Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2010
Review Meta AnalysisAdjusting the pH of lidocaine for reducing pain on injection.
Lidocaine administration produces pain due to its acidic pH. ⋯ Increasing the pH of lidocaine decreased pain on injection and augmented patient comfort and satisfaction.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2010
Review Meta AnalysisHeated humidification versus heat and moisture exchangers for ventilated adults and children.
Humidification by artificial means must be provided when the upper airway is bypassed during mechanical ventilation. Heated humidification (HH) and heat and moisture exchangers (HME) are the most commonly used types of artificial humidification in this situation. ⋯ There is little evidence of an overall difference between HMEs and HHs. However, hydrophobic HMEs may reduce the risk of pneumonia and the use of an HME may increase artificial airway occlusion in certain subgroups of patients. Therefore, HMEs may not be suitable for patients with limited respiratory reserve or prone to airway blockage. Further research is needed relating to hydrophobic versus hygroscopic HMEs and the use of HMEs in the paediatric and neonatal populations. As the design of HMEs evolves, evaluation of new generation HMEs will also need to be undertaken.
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Discharge planning is a routine feature of health systems in many countries. The aim of discharge planning is to reduce hospital length of stay and unplanned readmission to hospital, and improve the co-ordination of services following discharge from hospital. ⋯ The evidence suggests that a structured discharge plan tailored to the individual patient probably brings about small reductions in hospital length of stay and readmission rates for older people admitted to hospital with a medical condition. The impact of discharge planning on mortality, health outcomes and cost remains uncertain.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2010
Review Meta AnalysisCreatine for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease.
Creatine, a naturally-occurring nitrogenous organic acid involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, has been shown to increase survival in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Results from human trials, however, have been mixed. Given conflicting results regarding creatine's efficacy, we conducted a systematic review. ⋯ In patients already diagnosed with clinically probable or definite amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), creatine at doses ranging from 5 to 10 g per day did not have a statistically significant effect on survival, ALS functional rating revised scores (ALSFRS-R) progression or percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) progression.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2010
Review Meta AnalysisProphylactic gastrojejunostomy for unresectable periampullary carcinoma.
The role of prophylactic gastrojejunostomy in patients with unresectable periampullary cancer is controversial. ⋯ Routine prophylactic gastrojejunostomy is indicated in patients with unresectable periampullary cancer undergoing exploratory laparotomy (with or without hepaticojejunostomy).