DES for recurrent miscarriage
-----Original Message-----
From: Doust, Jenny [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, 12 May 2004 7:13 p.m.
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: why do doctors use treatments that dont work
Dear list members
We recently wrote an editorial for the BMJ on why do doctors use treatments
that dont work? We put together a list of treatments that had once been
standard practice and which we now know do not work (or cause harm) and
importantly, what was the evidence that was used to show that they did not
work. Our list of treatments was
sulphuric acid for scurvy
burning oil for gunshot wounds
leeches for almost anything
insulin for schizophrenia
vitamin K for myocardial infarction
HRT for cardiovascular disease
flecainide for ventricular tachycardia
troglitazone for diabetes mellitus
routine blood tests prior to surgery
psychological debriefing following trauma
Are there any other examples people would like to add to our list?
The original article was publisehed in BMJ February 28 2004; 324:474-5.
Regards
Jenny and Chris
Professor Chris Del Mar
Director
Dr Jenny Doust
Senior Research Fellow
Centre for General Practice
University of Queensland
Herston Rd
Herston QLD 4006
Phone: 61 (7) 3365 5549
Fax: 61 (7) 3365 5130
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