Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
With the legalization of new forms of gambling there are increasing numbers of individuals who appear to have gambling related problems and who are seeking help. The individual and societal consequences are significant. Pathological gambling can result in the gambler jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship or job and committing criminal offences. Pathological gamblers may develop general medical conditions associated with stress. Increased rates have been reported for mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, substance abuse or dependence. There is a high risk of suicide and a high correlation with antisocial, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders and alcohol addiction. With increasing public awareness of gambling related problems health funders and practitioners are asking questions about the efficacy of treatments. Consequently quality research into gambling treatment is crucial. ⋯ This systematic review revealed a paucity of evidence for effective treatment of pathological gambling. As gambling is becoming more accessible in many countries and there is epidemiological evidence of increasing rates of pathological gambling, more rigorous RCTs are required.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Interventions for chronic suppurative otitis media.
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a serious bacterial infection of the middle ear that can follow untreated acute otitis media. ⋯ Treatment of CSOM with aural toilet and topical antibiotics, particularly quinolones, is effective in resolving otorrhea and eradicating bacteria from the middle ear. Longterm outcomes such as preventing recurrences, closure of tympanic perforation and hearing improvement need to be further evaluated.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Rice-based oral rehydration solution for treating diarrhoea.
Oral rehydration therapy is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. However the rehydration solution does not reduce stool loss or length of illness. A solution able to do this may lessen the use of ineffective diarrhoea treatments as well as improve morbidity and mortality related to diarrhoea. ⋯ Rice-based oral rehydration appears to be effective in reducing stool output in people with cholera. This effect was not apparent in infants and children with non-cholera diarrhoea.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jul 2007
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Prophylactic versus selective blood transfusion for sickle cell anaemia during pregnancy.
Sickle cells have a shorter life span than normal red blood cells. It has been suggested that pregnancy complications for women with sickle cell anaemia may be reduced by regular blood transfusions. The aim is to maintain haemoglobin at 60-70% of the normal total. ⋯ There is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about the prophylactic use of blood transfusion for sickle cell anaemia during pregnancy.
-
Infection with head lice is a widespread condition in developed and developing countries. Infection occurs most commonly in children, but also affects adults. If left untreated the condition can become intensely irritating and skin infections may occur if the bites are scratched. ⋯ Permethrin, synergised pyrethrin and malathion were effective in the treatment of head lice. However, the emergence of drug resistance since these trials were conducted means there is no direct contemporary evidence of the comparative effectiveness of these products. The 'best' choice will now depend on local resistance patterns. Physical treatment methods(BugBusting) were shown ot be ineffective to treat head lice. No evidence exists regarding other chemical control methods such as the use of herbal treatments, when used in the curative treatment of head lice. Future trials should take into account the methodological recommendations that arise from this review.