Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Dec 2010
Review Meta AnalysisHyperfractionated or accelerated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
Several trials have studied the role of altered fractionation radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but the effect of such treatment on survival is not clear. ⋯ Altered fractionation radiotherapy improves survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Comparison of the different types of altered radiotherapy suggests that hyperfractionation provides the greatest benefit. An update of this IPD meta-analysis (MARCH 2), which will increase the power of this analysis and allow for other comparisons, is currently in progress.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Dec 2010
ReviewSound therapy (masking) in the management of tinnitus in adults.
Tinnitus is described as the perception of sound or noise in the absence of real acoustic stimulation. Numerous management strategies have been tried for this potentially debilitating, heterogeneous symptom. External noise has been used as a management tool for tinnitus, in different capacities and with different philosophical intent, for over a century. ⋯ The limited data from the included studies failed to show strong evidence of the efficacy of sound therapy in tinnitus management. The absence of conclusive evidence should not be interpreted as evidence of lack of effectiveness. The lack of quality research in this area, in addition to the common use of combined approaches (hearing therapy plus counselling) in the management of tinnitus are, in part, responsible for the lack of conclusive evidence. Other combined forms of management, such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, have been subject to a Cochrane Review. Optimal management may involve multiple strategies.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Dec 2010
Review Meta AnalysisDifferent powered toothbrushes for plaque control and gingival health.
Powered brushes were first introduced commercially in the 1960s. A recent systematic review suggested the superiority of certain modes of powered over manual toothbrushing for plaque and gingivitis reduction. That review did not allow for direct comparison between different modes of powered toothbrush. ⋯ Further trials of good quality are required to establish if any mode of action has superiority over the other modes of action for powered toothbrushes.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Dec 2010
Review Meta AnalysisInhaled nitric oxide for respiratory failure in preterm infants.
Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is effective in term infants with hypoxic respiratory failure. The pathophysiology of respiratory failure and the potential risks of iNO differ substantially in preterm infants, necessitating study in this population. ⋯ iNO as rescue therapy for the very ill preterm infant does not appear to be effective. Early routine use of iNO in preterm infants with respiratory disease does not affect serious brain injury or improve survival without BPD. Later use of iNO to prevent BPD might be effective, but requires further study.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Dec 2010
Review Meta AnalysisInterventions for the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer: radiotherapy.
The management of advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers is problematic and has traditionally relied on surgery and radiotherapy, both of which are associated with substantial adverse effects. Radiotherapy has been in use since the 1950s and has traditionally been given as single daily doses. This method of dividing up the total dose, or fractionation, has been modified over the years and a variety of approaches have been developed with the aim of improving survival whilst maintaining acceptable toxicity. ⋯ Altered fractionation radiotherapy is associated with an improvement in overall survival and locoregional control in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. More accurate methods of reporting adverse events are needed in order to truly assess the clinical performance of different radiotherapy regimens.