Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Flupenthixol, first made available in the UK in 1965, has been used as a treatment for schizophrenia for decades. ⋯ We were surprised that this well-established drug had so few data from trials investigating its absolute effects. We think this is unlikely to be rectified some 50 years after its launch and know that this would not happen today. However, even though data are very limited, flupenthixol may well be worthy of careful investigation - partly to ensure that this inexpensive active drug is not forgotten.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Nov 2012
ReviewEndovascular versus conventional medical treatment for uncomplicated chronic type B aortic dissection.
Aortic dissection is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a tear forms in the inner lining of the aorta. It has traditionally been treated by blood pressure control (medical treatment) or open surgery, both with high mortality rates. More recently stent-graft repair has been suggested as an alternative. ⋯ Overall, the data at two years were insufficient to make any practice recommendations. However, the data on the anatomic remodeling of dissected aortas observed after TEVAR + OMT is encouraging and future studies should follow up cases for at least five years to see if early endovascular interventions, even in stable initially uncomplicated type B patients, are of long-term benefit.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisPreoperative physical therapy for elective cardiac surgery patients.
After cardiac surgery, physical therapy is a routine procedure delivered with the aim of preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. ⋯ Evidence derived from small trials suggests that preoperative physical therapy reduces postoperative pulmonary complications (atelectasis and pneumonia) and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. There is a lack of evidence that preoperative physical therapy reduces postoperative pneumothorax, prolonged mechanical ventilation or all-cause deaths.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Nov 2012
Review Meta AnalysisPre-operative nutrition support in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.
Post-operative management in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is becoming well established with 'Enhanced Recovery After Surgery' protocols starting 24 hours prior to surgery with carbohydrate loading and early oral or enteral feeding given to patients the first day following surgery. However, whether or not nutritional intervention should be initiated earlier in the preoperative period remains unclear. Poor pre-operative nutritional status has been linked consistently to an increase in post-operative complications and poorer surgical outcome. ⋯ There have been significant benefits demonstrated with pre-operative administration of IE nutrition in some high quality trials. However, bias was identified which may limit the generalizability of these results to all GI surgical candidates and the data needs to be placed in context with other recent innovations in surgical management (eg-ERAS). Some unwanted effects have also been reported with components of IE nutrition in critical care patients and it is unknown whether there would be detrimental effects by administering IE nutrition to patients who could require critical care support after their surgery. The studies evaluating PN demonstrated that the provision of PN to predominantly malnourished surgical candidates reduced post-operative complications; however, these data may not be applicable to current clinical practice, not least because they have involved a high degree of 'hyperalimentation'. Trials evaluating enteral or oral nutrition were inconclusive and further studies are required to select GI surgical patients for these nutritional interventions.