Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2008
Review Meta AnalysisDipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In type 2 diabetes mellitus there is a progressive loss of beta-cell function. One new approach yielding promising results is the use of the orally active dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors like sitagliptin and vildagliptin. ⋯ DPP-4 inhibitors have some theoretical advantages over existing therapies with oral antidiabetic compounds but should currently be restricted to individual patients. Long-term data especially on cardiovascular outcomes and safety are urgently needed before widespread use of these new agents. More information on the benefit-risk ratio of DPP-4 inhibitor treatment is necessary especially analysing adverse effects on parameters of immune function. Also, long-term data are needed investigating patient-oriented parameters like health-related quality of life, diabetic complications and all-cause mortality.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2008
Review Meta AnalysisChinese herbal medicine Huangqi type formulations for nephrotic syndrome.
At present, there is a lack of safe and effective drugs for nephrotic syndrome (NS). Huangqi type formulations have been used to treat nephrotic syndrome for years in China, however the effects and safety of these formulations have not been systematically reviewed. ⋯ Huangqi type formulations may have some positive effects in treating NS by increasing plasma albumin and reducing blood cholesterol, Cushing's syndrome, hormone reduced syndrome and respiratory tract infection. However, limited by the lack of high quality clinical studies, we are unable to recommend Huangqi type formulations for NS. Large, properly randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are required.
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Gout is one of the most frequently occurring rheumatic diseases, worldwide. Given the well-known drawbacks of the regular treatments for acute gout (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine), systemic corticosteroids might be safe alternatives. ⋯ There is inconclusive evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of systemic corticosteroids in the treatment of acute gout. Patients with gout did not report serious adverse effects from systemic corticosteroids, when used short term.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2008
Review Meta AnalysisBone grafts and bone substitutes for treating distal radial fractures in adults.
Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal radius can involve the implantation of bone scaffolding materials (bone grafts and substitutes) into bony defects that frequently arise after fracture reduction. ⋯ Bone scaffolding may improve anatomical outcome compared with plaster cast alone but there is insufficient evidence to conclude on functional outcome and safety; or for other comparisons.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2008
Review Meta AnalysisOral vasodilators for primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
Many different drugs have been suggested for the symptomatic treatment of primary Raynaud's phenomenon. Apart from calcium channel blockers, which are considered the drugs of choice, the evidence of the effects of alternative pharmacological treatments is limited. ⋯ Poor methodological quality, small sample sizes and the limited data available resulted in low precision of the statistical results and limited value of the overall results . The overall results show that there is no evidence for an effect of vasodilator drugs on primary Raynaud's phenomenon.