Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Inotropes are widely used in preterm infants to treat systemic hypotension. The most commonly used drugs are dopamine and dobutamine. These agents have different modes of action which may result in different haemodynamic effects. ⋯ Dopamine is more effective than dobutamine in the short term treatment of systemic hypotension in preterm infants. There was no evidence of an effect on the incidence of adverse neuroradiological sequelae (severe periventricular haemorrhage and/or periventricular leucomalacia), or on the incidence of tachycardia. However, in the absence of data confirming long term benefit and safety of dopamine compared to dobutamine, no firm recommendations can be made regarding the choice of drug to treat hypotension.
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Vaginal candidiasis (moniliasis or thrush) is a common and frequently distressing infection for many women. It is even more common in pregnancy. ⋯ Topical imidazole appears to be more effective than nystatin for treating symptomatic vaginal candidiasis in pregnancy. Treatments for seven days may be necessary.
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Extracts of the plant Echinacea (family Compositae) are widely used in some European countries and the USA for upper respiratory tract infections. ⋯ The majority of the available studies report positive results. However there is not enough evidence to recommend a specific Echinacea product, or Echinacea preparations for the treatment or prevention of common colds.
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Intravenous prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha can be used to induce labour. The use of intravenous prostaglandins in this context has been limited by perceived unacceptable maternal side effect profiles. This is one of a series of reviews of methods of cervical ripening and labour induction using standardised methodology. ⋯ Intravenous prostaglandin is no more efficient than intravenous oxytocin for the induction of labour but its use is associated with higher rates of maternal side effects and uterine hyperstimulation than oxytocin. No conclusions can be drawn form the comparisons of combination of prostaglandin F2 alpha and oxytocin compared to oxytocin alone or extra amniotic and intravenous prostaglandin E2.
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Chronic deep venous incompetence (DVI) is a troublesome condition with a range of symptoms in the legs including recurrent ulcers, pain and swelling. It is caused by incompetent vein valves and/or the blockage of large-calibre leg veins. ⋯ The results of one small trial showed that ligation and LAP produced a moderate improvement for two years after surgery, in patients with mild to moderate DVI caused by primary valvular incompetence. However, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend the treatment to this subgroup of patients with DVI.