Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisIndividual patient education for low back pain.
While many different types of patient education are widely used, the effect of individual patient education for low-back pain (LBP) has not yet been systematically reviewed. ⋯ For patients with acute or subacute LBP, intensive patient education seems to be effective. For patients with chronic LBP, the effectiveness of individual education is still unclear.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisDrug management for acute tonic-clonic convulsions including convulsive status epilepticus in children.
Tonic-clonic (grand mal) convulsions and convulsive status epilepticus (currently defined as a grand mal convulsion lasting at least 30 minutes) are medical emergencies and demand urgent and appropriate anticonvulsant treatment. Benzodiazepines (midazolam, diazepam, lorazepam), phenobarbitone, phenytoin and paraldehyde may all be regarded as drugs of first choice. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002 and previously updated in 2005. ⋯ The conclusions of this update have changed to suggest that intravenous lorazepam is at least as effective as intravenous diazepam and is associated with fewer adverse events in the treatment of acute tonic-clonic convulsions. Where intravenous access is unavailable there is evidence from one trial that buccal midazolam is the treatment of choice.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisStem cell treatment for acute myocardial infarction.
Stem cell therapy offers a promising approach to the regeneration of damaged vascular and cardiac tissue after myocardial infarction (MI). This has resulted in multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) worldwide. ⋯ The results of this systematic review suggest that there is little evidence to assess the clinical effects of this treatment. Larger trials using optimal dosing and more reliable, patient-centred outcomes are required. Several trials are ongoing but is unclear whether these will overcome the limitations of the current evidence base.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2008
Review Meta AnalysisAnticoagulation for the long term treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with cancer.
Cancer increases the risk of thromboembolic events and the risk of recurrent thromboembolic events while on anticoagulation. ⋯ For the long term treatment of VTE in patients with cancer, LMWH compared to VKA reduces venous thromboembolic events but not death. The decision for a patient with cancer and VTE to start long term LMWH versus oral anticoagulation should balance the benefits and downsides and integrate the patient's values and preferences for the important outcomes and alternative management strategies.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2008
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyNon-invasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP or bilevel NPPV) for cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been widely used to alleviate signs and symptoms of respiratory distress due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. NPPV prevents alveolar collapse and helps redistribute intra-alveolar fluid, improving pulmonary compliance and reducing the pressure of breathing. ⋯ NPPV, especially CPAP, in addition to standard medical care is an effective and safe intervention for the treatment of adult patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.