Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisLong-acting beta2-agonists versus anti-leukotrienes as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids for chronic asthma.
Patients who continue to experience asthma symptoms despite taking regular inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) represent a management challenge. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) and long-acting beta(2)-agonists (LABA) agents may both be considered as add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). ⋯ In asthmatic adults inadequately controlled on low doses of inhaled steroids, the addition of LABA is superior to LTRA for preventing exacerbations requiring systemic steroids, and for improving lung function, symptoms, and the use of rescue beta(2)-agonists.
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Malaria is the most common precipitating cause of crises in sickle cell disease in malaria-endemic countries. Health professionals often recommend life-long malaria chemoprophylaxis for people with sickle cell disease living in these areas. It is therefore important we have good evidence of benefit. ⋯ It is beneficial to give routine malaria chemoprophylaxis in sickle cell disease in areas where malaria is endemic.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisComplementary and alternative therapies for pain management in labour.
Many women would like to avoid pharmacological or invasive methods of pain management in labour and this may contribute towards the popularity of complementary methods of pain management. This review examined currently available evidence supporting the use of alternative and complementary therapies for pain management in labour. ⋯ Acupuncture and hypnosis may be beneficial for the management of pain during labour; however, the number of women studied has been small. Few other complementary therapies have been subjected to proper scientific study.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
ReviewTechniques for preventing hypotension during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section.
No intervention has yet been shown to completely avoid maternal hypotension due to spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisAdenosine versus intravenous calcium channel antagonists for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardia in adults.
Patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia frequently present to the Emergency Department. Where vagal manoeuvres fail, the two most commonly used drugs are adenosine and calcium channel antagonists. Both are known to be effective but both have a significant side-effect profile. ⋯ Adenosine and verapamil are both effective treatments for supraventricular tachycardia in the majority of patients. However, given the high incidence of minor but unpleasant side effects in patients treated with adenosine and the potential for hypotension with verapamil, patients should be fully informed of these risks prior to treatment.