The 1968 version of Oliver Twist in my mind is a classic. Anyone who has seen the film will remember that classic seen where Oliver asks for more:

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When I started in evidence-based medicine, it was a big shock that probably the most under-researched area of health is how health practitioners should diagnose illness; i.e. “diagnostic strategies”. Individual studies and systematic reviews have focused on drugs and interventions, but it is now recognised that such reviews are also necessary to evaluate diagnostic tests. In children, clinical signs (e.g.

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This blog was first posted on the BMJ site.

Carl Heneghan:

The last few days has been hectic since the publication of our systematic review in the BMJ on the use of antivirals in children. By now, you are probably aware of the findings given the media interest. Basically, our study raised questions about the usefulness of antiviral flu drugs in preventing and treating flu in children, indicating the harmful effects may not be justified by the limited benefits provided. This puts us in direct conflict with the DOH policy of antivirals for all. I think what is important in the present pandemic is to remember how we spent a number of years preventing a similar strategy with the use of antibiotics in sore throat; especially when the published research showed limited benefits in mild disease and the emergence of resistance became a real issue. We have been slightly overwhelmed by all the media but are trying to keep a cool head. Having just come out of an interview on the Becky Anderson Show on CNN live at 9 o’clock on Wednesday there are a couple of things I have learnt over the last few days that have been helpful.

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More than 25% of global child mortality occurs in India (greater than 2 million deaths in children younger than 5 years) [1]. The spectrum of child underdevelopment runs from underweight to stunting and wasting. Nearly half of Indian children are underweight and 70% are anaemic [2]. Therefore, studies of the causes of mortality and nutritional outcomes in children should include representative data from India. Last week’s JAMA reported a study conducted in India which investigated the role of a mother’s height in determining her child’s mortality and development [3].

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