Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisIntravenous immunoglobulin for multifocal motor neuropathy.
Multifocal motor neuropathy is a rare, probably immune mediated disorder characterised by slowly progressive, asymmetric, distal weakness of one or more limbs with no objective loss of sensation. It may cause prolonged periods of disability. The treatment options for multifocal motor neuropathy are sparse. Patients with multifocal motor neuropathy do not usually respond to steroids or plasma exchange, and may even worsen with these treatments. Many uncontrolled studies have suggested a beneficial effect of intravenous immunoglobulin. ⋯ Limited evidence from randomised controlled trials shows that intravenous immunoglobulin has a beneficial effect on strength. There was a non-significant trend towards improvement in disability. More research is needed to discover whether intravenous immunoglobulin improves disability and is cost-effective.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisMilk thistle for alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases.
Alcohol and hepatotoxic viruses cause the majority of liver diseases. Randomised clinical trials have assessed whether extracts of milk thistle, Silybum marianum (L) Gaertneri, have any effect in patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases. ⋯ Our results question the beneficial effects of milk thistle for patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C virus liver diseases and highlight the lack of high-quality evidence to support this intervention. Adequately conducted and reported randomised clinical trials on milk thistle versus placebo are needed.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisInhaled tiotropium for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Tiotropium is a new anticholinergic therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that differs from ipratropium by its functional relative selectivity for muscarinic receptor subtypes and which allows once-per-day dosing. ⋯ Tiotropium reduced COPD exacerbations and related hospitalisations compared to placebo and ipratropium. It also improved health-related quality-of-life and symptom scores among patients with moderate and severe disease, and may have slowed decline in FEV1. Additional long-term studies are required to evaluate its effect on mortality and change in FEV1 to clarify its role in comparison to, or in combination with, long-acting ss2-agonists and to assess its effectiveness in mild and very severe COPD.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisMusic therapy for schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses.
Music therapy is a psychotherapeutic method that uses musical interaction as a means of communication and expression. The aim of the therapy is to help people with serious mental illness to develop relationships and to address issues they may not be able to using words alone. ⋯ Music therapy as an addition to standard care helps people with schizophrenia to improve their global state and may also improve mental state and functioning if a sufficient number of music therapy sessions are provided. Further research should address the dose-effect relationship and the long-term effects of music therapy.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisGlucocorticosteroids for primary biliary cirrhosis.
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic progressive cholestatic liver disease of presumed autoimmune etiology, characterised by the destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts and the eventual development of cirrhosis and liver failure. Its progression may be influenced by immunosuppression. Glucocorticosteroids are potent immunosuppressive agents, but they are associated with significant adverse effects, including osteoporosis. ⋯ There is insufficient data to support or reject the use of glucocorticosteroids for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. It may be appropriate to consider a large prospective randomised clinical trial on this topic.