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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 11.

Screening for prostate cancer.
CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer screening did not significantly decrease prostate cancer-specific mortality in a combined meta-analysis of five RCTs. Only one study (ERSPC) reported a 21% significant reduction of prostate cancer-specific mortality in a pre-specified subgroup of men aged 55 to 69 years. Pooled data currently demonstrates no significant reduction in prostate cancer-specific and overall mortality. Harms associated with PSA-based screening and subsequent diagnostic evaluations are frequent, and moderate in severity. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are common and are associated with treatment-related harms. Men sh...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Ilic D, Neuberger MM, Djulbegovic M, Dahm P Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in all-cause mortality, major vascular events and revascularisations were found with no excess of adverse events among people without evidence of CVD treated with statins. PMID: 23440795 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Taylor F, Huffman MD, Macedo AF, Moore TH, Burke M, Davey Smith G, Ward K, Ebrahim S Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Surgical implantation of steroids with antiangiogenic characteristics for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the included trials, we found no evidence that antiangiogenic steroids prevent visual loss in patients with neovascular AMD. With the emergence of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor modalities, based on evidence summarized in this review, it is unclear what role steroids have in treating patients with neovascular AMD. PMID: 23440797 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Geltzer A, Turalba A, Vedula SS Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) for symptomatic endometriosis following surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: There is limited but consistent evidence showing that postoperative LNG-IUD use reduces the recurrence of painful periods in women with endometriosis. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings. PMID: 23440798 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Abou-Setta AM, Houston B, Al-Inany HG, Farquhar C Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.
CONCLUSIONS: LASIK gives a faster visual recovery and is a less painful technique than PRK. The two techniques appear to give similar outcomes one year after surgery. Further trials using contemporary techniques are required to determine whether LASIK and PRK as currently practised are equally safe. Randomising eyes to treatment is an efficient design, but only if analysed properly. In future trials, more efforts could be made to mask the assessment of outcome. PMID: 23440799 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Shortt AJ, Allan BD, Evans JR Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Combination chemotherapy for primary treatment of high-risk gestational trophoblastic tumour.
CONCLUSIONS: CHAMOCA is not recommended for GTN treatment as it is more toxic and not more effective than MAC. EMA/CO is currently the most widely used first-line combination chemotherapy for high-risk GTN, although this regimen has not been rigorously compared to other combinations such as MAC or FAV in RCTs. Other regimens may be associated with less acute toxicity than EMA/CO; however, proper evaluation of these combinations in high-quality RCTs that include long-term surveillance for secondary cancers is required. We acknowledge that, given the low incidence of GTN, RCTs in this field are difficult to conduct, hence mu...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Deng L, Zhang J, Wu T, Lawrie TA Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Oral zinc for treating diarrhoea in children.
CONCLUSIONS: In areas where the prevalence of zinc deficiency or the prevalence of moderate malnutrition is high, zinc may be of benefit in children aged six months or more.The current evidence does not support the use of zinc supplementation in children below six months of age. PMID: 23440801 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Lazzerini M, Ronfani L Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Laparoscopic surgery for presumed benign ovarian tumor during pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS: The practice of laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian tumour during pregnancy is associated with benefits and harms. However, the evidence for the magnitude of these benefits and harms is drawn from case series studies, associated with potential bias. The results and conclusions of these studies must therefore be interpreted with caution.The available case series studies of laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian tumour during pregnancy provide limited insight into the potential benefits and harms associated with this new surgical technique in pregnancy. Randomized controlled trials are required to provide t...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Bunyavejchevin S, Phupong V Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Antibiotics for treating acute chest syndrome in people with sickle cell disease.
CONCLUSIONS: This update was unable to identify randomised controlled trials on efficacy and safety of the antibiotic treatment approaches for people with sickle cell disease suffering from acute chest syndrome. Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the optimum antibiotic treatment for this condition. PMID: 23440803 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Martí-Carvajal AJ, Conterno LO, Knight-Madden JM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Amniotomy for shortening spontaneous labour.
CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the findings of this review, we cannot recommend that amniotomy should be introduced routinely as part of standard labour management and care. We recommend that the evidence presented in this review should be made available to women offered an amniotomy and may be useful as a foundation for discussion and any resulting decisions made between women and their caregivers. PMID: 23440804 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Smyth RM, Alldred SK, Markham C Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Primary surgery versus primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for early adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix.
CONCLUSIONS: We recommend surgery for early-stage AC of the uterine cervix in carefully staged patients. Primary chemoradiation remains a second best alternative for patients unfit for surgery; chemoradiation is probably first choice in patients with (MRI or PET-CT-suspected) positive lymph nodes. Since the last version of this review no new studies were found. PMID: 23440805 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Baalbergen A, Veenstra Y, Stalpers L Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Use of plastic adhesive drapes during surgery for preventing surgical site infection.
CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence from the seven trials that plastic adhesive drapes reduce surgical site infection rates, and some evidence that they increase infection rates. Further trials may be justified, using blinded outcome assessment to examine the effect of adhesive drapes on surgical site infection, based on different wound classifications. PMID: 23440806 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Webster J, Alghamdi A Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Educational games for health professionals.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review neither confirm nor refute the utility of games as a teaching strategy for health professionals. There is a need for additional high-quality research to explore the impact of educational games on patient and performance outcomes. PMID: 23440807 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Akl EA, Sackett KM, Erdley WS, Mustafa RA, Fiander M, Gabriel C, Schünemann H Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Intravitreal low molecular weight heparin and 5-Fluorouracil for the prevention of proliferative vitreoretinopathy following retinal reattachment surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this review indicate that there is inconsistent evidence from two studies on patients at different risk of PVR on the effect of LMWH and 5-FU used during vitrectomy to prevent PVR. Future research should be conducted on high risk patients only, until a benefit is confirmed at least in this patient subgroup. PMID: 23440808 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Sundaram V, Barsam A, Virgili G Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Homocysteine-lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events.
CONCLUSIONS: This updated Cochrane review found no evidence to suggest that homocysteine-lowering interventions in the form of supplements of vitamins B6, B9 or B12 given alone or in combination should be used for preventing cardiovascular events. Furthermore, there is no evidence suggesting that homocysteine-lowering interventions are associated with an increased risk of cancer. PMID: 23440809 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Martí-Carvajal AJ, Solà I, Lathyris D, Karakitsiou DE, Simancas-Racines D Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Thyroid hormones for acute kidney injury.
CONCLUSIONS: We found a paucity of large, high quality studies to inform analysis of thyroid hormone interventions for the treatment of people with AKI. Current evidence suggested that thyroid hormone therapy may be associated with worse outcomes for patients with established AKI; therefore, its use for these patients should be avoided. The role of thyroid hormone therapy in preventing AKI has not been adequately investigated and may be considered in future clinical studies. PMID: 23440810 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Nigwekar SU, Strippoli GF, Navaneethan SD Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Intravenous immunoglobulin as adjuvant therapy for Wegener's granulomatosis.
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence from one RCT that IVIg adjuvant therapy provides a therapeutic advantage compared with the combination of steroids and immunosuppressants for patients with WG. Given the high cost of IVIg (one dose at 2 g/kg for a 70 kg patient = $8,400), it should be limited to treat WG in the context of a well conducted RCT powered to detect patient-relevant outcomes. PMID: 23440811 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Fortin PM, Tejani AM, Bassett K, Musini VM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Interventions for HIV-associated nephropathy.
CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no RCT-based evidence upon which to base guidelines for the treatment of HIVAN, however three ongoing studies have been identified. Data from observational studies suggest steroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors appear to improve kidney function in patients with HIVAN, however no formal analyses were performed in this review. This review highlights the need for good quality RCTs to address the effects of interventions for treating this group. PMID: 23440812 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Yahaya I, Uthman OA, Uthman MM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Cervical assessment by ultrasound for preventing preterm delivery.
CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening of asymptomatic or symptomatic pregnant women with TVU CL. Since there is a non-significant association between knowledge of TVU CL results and a lower incidence of PTB at less than 37 weeks in symptomatic women, we encourage further research. Future studies should look at specific populations separately (e.g., singleton versus twins; symptoms of PTL or no such symptoms), report on all pertinent maternal and perinatal outcomes, and include cost-effectiveness analyses. Most importantly, future studies should include a clear protocol for ma...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Berghella V, Baxter JK, Hendrix NW Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Vigabatrin for refractory partial epilepsy.
CONCLUSIONS: This review of randomised controlled trials showed that vigabatrin can reduce seizure frequency in people with drug-resistant partial epilepsy. Short-term follow-up of patients showed that some side effects were associated with its use. Further analysis of longer-term observational studies is required to evaluate how likely patients are to develop visual field defects and whether such side effects are associated with dose and duration of drug use. PMID: 23440814 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Hemming K, Maguire MJ, Hutton JL, Marson AG Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Intrapartum antibiotics for known maternal Group B streptococcal colonization.
CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis appeared to reduce EOGBSD, but this result may well be a result of bias as we found a high risk of bias for one or more key domains in the study methodology and execution. There is lack of evidence from well designed and conducted trials to recommend IAP to reduce neonatal EOGBSD.Ideally the effectiveness of IAP to reduce neonatal GBS infections should be studied in adequately sized double-blind controlled trials. The opportunity to conduct such trials has likely been lost, as practice guidelines (albeit without good evidence) have been introduced in many jurisdictions. P...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Ohlsson A, Shah VS Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Interventions for nail psoriasis.
CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab, golimumab, SRT, grenz rays, and electron beam caused significant nail improvement compared to the comparative treatment. Although the quality of trials was generally poor, this review may have some implications for clinical practice.Although powerful systemic treatments have been shown to be beneficial, they may have serious adverse effects. So they are not a realistic option for people troubled with nail psoriasis, unless the patient is prescribed these systemic treatments because of cutaneous psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis or the nail psoriasis is severe, refractory to other treatments, or has ...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: de Vries AC, Bogaards NA, Hooft L, Velema M, Pasch M, Lebwohl M, Spuls PI Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Pharmacological therapies for maintenance treatments of opium dependence.
CONCLUSIONS: It is not possible to conclude about the use of any kind of pharmacologic therapies for maintenance treatment of opium dependence. PMID: 23440817 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Rahimi-Movaghar A, Amin-Esmaeili M, Hefazi M, Yousefi-Nooraie R Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Intramuscular versus intravenous anti-D for preventing Rhesus alloimmunization during pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS: It appears that IM and IV administration of anti-D are equally effective. The number of included studies and the number of participants are not enough to assess whether there are any differences. Anti-D can be administered by IM or IV injection. The choice of IM or IV route of administration will depend on the available preparations, the dose to be administered and also on the patients' preferences. This review found insufficient information upon which to guide practice due to the limited number of included studies, small sample sizes and methodological limitations. PMID: 23440818 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Okwundu CI, Afolabi BB Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Vaginal preparation with antiseptic solution before cesarean section for preventing postoperative infections.
CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal preparation with povidone-iodine solution immediately before cesarean delivery reduces the risk of postoperative endometritis. This benefit is particularly realized for women undergoing cesarean delivery with ruptured membranes. As a simple, generally inexpensive intervention, providers should consider implementing preoperative vaginal cleansing with povidone-iodine before performing cesarean deliveries. PMID: 23440819 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Haas DM, Morgan S, Contreras K Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Enteral feeding methods for nutritional management in patients with head and neck cancers being treated with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.
CONCLUSIONS: There is not sufficient evidence to determine the optimal method of enteral feeding for patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy. Further trials of the two methods of enteral feeding, incorporating larger sample sizes, are required. PMID: 23440820 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Nugent B, Lewis S, O'Sullivan JM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Skin preparation with alcohol versus alcohol followed by any antiseptic for preventing bacteraemia or contamination of blood for transfusion.
CONCLUSIONS: We did not identify any eligible studies for inclusion in this review. It is therefore unclear whether a two-step, alcohol followed by antiseptic skin cleansing process prior to blood donation confers any reduction in the risk of blood contamination or bacteraemia in blood recipients, or conversely whether a one-step process increases risk above that associated with a two-step process. PMID: 23440821 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Webster J, Bell-Syer SE, Foxlee R Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Acupuncture for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates.
CONCLUSIONS: The rationale for acupuncture in neonates with HIE is unclear and the evidence from randomized controlled trial is lacking. Therefore, we do not recommend acupuncture for the treatment of HIE in neonates. High quality randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for HIE in neonates are needed. PMID: 23440822 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Wong V, Cheuk DK, Chu V Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Topical treatment for facial burns.
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient high quality research and evidence to enable conclusions to be drawn about the effects of topical interventions on wound healing in people with facial burns. PMID: 23440823 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Hoogewerf CJ, Van Baar ME, Hop MJ, Nieuwenhuis MK, Oen IM, Middelkoop E Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Position in the second stage of labour for women with epidural anaesthesia.
CONCLUSIONS: There are insufficient data to say anything conclusive about the effect of position for the second stage of labour for women with epidural analgesia. Women with an epidural should be encouraged to use whatever position they find comfortable in the second stage of labour. Future research should involve large trials of positions that women can maintain and predefined endpoints. One large trial is ongoing. PMID: 23440824 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Kemp E, Kingswood CJ, Kibuka M, Thornton JG Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

High-volume haemofiltration for sepsis.
CONCLUSIONS: There were no adverse effects of HVHF reported.There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of HVHF in critically ill patients with severe sepsis and or septic shock except as interventions being investigated in the setting of a randomized clinical trial. These trials should be large, multi-centred and have clinically relevant outcome measures. Financial implications should also be assessed. PMID: 23440825 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Borthwick EM, Hill CJ, Rabindranath KS, Maxwell AP, McAuley DF, Blackwood B Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Treating BCG-induced disease in children.
CONCLUSIONS: It is unclear if oral antibiotics (isoniazid, erythromycin, or a combination of isoniazid plus rifampicin) are effective for the resolution of BCG-induced disease. Most non-suppurated lymphadenitis will resolve without treatment in 4 to 6 months. Patients with lymphadenitis abscess might benefit from needle aspiration and possibly local instillation of isoniazid could shorten recovery time. Included studies were generally small and could be better conducted. Further research should evaluate the use of needle aspiration and local instillation of isoniazid in fluctuant nodes. Therapeutic and preventive measures ...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Cuello-García CA, Pérez-Gaxiola G, Jiménez Gutiérrez C Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Paracetamol/acetaminophen (single administration) for perineal pain in the early postpartum period.
CONCLUSIONS: More women experienced pain relief, and fewer had additional pain relief, with paracetamol compared with placebo, although potential adverse effects were not assessed and generally the quality of studies was unclear. PMID: 23440827 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Chou D, Abalos E, Gyte GM, Gülmezoglu AM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) for preventing miscarriage.
CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supporting hCG supplementation to prevent RM remains equivocal. A well-designed randomised controlled trial of adequate power and methodological quality is required to determine whether hCG is beneficial in RM. PMID: 23440828 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Morley LC, Simpson N, Tang T Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Exercise for improving outcomes after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.
CONCLUSIONS: No definitive conclusions can be made regarding the benefits of exercise for individuals with vertebral fracture. Although individual trials did report benefits for some pain, physical function and quality of life outcomes, the findings should be interpreted with caution given that findings were inconsistent and the quality of evidence was very low. The small number of trials and variability across trials limited our ability to pool outcomes or make conclusions. Evidence regarding the effects of exercise after vertebral fracture, particularly for men, is scarce. A high-quality randomized trial is needed to inf...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Giangregorio LM, Macintyre NJ, Thabane L, Skidmore CJ, Papaioannou A Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Surgical versus conservative interventions for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
CONCLUSIONS: The bulk of the evidence in this review derives from one large multi-centre but inadequately reported trial conducted over 15 years ago. This found no significant differences between surgical or conservative treatment in functional ability and health related quality of life at three years after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Though it reported a greater risk of major complications after surgery, subtalar arthrodeses for the development of subtalar arthritis was significantly greater after conservative treatment.Overall, there is insufficient high quality evidence relating to current practice to ...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Bruce J, Sutherland A Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Red flags to screen for vertebral fracture in patients presenting with low-back pain.
CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not support the use of many red flags to specifically screen for vertebral fracture in patients presenting for LBP. Based on evidence from single studies, few individual red flags appear informative as most have poor diagnostic accuracy as indicated by imprecise estimates of likelihood ratios. When combinations of red flags were used the performance appeared to improve. From the limited evidence, the findings give rise to a weak recommendation that a combination of a small subset of red flags may be useful to screen for vertebral fracture. It should also be noted that many red flags...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Williams CM, Henschke N, Maher CG, van Tulder MW, Koes BW, Macaskill P, Irwig L Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Pharmacotherapy for hyperuricemia in hypertensive patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis was not possible in this systematic review. In the one study that matched the inclusion criteria allopurinol decreased "in office" and ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP. Because there was only one included RCT, the number of patients providing data on pharmacotherapy for hyperuricemia in hypertension is small and restricted to adolescents with recently diagnosed mild essential hypertension. Hence, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of allopurinol or other hypouricemic drugs as an initial or adjuvant treatment of hypertension and more RCTs are needed. PMID: 23440832 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Gois PH, Souza ER Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Interventions for treating persistent and intractable hiccups in adults.
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to guide the treatment of persistent or intractable hiccups with either pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions.The paucity of high quality studies indicate a need for randomised placebo-controlled trials of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. As the symptom is relatively rare, trials would need to be multi-centred and possibly multi-national. PMID: 23440833 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Moretto EN, Wee B, Wiffen PJ, Murchison AG Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia.
CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrolysin may have positive effects on cognitive function and global function in elderly patients with vascular dementia of mild to moderate severity, but there is still insufficient evidence to recommend Cerebrolysin as a routine treatment for vascular dementia due to the limited number of included trials, wide variety of treatment durations and short-term follow-up in most of the trials. PMID: 23440834 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Chen N, Yang M, Guo J, Zhou M, Zhu C, He L Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Telephone communication of HIV testing results for improving knowledge of HIV infection status.
CONCLUSIONS: We found only one eligible study. Although this study showed the use of the telephone for HIV test results notification was more effective than face-to-face delivery, it had a high-risk of bias. The study was conducted about 13 years ago in a high-income country, on a high-risk population, with low HIV prevalence, and the applicability of its results to other settings and contexts is unclear. The study did not provide information about telephone HIV test results notification of HIV positive people since none of the intervention group participants were HIV positive. We found no information about the acceptabili...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tudor Car L, Gentry S, van-Velthoven MH, Car J Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Antenatal interventions for reducing weight in obese women for improving pregnancy outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: There are no trials designed to reduce weight in obese pregnant women. Until the safety of weight loss in obese pregnant women can be established, there can be no practice recommendations for these women to intentionally lose weight during the pregnancy period. Further study is required to explore the potential benefits, or harm, of weight loss in pregnancy when obese before weight loss interventions in pregnancy can be designed. Qualitative research is also required to explore dietary habits of obese pregnant women, especially those who are morbidly obese. PMID: 23440836 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Furber CM, McGowan L, Bower P, Kontopantelis E, Quenby S, Lavender T Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle weakness in adults with advanced disease.
CONCLUSIONS: NMES appears an effective means of improving muscle weakness in adults with progressive diseases such as COPD, chronic heart failure and cancer. Further research is required to clarify its place in clinical practice, by determining the optimal parameters for a NMES programme, the patients most likely to benefit, and its impact on morbidity and service use. PMID: 23440837 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Maddocks M, Gao W, Higginson IJ, Wilcock A Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Hysteroscopy for treating subfertility associated with suspected major uterine cavity abnormalities.
CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopic myomectomy might increase the odds of clinical pregnancy in women with unexplained subfertility and submucous fibroids, but the evidence is at present not conclusive. The hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps suspected on ultrasound in women prior to IUI might increase the clinical pregnancy rate. More randomised studies are needed to substantiate the effectiveness of the hysteroscopic removal of suspected endometrial polyps, submucous fibroids, uterine septum or intrauterine adhesions in women with unexplained subfertility or prior to IUI, IVF or ICSI. PMID: 23440838 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Bosteels J, Kasius J, Weyers S, Broekmans FJ, Mol BW, D'Hooghe TM Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation after primary brain tumour treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: No RCTs or CCTs were available for synthesis of 'best evidence' for multidisciplinary rehabilitation after treatment for brain tumour patients. However, this does not suggest the ineffectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation but rather highlights the challenges in trial design and rigour, outcome measurement and complexities of care in this population. For completeness of literature, 12 observational studies (with high risk of bias) involving patients with brain tumours were included. These studies provided 'very low level' evidence suggesting that multidisciplinary rehabilitation (inpatient, home-based)...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Khan F, Amatya B, Ng L, Drummond K, Olver J Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.
CONCLUSIONS: The available RCT evidence suggests that repeated treatment of non-ischaemic MO secondary to BRVO with the anti-VEGF agent ranibizumab may improve clinical and visual outcomes at six and 12 months. However, the frequency of re-treatment has not yet been determined and the impact of prior or combined treatment with laser photocoagulation on the primary outcome is unclear. Results from ongoing studies should assess not only treatment efficacy but also, the number of injections needed for maintenance and long-term safety and the effect of any prior treatment. PMID: 23440840 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Mitry D, Bunce C, Charteris D Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Gases for establishing pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic abdominal surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: 1. Nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic abdominal surgery appears to decrease post-operative pain in patients with low anaesthetic risk.2. Helium pneumoperitoneum decreases the cardiopulmonary changes associated with laparoscopic abdominal surgery. However, this did not translate into any clinical benefit over carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum in patients with low anaesthetic risk.3. The safety of nitrous oxide and helium pneumoperitoneum has yet to be established. More randomized controlled trials on this topic are needed. Future trials should include more patients with high anaesthetic risk. Furt...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Cheng Y, Lu J, Xiong X, Wu S, Lin Y, Wu T, Cheng N Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Xpert® MTB/RIF assay for pulmonary tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in adults.
CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that Xpert used as an initial diagnostic test for TB detection and rifampicin resistance detection in patients suspected of having TB, MDR-TB, or HIV-associated TB is sensitive and specific. Xpert may also be valuable as an add-on test following microscopy for patients who have previously been found to be smear-negative. An Xpert result that is positive for rifampicin resistance should be carefully interpreted and take into consideration the risk of MDR-TB in a given patient and the expected prevalence of MDR-TB in a given setting.Studies in this review mainly assessed sensitivity and specifi...
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Steingart KR, Sohn H, Schiller I, Kloda LA, Boehme CC, Pai M, Dendukuri N Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Selenium supplementation for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
CONCLUSIONS: The limited trial evidence that is available to date does not support the use of selenium supplements in the primary prevention of CVD. PMID: 23440843 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Rees K, Hartley L, Day C, Flowers N, Clarke A, Stranges S Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research

Surgical interventions for treating distal humeral fractures in adults.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this review found there is either no or insufficient evidence from randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials to determine whether surgery is, and which surgical interventions are, the most appropriate for the management of different types of distal humerus fractures. Well designed and reported large and multi-centre randomised controlled trials testing current interventions, such as pre-contoured and locking plating systems, are needed. PMID: 23440844 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews - March 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Wang Y, Zhuo Q, Tang P, Yang W Tags: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Source Type: research