Top 20 Research Studies of 2025 for Primary Care Physicians

This article summarizes the top 20 research studies of 2025 identified as POEMs (patient-oriented evidence that matters). Treating male sex partners of female patients with oral and topical medication reduces recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Anti-influenza drugs do not reduce hospitalizations or mortality. COVID-19 vaccines still improve mortality and reduce hospitalizations. Influenza vaccines are safe in pregnancy. Vaginal estrogen appears to be safe in breast cancer survivors. Women with normal bone density given zoledronic acid every 5 years have fewer fractures. Early post-partum insertion of a long-acting reversible contraceptive is associated with fewer pregnancies vs delayed insertion. Early medication abortion before pregnancy confirmation is safe and effective. After stent placement in patients with atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease who are taking an anticoagulant, adding aspirin worsens outcomes. After catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, discontinuing anticoagulants after 1 year is safe if atrial arrhythmia does not recur, whereas left atrial appendage closure is superior to oral anticoagulation. For patients with provoked venous thromboembolism and at least one ongoing risk factor, 12 months of apixaban is better than 3 months. Clopidogrel is slightly more effective than aspirin for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke over 3 years. Intensive blood pressure lowering decreases cardiovascular events but increases rates of hypotension and syncope, and there are concerns about the applicability of the data to the United States. Duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin provide meaningful pain reduction in adults with fibromyalgia. Amyloid-directed monoclonal antibodies do not provide clinically meaningful cognitive benefits and may cause harms. Bright light therapy is effective for nonseasonal depression. Water exposure 6 hours after cutaneous surgery does not increase the risk of complications. A meta-analysis of platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis concluded that high-quality studies found no meaningful pain improvement. Using an oral challenge to rule out sulfonamide allergy is safe when used with a risk assessment tool.