Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate, can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH has been growing steadily. Cernilton, prepared from the rye-grass pollen Secale cereale, is one of the several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH. ⋯ The Cernilton trials analyzed were limited by short duration, limited number of enrollees, gaps in reported outcomes, and unknown quality of the preparations utilized. The comparative trials lacked a proven active control. The available evidence suggests Cernilton is well tolerated and modestly improves overall urologic symptoms including nocturia. Additional randomized placebo and active-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness and safety of Cernilton.
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Standard treatment for bronchiectasis comprises postural drainage and various regimes of antibiotic therapy. If the disease is confined to localised areas of lung, surgical resection of the affected segments is often performed. ⋯ Surgical treatment of bronchiectasis is widely used, but there appear to be no randomised controlled trials. It is not possible to provide an unbiased estimate of its benefit compared to conservative therapy.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewLeukotriene receptor antagonists for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists are a new class of drug that were initially identified for use in asthma. As they have an effect on neutrophil mediated inflammation, they may be of benefit in bronchiectasis. ⋯ Further research is required to establish any benefit from the use of leukotriene antagonists in bronchiectasis.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewEnteral antibiotics for preventing necrotising enterocolitis in low birthweight or preterm infants.
Necrotising enterocolitis continues to be a problem, particularly in preterm neonates. There have been reports published suggesting that the use of enteral antibiotics may be effective as prophylaxis. This systematic review was undertaken to clarify the issue. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to support the use of enteral antibiotic prophylaxis for NEC in clinical practice. To address this question further, a large trial would be required with a sample size sufficient to examine all the important benefits and harms. Adverse outcomes associated with infection, particularly with resistant bacteria, should be evaluated.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewBotulinum toxin type A in the treatment of lower limb spasticity in cerebral palsy.
To determine whether botulinum toxin (BtA) is an effective and safe treatment for lower limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Functional outcomes are of particular interest. ⋯ This systematic review has not revealed strong controlled evidence to support or refute the use of BtA for the treatment of leg spasticity in cerebral palsy. Ongoing randomised controlled trials are likely to provide useful data on the short term effects of BtA for leg spasticity. Future research should also assess the longer term use of BtA. Ideally studies should be pragmatic in their approach to dose and distribution of toxin to reflect practise. Outcome measures assessing function and disability would give the most useful information.