Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
Review Comparative StudyNedocromil sodium vs. sodium cromoglycate for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics.
Nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate inhaled shortly before exercise appear to reduce the severity of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. There is some debate over which drug may be more effective. ⋯ No significant differences were evident between the effect of NCS and SCG during the immediate post-exercise period in adults and children with EIB with regards to pulmonary function - specifically maximum percent decrease in FEV1, complete protection, clinical protection, or side effects.
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Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that occurs throughout the world with its highest incidence in areas of Africa where malaria is endemic. It affects up to one in 60 infants born in some areas of Africa. There are a number of potentially serious complications associated with the condition, and it is suggested that early treatment (before symptoms develop) can improve both morbidity and mortality. Screening for the condition in the neonatal period would enable early diagnosis and therefore early treatment. ⋯ There is a lack of evidence from trials of neonatal screening for sickle cell disease. There is evidence of benefit from early treatment which is made possible by screening and there are a number of reviews and economic analyses of non-trial literature suggesting that screening is appropriate. Health care providers must therefore assess whether the information provided by these documents is relevant to their practice and situation when making decisions regarding neonatal screening for sickle cell disease. Systematic reviews of early treatments/interventions, including penicillin prophylaxis, pneumococcal vaccine and parental education should be considered.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewProphylactic synthetic surfactant for preventing morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.
This section is under preparation and will be included in the next issue. ⋯ Prophylactic intratracheal administration of synthetic surfactant to infants judged to be at risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcome. Infants who receive prophylactic synthetic surfactant have a decreased risk of pneumothorax, a decreased risk of pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and a decreased risk of neonatal mortality. Infants who receive prophylactic synthetic surfactant have an increased risk of developing patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary hemorrhage.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewGastro-oesophageal reflux treatment for asthma in adults and children.
Asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux are both common medical conditions and often co-exist. Studies have shown conflicting results concerning the effects of lower oesophageal acidification as a trigger of asthma. Furthermore, asthma might precipitate gastro-oesophageal reflux. Thus a temporal association between the two does not establish that gastro-oesophageal reflux triggers asthma. Randomised trials of a number of treatments for gastro-oesophageal reflux in asthma have been conducted, with conflicting results. ⋯ In asthmatic subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux, (but who were not recruited specifically on the basis of reflux-associated respiratory symptoms), there was no overall improvement in asthma following treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux. Subgroups of patients may gain benefit, but it appears difficult to predict responders.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewPramipexole for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson's disease.
To compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant pramipexole therapy versus inactive placebo in patients with Parkinson's disease, already established on levodopa. ⋯ Pramipexole can be used to reduce off time, improve motor impairments and disability and reduce levodopa dose at the expense of increased dyskinetic adverse events. This conclusion is based on short and medium term trials (up to 24 weeks). Further trials are required to directly compare the newer with the older dopamine agonists.