Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewElastic compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
One of the settings in which deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limb and pelvic veins occurs is prolonged immobilisation in hospital for various surgical and medical illnesses. Use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) in these patients has been proposed to decrease the risk of DVT. ⋯ Analysis of these RCT's confirm that GCS are effective in diminishing the risk of DVT in hospitalised patients. Data examination also suggests, that GCS on a background of another method of prophylaxis is even more effective than GCS alone.
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This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of beta-sitosterols (B-sitosterol) on urinary symptoms and flow measures in men with of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). ⋯ The evidence suggests non-glucosidic B-sitosterols improve urinary symptoms and flow measures. Their long term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewThyroid hormone for preventing of neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants.
Observational studies have shown an association between transiently low thyroid hormone levels in preterm infants in the first weeks of life (transient hypothyroxemia) and an abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. Thyroid hormone therapy might prevent this morbidity. ⋯ This review does not support the use of thyroid hormones in preterm infants to reduce neonatal mortality, improve neurodevelopmental outcome or to reduce the severity of respiratory distress syndrome. The a posteriori subgroup analyses of data from one study (van Wassenaer 1997) which showed benefits in infants 24-25 weeks gestation should be treated with caution. The small number of infants included in trials incorporated in this review limits the power of the meta-analysis to detect clinically important differences in neonatal outcomes. Future trials should be of sufficient size to detect clinically important differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes. They should consider enrolling those infants most likely to benefit from thyroid hormone treatment such as infants born at less than 27 weeks gestation and use thyroid hormones as treatment instead of prophylaxis.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewAntiplatelet agents for preventing and treating pre-eclampsia.
Pre-eclampsia is associated with deficient intravascular production of prostacyclin, a vasodilator, and excessive production of thromboxane, a platelet-derived vasoconstrictor and stimulant of platelet aggregation. These observations led to the hypotheses that antiplatelet agents, and low dose aspirin in particular, might prevent or delay the development of pre-eclampsia. ⋯ Antiplatelet agents, in this review largely low dose aspirin, have small-moderate benefits when used for prevention of pre-eclampsia. Further information is required to assess which women are most likely to benefit, when treatment should be started, and at what dose.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewNeuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults.
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection associated with raised temperature, headache, muscle ache and cough. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of neuraminidase inhibitors (NIs) in preventing cases of influenza and shortening or reducing the severity of influenza in healthy adults. A further objective was to estimate the frequency of adverse effects associated with NI administration. ⋯ NIs are effective for the prevention and treatment of influenza. Overall NIs are safe, although Oseltamivir causes significant nausea.