Cochrane Db Syst Rev
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewModerate-term, low-dose corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis.
To perform a systematic review of low-dose corticosteroid efficacy in the moderate term for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Based on the limited data available, moderate-term prednisone treatment of RA appears to be superior to placebo and comparable to treatment with aspirin or chloroquine in improving several common rheumatoid arthritis disease activity measures.
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Induction of labour after prelabour rupture of membranes may reduce the risk of neonatal infection. ⋯ Induction of labour by oxytocin may decrease the risk of maternal and neonatal infection compared to expectant management. Induction of labour with oxytocin does not appear to increase the rate of caesarean section, although it may increase use of pain relief and internal fetal heart rate monitoring.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewLeukotriene receptor antagonists for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists are a new class of drug that were initially identified for use in asthma. As they have an effect on neutrophil mediated inflammation, they may be of benefit in bronchiectasis. ⋯ Further research is required to establish any benefit from the use of leukotriene antagonists in bronchiectasis.
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Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate, can lead to obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pharmacologic use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of LUTS associated with BPH has been growing steadily. Cernilton, prepared from the rye-grass pollen Secale cereale, is one of the several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of BPH. ⋯ The Cernilton trials analyzed were limited by short duration, limited number of enrollees, gaps in reported outcomes, and unknown quality of the preparations utilized. The comparative trials lacked a proven active control. The available evidence suggests Cernilton is well tolerated and modestly improves overall urologic symptoms including nocturia. Additional randomized placebo and active-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness and safety of Cernilton.
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Cochrane Db Syst Rev · Jan 2000
ReviewNear-infrared spectroscopy for fetal assessment during labour.
Over the past four decades, continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) has been increasingly employed to detect fetal acidemia in labor, with a view toward prevention of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, permanent neurologic injury, and death. Although very sensitive, this technology has low specificity, and a high false positive rate. This false positive rate has resulted in operative intervention on behalf of many fetuses who were not in fact in danger of neurologic injury or death. Near-infrared spectroscopy has been developed to directly measure fetal cerebral oxygenation, with a view toward identification of those fetuses truly at risk. ⋯ There is currently insufficient evidence to assess the efficacy of fetal surveillance by near-infrared spectroscopy.