Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
Review Meta AnalysisCervical cap versus diaphragm for contraception.
The cervical cap and the diaphragm are vaginal barrier contraceptive methods that prevent pregnancy by covering the cervix. The two devices also act as a reservoir for spermicide. The cervical cap is smaller and can remain in place longer than the diaphragm. Two types of cervical caps, the Prentif cap and the FemCap, have been compared to the diaphragm in randomized controlled trials. ⋯ The Prentif cap was as effective as its comparison diaphragm in preventing pregnancy, but the FemCap was not. Both cervical caps appear to be medically safe.
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Worldwide, carbamazepine and phenytoin are commonly used antiepileptic drugs. This review summarizes evidence from randomized controlled trials in which these two drugs have been compared. ⋯ We have not found evidence that a significant difference exists between carbamazepine and phenytoin for the outcomes examined in this review. Confidence intervals are wide and the possibility of important differences existing has not been excluded.
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Ultrasound is used in the treatment of a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders. ⋯ The extent and quality of the available evidence for the effects of ultrasound therapy for acute ankle sprains is limited. The results of four placebo-controlled trials do not support the use of ultrasound in the treatment of ankle sprains. The magnitude of most reported treatment effects appeared to be small, and may be of limited clinical importance. As yet, only few trials are available and no conclusions can be made regarding an optimal and adequate dosage schedule for ultrasound therapy, and whether such a schedule would improve on the reported effectiveness of ultrasound for ankle sprains.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
Review Meta AnalysisTerbutaline pump maintenance therapy after threatened preterm labor for preventing preterm birth.
Women with preterm labor that is arrested with tocolytic therapy are at increased risk of recurrent preterm labor. Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy has been given to such women to decrease the risk of recurrent preterm labor, preterm birth, and its consequences. ⋯ Terbutaline pump maintenance therapy has not been shown to decrease the risk of preterm birth by prolonging pregnancy. Furthermore, the lack of information on the safety of the therapy, as well as its substantial expense, argues against its role in the management of arrested preterm labor. Future use should only be in the context of well-conducted, adequately powered randomized controlled trials.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
Review Meta AnalysisAnti-cholinergic bronchodilators versus beta2-sympathomimetic agents for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Inhaled bronchodilators form the mainstay of treatment for acute exacerbations of COPD. Two types of agent are used routinely, either singly or in combination: anticholinergic agents and beta2-sympathomimetic agonists. ⋯ There was no evidence that the degree of bronchodilation achieved with ipratropium bromide was greater than that using a short-acting beta2-agonist. The combination of a beta2-agonist and ipratropium did not appear to increase the effect on FEV1 more than either used alone.