Cochrane Db Syst Rev
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewProphylactic versus selective use of surfactant in preventing morbidity and mortality in preterm infants.
Clinical trials have proven that surfactant therapy is effective in improving the immediate need for respiratory support and the clinical outcome of premature newborns (Soll 1992, Jobe 1993). Trials have studied a wide variety of surfactant preparations used either to prevent (prophylactic or delivery room administration) or treat (selective or rescue administration) respiratory distress syndrome. Using either treatment strategy, significant reductions in the incidence of pneumothorax, as well as significant improvement in survival, have been noted. It is unclear if there is an advantage to choosing either the prophylactic or selective approach to treatment ⋯ Prophylactic surfactant administration to infants judged to be at risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome (infants less than 30-32 weeks gestation), compared to selective use of surfactant in infants with established RDS, has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcome. Infants who receive prophylactic surfactant have a decreased risk of pneumothorax, a decreased risk of pulmonary interstitial emphysema and a decreased risk of mortality. However, it remains unclear exactly which criteria should be used to judge "at risk" infants who would require prophylactic surfactant administration.
-
Some sports, for example basketball and soccer, have a very high incidence of ankle injuries, mainly sprains. Consequently, ankle sprains are one of the most commonly treated injuries in acute care. ⋯ This review provides good evidence for the beneficial effect of ankle supports in the form of semi-rigid orthoses or air-cast braces to prevent ankle sprains during high-risk sporting activities (e.g. soccer, basketball). Participants with a history of previous sprain can be advised that wearing such supports may reduce the risk of incurring a future sprain. However, any potential prophylactic effect should be balanced against the baseline risk of the activity, the supply and cost of the particular device, and for some, the possible or perceived loss of performance. Further research is indicated principally to investigate other prophylactic interventions, their cost-effectiveness and general applicability.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewHypothermia to reduce neurological damage following coronary artery bypass surgery.
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) may be life saving, but known side effects include neurological damage and cognitive impairment. The temperature used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be important with regard to these adverse outcomes, where hypothermia is used as a means of neuroprotection. ⋯ This review could find no definite advantage of hypothermia over normothermia in the incidence of clinical events. Hypothermia was associated with a reduced stroke rate, but this is off set by a trend towards an increase in non stroke related perioperative mortality and myocardial damage. There is insufficient data to date to draw any conclusions about the use of mild hypothermia. Similarly, there is insufficient data to date to comment on the effect of temperature during CPB on subtle neurological deficits, and further trials are needed in these areas.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewAerosolized diuretics for preterm infants with (or developing) chronic lung disease.
Lung disease in preterm infants is often complicated with lung edema. ⋯ In preterm infants > 3 weeks with CLD administration of a single dose of aerosolized furosemide improves pulmonary mechanics. In view of the lack of data from randomized trials concerning effects on important clinical outcomes, routine or sustained use of aerosolized loop diuretics in infants with (or developing) CLD cannot be recommended based on current evidence. More double-blinded randomized trials are needed (1) to analyze factors likely to affect the response to aerosolized furosemide, e.g., washout period and delivery of furosemide to distal airways, and (2) to assess the effects of chronic administration of aerosolized furosemide on mortality, O2 dependency, ventilator dependency, length of hospital stay and long-term outcome.
-
Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2001
ReviewAntihypertensive drug therapy for mild to moderate hypertension during pregnancy.
Mild-moderate hypertension during pregnancy is common. Antihypertensive drugs are often used in the belief that lowering blood pressure will prevent progression to more severe disease, and thereby improve outcome. ⋯ It remains unclear whether antihypertensive drug therapy for mild-moderate hypertension during pregnancy is worthwhile.