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Neither hormone replacement therapy (HRT) nor antioxidant vitamins can slow the progression of coronary artery disease, according to a study of 423 postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. In fact, HRT and vitamins appeared to make the disease progress faster. This was documented by angiography, a technique that can measure the inside of the coronary arteries.

There are many factors that may determine whether a premature infant should receive mechanical ventilation. In a study of 1,126 infants weighing between 501 and 800 grams at birth, overall mortality was 43%. Mortality in those who did not receive mechanical ventilation was 93%. Female babies, those who were small for gestational age and those whose mothers received corticosteroids were more likely to benefit from mechanical ventilation. These infants used a significant amount of resources, but the cost per life-year gained was probably small.