2008 - Dutch Cochrane Centre - The Cochrane Collaboration

The Dutch Cochrane Centre
Annual Report
2008

Table of Contents
THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...........................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................3
THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE.............................................................................5
OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................ 5
STAFF MEMBERS ...................................................................................................... 5
ADVISORY BOARD..................................................................................................... 6
FUNDING SUPPORT.................................................................................................... 6
DUTCH COCHRANE NETWORK CONTACT DETAILS ..................................................7
DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE .......................................................................................... 7
BELGIAN BRANCH OF THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE ........................................................... 7
CHILDHOOD CANCER GROUP ........................................................................................ 7
FERTILITY REGULATION GROUP...................................................................................... 7
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FIELD ....................................................................................... 8
REHABILITATION AND RELATED THERAPIES FIELD ................................................................ 8
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN RELATION TO THE OBJECTIVES FOR 2008.........................9
OBJECTIVE 1........................................................................................................... 9
OBJECTIVE 2......................................................................................................... 10
PRESENTATIONS .................................................................................................13
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES ................................................................................15
COCHRANE REVIEWS WITH A DUTCH SPEAKING FIRST AUTHOR .........................17
PUBLICATIONS RELEVANT TO THE COCHRANE COLLABORATION AND EVIDENCE-
BASED MEDICINE ................................................................................................27
INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS.................................................................................... 27
COCHRANE PROTOCOLS AND REVIEWS ............................................................................ 28
NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS .......................................................................................... 28
REPORTS ............................................................................................................. 29
CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOOKS ........................................................................................ 29
THESIS ............................................................................................................... 29
PARTICIPATION IN COCHRANE ENTITIES............................................................31
1

Acknowledgements
THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
Many Dutch and Belgian volunteers actively participate in the activities of The Cochrane
Collaboration and the Dutch Cochrane Centre. The staff of the Dutch Cochrane Centre
wishes to express their thanks to all of the many people and institutions, both in the
Netherlands and abroad, from whom they have received guidance and support in 2008.
Special gratitude is expressed to
- All members of the Advisory Board for their useful advice and continuous support.
- Dr. Edvard Beem, ZonMw, The Hague, for his ongoing support to the Netherlands Trial
register.
- Mr. René Mulder, Oranje-Nassau Groep b.v., for his invaluable support in the
background.
We are greatly indebted to the following persons of the Academic Medical Center,
Amsterdam, for mental and material support:
- Professor Louise Gunning-Schepers and the other members of the Board of Directors.
- Professor Bert Schadé and colleagues, division Clinical Methods & Public Health.
- Professor Koos Zwinderman and other staff members of the Department of Clinical
Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics.
2

Introduction
THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
The Dutch Cochrane Centre
Since October 1994 the Dutch Cochrane Centre is The Cochrane Collaboration’s reference
centre for The Netherlands, Belgium (handled by the Belgian Branch in Leuven), Surinam
and the Netherlands' Antilles. The basic ideas of The Cochrane Collaboration of identifying
all randomised trials, building specialised registers of these trials and producing and
updating high-quality systematic reviews of the effects of all areas of health care, form the
basis for its activities. The Dutch Cochrane Centre collaborates with others to facilitate the
preparation, maintenance and dissemination of systematic reviews about health care
interventions.
The Cochrane Collaboration
The Cochrane Collaboration is an international organisation that aims to help people make
well-informed decisions about health care by preparing, maintaining and promoting the
accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of health care interventions and the validity
of diagnostic tests. Systematic reviews are reviews regarding a well formulated clinical
question that use systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise
relevant research, and to collect and analyse data from the studies that are included in the
review. Cochrane reviews provide up-to-date, comprehensive and unbiased summaries of
the best available evidence of the benefits and harms of all types of health care
interventions, including preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, educational and
organisational interventions. These reviews are published electronically in the Cochrane
Library. The Cochrane Collaboration’s basic idea of preparing and updating high-quality
systematic reviews of the effects of health care has been readily accepted throughout the
world since its start in 1993. More information about The Cochrane Collaboration can be
found on www.cochrane.org.
Main issues and activities in 2008
In this report we present the activities of The Dutch Cochrane Centre in the year 2008. The
main issues were the following.
- We were delighted to be awarded an European tender (Europese aanbesteding) of the
Dutch Health Care Insurance Board (College voor Zorgverzekeringen). In the next two
years, the Dutch Cochrane Centre will prepare appr. 3-4 systematic reviews per year for
the Board.
- In September, we started our Systematic Review Unit (SRU). The Dutch Cochrane Centre
is now better able to prepare systematic reviews regarding healthcare interventions and
the accuracy of diagnostic tests upon request from external organisations.
- On July 1 st , Mariska Leeflang successfully defended her PhD thesis.
- We celebrated the publication of the first Cochrane Diagnostic test accuracy review by
Mariska Leeflang and coauthors. Mariska received a box of bonbons from Wiley &
Blackwell, the publisher of The Cochrane Library.
- Mariska Leeflang became co-convenor of the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests
Methods Group.
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THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
- The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR) was recognised as primary register by the WHO.
NTR now encompasses over 1500 trials.
- Lotty Hooft was appointed as Chair of the WHO Working Group on Best Practice for
Clinical Trials Registers.
- The UK and Continental Europe Support Units organised the first (two-day) workshop
“Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy” for authors of Cochrane
Review Groups.
- We organised the 8 th Annual Dutch Cochrane Contributors Meeting. Sheena Derry (of the
Adverse Effects Methods Group) and Jan Vandenbroucke challenged the audience about
how to include this important outcome in their review.
- Eighteen new protocols for a systematic review and 12 new systematic reviews with a
Dutch speaking first author were published in the Cochrane Library. The number of active
reviews and protocols with a Dutch speaking first author in The Cochrane Library is now
247.
- Staff members of The Dutch Cochrane Centre contributed to the Cochrane Handbook for
Systematic Reviews of Interventions (launched in October) and to the Handbook for
Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews. In addition, we wrote a tutorial for diagnostic test
accuracy reviews for RevMan 5.
- The third edition of the Dutch Evidence-based medicine Handbook was launched. We
updated the chapters and made major amendments of the chapters pertaining to
diagnostic tests.
- Staff members of the DCC gave many presentations regarding The Cochrane
Collaboration and its relation with evidence-based medicine. We organised four
workshops "Developing a systematic review", one general evidence-based medicine
course for health care practitioners and many other evidence-based medicine courses.
4

The Dutch Cochrane Centre
OBJECTIVES
THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
Objective 1
To stimulate and support evidence-based medicine activities in the Netherlands to help
professionals and consumers to make well-informed decisions about health care.
Activities
1.1 To support the use of evidence-based medicine in Dutch health care.
1.2 To train medical professionals in evidence-based medicine.
Objective 2
To contribute to The Cochrane Collaboration to support evidence-based medicine.
Activities
2.1 To support and to stimulate the preparation of high quality Cochrane systematic
reviews about health care interventions.
2.2 To contribute to The Cochrane Collaboration and to maintain an adequate
infrastructure for The Dutch Cochrane Centre.
2.3 To identify scientific publications (evidence) about the efficacy of healthcare
interventions.
STAFF MEMBERS
In July, we welcomed René Spijker. René is an information specialist and he joint the DCC
for 0.2 FTE. He also works for the Medical Library of the AMC.
In September, we welcomed Miranda Langendam. Miranda is an epidemiologist. She is
employed for 4 days per week (0.8 FTE) as a senior scientific staff member, leading the
newly established Systematic Review Unit of the DCC.
In December 2008, Phyllis Spuls left the Centre to join the department of Dermatology of
the AMC. We are lucky, however, to still be able to work with her on joint projects.
Lotty Hooft is employed for 0.5 FTE with the Netherlands Trial Register, a project funded by
ZonMw (the Dutch MRC).
Lotty Hooft, Mariska Leeflang, Hans Reitsma and Rob Scholten also work for the Continental
Europe Support Unit (CESU) funded by The Cochrane Collaboration. The aim of CESU is to
help Cochrane Review Groups based on the European continent with the implementation of
Cochrane Diagnostic test accuracy reviews.
The current staff consists of 0.7 FTE administrative staff and (on average) 3.9 FTE scientific
staff (partially employed on external resources).
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THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE - ANNUAL REPORT 2008
Overview of staff members of The Dutch Cochrane Centre (2008)
Name Appointment FTE Unit(s)
Lotty Hooft Scientific staff member 1.0 DCC, NTR,
CESU, SR Unit
Miranda Langendam Scientific staff member (from 1 September) 0.8 SR Unit
Mariska Leeflang Scientific staff member 0.4 CESU
Jacqueline Limpens Information specialist 0.2 DCC, SR Unit
Hans Reitsma Scientific staff member 0.1 CESU
Rob Scholten Director 1.0 DCC, CESU,
SR Unit
René Spijker Information specialist (from 1 July) 0.2 DCC, SR Unit
Hanni Spitteler Administrator 0.7 DCC
Phyllis Spuls Scientific staff member (until 31 December) 0.2 DCC
* The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR), Continental Europe Support Unit (CESU) and the
SR Unit are externally funded projects.
ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board of the Dutch Cochrane Centre provides overall guidance in all matters
related to the work of the Centre to accomplish, as efficiently as possible, the goals of The
Cochrane Collaboration. The Advisory Board met once in 2008. The current members of the
Advisory Board are:
Name Affiliation
A.J.P.M. Overbeke Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Nijmegen University,
Nijmegen (Chair)
H.J.B.M. Abeln Twynstra Gudde Management Consultants, Amersfoort
R.A. de Bie Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht
P.M.M. Bossuyt Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and
Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam
F. Buntinx Department of General Practice Leuven/Maastricht
F.M. Helmerhorst Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Leiden University
Medical Center, Leiden
M. van Leeuwen Former secretary of the Netherlands Health Council, Naarden
S. Middeldorp Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical
Center, Leiden
M. Offringa Paediatric Clinical Epidemiology, Emma Children’s Hospital /
Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam
I. Thomassen-Hilgersom Dutch Society of Patients with Posttraumatic Dystrophia,
Nijmegen
H.C.W. de Vet EMGO Institute, VU medical center, Amsterdam
A. Wijbenga Netherlands Health Council, The Hague
FUNDING SUPPORT
The Dutch Cochrane Centre has been granted structural funding from the Dutch Ministry of
Health, while the Academic Medical Center offered to host the Centre.
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The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Dutch Cochrane Network Contact Details
DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE
Mrs J.A.M. Spitteler
Dutch Cochrane Centre
Academic Medical Center, J1B - 108
PO Box 22700
1100 DE AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 5665602
Fax: +31 20 6912683
E-mail: cochrane@amc.uva.nl
Website: www.cochrane.nl
BELGIAN BRANCH OF THE DUTCH COCHRANE CENTRE
Mrs. E. Vanachter, administrator
CEBAM
Kapucijnenvoer 33 - blok J bus 7001
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium
Phone: +32 16 332697
Fax: +32 16 337480
E-mail: ester.vanachter@med.kuleuven.be
Website: www.cebam.be
CHILDHOOD CANCER GROUP
L.C.M. Kremer, co-ordinating editor
Mrs. J.K. Noorman, assistant RGC
Emma Children's Hospital / Academic Medical Center, F8-166
PO Box 22700
1100 DE AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 5667132
Fax: +31 20 6917735
E-mail: chcrg@amc.uva.nl
Website : www.ccg.cochrane.org
FERTILITY REGULATION GROUP
Mrs A. Helmerhorst
Leiden University Medical Center
Department of Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine
Postal Zone: P-K6
PO Box 9600
2300 RC LEIDEN
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 71 3013182
Fax: +31 71 3012822
E-mail: ahelmerhorst@lumc.nl
Website: www.lumc.nl/1060/cochrane
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The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FIELD
J. van Binsbergen and F. van de Laar, co-convenors
(with colleagues from New Zealand and Ireland)
T. Jeijsman, secretary
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre
Dpt. of Primary and Community Care
117 P.O. Box 9101
6500 HB NIJMEGEN
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 24 361 3315
Fax: +31 24 354 1862
E-mail: info@cochraneprimarycare.org
Website: www.cochraneprimarycare.org
REHABILITATION AND RELATED THERAPIES FIELD
R.A. de Bie, convenor, and Mrs. M.J.G. Moll, administrator
Department of Epidemiology
Maastricht University
PO Box 616
6200 MD MAASTRICHT
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 43 3882362 / 3882394 (administrator)
Fax: +31 43 3884128
E-mail: mjg.moll@epid.unimaas.nl / ra.debie@epid.unimaas.nl
Website: www.cebp.nl
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The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Accomplishments in Relation to the Objectives for 2008
OBJECTIVE 1
To stimulate and support evidence-based medicine activities in the Netherlands to
help professionals and consumers to make well-informed decisions about health
care.
Activity 1.1
To support the use of evidence-based medicine in Dutch health care.
Accomplishments
- We successfully applied for a European tender issued by the Dutch Health Care Insurance
Board (College voor Zorgverzekeringen, CvZ). In the next two years we will prepare 6-8
systematic reviews regarding topics for which CvZ has to advise the Minister of Health.
- In September, we started our Systematic Review Unit (SRU) to prepare systematic
reviews regarding healthcare interventions and the accuracy of diagnostic tests for Dutch
health care organisations.
- In collaboration with ENT departments of various Dutch Universities we assisted two
researchers with updating a NICE guideline regarding Bilateral Cochlear Implants for the
Dutch Health Care Insurance Board.
- We assisted the guideline working group Pancreas Carcinoma of the Integraal Kanker
Centrum Amsterdam (IKA) with systematically summarizing the existing evidence.
- We were contracted by the guideline working group Treatment of asthma in children of
the Dutch Paediatric Society to prepare a systematic summary of the existing evidence.
- We critically reviewed the European Guideline “Treatment of inguinal hernia in adult
patients” of the European Hernia Society and provided them with suggestions for
improvement.
- We assisted the Advisory Committee “Autism in children” of the Dutch Health Council
with updating an existing systematic review and meta-analysis of the results.
- We acted as an arbiter for the guideline working group “treatment of basal cell
carcinoma” of the Dutch Society of Dermatology and Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery
and advised regarding a recommendation re Mohs’ surgery.
- We obtained a grant to conduct a project regarding evidence-based information retrieval
for clinicians. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Medical Library of the
AMC and the department of Dermatology of the AMC. The objective is to develop a tool
to assist busy clinicians with finding their way in retrieving relevant evidence.
- We participated in a project regarding efficient retrieval of guidelines in the AMC. The
project is lead by the Medical Library and the Quality and Process Improvement Institute
of the AMC.
- Staff members of the Dutch Cochrane Centre were advisors of the “EBRO-platform”, in
which representatives participate of almost all Dutch entities that are involved with
guideline development, and of various other scientific and advisory committees.
- Rob Scholten was invited discussion panel member of a symposium regarding “Evidence:
fit for purpose” of the Centre for Ethics and Health.
- Rob Scholten participated in a conference regarding context effects of the Netherlands
Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw).
- We published several articles for the Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde (Dutch
Medical Journal) and other Dutch medical journals.
- We produced the third edition of our Dutch textbook on evidence-based medicine.
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Activity 1.2
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
To train medical professionals in evidence-based medicine.
Accomplishments
- In 2008, we organised 31 courses and workshops about evidence-based medicine and
systematic reviews. There were over 1000 participants. See page 15 for an overview.
- We worked with various Dutch health care institutions (among which the
Kwaliteitsinstituut voor de Gezondheidszorg CBO, Dutch Society of Pediatricians and
various scientific societies) to run in-house courses on EBM and Evidence-based Guideline
Development.
- In collaboration with the Coronel Institute of the AMC, we ran various modules of the
newly developed EBM Teach_the_Teachers course for Occupational Health physicians of
the ArboUnie.
- We developed a computer assisted module “Critically Appraisal of a Systematic Review
and How to deal with heterogeneity in a Systematic Review?” for medical students.
OBJECTIVE 2
To contribute to The Cochrane Collaboration to support evidence-based medicine.
Activity 2.1
To support and to stimulate the preparation of high quality Cochrane systematic reviews
about health care interventions.
Accomplishments
- Eighteen new protocols for a systematic review and 12 new systematic reviews with a
Dutch speaking first author were published in the Cochrane Library. The number of active
reviews and protocols with a Dutch speaking first author in The Cochrane Library is now
247 (page also 17).
- Four workshops “Developing a systematic review” were given. A total number of 59
participants attended.
- The UK and Continental Europe Support Units organised the first (two-day) workshop
“Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy” for authors of Cochrane
reviews. There were 20 participants.
- In collaboration with the UK Support Unit we organised various other workshops
regarding Cochrane Diagnostic test accuracy reviews.
- On November 28, the Annual Dutch Cochrane Contributors Meeting was held. Topics
included were “What’s new in Cochrane?” and “Adverse effects in Cochrane reviews”.
Invited speakers were Sheena Derry of the Cochrane Adverse Effects Methods Group and
Jan Vandenbroucke, LUMC. There were 27 participants.
- We answered on average 5-10 queries per week by phone or e-mail. Approximately 30
persons visited the Dutch Cochrane Centre for consultation.
- Mariska Leeflang, Hans Reitsma and Rob Scholten were appointed as editor of the
Diagnostic Test Accuracy Editorial Team of The Cochrane Collaboration.
10

Activity 2.2
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
To contribute to The Cochrane Collaboration and to maintain an adequate infrastructure for
the Dutch Cochrane Centre.
Accomplishments
- To promote The Cochrane Collaboration and evidence-based medicine we gave 14
presentations (page 13) and published 29 articles (page 27).
- In collaboration with many other Cochranites, staff members of the DCC ran various
workshops re Diagnostic Systematic reviews and RevMan 5 at the Colloquium in Freiburg.
- The Continental Europe Support Unit (CESU) was awarded an extension of the grant of
The Cochrane Collaboration and will be operational until mid-2010. CESU’s main task is
to assist the continental European Cochrane Review Groups with the implementation of
Cochrane systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy.
- Mariska Leeflang and coauthors published the first Cochrane Diagnostic test accuracy
review.
- We developed a tutorial for diagnostic test accuracy reviews for the RevMan 5.
- Mariska Leeflang became co-convenor of the Cochrane Screening and Diagnostic Tests
Methods Group.
- Staff members of the DCC contributed to various chapters of the Handbook for Diagnostic
Test Accuracy Reviews.
- The DCC participated in a project re Updating systematic reviews. The project was led by
the UK Cochrane Centre and funded by the Cochrane Opportunities Fund. The end report
can be obtained at http://www.cochrane.org/ccsg/qag/updating_wg.htm
- Lotty Hooft participated in an EU project regarding the development of an European
Health Technology Assessment network (EUnetHTA).
- The Netherlands Trial Register, launched in 2004, encompasses now over 1500 trials.
- Lotty Hooft became Chair of the WHO Working Group on Best Practice for Clinical Trials
Registers (http://www.who.int/ictrp/network/bpg/en/index.html).
- Staff members of the DCC participated in 28 Cochrane entities (see page 31).
- From 25-27 June, we hosted the annual midyear meeting of the Monitoring and
Registration Group of The Cochrane Collaboration.
- As special function for The Collaboration the DCC assists with editing titles that don’t fit
the required format. In 2008 for 33 non-standard review titles suggestions were made
for titles that fit the required format.
- Upon request of various foreign colleagues we assessed Dutch articles. In addition, we
retrieved various Dutch articles and reports that were not readily available outside the
Netherlands.
- We maintain a database of over 1600 individuals who have shown interest in the
activities of The Cochrane Collaboration. We have sent out regular mailings, including the
Cochrane newsletter and information regarding the Cochrane Colloquium.
- Our website was visited by over 20,000 unique visitors.
Activity 2.3
To identify scientific publications (evidence) about the efficacy of healthcare interventions.
Accomplishments
- In 2008, we handsearched various medical journals.
11

Number
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Cochrane Protocols and Systematic Reviews with a Dutch-speaking first author
11
23
29
27
35
39
48 54 51
12
47
58
77
94
118
134
155
158
74 74 70 77 82 89
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Year
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Protocols Reviews Protocols + Reviews

Presentations
Lotty Hooft
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
23 April Critically Appraised Topics: Therapeutical interventions.
Evidence-based meeting for librarians. Course, Medical Library
AMC / Dutch Cochrane Centre, Amsterdam.
8 May Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
(SRDTA). Continental Europe Support Unit: an update.
Continental Europe Cochrane Entities Meeting (CECEM), Milan,
Italy.
29 September Netherlands Trial Register. Registering observational studies?
Minimum standards of best practice for clinical trial registries.
Meeting of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform
(ICTRP) Best Practice Group (BPG) of the World Health
Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland.
4 October Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
(SRDTA). Continental Europe Support Unit: an update for
Cochrane Centre Staff. Annual Cochrane Colloquium, Freiburg,
Germany.
7 October Parallel session “Worked examples: a selection of systematic
reviews”. Chair, 16th Cochrane Colloquium, Freiburg, Germany.
Mariska Leeflang
25 May Methodology of diagnostic test accuracy reviews, 5th Asian-
Pacific Conference on Evidence-Based Medicine, Lanzhou,
China.
24 July Bias in accuracy measures caused by data driven selection of
optimal cut-off values for continuous test results, Symposium
on Methods for Evaluating Medical Tests, Birmingham, UK.
24 July Multivariate meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy when the
reference standard has four categories, Symposium on Methods
for Evaluating Medical Tests, Birmingham, UK.
24 July Reasons why sensitivity and specificity do vary with disease
prevalence, Symposium on Methods for Evaluating Medical
Tests, Birmingham, UK.
4 October Parallel session “Diagnostic test accuracy - review methods”.
Chair, 16th Cochrane Colloquium, Freiburg, Germany.
Rob Scholten
3 April Soft evidence. Invited member of discussion panel, Symposium
“Passend bewijs”, Centre for Ethics and Health, Utrecht.
9 June “Aan het bed met evidence-based medicine: een rondleiding
langs wereldwijde systematic reviews”. Presentation, meeting
with representatives of the Ministry of Public Health, NFU, AMC,
Amsterdam.
28 August The Dutch Cochrane Centre. Presentation, 8 th EASOM Summer
School, AMC, Amsterdam.
13

Phyllis Spuls
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
7-9 September International Dermato-Epidemiology Association Congress,
Nottingham, England. Quantitative evaluation of clinical
psoriasis severity measures: results of a systematic review.
14

Workshops and Courses
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
22 January Biostatistics. Workshop, Department of Clinical Epidemiology
and Biostatistics AMC, Amsterdam.
23-25 January Evidence-based medicine in clinical practice. Course, Dutch
Cochrane Centre, Amsterdam.
12-13 February Cochrane systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy:
induction training of the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer
Group, Bath, UK.
13 February Evidence-based guideline development (EBRO). Course, CBO,
10 April Utrecht.
9 October
11 December
4 March Developing a systematic review. Workshop, Dutch Cochrane
26 May Centre, Amsterdam.
9 September
18 November
5, 13 March EBM train the trainer (ArboUnie). Course, Arbouniversity
ArboUnie, Coronel Institute for Occupational Health AMC, and
the Dutch Cochrane Centre, AMC, Amsterdam.
12 March Module Systematic Reviews (5 days). Evidence-based practice
– 9 April master programme, Amsterdam.
29 March Evidence-based medicine in child health. Course and
workshops, Department of Paediatric Nephrology and
Department of Clinical epidemiology and paediatrics (KEK),
Emma Children's Hospital AMC, Lunteren.
9 April Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. 2 nd South Asian
Regional Symposium on Evidence Informed Health Care. The
South Asian Cochrane Network, Christian Medical College,
Vellore, Tamilnadu, India.
14 April Evidence-based searching for physicians and librarians. Course,
21 April Medical Library AMC / Dutch Cochrane Centre, Amsterdam.
16 April EBM train the trainer (ArboUnie). Refresher workshop.
Arbouniversity ArboUnie, Coronel Institute for Occupational
Health AMC, and the Dutch Cochrane Centre, ArboUnie, Utrecht.
21-22 April EBM for medical specialist in training (OMSO). Course, AMC,
Amsterdam.
19–20 June Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Twoday
workshop for Cochrane Authors and Coordinating Editors,
AMC, Amsterdam.
15

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
22-26 September Evidence-Based Medicine. INTERACT Course, Kigali, Rwanda. In
collaboration with the Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, and
the South African Cochrane Centre, Cape Town.
2 October Cochrane Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Oneday
pre-Colloquium workshop for Editorial Teams of Cochrane
Review Groups, Freiburg, Germany.
5 October Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies: 2.
Methodological Quality. Workshop, 16th Cochrane Colloquium,
Freiburg, Germany.
7 October Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies: 5.
Presenting and interpreting results. Workshop, 16th Cochrane
Colloquium, Freiburg, Germany.
7 October Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies: 6.
RevMan 5 for Cochrane Diagnostic test accuracy reviews.
Workshop, 16th Cochrane Colloquium, Freiburg, Germany.
13-14 October Evidence-based medicine in clinical practice. Course, Onze Lieve
Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam.
6 November AMC World of Science. Various workshops, AMC Graduate
School, Amsterdam.
20 November EBM train the trainer (ArboUnie). Refresher workshop.
Arbouniversity ArboUnie, Coronel Institute for Occupational
Health AMC, and the Dutch Cochrane Centre, ArboUnie, Utrecht.
21 November Systematic reviews and Evidence-based medicine. Course,
capita selecta for medical students, AMC, Amsterdam.
24 November Systematic reviews. Course, Epidemiology and statistics
programme for medical information students, AMC, Amsterdam.
28 November Annual Dutch Cochrane Contributors’ Meeting. Workshop, Dutch
Cochrane Centre, Amsterdam.
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The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Cochrane Reviews with a Dutch speaking First Author
Acute Respiratory Infections Group
1. Beek D van de, Gans J de, McIntyre P, Prasad K. Corticosteroids for acute
bacterial meningitis.
2. Blom D, Ermers M, Bont L, Woensel JBM van, Aalderen WMC van. Inhaled
corticosteroids during acute bronchiolitis in the prevention of post-bronchiolitic
wheezing.
3. Straetemans M, Sanders EA, Veenhoven RH, Schilder AG, Damoiseaux RA,
Zielhuis GA. Pneumococcal vaccines for preventing otitis media.
4. De Sutter AIM, Lemiengre M, Campbell H. Antihistamines for the common
cold.
Airways Group
1. Meer RM van der, Wagena E, Ostelo RWJG, Jacobs JE, Schayck CP van.
Smoking cessation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
2. Effing T, Monninkhof EM, Valk PDLPM van der, Zielhuis GA, Walters EH, Palen
J van der. Self-management education for patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease.
3. Leeflang MM, Debets-Ossenkopp YJ, Visser CE, Scholten RJPM, Hooft L,
Bijlmer HA, et al. Galactomannan detection for invasive aspergillosis in
immunocompromized patients.
4. Wouden JD van der, Uijen JHJM, Bernsen RMD, Tasche MJA, Jongste JC de,
Ducharme FM. Inhaled sodium cromoglycate for asthma in children.
5. Wijkstra PJ, Lacasse Y, Guyatt GH, Goldstein RS, Struik F. Nocturnal noninvasive
positive pressure ventilation for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease.
Back Group
1. Assendelft WJJ, Morton SC, Yu Emily I, Suttorp MJ, Shekelle PG. Spinal
manipulative therapy for low-back pain.
2. Engers AJ, Jellema P, Wensing M, Windt DAWM van der, Grol R, Tulder MW
van. Individual patient education for low back pain.
3. Heymans M, Tulder MW van, Esmail R, Bombardier C, Koes BW. Back schools
for non-specific low-back pain.
4. Jacobs WCH, Anderson PG, Limbeek J, Willems PC, Pavlov P. Single or doublelevel
anterior interbody fusion techniques for cervical degenerative disc
disease.
5. Ostelo RW, Costa LOP, Maher CG, Vet HCW de, Tulder MW van. Rehabilitation
after lumbar disc surgery.
6. Ostelo RWJG, Tulder MW van, Vlaeyen JWS, Linton SJ, Morley SJ, Assendelft
WJJ. Behavioural treatment for chronic low-back pain.
7. Tulder MW van, Touray T, Furlan AD, Solway S, Bouter LM. Muscle relaxants
for non-specific low-back pain.
8. Verhagen AP, Scholten-Peeters GGGM, Wijngaarden S van, Bie RA de,
Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Conservative treatments for whiplash.
17

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group
1. D'hondt NE, Struijs PAA, Kerkhoffs GM, Verheul C, Lysens R, Aufdemkampe G,
Dijk CN van. Orthotic devices for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome.
2. Heintjes EM, Berger M, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Bernsen RMD, Verhaar JAN,
Koes BW. Exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
3. Heintjes EM, Berger M, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Bernsen RMD, Verhaar JAN,
Koes BW. Pharmacotherapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome.
4. Hofstad CJ, Linde H van der, Limbeek J van, Postema K. Prescription of
prosthetic ankle-foot mechanisms after lower limb amputation.
5. Jainandunsing JS, Elst van der M, Werken CC van der. Bioresorbable fixation
devices for musculoskeletal injuries in adults.
6. Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Handoll HHG, Bie R de, Rowe BH, Struijs PAA. Surgical
versus conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament
complex of the ankle in adults.
7. Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Rowe BH, Assendelft WJJ, Kelly K, Struijs PAA, Dijk CN van.
Immobilisation and functional treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament
injuries in adults.
8. Kerkhoffs GMMJ, Struijs PAA, Marti RK, Assendelft WJJ, Blankevoort L, Dijk CN
van. Different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament
injuries in adults.
9. Poolman RW, Goslings JC, Lee J, Statius Muller M, Steller EP, Struijs PAA.
Conservative treatment for closed fifth (small finger) metacarpal neck
fractures.
10. Thien TB, Becker JH, Theis JC. Rehabilitation after surgery for flexor tendon
injuries in the hand.
11. Verhagen AP, Karels CC, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Burdorf LL, Feleus A,
Dahaghin SSD, de Vet HCW de, Koes BW. Ergonomic and physiotherapeutic
interventions for treating work-related complaints of the arm, neck or
shoulder in adults.
12. Vries JS de, Krips R, Sierevelt IN, Blankevoort L, Dijk CN van. Interventions
for treating chronic ankle instability.
13. Windt DAWM van der, Heijden GJ van der, Berg S van den, Riet G ter, Winter
AF de, Bouter LM. Therapeutic ultrasound for acute ankle sprains.
Breast Cancer Group
1. Hage JA van der, Velde CJH van de, Mieog JSD. Preoperative chemotherapy
for women with operable breast cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Group
1. Breukink S, Pierie JP, Wiggers T. Laparoscopic versus open total mesorectal
excision for rectal cancer.
2. Hartog D den, Dur AHM, Tuinebreijer WE, Kreis RW. Open surgical procedures
for incisional hernias.
18

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Consumers and Communication Group
1. Mistiaen P, Poot E. Telephone follow-up, initiated by a hospital-based health
professional, for postdischarge problems in patients discharged from hospital
to home.
2. Wetzels R, Harmsen M, Weel C van, Grol R, Wensing M. Interventions for
improving older patients' involvement in primary care episodes.
Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group
1. Mérelle MME, Dankert-Roelse JE, Dezateux C, Lees CM, Nagelkerke AF,
Southern KW. Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis.
2. Schans C van der, Prasad A, Main E. Chest physiotherapy compared to no
chest physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis.
Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group
1. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar HJJ, Aleman A, Vanhees L. Physical
activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older people
without known cognitive impairment.
2. Vink AC, Birks JS, Bruinsma M, Scholten RJPM. Music therapy for people with
dementia.
Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group
1. Boer PCAM den, Wiersma D, Russo S, Bosch RJ. Paraprofessionals for anxiety
and depressive disorders.
2. Henken T, Huibers MJ, Churchill R, Restifo KK, Roelofs JJ. Family therapy for
depression.
3. Huibers MJ, Beurskens A, Bleijenberg G, Schayck OP van. Psychosocial
interventions by general practitioners.
4. Nieuwenhuijsen K, Bültmann U, Neumeyer-Gromen A, Verhoeven AC, Verbeek
JH, Feltz-Cornelis CM van der. Interventions to improve occupational health in
depressed people.
5. Stek ML, Wurff FFB van der, Hoogendijk WJG, Beekman ATF.
Electroconvulsive therapy for the depressed elderly.
6. Wijkstra J, Lijmer J, Balk F, Geddes J, Nolen WA. Pharmacological treatment
for psychotic depression.
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group
1. Verschuur HP, Wever W de, Benthem PP van. Antibiotic prophylaxis in clean
and clean-contaminated ear surgery.
Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group
1. Laurant M, Reeves D, Hermens R, Braspenning J, Grol R, Sibbald B.
Substitution of doctors by nurses in primary care.
2. Renders CM, Valk GD, Griffin SJ, Wagner EH, Eijk JT van, Assendelft WJJ.
Interventions to improve the management of diabetes mellitus in primary
care, outpatient and community settings.
19

Fertility Regulation Group
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
1. Helmerhorst FM, Vliet HAAM van, Gornas T, Finken MJ, Grimes DA. Intrauterine
insemination versus timed intercourse for cervical hostility in subfertile
couples.
2. Visser J, Snel M, Vliet HAAM van. Hormonal versus non-hormonal
contraceptives in women with diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.
3. Vliet HAAM van, Grimes DA, Helmerhorst FM, Schulz KF. Biphasic versus
monophasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
4. Vliet HAAM van, Grimes DA, Helmerhorst FM, Schulz KF. Biphasic versus
triphasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
5. Vliet HAAM van, Grimes DA, Lopez LM, Schulz KF, Helmerhorst FM. Triphasic
versus monophasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
6. Wijden C van der, Brown J, Kleinen J. Lactational amenorrhea for family
planning.
Gynaecological Cancer Group
1. Ansink A, Stegeman M, Velden K van der, Collingwood M. Surgical
interventions for early squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.
2. Dalen EC van, Caron HN, Dickinson HO, Kremer LCM. Cardioprotective
interventions for cancer patients receiving anthracyclines.
3. Dalen EC van, Michiels EMC, Caron HN, Kremer LCM. Different anthracycline
derivates for reducing cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
4. Dalen EC van, Pal HJH van der, Caron HN, Kremer LCM. Different dosage
schedules for reducing cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving anthracycline
chemotherapy.
5. Doorn HC van, Ansink A, Verhaar-Langereis M, Stalpers L. Neoadjuvant
chemoradiation for advanced primary vulvar cancer.
6. Velden J van der, Ansink A. Primary groin irradiation versus primary groin
surgery for early vulvar cancer.
7. Wetering MD van de, Woensel JBM van. Prophylactic antibiotics for preventing
early central venous catheter Gram positive infections in oncology patients.
Heart Group
1. Keller T, Weeda VB, Dongen CJ van, Levi M. Influenza vaccines for preventing
coronary heart disease.
Hepato-Biliary Group
1. Keus F, Jong J de, Gooszen HG, Laarhoven CJHM van. Laparoscopic versus
small-incision cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic
cholecystolithiasis.
2. Keus F, Jong J de, Gooszen HG, Laarhoven CJHM van. Laparoscopic versus
open cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis.
3. Keus F, Jong J de, Gooszen HG, Laarhoven CJHM van. Small-incision versus
open cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis.
20

Incontinence Group
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
1. Deutekom M, Dobben AC. Plugs for containing faecal incontinence.
2. Niël-Weise BS, Broek PJ van den. Urinary catheter policies for long-term
bladder drainage.
3. Niël-Weise BS, Broek PJ van den. Urinary catheter policies for short-term
bladder drainage in adults.
4. Niël-Weise BS, Broek PJ van den. Antibiotic policies for short-term catheter
bladder drainage in adults.
Infectious Diseases Group
1. Jutte PC, Loenhout-Rooyackers JH van. Routine surgery in addition to
chemotherapy for treating spinal tuberculosis.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Group
1. Ley M de, Vos R de, Hommes DW, Stokkers PC. Fish oil for induction of
remission in ulcerative colitis.
2. Quartero AO, Meineche-Schmidt V, Muris J, Rubin G, Wit N de. Bulking
agents, antispasmodic and antidepressant medication for the treatment of
irritable bowel syndrome.
Injuries Group
1. Molen HF van der, Lehtola MM, Lappalainen J, Hoonakker PLT, Hsiao H,
Haslam R, et al. Interventions for preventing injuries in the construction
industry.
Lung Cancer Group
1. Pijls-Johannesma MCG, Ruysscher DKM de, Lambin P, Rutten I, Vansteenkiste
JF. Early versus late chest radiotherapy in patient with limited stage small cell
lung cancer.
Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group
1. Bayram N, Wely M van, Veen F van der. Pulsatile gonadotrophin releasing
hormone for ovulation induction in subfertility associated with polycystic ovary
syndrome.
2. Bayram N, Wely M van, Veen F van der. Recombinant FSH versus urinary
gonadotrophins or recombinant FSH for ovulation induction in subfertility
associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.
3. Boomsma CM, Keay SD, Macklon NS. Peri-implantation glucocorticoid
administration for assisted reproductive technology cycles.
4. Boomsma CM, Heineman MJ, Cohlen BJ, Farquhar C. Semen preparation
techniques for intrauterine insemination.
5. Cantineau AEP, Cohlen BJ, Heineman MJ. Intrauterine insemination versus
fallopian tube sperm perfusion for non tubal infertility.
6. Cantineau AEP, Cohlen BJ. Ovarian stimulation protocols (anti-oestrogens,
gonadotrophins with and without GnRH agonists/antagonists) for intrauterine
insemination (IUI) in women with subfertility.
21

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
7. Cantineau AEP, Heineman MJ, Cohlen BJ. Single versus double intrauterine
insemination (IUI) in stimulated cycles for subfertile couples.
8. Evers JLH, Collins JA, Clarke J. Surgery or embolisation for varicocele in
subfertile men.
9. Hajenius PJ, Mol F, Mol BWJ, Bossuyt PMM, Ankum WM, Veen F van der.
Interventions for tubal ectopic pregnancy.
10. Mochtar MH, Veen van der F, Ziech M, Wely M van. Recombinant Luteinizing
Hormone (rLH) for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in assisted
reproductive cycles.
11. Rumste MME van, Evers JLH, Farquhar CM. Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection
versus conventional techniques for oocyte insemination during in vitro
fertilisation in patients with non-male subfertility.
12. Twisk M, Mastenbroek S, Wely M vam, Heineman MJ, Veen F van der, Repping
S. Preimplantation genetic screening for abnormal number of chromosomes
(aneuploidies) in in vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
13. Verhulst SM, Cohlen BJ, Hughes E, Heineman MJ, te Velde E. Intra-uterine
insemination for unexplained subfertility.
14. Westergaard LG, Bossuyt PMM, Veen F van der. Wely M van. Human
menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant follicle stimulation hormone for
ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive cycles .
Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Group
1. Goudswaard AN, Furlong NJ, Valk GD, Stolk RP, Rutten GEHM. Insulin
monotherapy versus combinations of insulin with oral hypoglycaemic agents
in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
2. Laar FA van de, Lucassen PLBJ, Akkermans RP, Lisdonk EH van de, Rutten
GEHM, Weel C van. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
3. Laar FA van de, Lucassen PLBJ, Akkermans RP, Lisdonk EH van de, Grauw
WJC de. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors for people with impaired glucose
tolerance or impaired fasting blood glucose.
4. Priebe MG, Binsbergen JJ van, Vos R de, Vonk RJ. Whole grain foods for the
prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
5. Vermeire E, Wens J, Royen P van, Biot Y, Hearnshaw H, Lindenmeyer A.
Interventions for improving adherence to treatment recommendations in
people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
6. Welschen LMC, Bloemendal E, Nijpels G, Dekker JM, Heine RJ, Stalman WAB,
Bouter LM. Self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes
mellitus who are not using insulin.
Movement Disorders Group
1. Ramaker C, Beek WJT van de, Finken MJJ, Hilten JJ van. Bromocriptine for
levodopa-induced motor complications in Parkinson's disease.
2. Hilten JJ van, Ramaker CC, Stowe R, Ives N. Bromocriptine versus levodopa in
early Parkinson's disease.
3. Hilten JJ van, Ramaker CC, Stowe R, Ives N. Bromocriptine/levodopa
combined versus levodopa alone for early Parkinson's disease.
4. Smeulders M, Coester A, Kreulen M. Surgical treatment for the thumb-in-palm
deformity in patients with cerebral palsy.
22

Multiple Sclerosis Group
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
1. Rietberg MB, Brooks D, Uitdehaag BMJ, Kwakkel G. Exercise therapy for
multiple sclerosis.
2. Steultjens EMJ, Dekker J, Bouter LM, Cardol M, Ende CHM van den, Nes J van
de. Occupational therapy for multiple sclerosis.
Musculoskeletal Group
1. Brouwer RW, van Raaij TM, Jakma TT, Verhagen AP, Verhaar JAN, Bierma-
Zeinstra SMA. Braces and orthoses for treating osteoarthritis of the knee.
2. Brouwer RW, Raaij TM van, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Verhagen AP, Jakma TSC,
Verhaar JAN. Osteotomy for treating knee osteoarthritis.
3. Jacobs W, Andersen PG, Limbeek J van, Wymenga AAB. Mobile bearing vs
fixed bearing prostheses for total knee arthroplasty for post-operative
functional status in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Jacobs W, Clement DJ, Wymenga AAB. Retention versus sacrifice of the
posterior cruciate ligament in total knee replacement for treatment of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Janssens HJ, Lucassen PLBJ, Laar FA van der, Janssen M, Lisdonk EH van de.
Systemic corticosteroids for acute gout.
6. Steultjens EMJ, Dekker J, Bouter LM, Schaardenburg D van, Kuyk MAH van,
Ende CHM van den. Occupational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Struijs PAA, Smidt N, Arola H, Dijk CN van, Buchbinder R, Assendelft WJJ.
Orthotic devices for the treatment of tennis elbow.
8. Takken T, Brussel M van, Engelbert RHH, Net JJ van der, Kuis W, Helders
PPJM. Exercise therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
9. Takken T, Net J van der, Helders PJM. Methotrexate for treating juvenile
idiopathic arthritis.
10. Verhagen AP, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Boers M, Cardoso JR, Lambeck J, Bie RA
de, Vet HCW de. Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis.
11. Verhagen AP, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, Boers M, Cardoso JR, Lambeck J, Bie RA
de, Vet HCW de. Balneotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Neonatal Group
1. Cools F, Offringa M. Neuromuscular paralysis for newborn infants receiving
mechanical ventilation.
2. Puckett RM, Offringa M. Prophylactic vitamin K for vitamin K deficiency
bleeding in neonates.
Neuromuscular Disease Group
1. Kooi EL van der, Lindeman E, Riphagen I. Strength training and aerobic
exercise training for muscle disease.
2. Schaik IN van, Berg LH van den, Haan R de, Vermeulen M. Intravenous
immunoglobulin for multifocal motor neuropathy.
3. Eftimov F, Winer JB, Vermeulen M, Haan R de, Schaik IN van. Intravenous
immunoglobulin for chronic inflammatory demyelinating
polyradiculoneuropathy.
4. Scholten RJPM, Mink van der Molen A, Uitdehaag BMJ, Bouter LM, Vet HCW
de. Surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome.
23

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
5. Trip J, Drost G, van Engelen BGM, Faber CG. Drug treatment for myotonia.
6. Van Veen NHJ, Nicholls PG, Smith WCS, Richardus JH. Corticosteroids for
treating nerve damage in leprosy.
7. Vrancken AFJE, Schaik IN van, Hughes RAC, Notermans NC. Drug therapy for
chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy.
8. Vrancken AFJE, Hughes RAC, Said G, Wokke JHJ, Notermans NC.
Immunosuppressive treatment for non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy.
Oral Health Group
1. Mettes DTG, Nienhuijs MEL, Sanden WJM van der, Verdonschot EH,
Plasschaert AJM. Interventions for treating asymptomatic impacted wisdom
teeth in adolescents and adults.
Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group
1. Backer TLM de, Bogaert MG, Stichele RH vander. Buflomedil for intermittent
claudication.
2. Backer TLM de, Stichele RH vander, Lehert P, Bortel L van. Naftidrofuryl for
intermittent claudication.
3. Bendermacher BLW, Willigendael EM, Teijink JAW, Prins MH. Supervised
exercise therapy versus non-supervised exercise therapy for intermittent
claudication.
4. Di Nisio M, Wichers IM, Middeldorp S. Treatment for superficial
thrombophlebitis of the leg.
5. Dongen CJJ van, Belt AGM van den, Prins MH, Lensing AWA. Fixed dose
subcutaneous low molecular weight heparins versus adjusted dose
unfractionated heparin for venous thromboembolism.
6. Dongen CJ van, MacGillavry MR, Prins MH. Once versus twice daily low
molecular weight heparin for the initial treatment of venous
thromboembolism.
7. Heijden JF van der, Hutten BA, Büller HR, Prins MH. Vitamin K antagonists or
low-molecular-weight heparin for the long term treatment of symptomatic
venous thromboembolism.
8. Hutten BA, Prins MH. Duration of treatment with vitamin K antagonists in
symptomatic venous thromboembolism.
9. Kolbach DN, Sandbrink MWC, Prins MH, Neumann MHAM. Compression
therapy for treating stage I and II (Widmer) post-thrombotic syndrome.
10. Kolbach DN, Sandbrink MWC, Hamulyak K, Prins MH, Neumann HAM. Nonpharmaceutical
measures for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome.
11. Testroote M, Stigter WAH, Visser DC de, Janzing HMJ. Low molecular weight
heparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients with lower-leg
immobilization.
12. Ubbink DT, Vermeulen H. Spinal cord stimulation for non-reconstructable
chronic critical leg ischaemia.
Pregnancy and Childbirth Group
1. Ceysens G, Rouiller D, Boulvain M. Exercise for diabetic pregnant women.
2. Di Nisio M, Peters LW, Middeldorp S. Anticoagulants for the treatment of
recurrent pregnancy loss in women without antiphospholipid syndrome.
24

Skin Group
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
1. Koning S, Verhagen AP, Suijlekom-Smit LWA van, Morris AD, Butler C,
Wouden JC van der. Interventions for Impetigo.
2. Wouden JC van der, Menke J, Gajadin S, Koning S, Tasche MJA, Suijlekom-
Smit LWA van, Berger MY, Butler C. Interventions for cutaneous molluscum
contagiosum.
3. Zuuren EJ van, Graber MA, Hollis S, Chaudhry M, Gupta AK, Gover M.
Interventions for rosacea.
Stroke Group
1. Algra A, Schryver ELLM de, Gijn J van, Kappelle LJ, Koudstaal PJ. Oral
anticoagulants versus antiplatelet therapy for preventing further vascular
events after transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke of presumed arterial
origin.
2. Dorhout Mees SM, Bergh WM van den, Algra A, Rinkel GJE. Antiplatelet
therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
3. Dorhout Mees SM, Rinkel GJE, Feigin VL, Algra A, Bergh WM van den,
Vermeulen M, Gijn J van. Calcium antagonists for aneurysmal subarachnoid
haemorrhage.
4. Horn J, Limburg M. Calcium antagonists for acute ischemic stroke.
5. Rinkel GJE, Feigin VL, Algra A, Gijn J van. Circulatory volume expansion
therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
6. Roos YBWEM, Rinkel GJE, Vermeulen M, Algra A, Gijn J van. Antifibrinolytic
therapy for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
7. Saxena R, Koudstaal PJ. Anticoagulants for preventing stroke in patients with
nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation and a history of stroke or transient ischemic
attacks.
8. Saxena R, Koudstaal PJ. Anticoagulants versus antiplatelet therapy for
preventing stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation and a history
of stroke or transient ischemic attacks.
9. Schaaf I van der, Algra A, Wermer M, Molyneux A, Clarke MJ, Gijn J van,
Rinkel GJE. Endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping for patients
with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
10. Schryver De ELLM, Algra A, Gijn J van. Dipyridamole for preventing stroke
and other vascular events in patients with vascular disease.
11. Stam J, Bruijn SFTM de, DeVeber G. Anticoagulation for cerebral sinus
thrombosis.
Tobacco Addiction Group
1. Kaper J, Wagena E, Severens JL, Schayck OP van. Healthcare financing
systems for increasing the use of tobacco dependence treatment.
Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Group
1. Homs MYV, Gaast A van de, Siersema PD, Steyerberg EW, Kuipers EJ.
Chemotherapy for metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus and gastroesophageal
junction.
25

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
2. Pinxteren B van, Numans ME, Bonis PA, Lau J. Short-term treatment with
proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists and prokinetics for gastrooesophageal
reflux disease-like symptoms and endoscopy negative reflux
disease.
Wounds Group
1. Rijen M van, Bonten M, Wenzel R, Kluytmans J. Mupirocin ointment for
preventing Staphylococcus aureus infections in nasal carriers.
2. Ubbink DT, Westerbos SJ, Evans D, Land L, Vermeulen H. Topical negative
pressure for treating chronic wounds.
3. Valk GD, Kriegsman DMW, Assendelft WJJ. Patient education for preventing
diabetic foot ulceration.
4. Vermeulen H, Ubbink DT, Goossens A, Vos R de, Legemate D. Dressings and
topical agents for surgical wounds healing by secondary intention.
5. Vermeulen H, Hattem JM van, Storm-Versloot MN, Ubbink DT. Topical silver
for treating infected wounds.
26

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Publications relevant to The Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence-Based
Medicine
INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Brenninkmeijer EEA, Schram ME, Leeflang MMG, Bos JD, Spuls PhI. Diagnostic
criteria for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Br J Dermatol 2008;158:754-
65.
Brouwer J, Hooft L, Hoekstra OS, Riphagen II, Castelijns JA, de Bree R, Leemans
CR. Systematic review: Accuracy of imaging tests in the diagnosis of recurrent
laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. Head Neck. 2008 Jan 22; 30(7):889-897.
Grobler L, Siegfried N, Askie L, Hooft L, Tharyan P, Antes G. National and
multinational prospective trial registers. The Lancet. 2008 Oct; 372(9645): 1201-
1202.
Leeflang MM, Moons KG, Reitsma JB, Zwinderman AH. Bias in sensitivity and
specificity caused by data-driven selection of optimal cutoff values: mechanisms,
magnitude, and solutions. Clin Chem. 2008 Apr;54(4):729-37.
Leeflang MM, Deeks JJ, Gatsonis C, Bossuyt PM; Cochrane Diagnostic Test
Accuracy Working Group. Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. Ann
Intern Med. 2008 Dec 16;149(12):889-97.
Leeflang MM, Bossuyt PM. Tips and Tricks for Understanding and Using SR
Results - no. 9: systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. Evidence-Based
Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. 2008;3:257-8.
Meads CA, Cnossen JS, Meher S, Juarez-Garcia A, ter Riet G, Duley L, Roberts TE,
Mol BW, van der Post JA, Leeflang MM, Barton PM, Hyde CJ, Gupta JK, Khan KS.
Methods of prediction and prevention of pre-eclampsia: systematic reviews of
accuracy and effectiveness literature with economic modelling. Health Technol
Assess. 2008 Mar;12(6):iii-iv, 1-270.
Nijsten T, Spuls Ph, Stern R. STROBE: a beacon for observational studies.
Archives of Dermatol 2008;144(9):1200-4.
Nijsten T, Spuls PhI. Adalimumab is a new effective biological and may be better
or no worse than MTX in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 2008;159(1):257-8.
Poulsen MNF, Nijsten T, Bod JD, Stern RS, Spuls PhI. Quantitative evaluation of
clinical psoriasis severity measures: results of a systematic review. J Invest
dermatology 2008;128:2556. (Abstract)
Roelofs PD, Deyo RA, Koes BW, Scholten RJ, van Tulder MW. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs for low back pain: an updated cochrane review. Spine 2008;
33(16):1766-1774.
Stutterheim J, Gerritsen A, Zappeij-Kannegieter L, Kleijn I, Dee R, Hooft L, van
Noesel MM, Bierings M, Berthold F, Versteeg R, Caron HN, van der Schoot CE,
Tytgat GA. PHOX2B is a novel and specific marker for minimal residual disease
testing in neuroblastoma. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print]
27

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Wakkee M, Lugtenberg M, de Jong E, Spuls Ph, Thio B, Westert G, Nijsten T.
Knowledge, attitudes and use of the guidelines for the treatment of moderate to
severe psoriasis among Dutch dermatologists. Br J Dermatol 2008; 159(2):426-
32.
COCHRANE PROTOCOLS AND REVIEWS
Leeflang MM, McDonald S, Scholten RJ, Rutjes A, Reitsma JJB. Search
strategies to identify diagnostic accuracy studies in MEDLINE and EMBASE.
Leeflang MM, Debets-Ossenkopp YJ, Visser CE, Scholten RJ, Hooft L, Bijlmer
HA, Reitsma JB, Bossuyt PM, Vandenbroucke-Grauls CM. Galactomannan
detection for invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromized patients.
Roelofs PD, Deyo RA, Koes BW, Scholten RJ, van Tulder MW. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory
drugs for low back pain.
Romme JJCM, Black CN, Colman N, Scholten RJ, Reitsma JB, Wieling W, Van
Dijk N. Drugs and pacemakers for neurally mediated reflex syncope.
Scholten RJ, Mink van der Molen A, Uitdehaag BM, Bouter LM, de Vet HC.
Surgical treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Vink AC, Bruinsma MS, Scholten RJ. Music therapy in the care of people with
dementia.
Vroon P, Weert HCPM van, Scholten RJ. Interventions for ganglion cysts in
adults.
NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Krom MC de, Croonenborg JJ van, Blaauw G, Scholten RJ, Spaans F. [Guideline
'Diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome'] Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd.
2008;152(2):76-81.
Hamerlynck JV, Legemate DA, Hooft L. [From the Cochrane Library:
ultrasonographic screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men aged 65 years
and older: low risk of fatal aneurysm rupture]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2008 Mar
29;152(13):747-9.
Leeflang MM, Hooft L, Vermeulen H. Toolbox: Diagnostisch onderzoek (deel 4).
Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Evidence Based Practice. 2008 Jul; 6(3):18-23.
Polak BC, Hartstra WW, Ringens PJ, Scholten RJ. [Revised guideline 'Diabetic
retinopathy: screening, diagnosis and treatment'] Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2008
Nov 1;152(44):2406-13.
Spuls PhI. Goed onderzoek is niet altijd vanzelfsprekend. Tijdschrift Psoriasis
2008;29(1):26-27.
Vermeulen H, Ubbink D, Hooft L. Toolbox: Systematisch literatuuronderzoek van
gerandomiseerde onderzoeken (deel 2). Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Evidence
Based Practice. 2008 Feb; 6(1):4-8
28

REPORTS
The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Langendam MW, Spuls PhI, Scholten RJPM. AGREE assessment of the
European Hernia Society Guideline “Treatment of inguinal hernia in adult
patients”.
Scholten RJPM, Langendam MW. Beoordeling van de methodologische
kwaliteit van het onderzoek van Smeets en collega’s (Lancet 2004;364:1766-72)
en de daaruit voortvloeiende conclusie van de richtlijnwerkgroep “Behandeling
van het basaalcelcarcinoom” betreffende de effectiviteit van Mohs’ Micrographic
Surgery (MMS) vergeleken met Surgical Excision (SE) voor recidief
basaalcelcarcinoom.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO BOOKS
Offringa M, Assendelft WJ, Scholten RJPM. Inleiding evidence-based medicine.
Klinisch handelen gebaseerd op bewijsmateriaal. Derde druk. Bohn, Stafleu, Van
Loghum, 2008. ISBN: 9789031353200
THESIS
Leeflang MMG. Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy.
29

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
30

The Dutch Cochrane Centre - Annual report 2008
Participation in Cochrane Entities
Lotty Hooft
� Bias Methods Group
� Childhood Cancer Group
� Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group
� Prognosis Methods Group
� Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group
� Skin Group
� WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (chair)
Mariska Leeflang
� Airways Group
� Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group
� Methodology Review Group
� Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group (co-convenor)
Jacqueline Limpens
� CENTRAL forum
� Information Retrieval Methods Group
Rob Scholten
� Airways Group
� Back Group
� Cochrane Collaboration Steering Group (Centre representative)
� Continental European Cochrane Entities Meeting Planning Committee
� Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group
� Diagnostic Test Accuracy Working Group
� Heart Group
� Information Management System Group
� Methodology Review Group
� Monitoring and Registration Group (co-convenor)
� Neuromuscular Disease Group
� Screening and Diagnostic Tests Methods Group
� Statistical Methods Group
� Updating Working Group (convenor), subgroup of the Quality Advisory Group
Phyllis Spuls
� Skin Group
31