The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - Issue 5 2012

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews reached a significant milestone with the publication of its 5000th full review in 2012, continuing a trend of rapid growth since its inception in 1995. The fifth issue of 2012 introduced 30 new Cochrane Reviews and updated 44 existing ones, with 13 of these updates leading to changes in conclusions due to new research. The reviews cover a broad range of topics, including the effects of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma, physical training for asthma, training health professionals for smoking cessation, prophylactic platelet transfusion, and acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome. Notably, there is a new review on topical minoxidil for female pattern hair loss. The Cochrane Library provides detailed information on the objectives, methods, and conclusions of each review. Some authors have also created audio podcasts, known as Evidence Pods, to describe their research, and the Cochrane Journal Club offers additional resources. The document also highlights recent reviews on maternity care, including monitoring baby's heart rate during labor and pain management for women in labor.