Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2007
Review Meta AnalysisHyperbaric oxygen for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus.
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) with or without tinnitus is common and presents a health problem with significant effect on quality of life. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may improve oxygen supply to the inner ear and, it is postulated, may result in an improvement in hearing and/or a reduction in the intensity of tinnitus. ⋯ For people with early presentation of ISSHL, the application of HBOT significantly improved hearing loss, but the clinical significance of the level of improvement is not clear. We could not assess the effect of HBOT on tinnitus by pooled data analysis. The routine application of HBOT to these patients cannot be justified from this review. In view of the modest number of patients, methodological shortcomings and poor reporting, this result should be interpreted cautiously, and an appropriately powered trial of high methodological rigour is justified to define those patients (if any) who can be expected to derive most benefit from HBOT. There is no evidence of a beneficial effect of HBOT on chronic presentation of ISSHL and/or tinnitus and we do not recommend use of HBOT for this purpose based on the single study available.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2007
Review Meta AnalysisAntibiotics for treating bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy.
Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the normal vaginal flora with an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria and a lack of the normal lactobacillary flora. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy has been associated with poor perinatal outcome and, in particular, preterm birth (PTB). Identification and treatment may reduce the risk of PTB and its consequences. ⋯ Antibiotic treatment can eradicate bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. This review provides little evidence that screening and treating all pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis will prevent PTB and its consequences. However, there is some suggestion that treatment before 20 weeks' gestation may reduce the risk of PTB. This needs to be further verified by future trials.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2007
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions for helping people recognise early signs of recurrence in bipolar disorder.
Recurrence rates for bipolar disorder are high despite effective treatments with mood stabiliser drugs. Self-help treatments and psychological treatments that teach patients to recognise and manage early warning symptoms and signs (EWS) of impending manic or depressive episodes are popular with patients. The main aim of such interventions is to intervene early and prevent bipolar episodes, thereby increasing the time to the next recurrence and preventing hospitalisation. ⋯ This review shows a beneficial effect of EWS in time to recurrence, percentage of people hospitalised and functioning in people with bipolar disorder. However, the absence of data on the primary outcome measure in so many included studies is a source of concern and a potential source of bias. Mental health services should consider routinely providing EWS interventions to adults with bipolar disorder, as they appear to reduce hospitalisation and therefore may be cost-effective.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2007
Review Meta AnalysisExtra-corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) versus ureteroscopic management for ureteric calculi.
Ureteral stones frequently cause renal colic and if left untreated can cause obstructive uropathy. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopy, with or without intracorporeal lithotripsy, are the two most commonly offered interventional procedures in these patients. ESWL treatment is less invasive but has some limitations such as a high retreatment rate and lack of availability in many centres. Advances in ureteroscopy over the past decade have increased the success rate and reduced complication rates. ⋯ Ureteroscopic removal of ureteral stones achieves a higher stone-free state but with a higher complication rate and a longer hospital stay.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2007
Review Meta AnalysisTreatment for superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg.
The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) of the legs remains poorly defined. While improving or relieving the local painful symptoms, treatment should aim at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which might complicate the natural history of ST. ⋯ Low molecular weight heparin and NSAIDs appear as the current best therapeutic options for ST of the legs. While the available data are too limited to make clear recommendations, an intermediate dose of LMWH for at least a month might be advised. Further research is needed to assess the role of NSAIDs and LMWH, the optimal doses and duration of treatment, and whether a combination therapy may be more effective than single treatment. Adequately designed and conducted studies are required to clarify the role of topical and surgical treatments.