Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
Among women with early breast cancer, the effects of ovarian ablation on recurrence and death have been assessed by several randomised trials that now have long follow-up. ⋯ In women aged under 50 with early breast cancer, ablation of functioning ovaries significantly improves long-term survival, at least in the absence of chemotherapy. Further randomised evidence is needed on the additional effects of ovarian ablation in the presence of other adjuvant treatments, and to assess the relevance of hormone-receptor measurements.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewCirculatory volume expansion for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage who develop spasm of the cerebral arteries may suffer from delayed cerebral ischaemia. This may be exacerbated by reduced circulatory volume. Intravenous fluid therapy to expand the circulating volume might reduce the risk of delayed cerebral ischaemia and so reduce the risk of neurological disability. ⋯ The effects of volume expansion therapy have not been studied properly in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. At present, there is no sound evidence for or against the use of volume expansion therapy in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
-
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.
-
Most ischaemic strokes are caused by blood clots blocking an artery in the brain. Clot prevention with anticoagulant therapy could have a significant impact on patient survival, disability and recurrence of stroke. ⋯ Immediate anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke is not associated with net short- or long-term benefit. The data from this review do not support the routine use of any type of anticoagulant in acute ischaemic stroke.
-
Surgical bypass of an occluded arterial segment is the mainstay of treatment for patients with critical limb ischaemia. As with many surgical interventions, however, it was introduced without formal evaluation. ⋯ There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of bypass surgery and further large trials are required.