“…The characteristics of the medical practices contributing to the Mediplus database and its suitability for epidemiological research have been published elsewhere (Dietlin and Schroder-Bernhardi, 2002). These data represent 'real world' clinical practice and have previously been used for this type of population-based study, including therapeutic areas such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine, depression and hypertension (Simons et al, 2000;Dietlin and Schroder-Bernhardi, 2002;Lawrenson, 1999;Rathmann et al, 1999;Duggan, 1998;Eggleston, 1998;Krobot et al, 1999;Todd, 1999;Hughes and McGuire, 1998;Jones et al, 1995;Hasford et al, 2002).…”