Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2007
ReviewDrugs for preventing red blood cell dehydration in people with sickle cell disease.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin, which results in abnormal red blood cells. These can deform and cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to acute crises such as pain; stroke and splenic sequestration; and chronic organ and tissue damage. Recently research has begun to focus on therapies which prevent the red blood cells deforming by reducing the loss of water and ions from the cells. However, little is known about the effectiveness and safety of such drugs. ⋯ While the results of zinc for reducing sickle-related crises are encouraging, larger and longer-term multicentre studies over a number of years are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder of unknown aetiology. Current pharmacological treatments have limited value. Hypnotherapy has been reported to have beneficial effects for IBS symptoms. ⋯ The quality of the included trials was inadequate to allow any conclusion about the efficacy of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome. More research with high quality trials is needed.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2007
ReviewProphylactic antibiotics to reduce morbidity and mortality in neonates with umbilical artery catheters.
Umbilical artery catheters are often used in unwell neonates. Infection related to the use of these catheters may cause significant morbidity and mortality. The use of prophylactic antibiotics has been advocated for all newborns with umbilical artery catheters in order to reduce the risk of colonisation and acquired infection. Countering this is the possibility that harm, such as the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms, may outweigh benefit. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to support or refute the use of prophylactic antibiotics when umbilical artery catheters are inserted in newborn infants, and no evidence to support or refute continuing antibiotics once initial cultures rule out infection in newborn infants with umbilical artery catheters.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2007
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Institutional versus at-home long term care for functionally dependent older people.
An increasing number of functionally dependent older people require care and medical treatment. Increasingly governments are shifting resources into community care expecting both reduction in costs and improvement in the quality of care. However, it is difficult to establish the costs and benefits of institutional and the alternative at-home care. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to estimate the likely benefits, harms and costs of institutional or at-home care for functionally dependent older people.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2007
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Physical therapies for prevention of urinary and faecal incontinence in adults.
Physical therapies, particularly pelvic floor muscle training, have been recommended for prevention of incontinence associated with childbearing, and prostate surgery. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to determine whether physical therapies can prevent incontinence in childbearing women, or men following prostate surgery. Further, better quality research is needed.