Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2006
Review Meta AnalysisAddition of drug/s to a chemotherapy regimen for metastatic breast cancer.
The addition of a chemotherapy drug or drugs to an established regimen is one method used to increase the dose and intensity of treatment for metastatic breast cancer. ⋯ The addition of one or more drugs to the regimen shows a statistically significant advantage for tumour response in women with metastatic breast cancer but the results suggest no difference in survival time or time to progression. The positive effect on tumour response observed with addition of a drug to the regimen was also associated with increased toxicity.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2006
Review Meta AnalysisPrevention of infection in arterial reconstruction.
Arterial reconstructions with prosthetic graft materials or vein are susceptible to infection with a resultant high patient mortality and risk of limb loss. To reduce the risk of infection effective perioperative measures are essential. ⋯ There is clear evidence of the benefits of prophylactic broad spectrum antibiotics. Many other interventions intended to reduce the risk of infection in arterial reconstruction lack evidence of effectiveness.
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Physiological responses of the fetus (especially increase in heart rate) to single, brief bouts of maternal exercise have been documented frequently. Many pregnant women wish to engage in aerobic exercise during pregnancy but are concerned about possible adverse effects on the outcome of pregnancy. ⋯ Regular aerobic exercise during pregnancy appears to improve (or maintain) physical fitness. Available data are insufficient to infer important risks or benefits for the mother or infant. Larger and better trials are needed before confident recommendations can be made about the benefits and risk of aerobic exercise in pregnancy.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2006
ReviewNeuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults.
Neuraminidase inhibitors (NI) are recommended for use against influenza and its complications in interpandemic years and in a pandemic. ⋯ Because of their low effectiveness, NIs should not be used in routine seasonal influenza control. In a serious epidemic or pandemic, NIs should be used with other public health measures. We are unsure of the generalisability of our conclusions from seasonal to pandemic or avian influenza.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2006
ReviewBiphasic versus triphasic oral contraceptives for contraception.
Side effects caused by oral contraceptives discourage compliance with, and continuation of, oral contraceptives. A suggested disadvantage of biphasic compared to triphasic oral contraceptive pills is an increase in breakthrough bleeding. We conducted this systematic review to examine this potential disadvantage. ⋯ The available evidence is limited and the internal validity of these trials is questionable. Given the high losses to follow up, these reports may even be considered observational. Given that caveat, the biphasic pill containing norethindrone was associated with inferior cycle control compared with the triphasic pill containing levonorgestrel. The choice of progestin may be more important than the phasic regimen in determining bleeding patterns.