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BMJ 2006; 332 doi: 10.1136/bmj.332.7546.904 (Published 13 April 2006)
Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:904

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  1. Harvey Marcovitch, syndication editor (h.marcovitch@btinternet.com)
  1. BMJ

    Pneumococcal vaccine helps over 65s with COPD

    A controlled trial of pneumococccal vaccine (Pneumo23; Aventis Pasteur MSD) in 600 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain has shown that it protected people aged over 65 from pneumonia over the three year period of the study, with an effectiveness of 76%. It was particularly protective in those with severe airflow obstruction. However, there was no difference in mortality (about 19%) nor any significant difference for people under 65. The authors call for further studies in younger and more mildly affected patients to define the precise role of the vaccine.

    Thorax 2006;61: 189–195
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    Patients' complaints are “tip of an iceberg” in New Zealand

    A survey in New Zealand has shown that only 0.4% of reported adverse events result in a complaint to the country's health and disability commissioner, the gateway to its “no-fault” (tort-free) compensation system. Contrary to statements frequently repeated in the lay media, fewer than 1% …

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