Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
Review Meta AnalysisAntibiotic regimens for management of intraamniotic infection.
Intraamniotic infection is associated with maternal morbidity and neonatal sepsis, pneumonia and death. Although antibiotic treatment is accepted as the standard of care, few studies have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of different antibiotic regimens for this infection and whether to administer antibiotics intrapartum or postpartum. ⋯ The conclusions that can be drawn from this meta-analysis are limited due to the small number of studies. For none of the outcomes was a statistically significant difference seen between the different interventions. Current consensus is for the intrapartum administration of antibiotics when the diagnosis of intraamniotic infection is made; however, the results of this review neither support nor refute this although there was a trend towards improved neonatal outcomes when antibiotics were administered intrapartum. No recommendations can be made on the most appropriate antimicrobial regimen to choose to treat intraamniotic infection.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
ReviewMultidisciplinary bio-psycho-social rehabilitation for chronic low back pain.
Chronic low back pain is, in many countries, the main cause of long term disability in middle age. Patients with chronic low back pain are often referred for multidisciplinary treatment. Previous published systematic reviews on this topic included no randomised controlled trials and pooled together controlled and non-controlled studies. ⋯ The reviewed trials provide evidence that intensive multidisciplinary bio-psycho-social rehabilitation with a functional restoration approach improves pain and function. Less intensive interventions did not show improvements in clinically relevant outcomes.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
ReviewPosture and fluids for preventing post-dural puncture headache.
Potentially disabling postural headache occurs after dural puncture in 1-70% of patients. It has been suggested that such headaches may be less common if patients routinely have a period of bed rest or receive supplementary fluids after the procedure. ⋯ There is no good evidence from randomised trials to suggest that routine bed rest after dural puncture is beneficial. The role of fluid supplementation in the prevention of post-dural puncture headache remains uncertain.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
Review Meta AnalysisCervical cap versus diaphragm for contraception.
The cervical cap and the diaphragm are vaginal barrier contraceptive methods that prevent pregnancy by covering the cervix. The two devices also act as a reservoir for spermicide. The cervical cap is smaller and can remain in place longer than the diaphragm. Two types of cervical caps, the Prentif cap and the FemCap, have been compared to the diaphragm in randomized controlled trials. ⋯ The Prentif cap was as effective as its comparison diaphragm in preventing pregnancy, but the FemCap was not. Both cervical caps appear to be medically safe.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2002
ReviewHeliox for treatment of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Due to its low density properties, helium-oxygen mixtures have the potential to decrease the work of breathing and possibly avoid the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with respiratory failure. ⋯ There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of helium-oxygen mixtures to treat acute exacerbations of COPD in either ventilated or nonventilated patients. Suitably designed randomised controlled trials with the endpoint being the avoidance of mechanical ventilation may be justified.