Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2008
ReviewTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus placebo for chronic low-back pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was introduced more than 30 years ago as a therapeutic adjunct to the pharmacological management of pain. However, despite widespread use, its effectiveness in chronic low-back pain (LBP) is still controversial. ⋯ At this time, the evidence from the small number of placebo-controlled trials does not support the use of TENS in the routine management of chronic LBP. Further research is encouraged.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2008
Review Meta AnalysisTechnical editing of research reports in biomedical journals.
Most journals try to improve their articles by technical editing processes such as proof-reading, editing to conform to 'house styles', grammatical conventions and checking accuracy of cited references. Despite the considerable resources devoted to technical editing, we do not know whether it improves the accessibility of biomedical research findings or the utility of articles. This is an update of a Cochrane methodology review first published in 2003. ⋯ Surprisingly few studies have evaluated the effects of technical editing rigorously. However there is some evidence that the 'package' of technical editing used by biomedical journals does improve papers. A substantial number of references in biomedical articles are cited or quoted inaccurately.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2008
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Aromatherapy and massage for symptom relief in patients with cancer.
Aromatherapy massage is a commonly used complementary therapy, and is employed in cancer and palliative care largely to improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress. ⋯ Massage and aromatherapy massage confer short term benefits on psychological well being, with the effect on anxiety supported by limited evidence. Effects on physical symptoms may also occur. Evidence is mixed as to whether aromatherapy enhances the effects of massage. Replication, longer follow up, and larger trials are need to accrue the necessary evidence.
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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common movement disorder for which patients may seek treatment with acupuncture. However, the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of RLS are unclear and have not been evaluated in a systematic review until now. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to determine whether acupuncture is an efficacious and safe treatment for RLS. Further well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are needed.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Oct 2008
ReviewWITHDRAWN: Interventions for early stage Hodgkin's disease in children.
Hodgkin's disease is one of the most curable cancers in children, particularly at the early stages. However it is not clear which combinations of treatment strategies are most effective at maintaining high cure rates and minimising long term harmful effects or sequelae of treatment. ⋯ There is little evidence from randomised controlled trials to evaluate the consensus approach of short course chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, although no discernible difference in survival was detected between involved field and extended field radiotherapy in one randomised trial.