No differences in heart attacks or deaths from any cause. Small stroke reduction
    (143 people treated 5.4 years to prevent 1 stroke). No increase in cancer. High
    quality evidence. 15 trials, 71,422 participants.

    '
  date: '2017-08-17'
- question: Do shared decision-making interventions work?
  answer: Uncertain which activities work best.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006732
  notes: 'Cannot be confident which interventions work best due to very low quality
    evidence. Combined patient-professional approaches may make little difference
    to decision regret. Mental health quality of life may slightly improve with professional
    training.

    '
  date: '2018-07-19'
- question: Does robot-assisted arm training help stroke recovery?
  answer: Yes, improves function and daily activities.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006876
  notes: 'Improves ability to perform daily activities, arm function, movement, and
    muscle strength. Adverse events rare. Cannot specify optimal timing or frequency
    yet. Trials varied in intensity and devices. 45 trials, 1,619 participants.

    '
  date: '2018-09-03'
- question: Does surgery help nerve damage in leprosy?
  answer: No added benefit over steroids alone.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006983
  notes: 'Very low quality evidence shows no significant difference in nerve improvement
    with surgery plus steroids vs steroids alone at 2 years. Adverse effects poorly
    documented. Well-designed trials needed. Only 2 studies, 88 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do antioxidants help cystic fibrosis lung disease?
  answer: Vitamin/mineral supplements don't help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007020
  notes: 'Vitamin and mineral supplements don''t improve clinical outcomes. NAC probably
    improves lung function at 6 months. Inhaled glutathione improves lung function
    at 3 months but effect diminishes by 6 months. Larger, longer studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-10-03'
- question: Is partial breast irradiation as good as whole breast?
  answer: Slightly more recurrence, similar survival.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007077
  notes: 'Local recurrence probably slightly more common with partial irradiation.
    Overall survival similar. Worse cosmetic appearance and more fibrosis with partial.
    Convenient but less cancer control. 9 studies, 15,187 women.

    '
  date: '2021-08-30'
- question: Does duloxetine help nerve pain and fibromyalgia?
  answer: Moderate pain relief for some patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007115
  notes: 'At 60mg/day, 1 in 5 with diabetic neuropathy and 1 in 8 with fibromyalgia
    achieve 50% pain improvement. Most patients experience side effects (nausea, sleep
    issues, headache, dry mouth). 1 in 6 stop due to side effects.

    '
  date: '2014-01-03'
- question: What helps patients start and complete cardiac rehab?
  answer: Face-to-face intervention and home programs.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007131
  notes: 'Healthcare provider face-to-face contact improves enrollment. Remote/home-based
    programs improve adherence. Peer support may help older patients. For women, motivation
    is key. Low to moderate quality evidence. No harm data available.

    '
  date: '2019-02-01'
- question: Does lactoferrin help preterm infants?
  answer: Decreases blood infections, especially with probiotics.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007137
  notes: 'Lactoferrin with feeds decreases blood and fungal infections. No reduction
    in bowel injury alone but much stronger protection when combined with probiotics.
    No serious adverse effects. Low to very low quality evidence. 12 trials, 5,425
    infants.

    '
  date: '2020-03-31'
- question: Does vitamin D supplementation reduce mortality?
  answer: Vitamin D3 may save lives in elderly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007470
  notes: '150 people treated 5 years to save 1 life. D3 may reduce cancer deaths (4
    fewer per 1,000 over 5-7 years). Benefits mainly in elderly. D2 and other forms
    show no mortality benefit. D3 + calcium increases kidney stones. 56 trials, 95,286
    participants.

    '
  date: '2014-01-10'
- question: Does tight blood sugar control prevent diabetic nerve damage?
  answer: Yes for type 1, less clear for type 2.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007543
  notes: 'Significantly prevents clinical neuropathy in type 1 diabetes. Type 2 shows
    nerve function improvements but clinical prevention not statistically significant.
    Both types improve nerve conduction. Significantly increases severe hypoglycemia
    risk.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Is bed rest or staying active better for back pain?
  answer: Staying active is slightly better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007612
  notes: 'Staying active provides small improvements in pain and daily activities
    for acute low-back pain. Little to no difference for sciatica. No difference between
    staying active, exercises, or physiotherapy. 10 studies, 1,923 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: What helps people use medicines safely?
  answer: Self-monitoring and simplified dosing.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007768
  notes: 'Self-monitoring programs generally effective. Simplified dosing improves
    adherence. Pharmacist involvement helps. Reminders and packaging aids show mixed
    results. Education alone not helpful for adherence but builds knowledge. No single
    strategy works for all.

    '
  date: '2014-04-29'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements help women get pregnant?
  answer: Limited evidence, may slightly help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007807
  notes: 'Very low quality evidence. Live birth rates may improve from 19% to 24-36%
    with antioxidants but uncertain. May slightly improve pregnancy rates. No increased
    miscarriage or other adverse effects. Adverse effects poorly reported. 63 trials,
    7,760 women.

    '
  date: '2020-08-27'
- question: Are low-calorie diets better for ICU patients?
  answer: Uncertain, no clear benefit or harm.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007867
  notes: 'Death rates similar between low-calorie and standard nutrition. Inconsistent
    results for hospital stay, ICU stay, and ventilation time. Very low quality evidence.
    Range includes both benefits and harms. 15 trials, 3,129 patients.

    '
  date: '2018-06-04'
- question: Do GnRH drugs protect ovaries during chemo?
  answer: Yes, help menstruation recovery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008018
  notes: 'GnRH agonists: 74.5% recovered menstruation vs 50% in control within 12
    months. Only 10.7% vs 25.3% had premature ovarian failure. Improved ovulation
    rates. No difference in pregnancy rates. Causes hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

    '
  date: '2019-03-03'
- question: Does brain stimulation help chronic pain?
  answer: Insufficient high-quality evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008208
  notes: 'rTMS to motor cortex shows small, short-term pain reduction but below clinically
    meaningful levels. tDCS may reduce pain but uncertain. Cranial electrotherapy
    not effective. Minor side effects like headache. Very low to low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2018-04-13'
- question: Does oral care prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients?
  answer: Chlorhexidine probably reduces VAP.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008367
  notes: 'Chlorhexidine mouthwash/gel probably reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia
    from 26% to 18%. Treat 12 patients to prevent 1 case. Little effect on mortality
    or ICU stay. Toothbrushing may also help. Mild side effects. 40 trials, 5,675
    participants.

    '
  date: '2020-12-24'
- question: Does skin-to-skin contact help newborn pain?
  answer: Appears to reduce pain response.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008435
  notes: 'Kangaroo care appears to reduce pain response and recovery from heel sticks
    and injections. Reduces crying duration. Lower heart rate during procedures. Safe
    with no adverse events. Low to moderate quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-02-16'
- question: Does home-based asthma education help children?
  answer: Little to no difference in ER visits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008469
  notes: 'Little to no difference in ER visits or oral steroid prescriptions vs control.
    May improve quality of life. May reduce hospital admissions vs less-intensive
    approaches. Considerable uncertainty in symptom outcomes. 26 studies, 5,122 children.

    '
  date: '2025-02-06'
- question: Does radiofrequency denervation help chronic back pain?
  answer: No high-quality evidence of effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008572
  notes: 'No high-quality evidence this procedure provides meaningful pain relief.
    Modest short-term benefits for facet joint pain. Minimal to no effectiveness for
    disc or SI joint pain. Carries risks. Large quality studies urgently needed. 23
    studies, 1,309 participants.

    '
  date: '2015-10-23'
- question: Can screening identify spinal fractures in back pain?
  answer: Most screening tests unreliable.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008643
  notes: 'Only 1-4.5% of new back pain has vertebral fractures. Most of 29 screening
    tests inaccurate. Best indicators: steroid use, age over 74, trauma, bruising.
    Combined tests more informative. Fractures don''t usually need emergency treatment.

    '
  date: '2023-11-28'
- question: Can screening identify spinal cancer in back pain?
  answer: Most red flags unreliable, history of cancer useful.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008686
  notes: 'Spinal tumors rare (~0.3% of back pain). Previous cancer history is very
    useful indicator. Age over 50, no prior back pain, no improvement at 1 month are
    other indicators. Don''t rely on single red flags. High false positive rates.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Can protein tests predict Alzheimer's from mild impairment?
  answer: Lacks accuracy for clinical use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008782
  notes: 'CSF amyloid beta (Aß42) shows 81% sensitivity, 64% specificity for Alzheimer''s.
    Only marginal clinical utility. Cannot be recommended as accurate test. Inconsistent
    thresholds across studies. Useful for research but not diagnosis.

    '
  date: '2014-06-10'
- question: Does spinal manipulation help acute back pain?
  answer: No more effective than other treatments.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008880
  notes: 'Low to very low quality evidence. No more effective than inert interventions,
    sham treatment, or when added to other treatment. Appears safe. Thrust techniques
    may help short-term. Consider cost and preference instead. 20 trials, 2,674 participants.

    '
  date: '2012-09-12'
- question: How accurate are rapid tests for visceral leishmaniasis?
  answer: rK39 test works well, especially in India/Nepal.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009135
  notes: 'rK39 immunochromatographic test: 92% sensitivity, 92% specificity overall.
    India/Nepal: 97% detection. East Africa: only 85% detection. Latex agglutination
    only 64% sensitive. 24 studies, 4,271 participants.

    '
  date: '2014-06-20'
- question: Can clinical signs diagnose Mycoplasma pneumonia in children?
  answer: No, symptoms unreliable.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009175
  notes: 'Clinical symptoms and signs not reliable for diagnosis. Absence of wheeze
    slightly suggests M. pneumoniae. Chest pain may double likelihood. Cannot reliably
    diagnose based on symptoms. Better prediction tools needed. 7 studies, 1,491 children.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do SSRIs help stroke recovery?
  answer: No functional benefit, some safety concerns.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009286
  notes: 'SSRIs did not reduce disability or dependency after stroke. Reduce future
    depression risk by ~25%. Increased seizure and bone fracture risk. Slightly better
    cognition in control groups. 76 studies, 13,029 stroke survivors.

    '
  date: '2021-11-15'
- question: Does muscle stimulation help weakness in advanced disease?
  answer: May improve strength, mixed exercise results.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009419
  notes: 'NMES improved thigh muscle strength by ~1.1 kg. 6-minute walk improved 35m
    but other exercise tests inconsistent. No serious adverse events, low soreness.
    Low to very low quality evidence. Passive option for those unable to exercise.

    '
  date: '2016-10-17'
- question: Does endometrial scratching help IVF success?
  answer: Unclear benefit, causes pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009517
  notes: 'Effect on live birth unclear - could have no effect, small reduction, or
    improvement. Probably no difference in miscarriage. Causes moderate pain (4/10)
    and minimal bleeding. Does not support routine use. 38 trials, 8,915 women.

    '
  date: '2021-06-10'
- question: How accurate are rapid tests for schistosomiasis?
  answer: Variable, miss many infections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009579
  notes: 'Urine blood-detection strip: 75% sensitivity, 87% specificity. Misses 102/1000
    infections, falsely diagnoses 77/1000. Intestinal antigen: 89% sensitivity but
    45% false positive rate. Traditional microscopy more accurate but less practical.

    '
  date: '2015-03-11'
- question: Does IV lidocaine help post-surgery pain?
  answer: Uncertain benefit, probably no difference at 24h.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009642
  notes: 'Uncertain benefits for early pain reduction. Probably no difference in pain
    at 24-48 hours. Uncertain effects on bowel function, nausea, opioid use. Side
    effects unclear due to poor reporting. 68 studies, 4,525 participants.

    '
  date: '2018-06-04'
- question: Does brain stimulation help post-stroke aphasia?
  answer: No benefit for everyday communication.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009760
  notes: 'No evidence tDCS improves everyday communication or thinking after stroke.
    May modestly improve naming nouns specifically but not verbs. Appears safe with
    no serious harms. Very low to moderate quality. 21 trials, 421 participants.

    '
  date: '2019-05-21'
- question: Can laparoscopy predict ovarian cancer surgery success?
  answer: May help avoid unnecessary surgery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009786
  notes: 'Laparoscopy can help identify women with unresectable disease. 4-46 per
    100 will still have residual tumor despite positive prediction. May reduce unnecessary
    surgeries. Verification bias in most studies. 18 studies, 1,563 women.

    '
  date: '2019-03-25'
- question: How does dentist payment affect clinical decisions?
  answer: Fee-for-service increases procedures.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009853
  notes: 'Fee-for-service payment increases clinical activity (more procedures). Capitation
    (payment per patient) means fewer visits, fewer fillings/extractions, more preventive
    advice, treating decay later. Low/very low quality evidence. 2 studies.

    '
  date: '2013-11-06'
- question: What surgery works best for elbow fractures?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009890
  notes: 'Only 3 small trials with 109 participants. Total elbow replacement may have
    better early outcomes vs ORIF in patients over 65. No difference between plate
    fixation methods. Need large multi-center trials of current techniques.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: How accurate is ultrasound for stomach cancer staging?
  answer: Good for advanced cancer, less for early stages.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009944
  notes: 'Endoscopic ultrasound: over 85% sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing
    superficial vs advanced cancer. Less effective for early-stage cancers and lymph
    node status. Clinically useful for guiding treatment. 66 studies, 7,747 patients.

    '
  date: '2015-02-06'
- question: Does face-to-face education improve vaccination rates?
  answer: May slightly improve rates and knowledge.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010038
  notes: 'May improve vaccination status (low quality evidence). Probably slightly
    improves parent knowledge. May slightly improve intent to vaccinate. Little effect
    on attitudes or anxiety. Cost ~8x higher than usual care. Best for addressing
    awareness gaps, not safety concerns.

    '
  date: '2018-05-08'
- question: Does capsaicin cream help nerve pain?
  answer: Low-concentration cream has no meaningful effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010111
  notes: 'Low-concentration capsaicin (<1%) without meaningful effect beyond placebo.
    Common local skin irritation (1 in 2.5 treated). 6 older studies (pre-1996), 389
    participants. Unlikely to have meaningful clinical use despite marketing.

    '
  date: '2012-09-12'
- question: Do CRP tests reduce antibiotic prescriptions?
  answer: Yes, without harming recovery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010130
  notes: 'C-reactive protein tests likely reduce antibiotic prescriptions from 516/1000
    to 397/1000 for airway infections. Likely doesn''t reduce recovery rates. May
    not increase 28-day mortality. Limited procalcitonin evidence. 13 studies, 10,535
    participants.

    '
  date: '2022-10-17'
- question: Do e-cigarettes help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, better than nicotine replacement therapy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010216
  notes: '8-11 per 100 quit with nicotine e-cigarettes vs 6 per 100 with patches/gum.
    High-certainty evidence. Side effects: throat irritation, headache, cough, nausea
    (diminish over time). Serious adverse events rare. 104 studies, 30,366 adults.

    '
  date: '2025-11-10'
- question: Does hysterectomy help advanced cervical cancer?
  answer: Insufficient evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010260
  notes: 'Adding hysterectomy to chemo may reduce death vs radiotherapy alone. No
    difference vs chemotherapy-radiotherapy. Treatments reasonably tolerated. No quality
    of life data. Insufficient evidence to confirm benefit. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2022-08-22'
- question: Do lower blood pressure targets help heart disease patients?
  answer: Probably no net health benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010315
  notes: 'Probably little to no difference in total or cardiovascular mortality between
    lower (135/85) and standard (140-160/90-100) targets. More medications needed
    for lower targets with more withdrawals. Insufficient to justify lower targets.
    7 trials, 9,595 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-11-18'
- question: Do environmental activities improve health?
  answer: Little quantitative evidence, but participants report benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010351
  notes: 'Most quantitative studies found no effect on health. Some positive short-term
    outcomes. Participants value social contact, achievement, nature, daily structure.
    Low quality studies prevent conclusions. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2016-05-21'
- question: How accurate are rapid strep tests for children?
  answer: 86% sensitive, 95% specific.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010502
  notes: 'Rapid tests detect 86% of strep throat cases, miss 14%. Correctly rule out
    95% without strep, give unnecessary antibiotics to 5%. Enzyme and optical tests
    perform similarly. Poor study quality but stable findings. 98 studies, 101,000+
    children.

    '
  date: '2016-07-04'
- question: Does immunotherapy help fruit allergies?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010522
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies (89 participants). Oral therapy may improve apple tolerance.
    Sublingual therapy no difference for peach. More adverse reactions with treatment
    (mild-moderate, treatable). Much more research needed. Very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2015-11-09'
- question: Does adding therapy help when antidepressants fail?
  answer: Yes, fewer symptoms and more remission.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010558
  notes: 'Adding psychotherapy to antidepressants reduces symptoms and increases depression-free
    rates at 6 months. Equally acceptable as medication alone. Benefits persist at
    12-46 months. No adverse events in therapy group. 6 trials, 698 participants.

    '
  date: '2018-05-15'
- question: Does iron treatment help anemia in adults?
  answer: No evidence of mortality or quality of life benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010640
  notes: 'Oral iron: no death or quality of life benefit, may reduce transfusions,
    side effects (nausea, diarrhea, constipation). IV iron: higher hemoglobin but
    no clinical benefit evidence. No advantage of one preparation over another. 21
    trials, 4,745 participants.

    '
  date: '2014-12-31'
- question: Do antidepressants help insomnia?
  answer: Limited evidence, mostly insufficient.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010753
  notes: 'Low-dose doxepin shows moderate improvement in sleep quality. Trazodone
    shows modest improvement. No evidence for amitriptyline despite common use. No
    support for long-term use. Safety unclear. High-quality trials needed. 23 studies,
    2,806 participants.

    '
  date: '2018-05-15'
- question: Can the MMSE predict dementia from mild impairment?
  answer: Not reliable as standalone test.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010783
  notes: 'Sensitivity ranges 23-76%, specificity 40-94%. Does not support MMSE as
    standalone prediction test. Request additional comprehensive testing. Serial measurements
    over time may be better than single assessment. 11 studies, 1,569 patients.

    '
  date: '2021-07-27'
- question: Does CBT help adults with ADHD?
  answer: May reduce symptoms, especially with medication.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010840
  notes: 'CBT may reduce inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. Combined with medication
    shows greater improvement vs medication alone. Also reduces depression and anxiety.
    No severe adverse events. Low to moderate quality evidence. Long-term data lacking.

    '
  date: '2018-03-22'
- question: What reduces sitting at work?
  answer: Sit-stand desks most effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010912
  notes: 'Sit-stand desks reduce sitting 84-116 minutes/day. Short breaks (1-2 min
    every 30 min) reduce sitting 15-66 min/day vs long breaks. Computer prompts help.
    Combined strategies show promise. Low to very low quality evidence. Larger long-term
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2018-12-17'
- question: Is saline as good as heparin for children's catheters?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010996
  notes: 'Not enough evidence to determine effects on catheter blockage. Similar catheter
    duration between treatments. Heparin has risks and added cost. More rigorous research
    needed. 4 studies, 255 participants.

    '
  date: '2020-04-30'
- question: Can CEA blood tests detect colorectal cancer return?
  answer: Not sensitive enough alone, needs imaging.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011134
  notes: 'CEA rise doesn''t occur in up to 20% of true recurrences. Higher threshold
    (10 µg/L) recommended to reduce false alarms. Must combine with imaging at 12-18
    months. Insufficiently sensitive alone for monitoring.

    '
  date: '2015-12-10'
- question: Does physical activity help chronic pain?
  answer: May improve pain and function, is safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011279
  notes: 'Exercise shows favorable pain reduction but inconsistent. Most consistently
    improves physical function (14 reviews). Quality of life varies. Safe with only
    minor temporary soreness. Low quality evidence. 21 studies, 37,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2017-04-24'
- question: Does aquatic exercise help fibromyalgia?
  answer: Yes, modest improvements in wellbeing and pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011336
  notes: 'Improves wellbeing (6 points), pain (7 points), stiffness (18 points) on
    100-point scales. Strength up 37%. Similar results to land exercise. Safe with
    similar dropout rates. Moderate to low quality evidence. 16 studies.

    '
  date: '2014-10-28'
- question: Does high-dose chemo help recurrent Ewing sarcoma?
  answer: No evidence exists.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011406
  notes: 'No eligible studies found comparing high-dose chemo with transplant vs conventional
    chemo. Less than 30% survive 24 months after recurrence. Critical research gap.
    High-quality research urgently needed for this aggressive cancer.

    '
  date: '2021-09-02'
- question: Does ibuprofen help tension headaches?
  answer: Modest benefit, 7 additional per 100 helped.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011474
  notes: '23 in 100 pain-free at 2 hours with ibuprofen 400mg vs 16 in 100 with placebo.
    Only 7 additional people per 100 benefit. Same adverse events as placebo (~4%).
    No serious adverse events. 12 studies, 3,094 participants.

    '
  date: '2015-07-31'
- question: Does treating strep help psoriasis?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011571
  notes: 'Very low quality evidence from 5 small studies (162 participants). Antibiotics
    showed some benefit in certain studies. Tonsillectomy showed minimal improvement.
    Studies didn''t measure time to clear or relapse. More research needed especially
    in children.

    '
  date: '2019-03-05'
- question: Does ketamine help depression?
  answer: Yes, but effects short-lived.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011612
  notes: 'Ketamine works but effects last no more than 1 week, disappear by 2 weeks.
    Esketamine lasts up to 4 weeks with repeated doses. Both cause more side effects
    than placebo. Other glutamate modulators not effective. Short-term studies only.

    '
  date: '2021-09-12'
- question: Does machine perfusion help kidney transplants?
  answer: Yes, reduces delayed function and improves survival.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011671
  notes: 'Hypothermic machine perfusion reduces delayed kidney function by ~22%. Improves
    1-year and long-term survival. Cost-effective in USA/Europe. Continuous with oxygen
    best. Strong support for adoption. 22 studies, 4,007 participants.

    '
  date: '2024-07-09'
- question: Should statins be stopped in dementia patients?
  answer: Unknown, no studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012050
  notes: 'No clinical trials comparing statin continuation versus withdrawal in dementia
    patients. Uncertain whether benefits (preventing heart attacks/strokes) outweigh
    drawbacks (side effects) in advanced dementia. Quality of life concerns paramount.

    '
  date: '2016-09-09'
- question: Does folic acid in flour prevent neural tube defects?
  answer: Maybe, may reduce risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012150
  notes: 'Fortifying wheat flour with folic acid may reduce neural tube defects and
    increase blood folate levels. Limited evidence on anemia. Low certainty evidence
    from 10 studies. No adverse effects data available.

    '
  date: '2019-07-01'
- question: Should MS treatment start after first attack?
  answer: Small uncertain benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012200
  notes: 'Early treatment showed 6% fewer with disability worsening and 10% fewer
    with relapses over 2 years. Very low quality evidence. Long-term safety unknown.
    Cannot draw firm conclusions about benefits.

    '
  date: '2017-04-25'
- question: Are circumcision devices better than surgery?
  answer: Faster and less painful, slightly more complications.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012250
  notes: 'Device-based procedures ~17 minutes shorter and less painful in first 24
    hours. No serious adverse events. Slightly more moderate complications requiring
    treatment. Similar satisfaction levels. Low to moderate quality evidence. 18 trials,
    5,246 participants.

    '
  date: '2021-03-31'
- question: Does cycled antibiotic therapy delay Pseudomonas recurrence in CF?
  answer: Yes, doubles time to recurrence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012300
  notes: 'Cycled therapy (monthly inhaled antibiotic every 3 months) doubled time
    to Pseudomonas recurrence vs culture-based treatment (505 vs 249 days). No difference
    in lung function or infection frequency. Studied only in children ages 1-12.

    '
  date: '2019-12-17'
- question: Do oral steroids help sciatica?
  answer: Maybe slight short-term benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012450
  notes: 'Corticosteroids probably slightly decrease pain in radicular low back pain
    short-term. May improve function slightly. Not effective for non-radicular pain
    or spinal stenosis. Do not reduce surgery likelihood. Low cost with minimal short-term
    side effects.

    '
  date: '2022-10-21'
- question: Do trauma centers save lives?
  answer: Unknown, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012500
  notes: 'Only 4 studies with 157,111 people found. Very low quality evidence. Could
    not determine benefits or harms of organized trauma systems vs general hospitals.
    No studies from resource-limited countries. More robust research needed.

    '
  date: '2025-08-01'
- question: What's the best first trimester Down's syndrome screening?
  answer: Combined ultrasound and blood tests detect ~90%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012600
  notes: 'Nuchal translucency ultrasound with blood markers (PAPP-A, free beta-hCG)
    plus maternal age detects about 9 of 10 Down''s pregnancies for 5% false positive
    rate. 126 studies, 1.6 million pregnancies. Confirmatory testing carries miscarriage
    risk.

    '
  date: '2017-03-15'
- question: Does weight loss help obese women conceive?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012650
  notes: 'Lifestyle interventions may reduce BMI but unclear if they affect live birth
    rates. Pharmacological treatments showed no clear benefits. No studies compared
    medications vs lifestyle changes. Very low to low quality evidence. 10 studies,
    1,490 women.

    '
  date: '2021-03-25'
- question: Does aerobic exercise help fibromyalgia?
  answer: Yes, modest improvements.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012700
  notes: 'Walking/swimming 2-3 times weekly for 35 min improves quality of life (~7
    points), pain (~11 points), and function (~10 points) on 100-point scales. Similar
    dropout rates as control groups suggests good tolerability. 13 studies, 839 participants.

    '
  date: '2017-06-21'
- question: Do mouth splints help jaw disorders (TMD)?
  answer: Inconclusive, very uncertain evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012850
  notes: 'Occlusal splints may reduce chewing pain vs no treatment but evidence very
    uncertain. No clear benefits for joint pain, muscle pain at rest, or jaw clicking.
    Very low certainty for all comparisons. 57 studies, 2,846 participants.

    '
  date: '2024-09-16'
- question: Do apps help thalassemia patients take iron chelation?
  answer: Unknown, no studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012900
  notes: 'No eligible studies found on computer or mobile technology interventions
    for thalassemia management. Cannot comment on effectiveness of apps or digital
    tools for medication adherence. Randomized trials needed.

    '
  date: '2019-06-28'
- question: What's the best treatment for orbital lymphangioma?
  answer: Unknown, no comparative studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013000
  notes: 'No randomized trials comparing observation, sclerotherapy, medications,
    or surgery for these eye socket vascular malformations in children. Cannot determine
    which treatment is most effective. Research gap remains.

    '
  date: '2019-05-16'
- question: Do antipsychotics help schizophrenia with catatonia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013100
  notes: 'Only one small study (14 participants, 3 weeks). ECT was better than risperidone
    in first 3 weeks. Cannot conclude any antipsychotic is more or less safe/effective.
    Very low quality evidence. Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2022-07-12'
- question: What treats harmful alcohol use in low-income countries?
  answer: Combined drug and counseling may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013350
  notes: 'Combined pharmacologic and psychosocial interventions may reduce harmful
    alcohol use vs psychosocial alone. Brief interventions uncertain. Substantial
    heterogeneity across 66 trials undermines confidence. Better research needed.

    '
  date: '2023-05-09'
- question: Does exercise help congenital heart disease?
  answer: Modest improvements, appears safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013400
  notes: 'Physical activity may slightly increase fitness and adds ~10 minutes daily
    activity. No deaths or serious events related to participation. Quality of life
    effects uncertain. 15 studies, 924 participants. Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2020-10-28'
- question: Do anti-inflammatory eye drops help blepharitis?
  answer: Little to no difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013550
  notes: 'Corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus make little to no difference
    vs placebo over 4-12 weeks. Generally safe. Conventional lid hygiene and warm
    compresses remain valid options. 12 studies, 2,752 participants.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Does convalescent plasma help COVID-19?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013600
  notes: 'Very confident that plasma from COVID-recovered people has no benefits for
    moderate-to-severe COVID-19. No difference in death rates, mechanical ventilation
    need, or discharge. May have little to no benefit for mild COVID either.

    '
  date: '2023-05-10'
- question: Which diabetes drugs help cardiovascular disease?
  answer: GLP-1 agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013650
  notes: 'GLP-1 receptor agonists slightly reduce cardiovascular death, all-cause
    death, and stroke risk. SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce heart failure hospitalization
    and probably reduce mortality. DPP-4 inhibitors show no cardiovascular benefits.

    '
  date: '2021-10-25'
- question: What's the best treatment for neuroendocrine tumors?
  answer: Everolimus for pancreatic, combination for GI tumors.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013700
  notes: 'For pancreatic NETs, everolimus most effective with highest certainty. For
    GI NETs, combination therapies superior. Evidence doesn''t support any particular
    therapy for overall survival or quality of life. Must weigh individual benefits
    and side effects.

    '
  date: '2021-11-25'
- question: Does platinum chemo help triple-negative breast cancer?
  answer: Maybe, small survival benefit with more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013750
  notes: 'Moderate-quality evidence of small survival benefit. Tumors shrink more.
    But 4.77x higher severe nausea/vomiting and 3.80x higher severe anemia. Benefits
    must be weighed against toxicities. 10 studies, 1,349 women.

    '
  date: '2020-10-21'
- question: Is peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis better?
  answer: Uncertain, no clear winner.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013800
  notes: 'Only 2 randomized trials exist, rest observational. Comparative effectiveness
    on residual kidney function unclear. Conflicting results across outcomes. Shared
    decision-making needed. More rigorous studies required.

    '
  date: '2024-06-20'
- question: Does collective leadership improve healthcare?
  answer: May improve leadership and reduce stress.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013850
  notes: 'Shared decision-making among healthcare professionals probably improves
    leadership and may improve team performance. May slightly reduce work-related
    stress. Effects on clinical outcomes and patient mortality uncertain. 3 studies,
    955 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-10-10'
- question: Does aripiprazole help bipolar mania?
  answer: Yes, but with side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005000
  notes: 'More effective than placebo for reducing manic symptoms at 3-4 weeks. Similar
    to haloperidol and lithium. Causes more restlessness, nausea, and constipation.
    Exact role vs other medications unclear. 10 studies, 3,340 participants.

    '
  date: '2013-12-17'
- question: Is keyhole surgery as good as open surgery for rectal cancer?
  answer: Yes, with faster recovery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005200
  notes: 'Similar 5-year survival rates. Keyhole surgery reduces hospital stay by
    ~2 days with fewer wound infections. Higher costs. No quality of life differences.
    14 trials, 3,528 patients.

    '
  date: '2014-04-15'
- question: Do specialized antenatal clinics help multiple pregnancies?
  answer: Limited evidence, more C-sections.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005300
  notes: 'Only 1 small study with 162 women. Too small to answer key questions about
    preterm birth and survival. Women in specialized care more likely to have C-sections.
    Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2015-11-06'
- question: Does magnesium help traumatic brain injury?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005400
  notes: 'No evidence supports magnesium use for acute traumatic brain injury. May
    even increase mortality. Despite theoretical benefits, clinical trials in humans
    show no benefit. 3 randomized trials.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does pimecrolimus cream help eczema?
  answer: Less effective than steroids and tacrolimus.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005500
  notes: 'Better than vehicle cream and prevents flares. But less effective than moderate/potent
    corticosteroids and 0.1% tacrolimus. Causes more skin burning. 31 trials, 8,019
    participants. No cancer events reported.

    '
  date: '2007-10-17'
- question: Does azathioprine help primary biliary cirrhosis?
  answer: No, and has side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006000
  notes: 'Did not decrease mortality or improve itching, cirrhosis progression, or
    quality of life. More adverse events including rash, severe diarrhea, and bone
    marrow problems. No evidence supports its use. 2 trials, 293 patients.

    '
  date: '2007-07-18'
- question: Do leukotriene blockers help acute asthma?
  answer: Not routinely recommended.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006100
  notes: 'Oral antileukotrienes improve lung function but don''t reduce hospital admissions.
    IV forms not quite significant for reducing admissions. Available evidence doesn''t
    support routine use. 8 trials with 1,470 adults and 470 children.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Is cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide better for childhood sarcoma?
  answer: Unknown, no comparative studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006300
  notes: 'No randomized trials directly comparing these chemotherapy drugs. Cannot
    make conclusions about effects. More high-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-09-30'
- question: Do special diets help rheumatoid arthritis?
  answer: Uncertain, no clear benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006400
  notes: 'Effects of vegetarian, Mediterranean, elemental, and elimination diets still
    uncertain. Some trials suggest modest pain reduction but inconsistent. Higher
    dropout rates and unintended weight loss with special diets. 15 studies, 837 patients.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does pentoxifylline help diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: May help but evidence insufficient.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006800
  notes: 'Reduced protein in urine and serum creatinine vs placebo. No serious side
    effects. But most studies small and poorly designed. Evidence insufficient for
    recommendations. 17 trials, 991 patients.

    '
  date: '2012-02-15'
- question: Does hCG injection help clomiphene-induced ovulation?
  answer: May not increase live births.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006900
  notes: 'Adding urinary hCG to clomiphene citrate may not increase live births, ovulation,
    or pregnancy rates. No difference in miscarriage or multiple pregnancy. Evidence
    inadequate due to small studies. 2 trials, 305 women.

    '
  date: '2014-01-31'
- question: Do topical NSAIDs help chronic musculoskeletal pain?
  answer: Diclofenac and ketoprofen modestly help osteoarthritis.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007400
  notes: 'About 60% get pain relief vs 50% with placebo for knee osteoarthritis. Only
    1 in 7-10 benefit beyond placebo. Diclofenac causes more skin reactions. No evidence
    for other chronic pain conditions. 39 studies, ~11,000 participants.

    '
  date: '2016-04-22'
- question: Does acupuncture help traumatic brain injury?
  answer: Uncertain, poor quality studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007700
  notes: 'Low quality studies don''t allow conclusive judgments. Beneficial role remains
    uncertain. No adverse effects reported. Higher-quality research needed. 4 trials,
    294 patients.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does rhubarb herb help chronic kidney disease?
  answer: No evidence to recommend use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008000
  notes: 'Rheum officinale may improve blood markers vs no treatment but no better
    than captopril. Minor adverse events only. Evidence scant and low quality. 9 studies,
    682 participants.

    '
  date: '2012-07-11'
- question: Is combined spinal-epidural better for C-sections?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to favor either technique.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008100
  notes: 'Little difference in repeat anesthesia needs. CSE may reduce low blood pressure
    but more nausea/vomiting vs high-dose spinal. All babies born healthy. Cannot
    definitively favor one technique. 18 trials, 1,272 women.

    '
  date: '2019-10-10'
- question: How should BCG vaccine complications be treated?
  answer: Needle aspiration for abscesses may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008300
  notes: 'Most cases resolve naturally in 4-6 months. For severe abscesses, needle
    aspiration with local isoniazid may help. Oral antibiotics effectiveness unclear.
    Low quality evidence from 5 small studies. More research needed for HIV-infected
    children.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does acupuncture help mumps in children?
  answer: Unknown, no proper studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008400
  notes: 'Despite wide use in China, no eligible randomized trials found. Cannot draw
    conclusions about efficacy or safety. No adverse events reported. High-quality
    research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-02-02'
- question: Should cancer patients on chemo get blood thinners?
  answer: May reduce clots but increase bleeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008500
  notes: 'Low-molecular-weight heparin and direct oral anticoagulants may reduce blood
    clots but increase major bleeding risk. Warfarin evidence too limited. Trade-off
    between safety and efficacy remains uncertain.

    '
  date: '2020-12-18'
- question: Does patient education improve blood thinner management?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008600
  notes: 'Effect of self-monitoring plus education uncertain. Education shows small
    positive effects on anxiety and depression. Decision aids actually worse than
    usual care for reducing conflict. Low quality evidence. 11 trials, 2,246 participants.

    '
  date: '2017-04-05'
- question: Does acetaminophen help the common cold?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to inform practice.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008800
  notes: 'May help nasal congestion but not sore throat, malaise, sneezing, or cough.
    Headache results inconsistent. Minor side effects uncommon. Cannot recommend or
    advise against use. 4 trials, 758 adults.

    '
  date: '2013-07-01'
- question: Does cerebrolysin help vascular dementia?
  answer: May help but effects possibly too small to matter.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008900
  notes: 'Pig brain extract improved cognition and function in studies with no adverse
    effects. But effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful. Very low quality
    evidence. No new studies since last review. 6 studies, 597 people.

    '
  date: '2019-11-11'
- question: Does ready-to-use food help malnourished children?
  answer: Probably improves recovery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009000
  notes: 'Standard RUTF probably improves recovery vs alternative diets and may increase
    weight gain slightly. Effects on relapse and death uncertain. Different formulations
    perform similarly. 15 studies, 7,976 children.

    '
  date: '2019-05-15'
- question: Do nerve blocks help labor pain?
  answer: Yes, more effective than opioids.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009200
  notes: 'Paracervical and pudendal blocks more effective than placebo, opioids, and
    non-opioid pain relief. Side effects more frequent but typically temporary. Various
    anesthetics work similarly. 12 studies, 1,549 women.

    '
  date: '2012-04-18'
- question: Do complement inhibitors help dry AMD?
  answer: Slow disease but no vision improvement yet.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009300
  notes: 'Pegcetacoplan slowed retinal damage by 19-26% but little to no effect on
    vision loss. May increase risk of wet AMD and eye infections. No evidence of improved
    quality of life. Limited to 1-year data.

    '
  date: '2023-06-14'
- question: Do parasitic worms help inflammatory bowel disease?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009400
  notes: '43% of ulcerative colitis patients improved with T. suis eggs vs 17% with
    placebo in one small trial. Remission rates low in both groups. Only 2 small studies
    with 90 participants. Cannot make firm conclusions.

    '
  date: '2014-01-20'
- question: What training works for palliative care volunteers?
  answer: Unknown, no studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009500
  notes: 'No eligible studies found despite searching 2,614 citations. Cannot determine
    how best to train or support volunteers. Significant evidence gap despite widespread
    use of volunteers in end-of-life care.

    '
  date: '2015-07-20'
- question: Do ergonomic keyboards help carpal tunnel?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009600
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 105 participants. One showed pain reduction at
    12 weeks, other showed no difference at 6 months. No improvements in hand function.
    Too limited to recommend for or against.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Which cornea transplant is better for keratoconus?
  answer: Both similar, DALK may have less rejection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009700
  notes: 'Partial-thickness (DALK) and full-thickness (PK) grafts produce similar
    vision outcomes and survival. Rejection more likely with PK. DALK technically
    more difficult. Very low to moderate quality evidence. 2 trials, 111 participants.

    '
  date: '2014-07-23'
- question: Do seizure drugs prevent epilepsy after head injury?
  answer: May prevent early seizures only.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009900
  notes: 'Antiepileptic drugs may reduce early seizures (first week) but not late
    seizures or death. No benefit for preventing chronic epilepsy development. Low
    quality evidence. 10 trials, 2,326 participants.

    '
  date: '2015-08-10'
- question: Does auditory-verbal therapy help deaf children?
  answer: Unknown, no proper studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010100
  notes: 'No eligible studies found among 2,233 reviewed. Cannot draw conclusions
    about effectiveness. Lack of well-controlled studies highlighted. Absence of evidence
    doesn''t prove it doesn''t work.

    '
  date: '2014-03-12'
- question: Does community walking practice help stroke survivors?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010200
  notes: 'Cannot establish effect on walking participation, speed, distance, or confidence.
    Low quality evidence. No adverse effects reported. 5 studies, 266 participants.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-03-13'
- question: What prevents vestibular migraine?
  answer: Unknown, no completed trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010600
  notes: 'No evidence from randomized trials despite screening 558 reports. One ongoing
    trial comparing metoprolol to placebo. Urgent need for well-designed trials to
    evaluate current and new treatments.

    '
  date: '2015-06-21'
- question: Does terbutaline pump prevent preterm labor?
  answer: No benefit, expensive, lacks safety data.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010800
  notes: 'No evidence of decreased adverse neonatal outcomes vs placebo or oral terbutaline.
    No difference in gestational age, preterm birth, or ICU admissions. 4 trials,
    234 women.

    '
  date: '2014-03-23'
- question: What treats vaginal bleeding in cervical cancer?
  answer: Unknown, no controlled trials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011000
  notes: 'No randomized trials comparing vaginal packing, interventional radiology,
    tranexamic acid, or radiotherapy. Treatment choice based on local resources. Trials
    urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2019-03-19'
- question: What's the best magnesium dose for preterm labor?
  answer: Insufficient evidence; doesn't prevent preterm birth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011200
  notes: 'Magnesium sulphate doesn''t prevent preterm birth. No difference in death
    between high and low doses. One small study suggested high-dose may reduce respiratory
    distress. 3 trials, 360 women.

    '
  date: '2015-12-14'
- question: Does immunotherapy help cured lung cancer?
  answer: No survival benefit (excluding checkpoint inhibitors).
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011300
  notes: 'No evidence of benefit from vaccines or cell therapies added to surgery/radiotherapy.
    No difference in survival at 1-5 years. Checkpoint inhibitors being tested separately.
    11 trials, 5,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2021-12-06'
- question: Does ER education reduce asthma hospital visits?
  answer: Yes, cuts hospital admissions by half.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003000
  notes: 'Education after emergency visits significantly reduced hospital admissions
    (50% reduction). Effects on ER revisits less clear. Minimal impact on lung function
    or quality of life. 13 studies, 2,157 adults.

    '
  date: '2007-07-18'
- question: Do steroids help induce labor?
  answer: No benefit found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003100
  notes: 'No benefit of intramuscular corticosteroids with oxytocin vs oxytocin alone.
    Only 1 small trial with 66 women. Method rarely used clinically. Further research
    unlikely warranted.

    '
  date: '2006-04-19'
- question: Does exercise help chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Probably reduces fatigue short-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Exercise therapy probably reduces fatigue and may improve function and sleep.
    Long-term benefits uncertain. No advantage over CBT. Evidence from 1994 diagnostic
    criteria. 8 studies, 1,518 participants.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Does graduated licensing reduce young driver crashes?
  answer: Yes, 15-21% reduction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003300
  notes: 'Reductions seen in all jurisdictions and crash types. 16-year-olds show
    15.5% crash reduction in first year, 21% injury crash reduction. Stronger restrictions
    yield greater benefits. 34 studies.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do home modifications reduce injuries?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003600
  notes: 'Cannot determine if stair gates, cupboard locks, better lighting reduce
    injuries. Doesn''t mean ineffective, but larger studies measuring actual injuries
    needed. 29 studies.

    '
  date: '2011-02-16'
- question: Does vitamin A help non-measles pneumonia?
  answer: No significant benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003700
  notes: 'No reduction in mortality or hospital stay. High-dose worsened outcomes.
    Low-dose may reduce bronchopneumonia recurrence. Benefits may be specific to measles
    pneumonia only. 6 trials, 1,740 children.

    '
  date: '2005-07-20'
- question: Are anticholinergics better than beta2-agonists for COPD flares?
  answer: No difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003900
  notes: 'No significant difference in lung function improvement up to 90 minutes.
    Combining both medications adds no benefit. Side effects minimal (dry mouth, tremor).
    Both equally effective.

    '
  date: '2002-10-21'
- question: Does IVIG prevent heart damage in Kawasaki disease?
  answer: Yes, significantly reduces coronary damage.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004000
  notes: 'IVIG within 10 days reduces coronary artery abnormalities without serious
    side effects. 2 gm/kg single dose recommended. Children meeting criteria should
    be treated. 16 trials.

    '
  date: '2003-10-20'
- question: Which stent is best for pancreatic cancer bile duct blockage?
  answer: Metal stents are preferred.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004200
  notes: 'Endoscopic stenting has fewer complications than surgery. Metal stents have
    lower re-obstruction risk than plastic. Patients with short survival may not need
    metal''s durability.

    '
  date: '2006-04-19'
- question: Does vitamin A cream help diaper rash?
  answer: No evidence to support or refute.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004300
  notes: 'Only 1 small study with 114 newborns found no significant differences. No
    evidence vitamin A prevents or treats diaper rash. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Does G-CSF help pneumonia treatment?
  answer: No benefit on mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004400
  notes: 'G-CSF appeared safe but not associated with improved 28-day mortality. No
    evidence supports routine use. 6 studies, 2,018 adults.

    '
  date: '2007-04-18'
- question: What's the best PEEP level for premature infants?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to guide selection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004500
  notes: 'No differences between low and high PEEP on gas exchange. Individualized
    PEEP with lung recruitment showed no clear survival benefit but possibly less
    ventilator time. 4 small trials.

    '
  date: '2019-03-01'
- question: When should radiation start in small cell lung cancer?
  answer: Unclear, early timing not proven better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004700
  notes: 'No significant survival difference between radiation within 30 days of chemo
    vs later. Early radiation showed trend toward more esophagus/lung inflammation.
    Further research needed.

    '
  date: '2005-01-24'
- question: Does sulfasalazine help ankylosing spondylitis?
  answer: Not enough evidence; minimal pain benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004800
  notes: 'Only 3-point pain reduction on 100-point scale, not clinically meaningful.
    Disease activity and function not assessed. More people quit due to side effects.
    11 studies, 895 participants.

    '
  date: '2014-11-27'
- question: Does botox help involuntary eye closure?
  answer: Yes, moderate to large improvement.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004900
  notes: 'BtA improved blepharospasm symptoms, disability, and involuntary movements
    for ~10-11 weeks. Increased vision complaints and drooping eyelids. 3 studies,
    313 participants. All industry-funded.

    '
  date: '2020-11-19'
- question: Is bypass surgery better than angioplasty for leg artery disease?
  answer: Not clearly superior for most outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002000
  notes: 'Bypass had higher technical success but more early complications. Grafts
    stayed open longer at 1 year but advantage disappeared by 4 years. Similar survival
    and amputation rates. Longer hospital stays. 11 trials, 1,486 participants.

    '
  date: '2017-04-03'
- question: Do drains help after colorectal surgery?
  answer: Insufficient evidence for routine use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002100
  notes: 'No significant difference in leak rates, death, re-operation, or wound infections.
    Low quality evidence. Additional studies with modern techniques needed. 3 trials,
    908 participants.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Does intensive follow-up improve colorectal cancer survival?
  answer: No survival benefit despite more monitoring.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002200
  notes: 'Intensive follow-up detected recurrences earlier with more salvage surgeries
    but no survival improvement. More colonoscopy complications possible. Similar
    quality of life. 19 studies, 13,216 patients.

    '
  date: '2019-09-04'
- question: Does cisapride help infant reflux?
  answer: No clear symptom benefit; safety concerns.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002300
  notes: 'No significant difference in symptoms vs placebo. Fatal cardiac arrhythmias
    reported led to restrictions in USA/Europe from 2000. 9 trials, 262 children.

    '
  date: '2010-04-14'
- question: Does propylthiouracil help alcoholic liver disease?
  answer: No.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002800
  notes: 'No significant effect on mortality, liver complications, or liver tissue.
    Occasional serious side effects like low white blood cells and skin reactions.
    6 trials, 710 patients.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Which surgery method is best for first trimester abortion?
  answer: Both D&C and vacuum aspiration are safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002900
  notes: 'No maternal deaths reported. Vacuum aspiration shorter procedure time. Manual
    vacuum less painful in very early pregnancy but harder to perform later. Women''s
    satisfaction inadequately studied.

    '
  date: '2001-10-23'
- question: Do steroids prevent airway swelling after breathing tubes?
  answer: Mixed; helps high-risk adults.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001000
  notes: 'Not proven effective for neonates or children. Multiple doses started 12-24
    hours before tube removal helps high-risk adults. 11 trials, 2,301 participants.

    '
  date: '2009-07-08'
- question: Is low molecular weight heparin better for blood clots?
  answer: Yes, fewer clots and less bleeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001100
  notes: 'LMWH reduced recurrent clots and major bleeding vs unfractionated heparin.
    Also reduced clot size. No difference in deaths. Moderate to low quality evidence.
    29 trials, 10,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2017-02-09'
- question: Does vaginal estrogen help menopausal vaginal dryness?
  answer: Yes, all forms equally effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001500
  notes: 'Creams, tablets, and rings all improve symptoms vs placebo. No difference
    in efficacy between forms. Cream may cause more endometrial thickening due to
    higher doses. 30 trials, 6,235 women.

    '
  date: '2016-08-31'
- question: Does exercise rehab help heart disease?
  answer: Yes, reduces heart attacks and hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001800
  notes: 'Large reduction in heart attacks and hospitalizations. Slight reduction
    in mortality. Improves quality of life across multiple measures. Cost-effective
    healthcare spending. 85 trials, 23,430 participants.

    '
  date: '2021-11-06'
- question: Does remacemide help drug-resistant epilepsy?
  answer: Modest effect but high withdrawal rate.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001900
  notes: 'Only 1.59 relative risk for 50% seizure reduction. More likely to be withdrawn
    than placebo. Significantly increased dizziness. Unlikely to be further developed.
    2 trials, 514 participants.

    '
  date: '2002-10-21'
- question: Does hepatitis B vaccine protect healthcare workers?
  answer: Yes, cuts infection risk by half.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000100
  notes: 'Plasma-derived vaccine significantly prevents hepatitis B events. Recombinant
    vaccines comparable. Intramuscular deltoid injection most effective. Well tolerated.
    Uncertainty about protection against mutated strains. 21 trials.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Does surgery help brain bleeding?
  answer: May reduce death/disability but not very robust.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000200
  notes: 'Surgery within 72 hours reduces odds of death or dependency vs medical care
    alone. Result statistically significant but not robust due to study quality issues.
    Need to identify which patients benefit most. 10 trials, 2,059 participants.

    '
  date: '2008-10-08'
- question: Do NSAIDs help heavy periods?
  answer: Modest benefit but other drugs work better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000400
  notes: 'NSAIDs modestly reduce heavy bleeding vs placebo. But danazol, tranexamic
    acid, and hormonal IUD more effective. Low to moderate quality evidence. 19 trials,
    759 women.

    '
  date: '2019-09-19'
- question: Should vigorous newborns with meconium be intubated?
  answer: No benefit over routine resuscitation.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000500
  notes: 'Routine intubation to suction meconium showed no benefit for vigorous term
    babies. No differences in meconium aspiration syndrome, lung complications, or
    seizures. Cannot be recommended. 4 trials, 2,844 infants.

    '
  date: '2001-01-22'
- question: Do psychosocial programs help in humanitarian crises?
  answer: Scant and inconclusive evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014300
  notes: 'Little to no clear benefit for children''s mental well-being. Some encouragement
    that adults may improve slightly. Confidence hampered by scarcity of studies.
    Larger research needed. 13 trials, 7,917 participants.

    '
  date: '2024-05-21'
- question: Does light therapy help non-seasonal depression?
  answer: Modest and promising but interpret cautiously.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004050
  notes: 'Morning light therapy in first week combined with sleep deprivation showed
    best results. Not statistically significant across all studies. Hypomania occurred
    more frequently. Limited data.

    '
  date: '2004-04-19'
- question: Does visual screening prevent oral cancer deaths?
  answer: Only for high-risk tobacco/alcohol users.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004150
  notes: 'Overall screening did not reduce deaths in general population. 24% mortality
    reduction for high-risk tobacco/alcohol users. Earlier cancer detection. No evidence
    for adjunctive screening technologies. 1 study, 191,873 participants.

    '
  date: '2013-11-19'
- question: Does exercise help neck pain?
  answer: Strengthening exercises may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004250
  notes: 'Neck, shoulder, and shoulder blade strengthening with stretching showed
    beneficial effects on pain and function for chronic pain. Mindfulness and stretching
    alone showed minimal benefits. No high-quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2015-01-28'
- question: Is regional or general anesthesia better for C-sections?
  answer: No major differences; depends on preference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004350
  notes: 'Regional anesthesia had lower blood loss. General anesthesia had higher
    satisfaction scores. No significant differences in newborn outcomes. Choice should
    depend on whether women prefer to be awake. 22 studies, 1,793 women.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Which iron chelator is best for thalassemia?
  answer: All similar; desferrioxamine still first-line.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004450
  notes: 'Desferrioxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox remove iron similarly. Combining
    desferrioxamine with deferiprone removes more iron. No evidence one prevents organ
    damage better. Deferiprone causes more side effects. 22 trials, 2,187 participants.

    '
  date: '2013-08-21'
- question: Does heat or cold help low back pain?
  answer: Heat wraps provide short-term relief.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004750
  notes: 'Heat wraps reduce pain and disability for acute back pain lasting under
    3 months. Effect is short-lived and small. Adding exercise helps more. Cold therapy
    evidence insufficient. Conflicting evidence comparing heat vs cold.

    '
  date: '2006-01-25'
- question: Does breastfeeding reduce newborn procedural pain?
  answer: Yes, likely reduces crying duration.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004950
  notes: 'Breastfeeding likely reduces crying duration and improves pain scores for
    heel pricks and blood draws. Supplemental breast milk also shows promise. Similar
    to moderate sugar water. More preterm infant studies needed.

    '
  date: '2023-08-29'
- question: Does flu vaccine prevent heart attacks?
  answer: May reduce cardiovascular deaths in heart patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005050
  notes: 'Flu vaccination may reduce cardiovascular mortality and events in existing
    heart disease patients (RR 0.45 for CV deaths). Insufficient data for general
    population. Some risk of bias. Higher-quality evidence needed.

    '
  date: '2015-05-05'
- question: Do Chinese herbs help hyperthyroidism?
  answer: Potential benefit but no specific recommendation.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005450
  notes: 'When combined with antithyroid drugs, herbs may lower relapse rates and
    adverse effects. Cannot recommend any single preparation due to low quality evidence.
    13 trials, 1,770 participants.

    '
  date: '2007-04-18'
- question: Does CBT reduce juvenile crime after residential care?
  answer: Modest 10% reduction at 12 months.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005650
  notes: 'CBT more effective than standard treatment in reducing criminal behavior
    12 months after release. About 10% reduction in recidivism. No evidence of longer-term
    effects or superiority to alternative treatments. 12 studies.

    '
  date: '2007-10-17'
- question: Does mental practice help stroke arm recovery?
  answer: Yes, beneficial as supplement to rehab.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005950
  notes: 'Mental rehearsal of arm movements plus other treatment improves upper limb
    activity with moderate certainty. Improvements in arm movement quality. Benefits
    for daily living unclear. No adverse effects. 25 studies, 676 participants.

    '
  date: '2020-05-25'
- question: Do immunosuppressants help vasculitic neuropathy?
  answer: Unknown, no proper trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006050
  notes: 'No randomized trials on which to base treatment. All 30 studies excluded
    due to insufficient quality. Significant evidence gap for this rare condition.
    Trials needed especially of adding drugs to corticosteroids.

    '
  date: '2007-01-24'
- question: Do steroids help HIV patients with PCP pneumonia?
  answer: Yes, reduces mortality by ~44%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006150
  notes: 'Adjunctive corticosteroids reduced mortality at 1 month (RR 0.56) and 3-4
    months. Reduced need for mechanical ventilation. 9-23 patients needed to treat
    to prevent one death. Insufficient evidence for infants. 6 studies, 489 adults.

    '
  date: '2015-04-02'
- question: Do bisphosphonates help prostate cancer bone spread?
  answer: Reduce bone complications but not pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006250
  notes: 'No clear pain relief benefit. Reduced skeletal events by 58 per 1000 and
    disease progression by 36 per 1000. Increased nausea and kidney problems. Benefits
    vs safety tradeoffs needed. 18 trials, 4,843 men.

    '
  date: '2017-12-26'
- question: Which blood thinner is best for cancer patients with clots?
  answer: Injected heparin best; oral has more bleeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006650
  notes: 'LMWH superior to vitamin K antagonists for preventing recurrence. Newer
    oral anticoagulants may decrease clots but increase bleeding compared to LMWH.
    18 trials. Trade-offs between effectiveness and safety.

    '
  date: '2018-06-19'
- question: Can kidney transplant patients stop calcineurin inhibitors?
  answer: May cause rejection; long-term outcomes unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006750
  notes: 'CNI withdrawal may cause rejection but little difference in death. Probably
    slightly reduced graft loss and hypertension. Low-dose CNI with mTOR inhibitors
    improved kidney function. 83 studies, 16,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2017-07-21'
- question: Do braces help teen scoliosis?
  answer: May prevent curve progression without affecting quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006850
  notes: 'Quality of life not affected during treatment. Different braces for different
    severities. Rigid for 20-40°, elastic for 15-30°, very rigid for >45°. Low quality
    evidence. 7 studies, 662 adolescents.

    '
  date: '2015-06-18'
- question: Does bone morphogenetic protein help fracture healing?
  answer: May help acute fractures; unclear for nonunions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006950
  notes: 'BMP may enhance acute tibia fracture healing with fewer subsequent procedures.
    Performs similarly to bone grafts for nonunions. Generally more expensive than
    standard care. 11 trials.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: How should seizures in MS patients be treated?
  answer: Unknown, no trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007150
  notes: 'No randomized trials found after screening 379 citations. No evidence-based
    guidance on treating seizures in MS patients vs other epilepsy patients. Trials
    urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does thalidomide help Crohn's disease?
  answer: Not recommended.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007350
  notes: 'One trial of lenalidomide showed no benefit over placebo for inducing remission.
    Higher dose had more side effects (headache, rash, nausea). Known severe birth
    defects pose major safety concerns. 1 trial, 89 patients.

    '
  date: '2009-04-15'
- question: Do partial agonist beta blockers lower blood pressure?
  answer: Yes, modest reduction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007450
  notes: 'Lowered BP by 8/4 mmHg and heart rate by 5 bpm. Higher doses gave no extra
    benefit. May be less effective than ACE inhibitors. Very low quality evidence.
    Side effects rare.

    '
  date: '2014-11-27'
- question: Does dexibuprofen help post-surgery pain?
  answer: Probably useful, similar to regular ibuprofen.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007550
  notes: '200-400 mg probably produces useful pain relief lasting >4 hours vs 2 hours
    with placebo. Not enough evidence to recommend over regular ibuprofen which has
    more evidence. 2 trials, 313 participants.

    '
  date: '2013-10-23'
- question: Do faster prenatal test results reduce anxiety?
  answer: No conclusive evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007750
  notes: 'Mixed results from 2 small studies with 286 women. One showed reduced anxiety
    with rapid results, other showed no difference. Strategy choice should be based
    on cost-effectiveness rather than anxiety impact.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does folic acid prevent birth defects?
  answer: Yes for neural tube defects; unclear for others.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007950
  notes: 'Strong protective effect against spina bifida and anencephaly (high quality
    evidence). No evidence of benefit for cleft palate, heart defects, or miscarriage.
    Take before conception through 12 weeks. 5 trials, 7,391 pregnancies.

    '
  date: '2015-12-14'
- question: Does secondary bone grafting help children with cleft lip and palate?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008050
  notes: 'No RCTs found comparing bone grafting techniques for alveolar clefts. Current
    surgical decisions rely on clinical experience and cohort studies rather than
    randomized evidence.

    '
  date: '2021-07-01'
- question: Do breathing exercises help people with COPD?
  answer: Partially; improves exercise tolerance.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008250
  notes: 'Pursed-lip breathing improves walking distance and breathlessness. Yoga
    may improve exercise capacity but not lung function. Singing has unclear benefit.
    19 trials, 1103 participants.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Which surgery is better for retinal detachment - scleral buckle or vitrectomy?
  answer: Both are viable with trade-offs.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008350
  notes: 'Scleral buckle and vitrectomy have similar success rates for uncomplicated
    detachment. Vitrectomy has more cataract progression; buckle has more myopic shift.
    Choice depends on clinical factors. 3 trials, 276 eyes.

    '
  date: '2021-11-11'
- question: Do reflux medicines help children with gastroesophageal reflux?
  answer: Uncertain benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008550
  notes: 'PPIs and H2 blockers may or may not improve reflux symptoms in children.
    Evidence is low quality. Lifestyle changes should be tried first. Side effects
    of long-term use are concerning.

    '
  date: '2023-08-22'
- question: Does green tea help with weight loss?
  answer: No meaningful effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008650
  notes: 'Green tea preparations produce statistically insignificant weight loss (less
    than 1 kg on average). Studies are small and short-term. Not effective for weight
    management. 14 trials, 1562 participants.

    '
  date: '2021-07-01'
- question: Does low oxygen improve IVF success rates?
  answer: Yes, improves live birth rates.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008950
  notes: 'Culturing embryos at 5% oxygen (vs 20% atmospheric) improves IVF/ICSI success.
    Live birth rates increase from ~30% to 32-43%. No increased risk of miscarriage
    or birth defects.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do dietary flavonoids prevent colorectal cancer?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009350
  notes: 'Conflicting and insufficient evidence for flavonoid intake preventing colorectal
    cancer or adenomas. No benefit shown for total flavonoid intake. Difficult to
    measure actual consumption accurately. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Can MRSA be eradicated from cystic fibrosis lungs?
  answer: Temporarily, but benefit unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009650
  notes: 'Early MRSA eradication is possible in CF patients, but effect doesn''t last
    - no difference between treatment and observation by day 168. No evidence treatment
    improves lung function or quality of life.

    '
  date: '2022-12-13'
- question: Does high-flow nasal cannula help children with breathing problems?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009850
  notes: 'No evidence available to determine safety or effectiveness of HFNC for respiratory
    support in children. 11 studies identified but none met rigorous inclusion criteria.
    Higher-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2014-03-07'
- question: Do medications help pain in Guillain-Barré syndrome?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009950
  notes: 'Gabapentin and carbamazepine showed some pain reduction vs placebo, but
    studies were small and low quality. Methylprednisolone showed no benefit. Not
    enough evidence to support any specific drug treatment.

    '
  date: '2015-04-09'
- question: Does glutamine help critically ill patients?
  answer: Reduces infections but not mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010050
  notes: 'Glutamine supplementation reduced infectious complications by 21% and shortened
    hospital stays by ~3.5 days. No effect on mortality or ICU stay. High risk of
    bias in studies; interpret with caution.

    '
  date: '2014-09-09'
- question: Do dietary changes help bone problems in kidney disease?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010350
  notes: 'Calcium-enriched bread and low phosphorus diets may have modest positive
    effects on some markers, but evidence quality is low. Large well-designed trials
    needed before dietary interventions can be recommended.

    '
  date: '2015-09-16'
- question: Which oral pain medication works best after cesarean section?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010450
  notes: 'No conclusions can be made about safest or most effective oral pain relief
    after cesarean. Only 8 small trials with 962 women. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-03-29'
- question: Is natural cycle IVF as effective as standard IVF?
  answer: Possibly comparable, needs more research.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010550
  notes: 'Natural cycle IVF produces similar live birth rates to standard IVF (34-53%
    vs 53%). Fewer eggs retrieved. No significant safety differences. Awaiting larger
    trials for confirmation.

    '
  date: '2013-08-30'
- question: Do drugs help pain in children with life-limiting conditions?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010750
  notes: 'Only 9 trials with 379 participants found, mostly in cerebral palsy or bone
    disease. No clear evidence of benefit except intrathecal baclofen which caused
    significant side effects. Research urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2015-03-13'
- question: Is single-incision kidney donation surgery better than standard laparoscopy?
  answer: Similar safety, slightly less pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010850
  notes: 'Single-incision (LESS-DN) technique as safe as standard keyhole surgery.
    Significantly less pain at discharge but no other clear benefits. Limited studies;
    more research needed.

    '
  date: '2016-05-27'
- question: Does IV magnesium help children with asthma attacks?
  answer: May reduce hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011050
  notes: 'IV magnesium sulfate may prevent hospitalization (one in five children avoided
    admission). Very weak evidence from only 3 small studies with 115 children from
    1996-2000. No serious side effects reported.

    '
  date: '2016-04-29'
- question: Do corneal ring implants help keratoconus?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011150
  notes: 'No eligible randomized controlled trials found evaluating intrastromal corneal
    ring segments for keratoconus. Effectiveness and safety remain uncertain.

    '
  date: '2019-05-14'
- question: Do electronic reading aids help children with low vision?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011350
  notes: 'No RCTs comparing electronic assistive technologies to traditional optical
    aids for children with low vision. Despite 3 million affected children worldwide,
    high-quality research is lacking.

    '
  date: '2015-06-18'
- question: Are ulcerative colitis endoscopy scoring tools validated?
  answer: No, none fully validated.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011450
  notes: 'None of the currently used endoscopic indices are fully validated. UCEIS,
    UCCIS, and Mayo Clinic Endoscopic Subscore have more testing but still lack complete
    validation.

    '
  date: '2018-01-16'
- question: Do standing devices help boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011550
  notes: 'No eligible trials found evaluating standing devices for boys with DMD.
    Unable to determine effectiveness or quality of life benefits. Research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-10-13'
- question: Is surgery or ablation better for early liver cancer?
  answer: Similar survival, ablation has fewer complications.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011650
  notes: 'No difference in mortality between surgical removal and radiofrequency ablation,
    but surgery had more serious complications. For non-surgical candidates, ablation
    better than alcohol injection. Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-03-28'
- question: Do oral treatments help children with blepharokeratoconjunctivitis?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011750
  notes: 'No RCTs found on systemic treatments for BKC in children. No evidence regarding
    safety or efficacy. Rigorous clinical trials urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2016-05-30'
- question: Does prenatal fluoride supplementation prevent cavities?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011850
  notes: 'No evidence that fluoride supplements taken during pregnancy prevent cavities
    in children. At age 5, decay-free rates nearly identical (92% fluoride vs 91%
    placebo).

    '
  date: '2017-10-23'
- question: Should people with dementia continue taking statins?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012050
  notes: 'No suitable studies found. Cannot determine whether continuing or stopping
    statins benefits people with dementia. RCTs needed.

    '
  date: '2016-09-09'
- question: Does adding folic acid to flour improve health?
  answer: May reduce birth defects, more research needed.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012150
  notes: 'Folic acid-fortified flour may reduce neural tube defects and boost folate
    levels, but evidence is limited. Few studies with small numbers. More rigorous
    research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-07-01'
- question: Are circumcision devices safer than traditional surgery?
  answer: Similar safety, faster procedure.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012250
  notes: 'Devices don''t significantly improve safety vs traditional surgery. May
    cause slightly more moderate complications. Procedure time reduced by ~17 minutes.
    May reduce pain in first 24 hours.

    '
  date: '2021-03-31'
- question: Do steroids help low back pain?
  answer: Modest benefit for sciatica only.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012450
  notes: 'For sciatica with nerve involvement, corticosteroids probably slightly decrease
    pain and may improve function. Benefits minimal for other back pain types. Short
    courses appear safe but limited data.

    '
  date: '2022-10-21'
- question: Does weight loss help obese women with fertility problems?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012650
  notes: 'Cannot confirm whether medication or lifestyle weight loss approaches improve
    live birth rates in obese subfertile women. Lifestyle interventions may reduce
    BMI but effect on pregnancy unknown.

    '
  date: '2021-03-25'
- question: Do bite splints help jaw joint disorders?
  answer: Uncertain, may slightly reduce pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012850
  notes: 'Occlusal splints may reduce jaw muscle pain when chewing vs no treatment,
    but evidence very uncertain. 57 studies with ~3000 participants still insufficient
    to determine effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2024-09-16'
- question: Do treatments help harmful alcohol use in developing countries?
  answer: Combined therapy may help, limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013350
  notes: 'Low-certainty evidence that combined psychosocial and medication treatments
    may work. Insufficient evidence for either treatment alone. Significant study
    quality issues.

    '
  date: '2023-05-09'
- question: Do anti-inflammatory eye drops help eyelid inflammation?
  answer: Minimal benefit alone.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013550
  notes: 'Unclear if anti-inflammatory drops alone help blepharitis symptoms. When
    combined with antibiotics, corticosteroids improved corneal staining. Lid hygiene
    and warm compresses remain first-line treatment.

    '
  date: '2025-11-20'
- question: Do newer diabetes medications help heart disease patients?
  answer: GLP-1 and SGLT2 drugs reduce death; DPP-4 drugs don't help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013650
  notes: 'GLP-1RA and SGLT2i reduce cardiovascular death in diabetics with heart disease.
    SGLT2i reduce heart failure hospitalization. GLP-1RA may prevent stroke. DPP-4i
    show no benefit and may increase pancreatitis risk.

    '
  date: '2021-10-25'
- question: Does platinum chemo help triple-negative breast cancer?
  answer: May provide modest survival benefit with more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013750
  notes: 'Platinum-based chemotherapy may offer small survival benefit in metastatic
    triple-negative breast cancer. Must balance against increased nausea, vomiting,
    and anemia. Benefit may justify use.

    '
  date: '2020-10-21'
- question: Does shared leadership improve healthcare?
  answer: Probably improves leadership, uncertain other benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013850
  notes: 'Collective leadership probably improves leadership quality but uncertain
    effects on patient outcomes or staff well-being. Only 3 studies with 955 participants.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2022-10-10'
- question: Does aromatherapy help dementia symptoms?
  answer: No convincing evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003150
  notes: 'Some studies suggested possible improvement in behavioral symptoms, but
    overall evidence quality poor due to small studies and inconsistent results. Larger
    well-designed studies needed.

    '
  date: '2020-08-18'
- question: Is amniotomy plus oxytocin effective for inducing labor?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003250
  notes: 'Data on effectiveness and safety lacking. Some benefits compared to alternatives
    but increased postpartum hemorrhage and patient dissatisfaction vs vaginal prostaglandins.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2001-07-23'
- question: Are non-latex condoms as effective as latex?
  answer: Acceptable alternative, may break more often.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003550
  notes: 'Some non-latex condoms (Avanti, Tactylon) perform similarly to latex for
    contraception. Break more frequently but acceptable for those with latex allergies
    or sensitivities.

    '
  date: '2006-01-25'
- question: Do vitamin supplements help adults with HIV?
  answer: Little or no effect on mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003650
  notes: 'Routine multiple micronutrient supplementation may have little or no effect
    on mortality in HIV adults. Minimal impact on CD4 count or viral load. May help
    those with documented deficiencies.

    '
  date: '2017-05-18'
- question: Do treatments help sexual dysfunction after pelvic radiation?
  answer: Vaginal dilators supported; other treatments uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003750
  notes: 'Vaginal dilators help prevent vaginal stenosis. Estrogens and benzydamine
    douches may help but results not statistically significant. Larger trials needed.

    '
  date: '2003-01-20'
- question: Do antifungal drugs help very low birth weight infants?
  answer: Reduces infections but not mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003850
  notes: 'Prophylactic antifungal therapy reduces severe fungal infections in very
    low birth weight infants. No convincing evidence of reduced death or disability
    rates.

    '
  date: '2015-10-24'
- question: Does light therapy help non-seasonal depression?
  answer: Modest benefit, especially early in treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004050
  notes: 'Modest antidepressive effects, especially in first week, morning use, and
    combined with sleep deprivation. Caution: hypomania occurred more in light therapy
    group. Limited data.

    '
  date: '2004-04-19'
- question: Does oral cancer screening reduce deaths?
  answer: May help high-risk individuals.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004150
  notes: 'Visual screening may reduce oral cancer mortality in tobacco/alcohol users.
    Only one study available with significant limitations. More rigorous studies needed.

    '
  date: '2013-11-19'
- question: Does exercise help neck pain?
  answer: Strengthening exercises may help chronic pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004250
  notes: 'Strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder appear most effective for
    chronic neck pain. Stretching alone shows minimal benefit. No high quality evidence
    overall. Exercise is safe.

    '
  date: '2015-01-28'
- question: Is regional or general anesthesia better for cesarean section?
  answer: No major difference in outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004350
  notes: 'No evidence that regional anesthesia (epidural/spinal) is superior to general
    anesthesia for major maternal or neonatal outcomes. Regional may reduce blood
    loss. Choice should be based on patient preference.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does desferrioxamine effectively remove excess iron in thalassemia?
  answer: Yes, similarly to other iron chelators.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004450
  notes: 'All three iron chelators work similarly well. Desferrioxamine remains first-line
    treatment. Combining with deferiprone removes more iron but increases side effects.
    Larger trials needed for long-term comparisons.

    '
  date: '2013-08-21'
- question: Does heat or cold help low back pain?
  answer: Heat wraps provide modest short-term relief.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004750
  notes: 'Heat wrap therapy provides modest short-term pain relief for acute/subacute
    low back pain. Adding exercise provides additional benefit. Insufficient evidence
    for cold therapy.

    '
  date: '2006-01-25'
- question: Does breastfeeding reduce pain during newborn procedures?
  answer: May help reduce pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004950
  notes: 'Breastfeeding and supplemental breast milk may reduce pain during medical
    procedures compared to no intervention. Similar to glucose/sucrose. Moderate to
    low certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2023-08-29'
- question: Does flu vaccination prevent heart attacks?
  answer: May reduce cardiovascular events in heart patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005050
  notes: 'Flu vaccination may reduce cardiovascular mortality and events in patients
    with existing heart disease. Studies small with quality issues. Insufficient evidence
    for healthy people.

    '
  date: '2015-05-05'
- question: Do Chinese herbs help hyperthyroidism?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to recommend.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005450
  notes: 'Some herbs may reduce relapses and side effects when combined with standard
    treatments. Cannot recommend any specific preparation due to poor study quality.

    '
  date: '2007-04-18'
- question: Does CBT reduce criminal behavior in youth residential care?
  answer: Modest short-term effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005650
  notes: 'CBT slightly more effective than standard treatment, ~10% reduction in recidivism
    at one year. No evidence of long-term effects or superiority over alternative
    treatments.

    '
  date: '2007-10-17'
- question: Does mental practice help arm recovery after stroke?
  answer: Yes, when combined with physical therapy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005950
  notes: 'Mental practice combined with physical rehabilitation improves arm function
    and movement. Unclear if mental practice alone helps. Optimal amount and timing
    unknown. No harmful effects.

    '
  date: '2020-05-25'
- question: Does immunosuppression help vasculitic neuropathy?
  answer: Unknown - no adequate trials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006050
  notes: 'No adequate randomized trials available for non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy.
    All 30 identified studies excluded due to quality issues. Rigorous trials needed.

    '
  date: '2007-01-24'
- question: Do steroids help HIV patients with Pneumocystis pneumonia?
  answer: Yes, for adults with low oxygen.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006150
  notes: 'Adjunctive corticosteroids beneficial for adult HIV patients with substantial
    hypoxemia. Reduced death risk and need for ventilators. Insufficient evidence
    for infants.

    '
  date: '2015-04-02'
- question: Do bisphosphonates help prostate cancer that has spread to bone?
  answer: Reduce bone complications but not pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006250
  notes: 'Probably reduce skeletal events and slow disease progression. No clinically
    relevant difference in pain. Increase risk of kidney problems and nausea. Benefits
    must be weighed against adverse effects.

    '
  date: '2017-12-26'
- question: Which blood thinner is best for blood clots in cancer patients?
  answer: Injected heparins reduce clot recurrence best.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006650
  notes: 'Low molecular weight heparins superior to oral medications for reducing
    clot recurrence in cancer patients. Newer oral blood thinners may increase bleeding
    risk. Balance benefits, harms, and patient preferences.

    '
  date: '2018-06-19'
- question: Should kidney transplant patients stop taking CNI immunosuppressants?
  answer: Lowering dose may be better than stopping.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006750
  notes: 'Withdrawing CNI increases rejection episodes but may slightly reduce transplant
    failure. Lowering doses appears more beneficial - reduces rejection and graft
    loss without major harm. Lacks long-term data.

    '
  date: '2017-07-21'
- question: Does bracing prevent scoliosis progression in adolescents?
  answer: May prevent curve progression but not quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006850
  notes: 'Bracing appears effective at preventing spinal curve progression. Quality
    of life not affected during treatment and long-term outcomes unchanged. Low to
    very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2015-06-18'
- question: Does bone morphogenetic protein help fractures heal?
  answer: May help acute fractures, not better than bone grafts for nonunions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006950
  notes: 'Limited evidence BMP may enhance healing of acute tibial fractures. For
    non-healing fractures, neither better nor worse than bone grafts. Typically costs
    more than standard care.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Is bypass surgery better than angioplasty for leg artery disease?
  answer: Similar outcomes, bypass has more complications.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002000
  notes: 'Bypass surgery showed better patency at one year but advantage disappeared
    by four years. More complications in severely ill patients and longer hospital
    stays. No evidence favoring bypass for death, amputation, or symptoms.

    '
  date: '2017-04-03'
- question: Do surgical drains prevent complications after colorectal surgery?
  answer: No evidence they help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002100
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to support routine prophylactic drains after bowel
    surgery. No meaningful difference in leak rates, death, infection, or need for
    reoperation.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Does intensive follow-up after colorectal cancer improve survival?
  answer: No overall survival benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002200
  notes: 'Intensive follow-up made little or no difference to overall or cancer-specific
    survival. More salvage surgery performed but didn''t improve survival. Limited
    evidence on quality of life.

    '
  date: '2019-09-04'
- question: Does cisapride help infant reflux?
  answer: No, and has serious safety concerns.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002300
  notes: 'No clear evidence cisapride reduces reflux symptoms in infants. Failed to
    improve regurgitation, crying, and vomiting. Serious safety concerns including
    fatal heart rhythm problems led to restricted use.

    '
  date: '2010-04-14'
- question: Does propylthiouracil help alcoholic liver disease?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002800
  notes: 'No significant beneficial effect on mortality, liver complications, or liver
    histology. Linked to adverse events. No evidence for using outside clinical trials.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Which surgical method is best for first-trimester abortion?
  answer: Both D&C and vacuum aspiration are safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002900
  notes: 'Both dilation & curettage and vacuum aspiration are safe and effective with
    rare complications. No clear advantage of one over the other. Vacuum aspiration
    has shorter procedure duration.

    '
  date: '2001-10-23'
- question: Do inhaled steroids prevent airway swelling after intubation?
  answer: May help high-risk adults, not proven in children.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001000
  notes: 'Multiple steroid doses 12-24 hours before extubation appear beneficial for
    high-risk adults. Not proven effective for neonates or children, though further
    study warranted.

    '
  date: '2009-07-08'
- question: Is low molecular weight heparin better than unfractionated heparin for
    blood clots?
  answer: Yes, fewer clots and less bleeding.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001100
  notes: 'LMWH resulted in fewer further blood clots and fewer bleeding cases than
    adjusted-dose UFH for deep vein thrombosis. Equally effective at preventing death.
    Moderate quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2017-02-09'
- question: Does vaginal estrogen help postmenopausal dryness?
  answer: Yes, all forms work similarly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001500
  notes: 'Creams, pessaries, and rings all improved symptoms better than placebo.
    No single formulation superior. Cream may have higher risk of endometrial thickening.
    Low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2016-08-31'
- question: Does exercise-based cardiac rehab help heart disease patients?
  answer: Yes, reduces heart attacks and hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001800
  notes: 'Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces risk of heart attack, likely
    small reduction in mortality, and large reduction in hospitalization. Improves
    quality of life and is cost-effective.

    '
  date: '2021-11-06'
- question: Does remacemide help drug-resistant epilepsy?
  answer: No, only modest effect.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001900
  notes: 'Only modest effect on seizure frequency with significant withdrawal rate.
    Unlikely to be further developed as an antiepileptic drug.

    '
  date: '2002-10-21'
- question: Does hepatitis B vaccine protect healthcare workers?
  answer: Yes, significantly prevents infection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000100
  notes: 'Plasma-derived vaccine significantly prevents hepatitis B events in healthcare
    workers. Recombinant vaccines perform similarly. Intramuscular route more effective
    than intradermal.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Does surgery help brain hemorrhage patients?
  answer: May improve survival and independence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000200
  notes: 'Surgery within 24-72 hours associated with improved proportion alive and
    independent. Finding may not be very reliable due to study inconsistency. More
    research needed on patient selection.

    '
  date: '2008-10-08'
- question: Do NSAIDs help heavy menstrual bleeding?
  answer: Modestly effective, other drugs work better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000400
  notes: 'NSAIDs modestly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding compared to placebo. Danazol,
    tranexamic acid, and LNG-IUS are more effective alternatives.

    '
  date: '2019-09-19'
- question: Should vigorous newborns with meconium-stained fluid be intubated?
  answer: No, routine intubation not beneficial.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000500
  notes: 'Routine endotracheal intubation not shown to be superior to routine resuscitation
    for vigorous term babies. Did not reduce death or lung complications. May still
    be appropriate for non-vigorous infants.

    '
  date: '2001-01-22'
- question: Does anti-D immunoglobulin during pregnancy prevent Rh sensitization?
  answer: Inconclusive, may reduce fetal cell detection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000020
  notes: 'Existing studies don''t provide conclusive evidence of benefit for mother
    or baby. Women receiving anti-D showed reduced likelihood of testing positive
    for fetal cells, suggesting some protective effect.

    '
  date: '2015-09-03'
- question: Do antipsychotics help people with schizophrenia and learning disability?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000030
  notes: 'No randomized controlled trial evidence available. Clinical treatment relies
    on evidence from studies of people with schizophrenia alone, which may not apply
    to those with both conditions.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Does adding anticholinergics reduce hospital admissions for childhood
    asthma?
  answer: Yes, reduces hospitalizations significantly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000060
  notes: 'Children receiving anticholinergics with beta2-agonists less likely to be
    hospitalized (17% vs 23%). Also improved lung function and reduced nausea/tremors.
    Doesn''t prevent future attacks.

    '
  date: '2013-08-21'
- question: Do local opinion leaders improve healthcare practice?
  answer: Probably improve compliance with guidelines.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000125
  notes: 'Local opinion leaders probably improve healthcare professionals'' compliance
    with evidence-based practice. Unknown if patient outcomes improve. Effectiveness
    varies across studies.

    '
  date: '2019-06-24'
- question: Does nicotine replacement therapy help quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, increases quit success by 50-60%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000146
  notes: 'All NRT forms (patches, gum, spray, inhalators, lozenges) increase chances
    of quitting by 50-60%. Works regardless of additional counseling support.

    '
  date: '2018-05-31'
- question: Do IV fluids before epidural prevent low blood pressure in labor?
  answer: May help with high-dose anesthesia, unclear for low-dose.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000175
  notes: 'IV preloading may have beneficial effects with traditional high-dose anesthesia.
    Newer low-dose techniques reduce hypotension risk naturally. Insufficient evidence
    for low-dose or complicated pregnancies.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Is aerobic exercise safe during pregnancy?
  answer: Appears to maintain fitness, insufficient safety data.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000180
  notes: 'Aerobic exercise appears to improve or maintain physical fitness during
    pregnancy. Available data insufficient to determine important risks or benefits
    for mother or infant. Larger studies needed.

    '
  date: '2006-07-19'
- question: Does social support during pregnancy reduce low birthweight?
  answer: Unlikely to have large impact.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000198
  notes: 'Additional social support programs unlikely to significantly reduce low
    birthweight babies or preterm birth. May help reduce cesarean births and hospital
    admissions during pregnancy.

    '
  date: '2019-04-01'
- question: Does vitamin D prevent fractures in older people?
  answer: Only with calcium; vitamin D alone doesn't work.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000227
  notes: 'Vitamin D alone doesn''t prevent fractures. Vitamin D plus calcium modestly
    reduces hip fractures in community and more substantially in institutions. Small
    increased risk of GI symptoms and kidney disease.

    '
  date: '2014-04-14'
- question: Do antibiotics help acute bronchitis?
  answer: Minimal benefit, not recommended for healthy people.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000245
  notes: 'Antibiotics only reduce cough by half a day. Increase adverse effects like
    nausea, diarrhea, rash. Limited clinical benefit for otherwise healthy individuals.
    Weigh against antibiotic resistance.

    '
  date: '2017-06-19'
- question: Does audit and feedback improve healthcare quality?
  answer: Yes, modest 6% improvement on average.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000259
  notes: 'Produces mean 6.2% increase in desired practice. Most effective when comparing
    to top performers, focuses on high-priority areas, includes actionable suggestions.
    Combining with education enhances results.

    '
  date: '2025-03-25'
- question: Does personalized discharge planning reduce readmissions?
  answer: Modest benefit, slightly reduces readmissions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000313
  notes: 'Probably leads to very small reduction in hospital stay and slightly lower
    readmission rates for medical patients. Uncertain effect on health status and
    cost-effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2022-02-24'
- question: Do insecticide-treated bed nets prevent malaria?
  answer: Yes, effective despite growing resistance.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000363
  notes: 'ITNs reduce childhood deaths by ~5.6 per 1000 children annually vs no nets.
    Reduce malaria cases significantly. Insecticide resistance has not yet substantially
    undermined protective benefits.

    '
  date: '2018-11-06'
- question: Does combination therapy work better for malaria?
  answer: Amodiaquine plus SP may reduce treatment failure.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000386
  notes: 'Amodiaquine plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine may reduce treatment failure
    vs SP alone. Chloroquine combo showed no clear benefit. Effectiveness depends
    on local drug resistance patterns.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Do NSAIDs help low back pain?
  answer: Slightly effective, not better than paracetamol.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000396
  notes: 'NSAIDs provide slight short-term relief for acute and chronic low back pain
    without sciatica. Effect sizes small. Not better than paracetamol but more side
    effects. No advantage for sciatica.

    '
  date: '2008-01-23'
- question: Does speech therapy help stroke patients recover language?
  answer: Yes, improves language comprehension and production.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000425
  notes: 'Speech and language therapy benefits functional language use, comprehension,
    and production compared to no therapy. High-intensity therapy may offer additional
    advantages.

    '
  date: '2016-06-01'
- question: Do shock-absorbing insoles prevent stress fractures?
  answer: Probably reduce stress fractures in military personnel.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000450
  notes: 'Shock absorbing boot inserts probably reduce stress fractures in military
    personnel. Optimal design unclear. Comfort important for compliance. Pneumatic
    braces may help treatment.

    '
  date: '2005-04-20'
- question: Do calcium channel blockers help Raynaud's phenomenon?
  answer: Modest benefit, ~6 fewer attacks per week.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000467
  notes: 'CCBs probably reduce slightly the frequency and severity of Raynaud''s attacks.
    About 6 fewer attacks per week. Side effects like headache and dizziness more
    common. More effective for primary than secondary Raynaud''s.

    '
  date: '2017-12-13'
- question: Does varicocele surgery improve male fertility?
  answer: May improve pregnancy rates, unclear for live births.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000479
  notes: 'Treatment may improve pregnancy rates from ~21% to 22-48%. Uncertain whether
    live birth rates improve. Microscopic subinguinal surgery slightly more effective.
    More high-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2021-04-23'
- question: Do antibiotics help pregnant women with asymptomatic UTIs?
  answer: May reduce kidney infections and preterm birth.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000490
  notes: 'Antibiotics may help reduce kidney infections and lower risks of preterm
    birth and low birthweight. Low certainty evidence. Higher-quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-11-25'
- question: Does vitamin A help premature infants?
  answer: Small benefit for lung disease, no long-term developmental benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000501
  notes: 'Small benefit in reducing death or oxygen requirement at one month and chronic
    lung disease at 36 weeks. No evidence of benefit or harm for neurodevelopmental
    outcomes. Injections are painful.

    '
  date: '2016-08-22'
- question: Do steroids help tuberculosis pericarditis?
  answer: May reduce deaths in HIV-negative patients.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000526
  notes: 'In HIV-negative patients, corticosteroids may reduce deaths from all causes
    and probably reduce pericarditis deaths. In HIV-positive patients, may reduce
    constriction but uncertain survival effects.

    '
  date: '2017-09-13'
- question: Do medications before fibroid surgery improve outcomes?
  answer: May reduce fibroid size and blood loss.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000547
  notes: 'GnRHa may reduce womb/fibroid size and probably increase hemoglobin before
    surgery. May reduce operation time and transfusions. More likely to cause hot
    flushes. SPRMs show similar benefits.

    '
  date: '2025-04-04'
- question: Does psychological debriefing prevent PTSD?
  answer: No, may be harmful.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000560
  notes: 'No evidence single session psychological debriefing prevents PTSD. May be
    equivalent to or worse than doing nothing. Recommend stopping compulsory debriefing;
    use "screen and treat" approach instead.

    '
  date: '2002-04-22'
- question: Are colloids or crystalloids better for critically ill patients?
  answer: Similar outcomes, crystalloids preferred.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000567
  notes: 'Colloids and crystalloids probably make little or no difference to mortality.
    Starches may increase need for transfusions and kidney support. Crystalloids preferred
    because equally effective and cheaper.

    '
  date: '2018-08-03'
- question: Does asthma education in the ER reduce hospital readmissions?
  answer: Yes, significantly reduces future hospitalizations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003000
  notes: 'Education significantly reduced future hospital admissions for asthma. Impact
    on ER return visits unclear. Symptom control improved. Effects on lung function
    and quality of life not definitively demonstrated.

    '
  date: '2007-07-18'
- question: Do corticosteroids help induce labor?
  answer: No evidence of effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003100
  notes: 'No evidence corticosteroids help induce labor or ripen the cervix. Single
    small trial of 66 women showed no benefit vs oxytocin alone. Not commonly used
    in practice.

    '
  date: '2006-04-19'
- question: Does exercise help chronic fatigue syndrome?
  answer: Probably reduces fatigue.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003200
  notes: 'Exercise therapy probably reduces fatigue at end of treatment compared to
    standard care. Uncertainty about long-term benefits and side effects. Minimal
    additional benefit vs CBT or pacing.

    '
  date: '2024-12-19'
- question: Does graduated driver licensing reduce crashes?
  answer: Yes, reduces crash rates 15-21%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003300
  notes: 'GDL effective at reducing crash rates among young drivers. 16-year-olds
    showed 15.5% crash reduction, 21% injury crash reduction. Stronger programs with
    more restrictions show greater fatality reductions.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do home safety modifications reduce injuries?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003600
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to determine whether home hazard modifications (stair
    gates, better lighting, removing trip hazards) reduce injuries. Few comparable
    studies. More rigorous research needed.

    '
  date: '2011-02-16'
- question: Does vitamin A help non-measles pneumonia in children?
  answer: No, only helps measles-related pneumonia.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003700
  notes: 'No significant reduction in mortality or hospital stay for non-measles pneumonia.
    Low-dose slightly reduced bronchopneumonia recurrence but high-dose worsened outcomes.
    Benefits specific to measles-related pneumonia only.

    '
  date: '2005-07-20'
- question: Is ipratropium better than beta2-agonists for COPD flare-ups?
  answer: No, similar effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003900
  notes: 'No evidence ipratropium bromide provides greater bronchodilation than short-acting
    beta2-agonists for acute COPD. Combining both drug types provides no added benefit
    over either alone.

    '
  date: '2002-10-21'
- question: Does IVIG prevent heart damage in Kawasaki disease?
  answer: Yes, reduces coronary artery abnormalities.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004000
  notes: 'Good evidence IVIG within first 10 days reduces coronary artery abnormalities
    in children. Recommended dose: single 2 gm/kg within 10 days of symptoms. No serious
    adverse effects reported.

    '
  date: '2003-10-20'
- question: Which stent is best for pancreatic cancer bile duct blockage?
  answer: Metal stents preferred over plastic.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004200
  notes: 'Endoscopic metal stents are intervention of choice for malignant bile duct
    obstruction from pancreatic cancer. Fewer recurring blockages than plastic. For
    short survival, plastic stents may be practical.

    '
  date: '2006-04-19'
- question: Does topical vitamin A help diaper rash?
  answer: No evidence it helps.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004300
  notes: 'Not enough evidence to support vitamin A for treating diaper rash. Single
    study showed no significant differences vs other treatments or placebo. Further
    RCTs needed.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Does G-CSF help hospitalized pneumonia patients?
  answer: No, doesn't improve survival.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004400
  notes: 'G-CSF appears safe but not associated with improved 28-day mortality. No
    evidence supporting routine use in pneumonia treatment. 6 studies, 2018 patients.

    '
  date: '2007-04-18'
- question: What PEEP level is best for preterm infants on ventilators?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to guide selection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004500
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to guide PEEP level selection for preterm infants
    with respiratory distress. Oxygen-guided lung-recruitment may offer modest benefits.
    Well-designed studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-03-01'
- question: Is early or late chest radiotherapy better for small cell lung cancer?
  answer: Inconclusive, possibly early is better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004700
  notes: 'No significant survival differences between early (<30 days) and late (>30
    days) radiotherapy timing. Possible trend favoring early but not statistically
    significant. Further research needed.

    '
  date: '2005-01-24'
- question: Does sulfasalazine help ankylosing spondylitis?
  answer: No meaningful benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004800
  notes: 'Not enough evidence for benefit in reducing pain, disease activity, or improving
    function. Minimal pain reduction (3 points on 0-100 scale). More side effects
    causing treatment discontinuation.

    '
  date: '2014-11-27'
- question: Does botulinum toxin help blepharospasm?
  answer: Yes, reduces severity for ~10 weeks.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004900
  notes: 'Single BtA treatment produces clinically relevant reduction in blepharospasm
    severity and disability vs placebo. Effects last ~10-11 weeks. Increased vision
    complaints and eyelid drooping but generally well-tolerated.

    '
  date: '2020-11-19'
- question: Does aripiprazole help acute bipolar mania?
  answer: Yes, reduces manic symptoms.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005000
  notes: 'More effective than placebo at reducing manic symptoms after 3 weeks. Similar
    effectiveness to haloperidol and lithium. Causes movement disorders, nausea, constipation
    but fewer movement problems than haloperidol.

    '
  date: '2013-12-17'
- question: Is keyhole surgery as effective as open surgery for rectal cancer?
  answer: Yes, with added benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005200
  notes: 'Laparoscopic surgery comparable to open surgery for long-term survival and
    cancer recurrence. Shorter hospital stay by 2 days, fewer wound infections and
    bleeding. Higher costs.

    '
  date: '2014-04-15'
- question: Do specialized clinics improve twin pregnancy outcomes?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005300
  notes: 'Only one small study (162 women). Specialized clinics associated with more
    cesarean births. Not enough data on key outcomes like preterm birth and infant
    survival. More studies urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2015-11-06'
- question: Does magnesium help traumatic brain injury?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005400
  notes: 'No evidence to support magnesium salts for acute traumatic brain injury.
    Three studies found no meaningful difference in mortality or neurological recovery
    between magnesium and control groups.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Is pimecrolimus better than steroids for eczema?
  answer: No, less effective than steroids and tacrolimus.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005500
  notes: 'Pimecrolimus less effective than moderate-to-potent corticosteroids and
    tacrolimus for eczema. Better than placebo in short-term but therapeutic role
    uncertain.

    '
  date: '2007-10-17'
- question: Does azathioprine help primary biliary cirrhosis?
  answer: No, and causes more side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006000
  notes: 'No evidence azathioprine benefits PBC patients. Failed to improve survival,
    reduce itching, or slow disease progression. Significantly more adverse events
    including rash, diarrhea, and bone marrow depression.

    '
  date: '2007-07-18'
- question: Do antileukotriene drugs help acute asthma attacks?
  answer: Improve lung function but don't reduce admissions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006100
  notes: 'Oral antileukotrienes improve lung function but no significant difference
    in hospital admission likelihood. Not recommended for routine use in acute asthma.
    More research needed in children.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Is cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide better for sarcoma in children?
  answer: Unknown - no comparative studies exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006300
  notes: 'No RCTs or CCTs comparing cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide for bone and soft
    tissue sarcoma in children/young adults. Unable to make clinical recommendations.
    High-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-09-30'
- question: Do special diets help rheumatoid arthritis?
  answer: Uncertain, may help some but hard to maintain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006400
  notes: 'Small studies suggest fasting then vegetarian or Mediterranean diets might
    reduce pain. Effects uncertain due to small, biased studies. Special diets cause
    more weight loss (~3 kg) and higher dropout rates.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does pentoxifylline help diabetic kidney disease?
  answer: May help but insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006800
  notes: 'Some beneficial effects on renal function and reduction in proteinuria with
    minimal adverse effects. Current evidence insufficient to recommend. Larger rigorous
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2012-02-15'
- question: Do ovulation triggers improve fertility treatment success?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006900
  notes: 'Urinary hCG did not increase live birth rate over no hCG in available studies.
    Sample sizes too small for definitive conclusions. Larger trials comparing different
    triggers needed.

    '
  date: '2014-01-31'
- question: Do topical NSAIDs help chronic musculoskeletal pain?
  answer: Limited benefit, mainly for knee osteoarthritis.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007400
  notes: 'Topical diclofenac and ketoprofen provide good pain relief for osteoarthritis,
    but only marginally better than placebo (~10% more benefit). Evidence applies
    almost exclusively to knee osteoarthritis in people over 40.

    '
  date: '2016-04-22'
- question: Does acupuncture help traumatic brain injury?
  answer: Inconclusive, low quality evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007700
  notes: 'Only 4 low-quality studies with 294 patients. Cannot make conclusive judgments
    on efficacy and safety. Beneficial role remains uncertain. Higher-quality research
    needed.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does Rheum officinale (Chinese herb) help chronic kidney disease?
  answer: No high-quality evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008000
  notes: 'No high-quality evidence that Rheum officinale improves CKD or delays progression.
    Appears safe with minor side effects. Better-designed studies needed to evaluate
    potential benefits.

    '
  date: '2012-07-11'
- question: Is combined spinal-epidural or single-shot spinal better for cesarean?
  answer: Little difference, both acceptable.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008100
  notes: 'Little or no difference in most outcomes between CSE and single-shot spinal
    anesthesia. CSE may reduce low blood pressure in some cases; spinal works slightly
    faster. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2019-10-10'
- question: How should BCG vaccine reactions in children be treated?
  answer: Most resolve naturally; aspiration may help abscesses.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008300
  notes: 'Oral antibiotics showed no clear benefit. Needle aspiration may reduce persistent
    BCG-induced disease for abscesses. Adding local isoniazid may speed recovery.
    Most non-abscess cases resolve in 4-6 months.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does acupuncture help mumps in children?
  answer: Unknown - no trials found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008400
  notes: 'No eligible randomized controlled trials found to evaluate acupuncture for
    mumps. Cannot assess effectiveness or safety. High-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-02-02'
- question: Do blood thinners prevent clots in cancer patients on chemo?
  answer: Reduce clots but increase bleeding risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008500
  notes: 'Low-molecular-weight heparin reduces symptomatic blood clots but increases
    major bleeding risk. Direct oral anticoagulants may reduce clots but probably
    increase bleeding. More studies needed for specific cancers.

    '
  date: '2020-12-18'
- question: Does patient education improve anticoagulant control in atrial fibrillation?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008600
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence that educational/behavioral interventions significantly
    improve blood clotting control. Education showed modest benefits for anxiety and
    depression. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2017-04-05'
- question: Does acetaminophen help common cold symptoms?
  answer: May help nasal symptoms, not sore throat or cough.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008800
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence overall. May help relieve nasal obstruction and runny
    nose but doesn''t improve sore throat or cough. Only 4 small studies with 758
    participants. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2013-07-01'
- question: Does Cerebrolysin help vascular dementia?
  answer: Possibly modest benefits, not definitive.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008900
  notes: 'Data not definitive; effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful.
    No new studies since 2013. Adequately powered, methodologically robust trials
    needed.

    '
  date: '2019-11-11'
- question: Does ready-to-use therapeutic food help malnourished children?
  answer: Probably improves recovery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009000
  notes: 'Standard RUTF probably improves recovery vs alternatives and may slightly
    increase weight gain. Effects on relapse and death unclear. Standard RUTF reduces
    relapse vs alternative formulations.

    '
  date: '2019-05-15'
- question: Do nerve blocks relieve labor pain?
  answer: More effective than placebo and opioids.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009200
  notes: 'Local anesthetic nerve blocks more effective than placebo and opioids for
    labor pain relief. Evidence from small, lower-quality studies. Further high-quality
    studies needed.

    '
  date: '2012-04-18'
- question: Do complement inhibitors help age-related macular degeneration?
  answer: Slow disease but don't improve vision.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009300
  notes: 'Pegcetacoplan slowed diseased retina growth but little/no difference in
    vision loss. No evidence of improved functional vision or quality of life. May
    increase risk of wet AMD.

    '
  date: '2023-06-14'
- question: Does parasitic worm therapy help inflammatory bowel disease?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009400
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence for efficacy and safety of helminth therapy for IBD.
    One small study showed 10% remission vs 4% placebo; 43% clinical improvement vs
    17%. Additional rigorous trials needed.

    '
  date: '2014-01-20'
- question: How should palliative care volunteers be trained?
  answer: Unknown - no studies found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009500
  notes: 'No studies meeting inclusion criteria found. Volunteers important in palliative
    care but insufficient evidence to guide training and support strategies.

    '
  date: '2015-07-20'
- question: Do ergonomic keyboards help carpal tunnel syndrome?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009600
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 105 people. One showed slight pain reduction at
    12 weeks, other showed no difference at 6 months. No improvements in hand or nerve
    function demonstrated.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Is DALK or penetrating keratoplasty better for keratoconus?
  answer: Similar outcomes, DALK has less rejection.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009700
  notes: 'Both techniques produce similar visual outcomes and graft survival. Graft
    rejection less frequent with DALK. Insufficient evidence to determine which offers
    better overall outcomes.

    '
  date: '2014-07-23'
- question: Do antiepileptics prevent seizures after head injury?
  answer: May reduce early seizures, not late ones.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009900
  notes: 'Phenytoin may reduce early seizures (within 1 week) but no evidence for
    reducing late seizures or death. Low quality evidence. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-08-10'
- question: Does auditory-verbal therapy help deaf children develop speech?
  answer: Unknown - no qualifying studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010100
  notes: 'No studies met rigorous inclusion criteria. AVT widely used globally but
    insufficient high-quality research to determine effectiveness. Lack of evidence
    doesn''t imply lack of effect.

    '
  date: '2014-03-12'
- question: Do community walking programs help stroke survivors?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010200
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence to establish effect of community ambulation interventions.
    Unclear results for walking speed, distance, and confidence. No demonstrated benefit
    to participation outcomes.

    '
  date: '2015-03-13'
- question: Which medicines prevent vestibular migraine?
  answer: Unknown - no completed trials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010600
  notes: 'No completed RCTs meeting criteria found. One ongoing study comparing metoprolol
    to placebo with results awaited. Well-designed RCTs needed to evaluate preventive
    treatments.

    '
  date: '2015-06-21'
- question: Does terbutaline pump prevent preterm labor recurrence?
  answer: No, and expensive with safety concerns.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010800
  notes: 'No evidence terbutaline pump decreases adverse neonatal outcomes. Expensive
    (~$580/week vs $12.50 oral). Insufficient safety data. Should not be used outside
    rigorous clinical trials.

    '
  date: '2014-03-23'
- question: What controls vaginal bleeding in advanced cervical cancer?
  answer: No evidence from controlled trials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011000
  notes: 'No RCTs found comparing treatments to radiotherapy. Treatment choice depends
    on local resources not proven effectiveness. Urgent need for trials, especially
    in resource-limited settings.

    '
  date: '2019-03-19'
- question: What magnesium dose is best for preterm labor?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011200
  notes: 'Limited data from only 3 small trials. One suggested high-dose may reduce
    respiratory distress but interpret with caution. Insufficient evidence for best
    dosing strategy.

    '
  date: '2015-12-14'
- question: Does immunotherapy help early-stage lung cancer after surgery?
  answer: No survival benefit shown.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011300
  notes: 'No evidence that adding immunotherapy (excluding checkpoint inhibitors)
    to surgery or radiotherapy improves survival for localized NSCLC. Ongoing checkpoint
    inhibitor trials may show different results.

    '
  date: '2021-12-06'
- question: Does micronutrient food fortification improve health?
  answer: May reduce anemia and deficiencies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011400
  notes: 'MMN fortification may reduce anemia by 32%, iron deficiency by 56%, vitamin
    A deficiency by 58%. Low-quality evidence, small samples, high commercial funding.
    No adverse effects reported.

    '
  date: '2019-12-18'
- question: Is triple therapy better than dual therapy for stable COPD?
  answer: Better quality of life but higher pneumonia risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011600
  notes: 'Triple therapy (ICS + 2 bronchodilators) improved health-related quality
    of life and may reduce flare-ups. But probably increases pneumonia risk. Modest
    benefits must be weighed against infection risk.

    '
  date: '2023-12-06'
- question: Does vitamin D help after weight-loss surgery?
  answer: May improve levels, unknown if prevents fractures.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011800
  notes: 'Moderate-dose vitamin D may improve vitamin D status but little difference
    in parathyroid hormone. High-dose may increase levels more but very uncertain
    about effectiveness. No data on fracture prevention.

    '
  date: '2024-10-01'
- question: Should MS treatment start after first attack?
  answer: Small uncertain benefit, safety concerns.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012200
  notes: 'Small and uncertain benefit with early treatment for reducing disability
    and relapses. Very low quality research. Inadequate long-term safety data. Established
    drugs with known safety profiles probably sensible.

    '
  date: '2017-04-25'
- question: Can cycled antibiotics prevent Pseudomonas in cystic fibrosis?
  answer: May delay reinfection but no other benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012300
  notes: 'Cycled inhaled antibiotics every 3 months doubled time to new Pseudomonas
    infection (505 vs 249 days). No benefits for lung function or chest infection
    frequency. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-12-17'
- question: Do trauma centers improve outcomes?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012500
  notes: 'Cannot determine benefits of organized trauma systems or designated trauma
    centers due to lack of robust evidence. Only 4 studies with methodological limitations
    and inconsistent results.

    '
  date: '2025-08-01'
- question: Which first-trimester screening test is best for Down's syndrome?
  answer: Ultrasound plus blood markers detects 9 in 10.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012600
  notes: 'Combining ultrasound measurements with PAPP-A and free beta hCG plus maternal
    age detects ~90% of Down''s affected pregnancies at 5% false positive rate. 5%
    receive false high-risk results.

    '
  date: '2017-03-15'
- question: Does aerobic exercise help fibromyalgia?
  answer: Yes, modest improvements in quality of life and pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012700
  notes: 'Aerobic exercise probably improves quality of life and may slightly decrease
    pain and improve physical function. Little difference in fatigue. Most tolerate
    exercise well.

    '
  date: '2017-06-21'
- question: Do mobile apps help thalassemia medication adherence?
  answer: Unknown - no studies found.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012900
  notes: 'No eligible studies found evaluating computer and mobile technology for
    thalassemia disease management. Cannot comment on efficacy. RCTs needed.

    '
  date: '2019-06-28'
- question: What is the best treatment for orbital lymphangioma?
  answer: Unknown - no comparative trials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013000
  notes: 'No RCTs comparing observation, sclerotherapy, oral medications, or surgery
    for orbital lymphangiomas. Effectiveness and side effects remain uncertain. RCTs
    needed.

    '
  date: '2019-05-16'
- question: Do antipsychotics help catatonia in schizophrenia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013100
  notes: 'Only one small 3-week study with 14 people. Risperidone and ECT both showed
    improvements but study too small for reliable conclusions. Cannot determine which
    antipsychotic is safer or more effective.

    '
  date: '2022-07-12'
- question: Does physical activity help people with congenital heart disease?
  answer: May slightly improve fitness, appears safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013400
  notes: 'Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity may slightly improve. Very
    uncertain about quality of life effects. No deaths or serious events related to
    participation. More high-quality studies needed.

    '
  date: '2020-10-28'
- question: Does convalescent plasma help COVID-19?
  answer: No benefit for moderate to severe cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013600
  notes: 'For moderate to severe COVID-19, makes no difference to deaths and little
    to no impact on hospital discharge or ventilation need. May have little to no
    benefit for mild COVID-19.

    '
  date: '2023-05-10'
- question: Which treatment is best for neuroendocrine tumors?
  answer: Combinations with somatostatin-like drugs show promise.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013700
  notes: 'Combination treatments with somatostatin-like medications show better results.
    Everolimus most effective for pancreatic NETs. Broad range of adverse events.
    No universally superior treatment identified.

    '
  date: '2021-11-25'
- question: Is peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis better?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient randomized evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013800
  notes: 'Only 2 RCTs comparing PD and HD. Most data from observational studies. Relative
    benefits and harms of each remain uncertain. More randomized research needed.

    '
  date: '2024-06-20'
- question: Should newborns with breathing problems get surfactant early?
  answer: Yes, early treatment is better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001456
  notes: 'Early surfactant (within 2 hours) reduces mortality, chronic lung disease,
    and acute lung complications. More beneficial than waiting for deterioration.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does treating acidosis help kidney disease patients?
  answer: May have some benefits, but limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001890
  notes: 'May improve protein and bone metabolism in dialysis patients. Only 3 small
    studies with 117 patients. No trials for early-stage kidney disease or children.

    '
  date: '2007-01-24'
- question: Should asymptomatic carotid stenosis be surgically treated?
  answer: Modest benefit, weigh surgical risks.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001923
  notes: 'Surgery reduces stroke risk by ~30% over 3 years but carries ~3% immediate
    stroke/death risk. Net benefit is about 1% per year. More beneficial for men and
    younger patients.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: How does ziprasidone compare for schizophrenia?
  answer: As effective as other antipsychotics.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001945
  notes: 'More effective than placebo, similar to haloperidol. Fewer movement disorders
    but more nausea and vomiting. Limited data, needs more long-term trials.

    '
  date: '2000-10-23'
- question: Is tumor resection or biopsy better for brain glioma?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to guide choice.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002034
  notes: 'Only one small, low-quality trial available. No high-quality evidence to
    guide management. Resection removes tumor but carries greater risks. Further RCTs
    needed.

    '
  date: '2019-06-06'
- question: Which is better for low BP in preterm infants - fluids or dopamine?
  answer: Dopamine corrects BP better but no proven outcome difference.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002056
  notes: 'Dopamine more successful at correcting low BP than albumin. Neither intervention
    proven superior for blood flow or mortality. Only 2 small studies available. More
    research needed.

    '
  date: '2001-04-23'
- question: Which antibiotic is best for community-acquired pneumonia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence for specific recommendations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002109
  notes: 'Most antibiotics show similar effectiveness. Some differences in side effects
    - nemonoxacin causes more GI/nervous problems, high-dose amoxicillin causes more
    gastritis. More comparable studies needed.

    '
  date: '2014-10-09'
- question: Does TENS help menstrual cramps?
  answer: High-frequency TENS appears effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002123
  notes: 'High-frequency TENS found effective in small trials. Low-frequency TENS
    not effective vs placebo. May work by altering pain perception rather than muscle
    contractions.

    '
  date: '2002-01-21'
- question: Which antibiotic is best for UTIs during pregnancy?
  answer: All effective, no single best choice.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002256
  notes: 'Antibiotics are very effective at clearing UTIs in pregnancy with rare complications.
    Insufficient evidence to recommend one specific drug over others. All studied
    antibiotics successful.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does fluoride toothpaste prevent cavities in children?
  answer: Yes, reduces tooth decay significantly.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002278
  notes: 'Over 50 years of research support effectiveness. Daily brushing leads to
    less decay. Twice-daily brushing and higher concentrations increase benefit. 74
    studies with 42,300 children analyzed.

    '
  date: '2003-01-20'
- question: Do clot-busting drugs help lung infections with fluid?
  answer: May reduce need for surgery but evidence is uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002312
  notes: 'Low-certainty evidence they moderately reduce surgery need. No clear evidence
    of reduced death rates. Possible bleeding risk. Benefits disappeared in higher-quality
    studies suggesting potential bias.

    '
  date: '2019-10-30'
- question: Does hyperbaric oxygen help heal chronic wounds?
  answer: May help diabetic foot ulcers short-term, reduces amputations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004123
  notes: 'Short-term healing improvement for diabetic foot ulcers (up to 6 weeks).
    May reduce major amputations. Benefit doesn''t persist longer-term. May reduce
    venous ulcer size. More trials needed.

    '
  date: '2015-06-24'
- question: Does naproxen work for postoperative pain?
  answer: Yes, effective for moderate to severe pain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004234
  notes: 'At 500/550mg dose, about half of patients get at least 50% pain relief.
    Relief lasts about 9 hours vs 2 hours with placebo. Side effects similar to placebo
    in short-term.

    '
  date: '2009-01-21'
- question: Which surgical technique is best for wisdom tooth removal?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to recommend one technique.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004345
  notes: 'Cannot determine if incision position, bone tools, irrigation, or suturing
    technique affects outcomes. Limited evidence that PRP/PRF in sockets may reduce
    dry socket. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2020-07-26'
- question: Do home visits help pregnant women with addictions?
  answer: May increase treatment engagement, evidence limited.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004456
  notes: 'May increase engagement in drug treatment and contraception use. Insufficient
    evidence to routinely recommend. Larger high-quality trials needed, especially
    starting during pregnancy.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do antioxidant vitamins prevent cataracts?
  answer: No, supplements don't help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004567
  notes: 'Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E supplements show no benefit in 9
    trials with 117,000+ adults. Beta-carotene causes skin yellowing in 7-16%. No
    reason to supplement above dietary levels.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does glatiramer acetate help multiple sclerosis?
  answer: Modest relapse reduction, doesn't slow progression.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004678
  notes: 'Partially effective for relapsing-remitting MS - reduces relapses and hospitalizations.
    Doesn''t slow disability progression. No benefit for progressive MS. Common but
    manageable side effects.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does D-penicillamine treat primary biliary cirrhosis?
  answer: No, increases side effects without benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004789
  notes: 'No survival benefit in 7 trials with 706 patients. Approximately 4x more
    harmful side effects than placebo. No improvement in liver function or symptoms.
    Not recommended for this condition.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Is balloon dilation or sphincterotomy better for bile duct stones?
  answer: Sphincterotomy is more effective, balloon has niche uses.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004890
  notes: 'Balloon dilation less successful and has nearly double the pancreatitis
    risk. May benefit patients with coagulopathy, infection risk, or older age. 15
    trials with 1,768 participants.

    '
  date: '2006-10-18'
- question: Is misoprostol effective for late pregnancy termination?
  answer: Yes, as effective as other agents with fewer side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004901
  notes: 'Vaginal misoprostol as effective as other labor-inducing agents. Achieves
    vaginal birth within 24 hours. Fewer GI side effects than other prostaglandins.
    Safety data on uterine rupture insufficient.

    '
  date: '2010-04-14'
- question: Does perineal massage during pregnancy reduce childbirth injury?
  answer: Yes, reduces tearing and episiotomy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005123
  notes: 'Reduces perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and ongoing pain. Most beneficial
    for first vaginal births. Should start at 35 weeks. 4 trials with 2,497 women.
    Generally well-accepted.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do ergot alkaloids prevent postpartum bleeding?
  answer: May reduce blood loss but have side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005456
  notes: 'Injections may effectively reduce blood loss and moderate hemorrhage. Side
    effects include elevated blood pressure and increased pain. Other medications
    like oxytocin may be preferable.

    '
  date: '2018-06-07'
- question: What treats depression in heart disease patients?
  answer: Both therapy and medications may help, evidence uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008012
  notes: 'Psychological and pharmacological interventions both may reduce depression
    symptoms. Medications probably increase remission rates. Effect sizes vary widely.
    No long-term durability evidence. No direct comparison studies.

    '
  date: '2021-12-15'
- question: What medical treatment works for botulism?
  answer: BIG-IV helps infant botulism, no evidence for other treatments.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008123
  notes: 'BIG-IV probably decreases hospitalization, tube feeding, and ventilator
    time in infants. One trial with 122 infants. No deaths in either group. No evidence
    for antitoxins or other treatments.

    '
  date: '2019-04-17'
- question: Does gentamicin injection help Ménière's disease vertigo?
  answer: May reduce vertigo but risks hearing loss.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008234
  notes: 'Significantly reduces vertigo complaints vs placebo. Risk: 25% of patients
    in one study had increased hearing loss. Only 2 trials with 50 patients total.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2011-03-16'
- question: Does case management help dementia patients at home?
  answer: Some benefits but inconsistent evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008345
  notes: 'Reduced nursing home admissions at 6 and 18 months. Lower caregiver burden
    and healthcare costs in first year. Benefits not consistent at all follow-up periods.
    May not truly delay institutionalization long-term.

    '
  date: '2015-01-05'
- question: Does health advice help people with serious mental illness?
  answer: Limited evidence, may improve mental quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008567
  notes: 'Some evidence advice improves mental quality of life but not physical. May
    encourage healthcare service use. Insufficient evidence it improves physical health
    or reduces disease. Only 7 small studies.

    '
  date: '2014-03-28'
- question: Do technique modifications improve amniocentesis or CVS safety?
  answer: No evidence supports changing current practice.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008678
  notes: 'Uterus relaxants, progesterone, and different puncture techniques showed
    no clear benefits. Operators should continue using familiar methods. 5 studies
    with 1,049 women.

    '
  date: '2022-05-01'
- question: Does bleomycin injection treat cystic brain tumors in children?
  answer: Uncertain, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008890
  notes: 'Only one small study with 7 children. No clear benefit over radioactive
    treatment. High-quality research urgently needed. Rare condition makes studies
    challenging.

    '
  date: '2016-07-14'
- question: When should HIV patients start treatment after cryptococcal meningitis?
  answer: Delayed treatment (>4 weeks) may be safer.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009012
  notes: 'Early ART (within 4 weeks) may increase mortality but reduce relapses. Low-quality
    evidence. Possibly due to immune system complications. Optimal timing uncertain.

    '
  date: '2018-07-24'
- question: What pain management works best during labor?
  answer: Epidurals work; water, relaxation, massage may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009234
  notes: 'Epidurals effective but increase instrumental births and have side effects.
    Water immersion, relaxation, acupuncture, massage show promise with minimal side
    effects. Women should choose what helps them most.

    '
  date: '2012-03-14'
- question: Do antihistamines help the common cold?
  answer: Minimal short-term benefit, none long-term.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009345
  notes: 'Limited benefit on days 1-2 only (45% vs 38% felt better). No benefit after
    3+ days. Minor nasal symptom improvements not clinically significant. More sedation
    with sedating antihistamines. Insufficient evidence for children.

    '
  date: '2015-11-28'
- question: What helps swallowing difficulties in children with neurological conditions?
  answer: Insufficient evidence for any specific treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009456
  notes: 'Only 3 small studies exist. Cannot draw conclusions about oral-motor therapy
    effectiveness. Larger well-designed trials urgently needed. Tested oral sensorimotor
    treatments and lip exercises.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: What treats high altitude illness?
  answer: Dexamethasone and acetazolamide may help, limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009567
  notes: 'Low-quality evidence suggests dexamethasone and acetazolamide might reduce
    symptoms. Hyperbaric chambers showed minimal additional benefits. Most interventions
    generally safe. More high-quality research needed.

    '
  date: '2018-06-30'
- question: Do nutritional interventions help childhood cancer survivors?
  answer: Unable to draw conclusions, evidence insufficient.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009678
  notes: 'Some health behavior education reduced junk food and increased dairy. But
    improvements didn''t translate to better dietary intake, body composition, or
    bone density. Only 3 trials with 616 participants.

    '
  date: '2016-08-22'
- question: Do antioxidant supplements reduce muscle soreness after exercise?
  answer: No meaningful benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009789
  notes: 'Slight reduction with high-dose supplements but too small to matter practically.
    Does not appear to reduce soreness at days 1-4 post-exercise. 50 trials with 1,089
    participants (88% male).

    '
  date: '2017-12-14'
- question: Does L-acetylcarnitine help fragile X syndrome?
  answer: May not improve cognition or hyperactivity.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010012
  notes: 'Two small trials with 83 boys aged 6-13. No improvement in intellectual
    functioning or hyperactive behavior. Some parent-reported behavioral improvements
    not clinically meaningful. Low-quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2015-05-19'
- question: Does the WHO IMCI strategy reduce child deaths?
  answer: May reduce deaths, mixed effects on other outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010123
  notes: 'May lead to fewer deaths in children under 5. Mixed or minimal effects on
    malnutrition, vaccination, and breastfeeding. Combined with neonatal care shows
    more promise. Low to moderate evidence quality.

    '
  date: '2016-06-22'
- question: Is water-based exercise effective for asthma?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, needs more research.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010456
  notes: 'Only 3 small studies with 136 participants. Very low evidence quality. Theoretically
    beneficial due to humidity and no pollen, but cannot conclusively demonstrate
    effectiveness or safety.

    '
  date: '2014-07-17'
- question: Do antiepileptic drugs help nerve pain and fibromyalgia?
  answer: Only gabapentin and pregabalin have good evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010567
  notes: 'Gabapentin/pregabalin help diabetic neuropathy, post-shingles pain, and
    fibromyalgia. Only 10-25% get 50%+ pain relief. Lacosamide and lamotrigine don''t
    work. About 25% stop due to side effects.

    '
  date: '2013-11-11'
- question: Is artemether effective for severe malaria?
  answer: Better than quinine, but artesunate is preferred.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010678
  notes: 'Probably results in fewer deaths than quinine in adults, similar in children.
    May reduce coma and parasite clearance time. Less effective than artesunate. Acceptable
    when artesunate unavailable.

    '
  date: '2019-06-18'
- question: Does whole-body cryotherapy help muscle soreness after exercise?
  answer: Insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010789
  notes: 'Exposure to -100°C air for 2-4 minutes. Some studies suggest pain reduction
    but very low evidence quality. Only 4 small studies with 64 participants. No adverse
    effect monitoring. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-09-18'
- question: How well do symptoms and X-rays screen for tuberculosis?
  answer: Detect many cases but high false positive rates.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010890
  notes: 'Cough ≥2 weeks catches 42% of cases with 97% false positives. Any TB symptom
    catches 71% with 99% false positives. Chest X-ray abnormalities catch 95% with
    96% false positives.

    '
  date: '2022-03-23'
- question: What systemic treatments work for metastatic melanoma?
  answer: Anti-PD1 antibodies and BRAF+MEK inhibitors most effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011123
  notes: 'BRAF+MEK inhibitors best for progression (with specific mutations). Anti-PD1
    antibodies best tolerated and improve survival. 122 trials with 28,561 participants.
    Combinations outperform single agents.

    '
  date: '2018-02-06'
- question: Does laser treatment help proliferative diabetic retinopathy?
  answer: Yes, reduces severe vision loss risk by >50%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011234
  notes: 'Reduces severe vision loss by >50% at 12 months. Lowers disease progression
    risk by ~50%. Low to moderate evidence quality. Studies didn''t report patient
    outcomes like pain or quality of life.

    '
  date: '2014-11-24'
- question: Does timing intercourse with ovulation testing help conception?
  answer: Probably increases pregnancy chances.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011345
  notes: 'Urine ovulation tests probably increase pregnancy and live birth rates.
    Odds improve from 18% to 20-28%. Many studies industry-funded. Fertility awareness
    methods showed uncertain benefits. Interpret cautiously.

    '
  date: '2023-09-15'
- question: Are antidepressants or benzodiazepines better for panic disorder?
  answer: No clear difference, limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011567
  notes: 'Low-quality evidence suggests no difference in response rates. 35 studies
    with 5,000+ participants. Small study sizes and short-term measurements only.
    Treatment choice should be individualized.

    '
  date: '2016-09-12'
- question: Does milnacipran help neuropathic pain?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011789
  notes: 'Only one small study with 40 participants. No difference from placebo for
    pain or side effects. Very low quality evidence. Cannot draw conclusions about
    effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2015-07-06'
- question: Does TENS help chronic pain?
  answer: Cannot conclude if beneficial or harmful.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011890
  notes: 'Insufficient evidence despite common use. Very low quality evidence across
    9 reviews. Small sample sizes, methodological issues. Insufficient safety and
    quality-of-life data. Better studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-04-03'
- question: Do electronic health systems improve data quality?
  answer: Probably reduce errors and reporting time.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012012
  notes: 'Electronic TB lab systems probably reduce reporting time and recording errors
    vs paper. Moderate certainty. Text messaging shows minimal effect. Evidence gaps
    on impact on healthcare decisions and outcomes.

    '
  date: '2020-08-17'
- question: Does N-acetylcysteine help non-paracetamol liver failure?
  answer: Current evidence does not support its use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012123
  notes: 'Did not improve survival or reduce transplant needs in 2 trials. Despite
    some guidelines suggesting benefit, evidence inconclusive. More research needed
    on subgroups and dosing.

    '
  date: '2020-12-10'
- question: Does washing surgical wounds prevent infection?
  answer: Unclear, some techniques may help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012234
  notes: 'Standard washing vs none showed no clear difference. Antibacterial solutions
    may reduce infections. Pumping may work better than pouring. Low evidence quality
    overall.

    '
  date: '2017-10-30'
- question: Do polyunsaturated fats reduce heart disease?
  answer: Probably slightly reduce risk, not mortality.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012345
  notes: 'Probably slightly reduces coronary and cardiovascular events. Little to
    no effect on death rates. 53 people need to increase intake to prevent one heart
    event. 49 trials with 24,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2018-11-27'
- question: Does exercise help people with cirrhosis?
  answer: No clear effect on mortality, quality of life.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012678
  notes: 'No significant effect on death rates, serious adverse events, exercise capacity,
    or quality of life. Minor increase in arm muscle. 6 trials with 173 participants.
    Low to very low quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2018-12-21'
- question: Are NSAID or steroid injections better for trigger finger?
  answer: Steroid injections appear more effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012789
  notes: 'NSAID injection offers little to no benefit over steroids. More people had
    persistent moderate/severe symptoms with NSAIDs. Only 2 small studies with 231
    participants.

    '
  date: '2021-04-13'
- question: Do gangliosides help spinal cord injury?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004444
  notes: 'Treatment did not reduce death rates. No evidence of improved movement,
    feeling, or quality of life for survivors. Based on 2 clinical trials. Does not
    support use for acute spinal cord injury.

    '
  date: '2005-04-20'
- question: Is lens extraction better for chronic angle-closure glaucoma?
  answer: Appears better than laser therapy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005555
  notes: 'Lens extraction alone may reduce medication needs and preserve visual field
    better than laser. Adding extra procedures doesn''t improve outcomes. 8 studies
    with 513 eyes. Long-term studies needed.

    '
  date: '2021-03-24'
- question: Do inhaled steroids help subacute cough in children?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, cannot recommend.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008888
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 98 infants post-bronchiolitis. No difference vs
    placebo. More research needed with older children. Current evidence cannot support
    clinical recommendations.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do pain relievers help infantile colic?
  answer: No reliable evidence supports any treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009999
  notes: '18 studies with 1,014 infants. No evidence to support simethicone. Herbal
    agents, sugar, and other drugs cannot be recommended. Poor evidence quality, small
    samples, inconsistent results.

    '
  date: '2016-09-15'
- question: What treats nerve damage from hepatitis C?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, no recommended treatment.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010404
  notes: 'Only 4 trials available. Rituximab plus antiviral vs antiviral alone showed
    no difference at 36 months. High-quality studies lacking. Doctors lack reliable
    scientific guidance for this condition.

    '
  date: '2014-12-19'
- question: Which implant is best for lower thigh bone fractures?
  answer: Uncertain, rods may slightly reduce disability.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010606
  notes: 'Rods inserted in bone vs plates attached outside. Rods may reduce disability
    somewhat but differences minimal. 14 studies with 753 participants. Small studies
    with limitations.

    '
  date: '2022-10-05'
- question: Which antibiotics work for penetrating abdominal injuries?
  answer: Uncertain, evidence outdated.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010808
  notes: 'Uncertain if longer antibiotic courses reduce infections. No evidence one
    antibiotic outperforms others. 29 studies with 4,458 participants. Most studies
    >20 years old with outdated practices.

    '
  date: '2019-12-12'
- question: Does IV magnesium sulfate help acute asthma?
  answer: Yes, reduces hospital admissions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010909
  notes: 'Reduces hospital admissions when first-line medications fail. Prevents about
    7 admissions per 100 patients. 14 studies with 2,313 participants. Limited safety
    data. Improves lung function.

    '
  date: '2014-05-28'
- question: Does high flow nasal cannula help critically ill newborns?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, minimal differences vs CPAP.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011010
  notes: 'Minimal differences vs CPAP. May slightly reduce treatment failure vs low-flow
    oxygen. May reduce nasal damage. Low to very low certainty evidence. Larger studies
    needed.

    '
  date: '2023-08-04'
- question: Do wound drains help after leg artery surgery?
  answer: Complete uncertainty, no reliable evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011111
  notes: 'Only 3 small flawed studies. No reliable information on benefits or harms.
    No data on hospital stay or quality of life. Better-designed studies needed.

    '
  date: '2016-11-14'
- question: Is Mini-Cog accurate for detecting dementia in hospitals?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to recommend.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011414
  notes: 'Brief test combining memory recall and clock-drawing. Only 3 studies with
    methodological concerns. Inconsistent results across settings. More rigorous research
    needed.

    '
  date: '2021-07-14'
- question: Does additional imaging help assess pancreatic cancer resectability?
  answer: No evidence supports routine use of EUS.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011515
  notes: '61% of CT-resectable patients actually have unresectable cancer. Endoscopic
    ultrasound (EUS) evidence too limited. Only 2 small studies. Cannot determine
    if additional imaging prevents unnecessary surgery.

    '
  date: '2016-09-15'
- question: Does botulinum toxin prevent migraines?
  answer: Modest benefit for chronic migraine, uncertain clinical significance.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011616
  notes: 'Reduces chronic migraine by 2 days/month vs placebo. Unclear if meaningful
    improvement. ~60% experience side effects (droopy eyelids, muscle weakness). Insufficient
    evidence vs oral medications.

    '
  date: '2018-06-25'
- question: Which surgery prevents schistosomiasis-related variceal rebleeding?
  answer: Cannot determine, very low evidence certainty.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011717
  notes: 'Shunt surgery vs devascularisation showed no significant differences in
    rebleeding, adverse effects, or deaths. Devascularisation may have lower encephalopathy.
    Only 2 trials with 154 participants.

    '
  date: '2018-08-03'
- question: Does CBT help people with asthma?
  answer: May improve quality of life and asthma control.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011818
  notes: 'CBT improves asthma quality of life, control, and anxiety vs usual care.
    Low confidence in results. 9 studies with 407 adults. No evidence for adolescents.
    Limited data on medication adherence and depression.

    '
  date: '2016-09-21'
- question: Does resveratrol help type 2 diabetes?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, needs more research.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011919
  notes: 'Only 3 small trials with 50 participants over 4-5 weeks. No clear evidence
    of improved blood sugar control. No harmful side effects in short-term. 8 ongoing
    studies may provide better answers.

    '
  date: '2020-01-24'
- question: Does exercise before lung cancer surgery reduce complications?
  answer: Yes, substantially reduces lung complications.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012020
  notes: '55% reduction in lung complication risk. Likely shortens hospital stay by
    ~2 days. Appears safe with no side effects reported. Meaningful benefits for recovery.

    '
  date: '2022-09-28'
- question: Does carisbamate help drug-resistant focal epilepsy?
  answer: May be effective, needs more research.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012121
  notes: '33% more achieved ≥50% seizure reduction vs placebo. Twice as many became
    seizure-free. More dizziness and drowsiness. 4 studies with 2,211 adults. Low
    certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2021-12-06'
- question: Does exercise rehabilitation help people with heart pumps?
  answer: Inadequate evidence to assess safety and efficacy.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012222
  notes: 'Only 2 small studies with 40 participants. Some quality-of-life improvements.
    Very low evidence quality. Short 6-8 week training periods. More research needed
    on mortality and hospitalizations.

    '
  date: '2018-10-01'
- question: Do grafts during parotid surgery prevent Frey's syndrome?
  answer: Evidence too uncertain to conclude.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012323
  notes: 'Frey''s syndrome causes sweating when eating after parotid surgery. 3 studies
    with 124 participants. Tissue grafts showed inconsistent results. Biomaterial
    grafts may increase infection risk. More studies needed.

    '
  date: '2019-10-03'
- question: Does exercise prevent falls in older adults?
  answer: Yes, reduces falls by about 23%.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012424
  notes: 'High-certainty evidence. Reduces number of people who fall by 15%. Balance
    and functional training most effective. Tai Chi shows promise. 108 trials with
    23,000+ adults. Minor adverse events only.

    '
  date: '2019-01-31'
- question: What helps people with COPD be more physically active?
  answer: Some interventions show modest short-term benefits.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012626
  notes: 'Exercise training adds ~6 min/day, counseling ~11 min/day, LAMA/LABA combo
    ~10 min/day. 76 studies with 8,018 people. Limited long-term data. Optimal approach
    unclear.

    '
  date: '2020-04-16'
- question: Is nerve-sparing hysterectomy safe for early cervical cancer?
  answer: May reduce bladder problems, cancer safety uncertain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012828
  notes: 'May reduce bladder dysfunction vs standard surgery. Low evidence quality.
    Very uncertain about cancer survival outcomes. Larger studies needed to confirm
    safety.

    '
  date: '2019-02-12'
- question: Do anti-IL13/IL4 drugs help asthma?
  answer: Reduce attacks in severe asthma, minimal quality-of-life benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012929
  notes: 'Helpful for severe/uncontrolled asthma when other treatments fail. Reduce
    attacks, improve lung function. Quality of life improvements not noticeable. 29
    studies with 10,600+ participants.

    '
  date: '2021-10-19'
- question: Do digital technologies help asthma medication adherence?
  answer: Yes, improve adherence and reduce attacks.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013030
  notes: '15% more take medication as prescribed. About half the risk of asthma attacks.
    Better symptom control and quality of life. Electronic monitors and text reminders
    work best. Long-term effects unclear.

    '
  date: '2022-06-13'
- question: Does superoxide dismutase prevent lung disease in preterm infants?
  answer: Unclear, extremely low evidence certainty.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013232
  notes: '3 studies with 380 preterm newborns. Unclear if it reduces bronchopulmonary
    dysplasia or death. Most recent study from 1997/1998. More preclinical research
    needed before new trials.

    '
  date: '2023-10-09'
- question: Does tea tree oil treat eyelid mite inflammation?
  answer: Uncertain effectiveness, needs better studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013333
  notes: '6 studies with 562 participants. Mixed evidence on reducing mites. No clear
    symptom improvement vs other treatments. Some eye irritation reported. Lower concentrations
    may be preferable.

    '
  date: '2020-06-26'
- question: Does ultrasound guidance help IV insertion?
  answer: Only beneficial for difficult cases.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013434
  notes: 'Increases success in difficult and moderately difficult cases. Actually
    decreases success and increases pain in easy cases. Takes more time regardless.
    Use standard method for routine insertions.

    '
  date: '2022-12-12'
- question: Do steroids help eye socket infections?
  answer: Insufficient evidence, only one small study.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013535
  notes: 'One study with 21 participants suggests steroids plus antibiotics may shorten
    antibiotic duration and improve symptoms faster. Hospital stay similar. More high-quality
    trials needed.

    '
  date: '2021-04-28'
- question: Does eating less fat reduce body weight?
  answer: Yes, small but noticeable weight reduction.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013636
  notes: 'Reduces body weight by ~1.4 kg on average. Also reduces BMI, body fat %,
    and waist circumference. Effect stable over time. No harmful effects on cholesterol
    or BP. 37 trials with 57,000+ participants.

    '
  date: '2020-06-01'
- question: What reduces blood transfusion need in hip fracture surgery?
  answer: Tranexamic acid probably reduces transfusions.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013737
  notes: 'Tranexamic acid: 257/1000 need transfusion vs 451/1000 without. Appears
    safe with similar serious side effects. Iron supplementation shows little difference.
    Limited quality-of-life data.

    '
  date: '2023-06-08'
- question: How accurate are dental X-rays for detecting early tooth decay?
  answer: High miss rate, about half of early decay undetected.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD014545
  notes: '~337/1000 surfaces with early decay incorrectly classified as healthy. Low
    false positive rate (43/1000). Missed diagnoses mean lost early intervention opportunities.
    Low-certainty evidence.

    '
  date: '2021-03-15'
- question: Does oral naltrexone prevent opioid addiction relapse?
  answer: No better than placebo for most outcomes.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001333
  notes: '13 studies with 1,158 participants. No advantage for treatment retention
    or abstinence. May reduce re-incarceration. Benefits appear when medication is
    compelled. Low retention rate (28%).

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does iron therapy improve development in anemic young children?
  answer: No convincing evidence within 30 days.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001444
  notes: 'No effect on psychomotor development or cognition within 30 days. Long-term
    effects unclear with mixed results. Larger long-term studies needed.

    '
  date: '2013-06-06'
- question: What drug treatments work for inclusion body myositis?
  answer: No treatment proven effective.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001555
  notes: 'Interferon beta-1a and MTX showed no benefit. 10 trials with 249 participants.
    Trials too small and short. All tested drugs have potential serious side effects.
    Larger longer trials needed.

    '
  date: '2015-06-30'
- question: Should IUDs be inserted immediately after abortion?
  answer: Safe but higher expulsion risk, better continuation.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001777
  notes: 'Immediate insertion is safe and practical. Higher risk of IUD falling out.
    Better 6-month continuation rates. Many women don''t return for delayed insertion.
    12 trials with 7,100+ participants.

    '
  date: '2014-07-28'
- question: Does cell salvage reduce need for blood transfusions in surgery?
  answer: May help in some surgeries, especially spine surgery.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001888
  notes: 'Most effective for spine surgery. Moderate benefit for heart surgery without
    bypass. Mixed results for joint replacements. No benefit for C-section. 106 studies
    with 14,500+ participants.

    '
  date: '2023-09-08'
- question: Do anticoagulants help leg pain from claudication?
  answer: Benefit not established, increased bleeding risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001999
  notes: 'Heparin, LMWHs, and oral anticoagulants not shown to help intermittent claudication.
    Increased major bleeding with oral anticoagulants. 7 studies with 802 participants.
    Not recommended.

    '
  date: '2014-05-07'
- question: Do pelvic floor exercises help fecal incontinence?
  answer: Limited evidence, may help when combined with biofeedback.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002111
  notes: 'Some evidence biofeedback plus electrical stimulation enhances treatment.
    Exercises alone less effective than surgical implants. Larger well-designed trials
    needed.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do high-MCT formulas help preterm infants grow better?
  answer: No difference compared to low-MCT formulas.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD002777
  notes: 'Medium-chain triglyceride content in formula makes little difference for
    premature babies. Similar weight gain, length, and head growth. 10 trials with
    253 infants. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2021-02-23'
- question: Does Chinese herbal medicine help schizophrenia?
  answer: May help when combined with antipsychotics, evidence limited.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003444
  notes: 'Not effective alone compared to antipsychotics. When combined with antipsychotics,
    may improve outcomes and reduce constipation. Fewer people stopped treatment early.
    Better quality trials needed.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Does volume-targeted ventilation help preterm babies?
  answer: Yes, reduces lung damage compared to pressure-limited ventilation.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003666
  notes: 'Babies more likely to survive without lung damage. Shorter ventilator support,
    fewer pneumothorax cases, more stable CO2 levels, fewer brain abnormalities. Safe
    alternative to traditional ventilation.

    '
  date: '2017-10-17'
- question: Does behavioral therapy prevent smoking relapse?
  answer: No, behavioral approaches don't help prevent relapse.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD003999
  notes: 'Skills training to cope with cravings shows no benefit across multiple populations.
    Extended varenicline may help prevent relapse. Extended bupropion and NRT show
    unclear results.

    '
  date: '2019-10-28'
- question: Are implantable vascular access devices good for cystic fibrosis patients?
  answer: Appear safe but no RCT evidence exists.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004111
  notes: 'Allows repeated antibiotic injections via implanted tube. Based on observational
    reports they are safe and effective. No randomized controlled trials have been
    conducted. More rigorous research needed.

    '
  date: '2012-05-16'
- question: What treats iron deficiency anemia after childbirth?
  answer: Erythropoietin may help, evidence limited.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD004222
  notes: 'Limited evidence erythropoietin plus iron helps with lactation. No studies
    of oral iron alone despite being common treatment. Most studies focus on lab values
    not clinical outcomes. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2004-10-18'
- question: Does acupuncture help irritable bowel syndrome?
  answer: No, not better than placebo.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005111
  notes: '17 trials with 1,806 participants. Well-designed sham-controlled trials
    show no benefit for symptom severity or quality of life. Apparent benefits in
    lower-quality studies likely reflect patient expectations.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do corticosteroids help childhood epilepsy?
  answer: No conclusions can be drawn, evidence insufficient.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005222
  notes: 'Only one small study with 3 children analyzed. Mixed results with no clear
    benefit. Clinicians should consider risks before using. Larger well-designed studies
    needed.

    '
  date: '2015-06-18'
- question: Does cognitive behavioral therapy help OCD?
  answer: Yes, effective at reducing symptoms.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005333
  notes: 'Eight studies show CBT better than usual care for reducing OCD symptoms.
    Based on small trials with small samples. Long-term effectiveness not well studied.
    Larger higher-quality trials needed.

    '
  date: '2007-04-18'
- question: Should bile be drained before surgery for obstructive jaundice?
  answer: No, increases complications without benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005444
  notes: 'Pre-operative biliary drainage causes more serious complications than direct
    surgery. No mortality difference. Six trials with 510 patients. Not recommended
    as routine practice.

    '
  date: '2021-08-01'
- question: Should ovarian cysts be drained before IVF treatment?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD005999
  notes: 'No difference in pregnancy rates. No live birth or safety data reported.
    Adds anesthesia risk, cost, and stress without proven benefit. Not supported by
    evidence.

    '
  date: '2014-12-12'
- question: Does piracetam prevent painful sickle cell crises?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to support use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006111
  notes: 'Three trials with 169 participants. Poor study quality provides no reliable
    evidence. One trial claimed benefit but showed no data. No meaningful difference
    in hospitalizations. Not recommended for routine use.

    '
  date: '2016-02-12'
- question: Do driving assessments help people with dementia?
  answer: No evidence either way - no trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006222
  notes: 'No randomized controlled trials found. Cannot demonstrate benefit for preserving
    mobility or reducing accidents. Despite widespread use, no high-quality evidence
    proves assessments improve outcomes.

    '
  date: '2013-08-29'
- question: Do mother and baby units help mothers with postpartum psychosis?
  answer: No RCT evidence exists.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006333
  notes: 'Specialized units allow mothers to stay with infants during psychiatric
    treatment. No randomized trials exist despite units being recommended in UK. One
    dated 1961 study hinted at benefits but can''t be applied today.

    '
  date: '2007-01-24'
- question: Does exercise prevent recurrent low back pain?
  answer: Yes, post-treatment exercise reduces recurrences.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006555
  notes: 'Moderate quality evidence that exercise after treatment reduces recurrences
    at one year. No adverse effects reported. Specific best exercises not determined
    due to study variation.

    '
  date: '2010-01-20'
- question: Does how health information is worded affect decisions?
  answer: No consistent effect on behavior.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006777
  notes: 'Positive vs negative framing has little consistent effect on health decisions.
    35 studies with 16,342 participants. Some minor differences in understanding.
    May matter in specific contexts needing further research.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does Ginkgo biloba help intermittent claudication?
  answer: No clinically significant benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD006888
  notes: '14 trials with 739 participants. Minimal improvement of 64.5 meters walking
    distance, not statistically significant. No clinical value for peripheral arterial
    disease patients.

    '
  date: '2013-06-07'
- question: Should all pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine best approach.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007222
  notes: 'Only two small trials available. Universal screening may find more cases
    than risk-based screening. No clear difference between screening in primary vs
    hospital care. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2017-08-03'
- question: Should kidney disease patients see specialists early?
  answer: Yes, early referral halves death rates.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007333
  notes: 'Early referral (1-6 months before dialysis) vs late (<1 month) shows major
    benefits. Fewer deaths, shorter hospital stays, better dialysis preparation, better
    blood pressure. No adverse effects from early referral.

    '
  date: '2014-06-18'
- question: Are nitric oxide donors good for cervical preparation before abortion?
  answer: Works but prostaglandins are better.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007444
  notes: 'Better than placebo but inferior to prostaglandins. More side effects including
    nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. Not the optimal choice for first-trimester
    cervical preparation.

    '
  date: '2015-02-25'
- question: Does baby position during cord clamping matter?
  answer: No evidence either way.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007555
  notes: 'No randomized trials exist on whether raising or lowering baby affects placental
    transfusion. 37 studies reviewed but none met criteria. Well-designed trials needed.

    '
  date: '2010-10-06'
- question: Do stem cells help chronic heart disease?
  answer: May reduce deaths but doesn't improve heart function tests.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007888
  notes: '38 trials of bone marrow-derived stem cells. May reduce long-term deaths
    and heart attacks. Doesn''t improve heart function tests or reduce hospitalizations.
    Low quality evidence, interpret with caution.

    '
  date: '2016-12-24'
- question: Do high-dose PPIs work better for bleeding ulcers?
  answer: No proven advantage over lower doses.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD007999
  notes: '22 trials compared dosing regimens. No clear difference in deaths, rebleeding,
    surgeries, or repeat procedures. Low to moderate evidence quality. Both approaches
    appear roughly equivalent.

    '
  date: '2013-06-12'
- question: Does removing the thymus help myasthenia gravis?
  answer: No RCT evidence, observational studies suggest possible benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008111
  notes: 'No randomized trials exist for non-tumor myasthenia gravis. Observational
    data suggests thymectomy could help. Practice varies among physicians. RCT needed
    to clarify benefit.

    '
  date: '2013-10-14'
- question: Do anti-cytokine medicines help ANCA-associated vasculitis?
  answer: Mepolizumab may reduce relapses, others unclear.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008333
  notes: 'Four studies with 440 participants. Mepolizumab probably reduces disease
    relapse within a year. Etanercept and belimumab showed little difference from
    placebo. Low to moderate quality evidence.

    '
  date: '2020-09-29'
- question: Is continuous monitoring better than intermittent for stroke patients?
  answer: May reduce death and disability, but based on limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008444
  notes: 'Three trials with 354 participants. Continuous monitoring reduced death
    and disability at 3 months. Better at detecting cardiac problems, fever, low blood
    pressure. Results depend on one high-bias study.

    '
  date: '2021-12-01'
- question: Does vitamin A during pregnancy improve outcomes?
  answer: Reduces night blindness and anemia, doesn't prevent deaths.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD008666
  notes: '19 trials with 310,000+ women. No effect on maternal or newborn mortality,
    stillbirths, or preterm birth. Does reduce maternal night blindness and anemia
    in deficient populations or HIV-positive women.

    '
  date: '2015-10-27'
- question: Are foam dressings better for diabetic foot ulcers?
  answer: No evidence they're better than other dressings.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009111
  notes: 'Six studies with 157 participants. No significant difference compared to
    contact, alginate, or hydrocolloid dressings. Choose based on cost and wound management
    properties instead.

    '
  date: '2013-06-06'
- question: Is interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate better for MS?
  answer: Similar effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009333
  notes: 'Six trials with 2,904 participants. Similar relapse rates and disease progression
    at 24 months. Interferons may reduce brain lesion volume more. Both acceptable
    for relapsing-remitting MS.

    '
  date: '2016-11-23'
- question: Do cholinesterase inhibitors help rarer dementias?
  answer: No evidence of benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009444
  notes: 'Eight trials with 567 participants covering Huntington''s, CADASIL, frontotemporal
    dementia, MS-related dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. No improvement
    in cognition, daily activities, or quality of life. More GI side effects than
    placebo.

    '
  date: '2015-03-03'
- question: What's the optimal clozapine dose for schizophrenia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to determine.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009555
  notes: 'Five studies with 452 participants. No mental state difference between dose
    levels. Lower doses have less weight gain and side effects (lethargy, drooling,
    dizziness, rapid heart rate). Larger trials needed.

    '
  date: '2017-06-14'
- question: Do micronutrient powders help prevent anemia in children?
  answer: Yes, significantly reduces anemia and iron deficiency.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009666
  notes: 'Powdered vitamins and minerals added to foods reduce anemia by 34% and iron
    deficiency by 65% compared to no intervention. Limited data on mortality, development,
    and side effects. Effective for ages 2-12.

    '
  date: '2017-11-23'
- question: Is flupenthixol effective for schizophrenia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence despite decades of use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009777
  notes: 'Only one small 30-year-old study with 45 participants. Fewer people needed
    additional antipsychotics. No clear data on mental state, side effects, or satisfaction.
    Effectiveness remains largely unknown.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do electric fans help during heatwaves?
  answer: No evidence - could help or harm depending on temperature.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD009888
  notes: 'No eligible trials found. Theory suggests fans help below 35°C but may cause
    harm above 35°C through dehydration. Observational studies show mixed results.
    Research urgently needed for public health guidance.

    '
  date: '2012-07-11'
- question: Should small lung clots be treated with blood thinners?
  answer: No evidence - no trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010222
  notes: 'Subsegmental pulmonary embolism often found incidentally. No RCTs compare
    anticoagulation vs no treatment. Major evidence gap for clinical decision-making.
    Well-conducted research urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2020-02-07'
- question: Do earplugs help preterm babies in noisy NICUs?
  answer: No conclusions can be drawn - very limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010333
  notes: 'Only one small trial with 34 infants using silicone earplugs. No clear differences
    in development, hearing, or growth. Noise in NICUs exceeds recommended levels.
    Large well-designed studies needed.

    '
  date: '2024-05-30'
- question: Is prothrombin complex concentrate better than plasma for bleeding on
    blood thinners?
  answer: No proven advantage over fresh frozen plasma.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010555
  notes: 'Four trials with 453 participants. No reduction in mortality or transfusion
    needs. Can reverse clotting problems. All trials had high bias risk and were too
    small. More research needed.

    '
  date: '2015-07-07'
- question: Do vitamin supplements help HIV-positive children?
  answer: Vitamin A halves mortality and is safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010666
  notes: 'Vitamin A halved all-cause mortality in African children with HIV. Also
    improved short-term growth. Zinc reduced diarrhea. Multiple micronutrients helped
    hospitalized children. Vitamin D showed no benefit.

    '
  date: '2013-10-11'
- question: Does blocking blood flow to a limb protect kidneys during surgery?
  answer: No, remote ischemic preconditioning doesn't help.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010777
  notes: '28 trials with 6,851 patients. Using blood pressure cuff to briefly restrict
    blood flow made no difference to kidney function, dialysis needs, hospital stay,
    or mortality. Safe but not effective.

    '
  date: '2017-03-04'
- question: Do aromatase inhibitors help short boys grow taller?
  answer: Not proven effective, may cause spine abnormalities.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD010888
  notes: 'Short-term growth predictions improved but one study measuring actual final
    height found no difference. 45% of prepubertal boys developed mild vertebral abnormalities.
    Not recommended based on current evidence.

    '
  date: '2015-10-08'
- question: Can the IQCODE questionnaire predict future dementia?
  answer: Insufficient evidence for recommendations.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011333
  notes: 'Only 3 studies with 626 participants. Informant questionnaire shows varying
    accuracy. Catches many future cases but also wrongly flags many. Studies had potential
    biases. Not ready for clinical use.

    '
  date: '2021-07-18'
- question: Does mefloquine prevent malaria in pregnancy?
  answer: Effective but causes significant side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011444
  notes: 'Reduces blood parasites by 35% vs sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Safe for pregnancy
    outcomes. But vomiting 5x higher, plus fatigue and dizziness. Side effects limit
    practical usefulness despite effectiveness.

    '
  date: '2018-11-14'
- question: Do drugs prevent repeat self-harm in adults?
  answer: No clear evidence of effectiveness.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011777
  notes: 'Seven small trials with 546 patients. No clear evidence for antidepressants,
    antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or supplements. One small trial suggested flupenthixol
    might help. More and larger trials needed.

    '
  date: '2015-07-06'
- question: Does aspirin help tension headaches?
  answer: Modest benefit, but very limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011888
  notes: 'Five studies with limited quality. At 1000mg, fewer people needed extra
    painkillers (10% vs 30% with placebo). 55% satisfied vs 37% with placebo. No studies
    measured being pain-free at 2 hours.

    '
  date: '2017-01-13'
- question: Does bed rest help heal pressure ulcers in wheelchair users?
  answer: Unknown - no trials exist.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD011999
  notes: 'Despite being recommended in international guidelines, no RCTs have been
    conducted. Cannot determine if bed rest helps or harms. Well-designed studies
    urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2016-10-17'
- question: Does alvimopan help bowel recovery after bladder removal?
  answer: Probably yes, speeds eating and hospital discharge.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012111
  notes: 'One trial with 280 patients. Patients tolerated solid food faster and left
    hospital more quickly. Fewer major adverse events. No difference in readmissions.
    Moderate quality evidence from one trial only.

    '
  date: '2017-05-02'
- question: Does taxing sugar reduce obesity?
  answer: Uncertain - very low quality evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012333
  notes: 'One study from Hungary showed 4% decrease in taxed sugar-added foods. Cannot
    determine if taxation prevents obesity or improves health. Very low evidence quality.
    More rigorous research needed.

    '
  date: '2020-04-09'
- question: Does olanzapine help chemotherapy nausea?
  answer: Yes, doubles chance of avoiding nausea and vomiting.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012555
  notes: '14 trials with nearly 1,900 participants. 50% avoided nausea with olanzapine
    vs 25% with standard treatment alone. Causes sleepiness and fatigue. Unclear if
    5mg works as well as 10mg.

    '
  date: '2018-09-24'
- question: Can abdominal ultrasound diagnose TB in HIV patients?
  answer: Limited accuracy - should not be used alone.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012777
  notes: 'Six studies. About two-thirds sensitivity and specificity. Would incorrectly
    identify 256 per 1000 as having TB (false positives) and miss 74 with TB (false
    negatives). Use with other diagnostic tests.

    '
  date: '2019-09-30'
- question: Should preterm babies stop feeding during blood transfusions?
  answer: No evidence either way.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD012888
  notes: 'Theory suggests stopping feeds might prevent gut disease (NEC). Only one
    small trial with 22 infants found. No NEC cases occurred to draw conclusions.
    Larger trials urgently needed.

    '
  date: '2019-10-27'
- question: Do inhaled steroids help newborns with rapid breathing?
  answer: Not effective based on limited evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013222
  notes: 'Transient tachypnea of the newborn causes rapid breathing after birth. One
    small trial with 49 infants. No difference in breathing support needs or hospital
    stay. Unable to determine benefits or harms.

    '
  date: '2020-03-17'
- question: Do cannabinoids help multiple sclerosis symptoms?
  answer: Probably helps spasticity and well-being, moderate evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013444
  notes: '25 trials with 3,763 patients. Nabiximols probably reduces muscle stiffness
    severity. May improve self-reported health status. Limited evidence for nerve
    pain. May increase side effects. Short study durations limit conclusions.

    '
  date: '2022-05-05'
- question: When should antibiotics be given for open fractures?
  answer: Uncertain - insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013555
  notes: 'Only 3 small studies with 613 participants. Unclear if 24-hour vs 5-day
    antibiotics differs. Uncertain if immediate vs delayed wound closure matters.
    Well-designed trials needed for treatment guidelines.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Do inhaled bronchodilators help cystic fibrosis?
  answer: Very uncertain - evidence too limited.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD013666
  notes: '11 small trials with 191 patients. Cannot determine if short-acting bronchodilators
    improve lung function. Mild side effects like tremors and dry mouth. Studies mostly
    over 10 years old and too small.

    '
  date: '2022-06-24'
- question: Do non-drug treatments help persistent dizziness (PPPD)?
  answer: Insufficient evidence - only one small study.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD015333
  notes: 'Chronic balance disorder causing dizziness worse when standing. Only one
    small study of electrical brain stimulation with 24 people. Cannot draw conclusions.
    More research needed.

    '
  date: '2023-03-13'
- question: Does water immersion help during labor?
  answer: Probably reduces epidural use, appears safe.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000111
  notes: '15 trials with 3,663 women. Probably fewer epidurals with water immersion.
    Little difference in cesarean rates or birth outcomes. No increased risk of adverse
    outcomes. More research needed for waterbirth specifically.

    '
  date: '2018-05-16'
- question: Does ursodeoxycholic acid help CF liver disease?
  answer: Insufficient evidence to recommend routine use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000222
  notes: 'Four trials with 118 participants. No significant weight changes or improved
    bile excretion. No data on long-term outcomes like death or transplant needs.
    Side effects appear rare but evidence too weak for recommendations.

    '
  date: '2017-09-11'
- question: Does exercise prevent bone loss after menopause?
  answer: Yes, modest but meaningful benefit.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD000333
  notes: '43 trials with 4,320 women. Combination exercise best for spine (3.2% less
    bone loss). Strength training best for hip. 4 fewer fractures per 100 exercisers.
    Effects small but safe and effective.

    '
  date: '2022-04-01'
- question: Does lung volume reduction surgery help severe emphysema?
  answer: Yes for selected patients, but higher short-term risk.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001001
  notes: 'Removes damaged lung parts to improve breathing. Higher death risk first
    3 months but lower long-term mortality. Best for upper-lobe emphysema with low
    exercise capacity. Improves quality of life for survivors.

    '
  date: '2016-10-14'
- question: Does surgery help obstructive sleep apnea?
  answer: Inconsistent evidence, doesn't support widespread use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001004
  notes: '12 studies of various throat surgeries. Failed to demonstrate consistent
    effects in favor of surgery. Complications include pain, bleeding, nasal regurgitation.
    Evidence doesn''t support widespread surgical use for mild-moderate cases.

    '
  date: '2005-10-19'
- question: Do mass media campaigns prevent youth smoking?
  answer: Inconsistent effects, very low certainty evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001006
  notes: '8 studies with 52,746 youth. Only 3 of 8 showed prevention effect. Successful
    campaigns lasted 3+ years with high-intensity messaging and school components.
    Social media approaches underrepresented in research.

    '
  date: '2017-06-02'
- question: Do group programs help people quit smoking?
  answer: Yes, more effective than self-help materials.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001007
  notes: '66 trials. If 5 in 100 quit with self-help, 8-12 might succeed with group
    support. No better than intensive individual counseling. Meeting with facilitator
    and peer support provides benefit over going it alone.

    '
  date: '2017-03-31'
- question: Does hypnotherapy help people quit smoking?
  answer: Not clearly effective, insufficient evidence.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001008
  notes: '14 studies with 1,926 participants. No evidence hypnotherapy better than
    behavioral counseling. If benefits exist, they appear minimal. No harmful side
    effects noted. Larger better trials needed.

    '
  date: '2019-06-14'
- question: Does mecamylamine help with smoking cessation?
  answer: Promising combined with nicotine patch, needs larger studies.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001009
  notes: 'Two small studies. Combination with nicotine patch may improve quit rates
    (37.5% vs 4.2% in one study). Up to 40% needed dose reduction due to constipation.
    Requires confirmation in larger trials before clinical use.

    '
  date: '1998-04-27'
- question: Does piracetam help dementia or cognitive decline?
  answer: No, evidence doesn't support use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001011
  notes: '24 studies with nearly 12,000 participants. No benefit on specific cognitive
    tests despite some global impression improvement. Significant unpublished manufacturer
    data not available for review.

    '
  date: '2001-04-23'
- question: Does lecithin help dementia or memory problems?
  answer: No, evidence doesn't support use.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001015
  notes: '12 trials with 376 patients. No clear clinical benefit for Alzheimer''s
    or Parkinson''s dementia. One small study showed benefit for subjective memory
    problems but not validated. Moderate effect cannot be ruled out.

    '
  date: '2000-10-23'
- question: Do progestogen tablets reduce heavy menstrual bleeding?
  answer: Less effective than other treatments.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001016
  notes: '15 trials with 1,071 women. Short-course (10 days) and long-course (3-4
    weeks) progestogens less effective than tranexamic acid and IUDs. Similar satisfaction
    levels despite being inferior at reducing blood loss.

    '
  date: '2019-08-14'
- question: Does danazol reduce heavy menstrual bleeding?
  answer: Effective but significant side effects.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001017
  notes: 'More effective than placebo, progestogens, NSAIDs, and OCP at reducing bleeding.
    But causes androgenic effects, menopause symptoms, weight gain, acne. Side effect
    profile limits acceptability. Small underpowered trials.

    '
  date: '2007-07-18'
- question: Does hormone replacement therapy cause weight gain at menopause?
  answer: No, HRT doesn't cause weight gain.
  url: https://www.cochrane.org/CD001018
  notes: '28 trials with 28,559 women. No difference in weight between HRT users and
    non-users. Also doesn''t prevent natural menopausal weight gain. Reassures women
    who avoid HRT due to weight concerns.

    '
  date: '2000-01-24'