Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Helium and oxygen mixtures (heliox), have been used sporadically in respiratory medicine for decades. Their use in acute respiratory emergencies such as asthma has been the subject of considerable debate. Despite the lapse of more than 60 years since it was first proposed, the role of heliox in treating patients with severe acute asthma remains unclear. ⋯ The existing evidence does not provide support for the administration of helium-oxygen mixtures to all ED patients with acute asthma. At this time, heliox treatment does not have a role to play in the initial treatment of patients with acute asthma. Nevertheless, new evidence suggests certain beneficial effects in patients with more severe obstruction. Since these conclusions are based upon between-group comparisons and small studies, they should be interpreted with caution.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisBehavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder in children and adolescents.
While behavioural or cognitive-behavioural therapy (BT/CBT) is recommended as the psychotherapeutic treatment of choice for children and adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the application of BT/CBT to paediatric OCD may not be straightforward. ⋯ Although only based on a small number of studies, behavioural or cognitive-behaviour therapy appears to be a promising treatment for OCD in children and adolescents. It can lead to better outcomes when combined with medication compared to medication alone. Additional trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim, consideration should be given to the ways in which BT/CBT might be made more widely available as a treatment for OCD in children and adolescents.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisLaparoscopic versus small-incision cholecystectomy for patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis.
Cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed operations. Open cholecystectomy has been the gold standard for over 100 years. Small-incision cholecystectomy is a less frequently used alternative. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was introduced in the 1980s. ⋯ Laparoscopic and small-incision cholecystectomy seem to be equivalent. No differences could be observed in mortality, complications, and postoperative recovery. Small-incision cholecystectomy has a significantly shorter operative time. Complications in elective cholecystectomy are prevalent.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisNeo-adjuvant and adjuvant hormone therapy for localised and locally advanced prostate cancer.
Hormone therapy for early prostate cancer has demonstrated an improvement in clinical and pathological variables, but not always an improvement in overall survival. We performed a systematic review of both adjuvant and neo-adjuvant hormone therapy combined with surgery or radiotherapy in localised or locally advanced prostate cancer. ⋯ Hormone therapy combined with either prostatectomy or radiotherapy is associated with significant clinical benefits in patients with local or locally advanced prostate cancer. Significant local control may be achieved when given prior to prostatectomy or radiotherapy, which may improve patient's quality of life. When given adjuvant to these primary therapies, hormone therapy, not only provides a method for local control, but there is also evidence for a significant survival advantage. However, hormone therapy is associated with significant side effects, such as hot flushes and gynaecomastia, as well as cost implications. The decision to use hormone therapy should, therefore, be taken at a local level, between the patient, clinician and policy maker, taking into account the clinical benefits, toxicity and cost. More research is needed to guide the choice, the duration, and the schedule of hormonal deprivation therapy, and the impact of long-term hormone therapy with regard to toxicity and the patient's quality of life.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2006
Review Meta AnalysisStrontium ranelate for preventing and treating postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Strontium ranelate is a new treatment for osteoporosis therefore, its benefits and harms need to be known. ⋯ There is silver level evidence (www.cochranemsk.org) to support the efficacy of strontium ranelate for the reduction of fractures (vertebral and to a lesser extent non-vertebral) in postmenopausal osteoporotic women and an increase in BMD in postmenopausal women with/without osteoporosis. Diarrhea may occur however, adverse events leading to study withdrawal were not significantly increased with taking 2 g of strontium ranelate daily. Potential vascular and neurological side-effects need to be further explored.