Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2004
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions for idiopathic steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children.
The majority of children, who present with their first episode of nephrotic syndrome, achieve remission with corticosteroid therapy. Children who fail to respond to corticosteroids may be treated with immunosuppressive agents such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil or cyclosporin or with non-immunosuppressive agents such as ACE inhibitors. Optimal combinations of these agents with least toxicity remain to be determined. The aims of this systematic review are to assess the benefits and harms of interventions used to treat idiopathic steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in children. ⋯ Further adequately powered and well designed RCTs are needed to confirm the efficacy of cyclosporin and to evaluate other regimens for idiopathic SRNS including high dose steroids with alkylating agents or cyclosporin.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2004
ReviewPercutaneous central venous catheters versus peripheral cannulae for delivery of parenteral nutrition in neonates.
Parenteral nutrition for newborn infants may be delivered via short peripheral cannulae or central venous catheters, which are usually sited percutaneously. The method of delivery may affect nutrient input, and consequently growth and development. Although potentially more difficult to site, percutaneous central venous catheters may be more stable than peripheral cannulae, and need less frequent replacement. These methods may also be associated with different risks of adverse events, including acquired systemic infection and extravasation injury. ⋯ Data from one small study suggest that the use of percutaneous central venous catheters to deliver parenteral nutrition in newborn infants improves nutrient input. The significance of this in relation to longer-term growth and developmental outcomes is unclear. Another study suggested that the use of percutaneous central venous catheters rather than peripheral cannulae decreases the number of catheters/cannulae needed to deliver the nutrition. We have not found any evidence that percutaneous central venous catheter use increases the risk of adverse events, particularly systemic infection.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2004
Review Meta AnalysisAntioxidant supplements for preventing gastrointestinal cancers.
Oxidative stress may cause gastrointestinal cancers. The evidence on whether antioxidant supplements are effective in preventing gastrointestinal cancers is contradictory. ⋯ We could not find evidence that antioxidant supplements prevent gastrointestinal cancers. On the contrary, they seem to increase overall mortality. The potential cancer preventive effect of selenium should be studied in adequately conducted randomised trials.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2004
Review Meta AnalysisEarly surfactant administration with brief ventilation vs selective surfactant and continued mechanical ventilation for preterm infants with or at risk for respiratory distress syndrome.
Both prophylactic and early surfactant replacement therapy, compared with later selective surfactant administration, reduce mortality and pulmonary complications in ventilated infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, continued post-surfactant intubation and ventilation are risk factors for chronic lung disease. Whether prophylactic or early surfactant administration followed by prompt extubation, compared with later, selective use of surfactant followed by continued mechanical ventilation reduces the need for mechanical ventilation and the incidence of chronic lung disease is unknown. ⋯ Early surfactant replacement therapy with extubation to NCPAP compared with later, selective surfactant replacement and continued mechanical ventilation with extubation from low ventilator support is associated with a reduced need for mechanical ventilation and increased utilization of exogenous surfactant therapy. There is insufficient evidence at present to reliably evaluate effect on BPD or CLD.
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Neuropathic pain syndrome consists of a group of symptoms, including burning or shooting sensations, abnormal sensitivity to normally painless stimuli, or a greatly raised sensitivity to painful stimuli. A wide range of disorders can cause neuropathic pain, nerve damage being the only common factor. ⋯ Tramadol is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain.