Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a frequently reported condition. A wide variety of treatment strategies has been described. As of yet, no optimal strategy has been identified. ⋯ No definitive conclusions can be drawn concerning effectiveness of orthotic devices for lateral epicondylitis. More well-designed and well-conducted RCTs of sufficient power are warranted.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewOral steroids for bronchiectasis (stable and acute exacerbations).
Inflammation plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of bronchiectasis. Two small studies have shown small benefits from inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids may be of benefit in bronchiectasis ⋯ There are no randomised trials upon which to make recommendations about the use of oral corticosteroids in acute or stable bronchiectasis.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewDiaphragm versus diaphragm with spermicides for contraception.
The diaphragm is usually used with a spermicide. However, some practitioners have suggested that spermicides offer no additional contraceptive protection and have advocated alternative guidelines for the use of diaphragms. ⋯ As only one underpowered study was identified, we cannot distinguish between the contraceptive effectiveness of the diaphragm with and without spermicide. We cannot draw any conclusion at this point, further research is needed.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewEarly volume expansion versus inotrope for prevention of morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants.
Reduced perfusion of organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract may lead to acute dysfunction and be associated with permanent injury. Various strategies have been used to provide cardiovascular support to preterm infants including inotropes, corticosteroids and volume expansion. ⋯ Dopamine was more successful than albumin at correcting low blood pressure in hypotensive preterm infants, many of whom had already received volume. Neither intervention has been shown to be superior at improving blood flow, or in improving mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. The trials do not allow any firm conclusions to be made as to whether or when volume or dopamine should be used in preterm infants.
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Chronic abacterial prostatitis is a common disabling but enigmatic condition with a symptom complex of pelvic area pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. The scope of treatments recommended for chronic abacterial prostatitis is a testament to how little is known about what causes the condition and how to treat it. As a result, chronic abacterial prostatitis often causes physician frustration, patient confusion and dissatisfaction, variable thresholds for referral, and potentially inappropriate antibiotic use. ⋯ The treatment trials are few, weak methodologically, and involve small sample sizes. The routine use of antibiotics and alpha blockers for chronic abacterial prostatitis is not supported by the existing evidence. The small studies examining thermal therapy appear to demonstrate benefit of clinical significance and merit further evaluation. Additional treatment trials are required and they should report important patient characteristics (e.g., race), study design details and utilize clinically relevant and validated assessment measures.