Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
ReviewProphylactic cranial irradiation for preventing brain metastases in patients undergoing radical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.
In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a relatively high incidence of brain metastases following radical treatment. At present, the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in this group of patients is not clear. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence to support the use of PCI in clinical practice. Where possible, patients should be offered entry into a clinical trial.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
ReviewNutritional supplementation for hip fracture aftercare in older people.
Fractures of the hip are an important cause of later ill health and mortality in older people. People with hip fractures are often malnourished at the time of fracture, and have poor food intake in hospital. ⋯ While some evidence exists for the effectiveness of oral protein and energy feeds, overall the evidence for the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation remains weak. Future trials are required which overcome the defects of the reviewed studies, particularly inadequate size, methodology and outcome assessment.
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Miscarriage is pregnancy loss before 23 weeks of gestational age and it happens in 10% to 15% of pregnancies depending on maternal age and parity. It is associated with chromosomal defects in about a half or two thirds of cases. Many interventions have been used to prevent miscarriage but bed rest is probably the most commonly prescribed especially in cases of threatened miscarriage and history of previous miscarriage. Since the etiology of miscarriage in most of the cases is not related to an excess of activity, it is unlikely that bed rest could be an effective strategy to reduce spontaneous miscarriage. ⋯ There is insufficient evidence of high quality that supports a policy of bed rest in order to prevent miscarriage in women with confirmed fetal viability and vaginal bleeding in first half of pregnancy.
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Hyperkalaemia occurs in outpatients and in between 1% and 10% of hospitalised patients. When severe, consequences include arrhythmia and death. ⋯ Nebulised or inhaled salbutamol, or IV insulin-and-glucose are the first-line therapies for the management of emergency hyperkalaemia that are best supported by the evidence. Their combination may be more effective than either alone, and should be considered when hyperkalaemia is severe. When arrhythmias are present, a wealth of anecdotal and animal data suggests that IV calcium is effective in treating arrhythmia. Further studies of the optimal use of combination treatments and of the adverse effects of treatments are needed.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Apr 2005
Review Meta AnalysisIndividual behavioural counselling for smoking cessation.
Individual counselling from a smoking cessation specialist may help smokers to make a successful attempt to stop smoking. ⋯ Smoking cessation counselling can assist smokers to quit.