Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is inflammation of the peripheral nerves, which corticosteroids would be expected to benefit. ⋯ Limited evidence shows that oral corticosteroids significantly slow recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome. Substantial evidence shows that intravenous methylprednisolone alone does not produce significant benefit or harm. In combination with intravenous immunoglobulin, intravenous methylprednisolone may hasten recovery but does not significantly affect the long-term outcome. More research is needed and more effective treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome should be sought.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2006
Review Meta AnalysisLocal oestrogen for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women.
Vaginal atrophy is a frequent complaint of postmenopausal women; symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, discomfort and painful intercourse. Systemic treatment for these symptoms in the form of oral hormone replacement therapy is not always necessary. An alternative choice is oestrogenic preparations administered vaginally (in the form of creams, pessaries, tablets and the oestradiol-releasing ring). ⋯ Creams, pessaries, tablets and the oestradiol vaginal ring appeared to be equally effective for the symptoms of vaginal atrophy. One trial found significant side effects following cream (conjugated equine oestrogen) administration when compared to tablets causing uterine bleeding, breast pain and perineal pain. Another trial found significant endometrial overstimulation following use of the cream (conjugated equine oestrogen) when compared to the ring. As a treatment choice women appeared to favour the oestradiol-releasing vaginal ring for ease of use, comfort of product and overall satisfaction.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2006
Review Meta AnalysisDrugs for treatment of very high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Very high blood pressure during pregnancy poses a serious threat to women and their babies. Antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure. Their comparative effects on other substantive outcomes, however, is uncertain. ⋯ Until better evidence is available, the choice of antihypertensive should depend on the clinician's experience and familiarity with a particular drug, and on what is known about adverse effects. Exceptions are diazoxide, ketanserin, nimodipine and magnesium sulphate, which are probably best avoided.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2006
Review Meta AnalysisRehabilitation for distal radial fractures in adults.
Fracture of the distal radius is a common clinical problem, particularly in older white women with osteoporosis. ⋯ The available evidence from randomised controlled trials is insufficient to establish the relative effectiveness of the various interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with fractures of the distal radius.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2006
Review Meta AnalysisEffects of routine oral iron supplementation with or without folic acid for women during pregnancy.
It has been suggested that routine intake of supplements containing iron or combination of iron and folic acid during pregnancy improves maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. ⋯ Further studies are needed to assess the effects of routine antenatal supplementation with iron or a combination of iron and folic acid on clinically important maternal and infant outcomes.