Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewFurosemide for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in indomethacin-treated infants.
Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis mediates closure of the ductus arteriosus and renal side effects after indomethacin administration. Because furosemide increases prostaglandin production, it could potentially help prevent indomethacin-related toxicity but also decrease ductal response to indomethacin. ⋯ There is not enough evidence to support the administration of furosemide to premature infants treated with indomethacin for symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus. Furosemide appears to be contraindicated in the presence of dehydration in those infants.
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Betamimetic drugs may promote fetal growth by increasing the availability of nutrients and by decreasing vascular resistance. They may also induce adverse effects via their effects on carbohydrate metabolism. ⋯ There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of betamimetics in promoting fetal growth. Larger studies are needed to investigate possible adverse effects of long-term betamimetic administration.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewCaregivers' use of strict criteria for diagnosing active labour in term pregnancy.
Application of specific criteria for diagnosis of active labour as part of a labour assessment program aims to differentiate more accurately between latent and active phases of labour. ⋯ Early labour assessment (which includes use of specific criteria for diagnosis of active labour) may have some positive outcomes for women at term pregnancy.
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Endotracheal tubes are foreign bodies that may injure the upper airway causing laryngeal edema. This in turn may result in failure of extubation in preterm infants. Corticosteroids have been used prophylactically to reduce upper airway obstruction and facilitate extubation. ⋯ Implications for practice Dexamethasone reduces the need for endotracheal reintubation of neonates after a period of IPPV. In view of the lack of effect in low risk infants and the documented and potential side effects, it appears reasonable to restrict its use to infants at increased risk for airway edema and obstruction, such as those who have received repeated or prolonged intubations. Implications for research Issues of dosage and applicability to the extremely low birthweight population could be addressed in future trials. Longer term outcomes such as chronic lung disease, duration of assisted ventilation and length of hospital stay should also be examined.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewMaternal hydration for increasing amniotic fluid volume in oligohydramnios and normal amniotic fluid volume.
Oligohydramnios (reduced amniotic fluid) may be responsible for malpresentation problems, umbilical cord compression, concentration of meconium in the liquor, and difficult or failed external cephalic version. Simple maternal hydration has been suggested as a way of increasing amniotic fluid volume in order to reduce some of these problems. ⋯ Simple maternal hydration appears to increase amniotic fluid volume and may be beneficial in the management of oligohydramnios and prevention of oligohydramnios during labour or prior to external cephalic version. Controlled trials are needed to assess the clinical benefits and possible risks of maternal hydration for specific clinical purposes.