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Biomedical subjects

B H Rowe

Publications and source records attributed to B H Rowe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Holding chambers versus nebulisers for beta-agonist treatment of acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: In acute asthma inhaled beta-agonists are often administered to relieve bronchospasm by wet nebulisation, but some have argued that metered-dose inhalers with a holding chamber (spacer) can be equally effective. In the community setting nebulisers are more expensive, require a power source and need regular maintenance. OBJECTIVES: There is controversy as to whether wet nebulisers are better than metered dose inhalers with holding chambers to deliver beta2-agonist medications for acute asthma. Comparisons of hospital and home use are also of interest. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of holding chambers compared to nebulisers for the delivery of beta2-agonists for acute asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials in adults and children (from two years of age) with asthma, where holding chamber beta2-agonist delivery was compared with wet nebulisation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One reviewer applied study inclusion criteria and extracted the data. Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Missing data were obtained from the authors or estimated. MAIN RESULTS: This review analysed 686 children and 375 adults included in 16 trials. Method of delivery of beta2-agonist did not appear to affect hospital admission rates. In adults, the odds ratio of holding chamber versus nebuliser was 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 2.76. The odds ratio for children was 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 2.1. Children's length of stay in the emergency department was significantly shorter when the holding chamber was used, with a weighted mean difference of -0.62 hours, 95% confidence interval -0.84 to -0.40 hours. Adults' length of stay in the emergency department was similar for the two delivery methods. Peak flow and forced expiratory volume were also similar for the two delivery methods. Pulse rate was lower for holding chamber in children, weighted mean difference -8.3% baseline, 95% confidence interval -11.5 to -5.0,. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Metered-dose inhalers with holding chamber produced outcomes that were at least equivalent to nebuliser delivery. Holding chambers may have some advantages compared to nebulisers for children with acute asthma.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Corticosteroids for preventing relapse following acute exacerbations of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Acute asthma is responsible for many emergency department visits annually. Between 12-16% will relapse to require additional interventions within two weeks of ED discharge. Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and reducing airway inflammation and this review examines the evidence for using systemic corticosteroids to improve outcomes after discharge from the ED. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of corticosteroids (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) for the treatment of asthmatic patients discharged from an acute care setting (i.e. usually the emergency department) after assessment and treatment of an acute asthmatic exacerbation. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Airways Group "Asthma and Wheez* RCT" register was searched using the terms: a) Asthma OR Wheez* b) Glucocorticoid OR Steroid* AND c) Exacerbat* OR Relapse* OR Emerg*. In addition, authors of all included studies were contacted to determine if unpublished studies which met the inclusion criteria were available. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews and texts were also searched for additional citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomized controlled trials were eligible for selection. Studies were included in this review if they dealt with the outpatient treatment of asthmatic exacerbations using glucocorticoids at discharge and reported either relapse rate or PFTs. Two independent reviewers first identified potentially relevant studies and then selected articles for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Agreement was assessed using kappa (k) statistics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by two reviewers; authors were contacted to verify the extracted data and clarify missing information. When author contact was unsuccessful, missing data were estimated from graphs where possible. Sensitivity, sub-group and overall analyses were performed using the Cochrane Review Manager. MAIN RESULTS: A search that yielded 229 references identified 169 (73%) original publications. Reviewers identified 8 studies for potential inclusion (k =0.76); 18 references were added by searching publication reference lists and contact with authors. Of these 26 articles, a total of 7 were included in the overview. Two studies used intramuscular corticosteroids, five studies used oral corticosteroids. Significantly fewer patients in the corticosteroid group relapsed to receive additional care in the first week (odds ratio (OR) 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 0.73). This favourable effect was maintained over the first 21 days (OR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.82). Patients receiving corticosteroids had less need for beta-agonists (weighted mean difference (WMD) -3.3 activations/day; 95% CI: -5.5, -1.0). Changes in pulmonary function tests (SMD 0.045; 95% CI: -0.47, 0.56) and side effects (SMD 0.03; 95% CI : -0.38, 0.44) in the first 7-10 days, while rarely reported, showed no differences between the treatment groups. Statistically significant heterogeneity was identified for the side effect results; all other outcomes were homogeneous. It appears that IM corticosteroids are similarly efficacious to a 7-10 day tapering course of oral agents. From these results, as few as 13 patients need to be treated to prevent relapse to additional care after an exacerbation of asthma. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: A short course of corticosteroids following assessment for an acute exacerbation of asthma significantly reduces the number of relapses to additional care and decreases beta-agonist use without an apparent increase in side effects. Intramuscular corticosteroids appear as effective as oral agents.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Interventions for preventing falls in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Fractures in the elderly often result from a simple fall. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of programmes designed to reduce the incidence of falls in community dwelling, institutionalised, or hospitalised elderly people. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycLIT, Social Science Citation Index, Dissertation Abstracts, Index to UK Theses, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of identified studies. We contacted known workers in the field. Trials were also obtained from the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register. Date of the most recent search: May 1997. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of interventions designed to minimise the effect of, or prevent exposure to, any putative risk factor for falling in elderly individuals living in the community, in institutional care, or in hospital. The main outcomes of interest were number of fallers or falls, or the number sustaining a fall resulting in injury. Trials that focused on intermediate outcomes such as improved balance or did not report fall outcomes, were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers selected trials for inclusion. For each included trial, quality assessment and data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. Results of trials of similar design were pooled. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen trials and one pre-planned meta-analysis were included. The analysis of four trials which studied the effect of exercise alone did not establish protection against falling (Peto odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.48). Based on one trial, there was no evidence to support exercise in conjunction with health education classes (Peto odds ratio 1.72; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 3.75), or of health education classes alone (Peto odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 3.03) for the prevention of falls. However, significant protection against falling was apparent from interventions which targeted multiple, identified, risk factors in individual patients (Peto odds ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0. 64 to 0.91), and from interventions which focused on behavioural interventions targeting environmental hazards plus other risk factors (Peto odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.93). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Health care purchasers and providers contemplating fall prevention programmes should consider health screening of at risk elderly people, followed by interventions which are targeted at both intrinsic and environmental risk factors of individual patients. There is inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of single interventions such as exercise alone or health education classes for the prevention of falls.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2000

Vaccines for preventing influenza in people with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination is recommended for asthmatic patients in many countries as observational studies have shown that influenza infection can be associated with asthma exacerbations, but influenza vaccination itself has the potential to adversely affect pulmonary function. A recent overview concluded that there was no clear benefit of influenza vaccination in patients with asthma but this conclusions was not based on a systematic search of the literature. OBJECTIVES: Whilst influenza may cause asthma exacerbations, there is controversy about the use of influenza vaccinations, since they may precipitate an asthma attack in some people. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of influenza vaccination in children and adults with asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and checked reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of influenza vaccination in children (over two years of age) and adults with asthma. Studies involving people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Inclusion criteria and assessment of trial quality were applied by two reviewers independently. Data extraction was done by two reviewers independently. Study authors were contacted for missing information. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials were included. Four of these trials were of high quality. One further article has been included since the previous version of this review. Inclusion of the new trial has not altered the conclusions of this review. The included studies covered a wide diversity of people, settings and types of influenza vaccination, so data from the different trials were not pooled. In one trial, no protective effect of influenza vaccination against asthma exacerbation was demonstrated, but the incidence of influenza was low during the study period. A higher number of asthma exacerbations following killed influenza vaccination was found in one trial (risk difference 3 1%, 95% confidence interval 0.3% to 5.8%). When people with upper respiratory tract infections were excluded, this difference was no longer significant. A small trial using recombinant vaccine found no significant difference in asthma exacerbations between the vaccinated and placebo groups. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits and risks of influenza vaccination for people with asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Nedocromil sodium for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced asthma causes cough, dyspnea, wheeze and chest tightness. Management of focuses on prevention through pharmaco-therapy and alternate strategies. Single use, pre-exercise beta2-agonists and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as the cromones are the most common treatments. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of a single dose of nedocromil sodium to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Current Contents, review articles, textbooks and reference lists of articles. We also contacted the drug manufacturer and primary authors for additional citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing a single dose of nedocromil sodium with placebo to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in people over six years of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation of data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty randomised controlled trials involving 280 participants were identified. 15-60 min following inhalation of 4 mg nedocromil, the maximum fall in forced expiratory volume in one second due to exercise was improved by 15.6%, (95% CI:13.2 to 18.1) compared to the placebo response. The maximum percentage fall in peak expiratory flow rate was of the same magnitude (weighted mean difference 15.0%; 95% CI 8.3 to 21.6). Nedocromil shortened the time to recover lung normal function from more than 30 minutes with placebo to less than 10 minutes with the drug. The relative magnitude of its effect was greatest in patients with more severe exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (defined as an exercise-induced fall in lung function > 30% from baseline). There were no significant adverse effects reported. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Nedocromil sodium used before exercise appears to reduce the severity and duration of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This effect appears to be more pronounced in people with severe exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Magnesium sulfate for treating exacerbations of acute asthma in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and arresting airway inflammation. There is some evidence that intravenous magnesium can provide additional bronchodilation when given in conjunction with standard bronchodilating agents and corticosteroids. No systematic review of this literature has been completed on this topic. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of additional intravenous magnesium sulfate in patients with acute asthma managed in the emergency department. SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group register. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews and texts were searched. Primary authors and content experts were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presented with acute asthma and were treated with IV magnesium sulfate vs placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Missing data were obtained from authors. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials were included (5 adult, 2 pediatric). A total of 665 patients were involved. Patients receiving magnesium sulfate demonstrated non-significant improvements in peak expiratory flow rates when all studies were pooled (weighted mean difference: 29.4 L/min; 95% confidence interval: -3.4 to 62). In studies of people with severe acute asthma, peak expiratory flow rate improved by 52.3 L/min (95% confidence interval: 27 to 77.5). The forced expiratory volume in one second also improved by 9.8 % predicted (95% confidence interval: 3.8 to 15.8). Overall, admission to hospital was not reduced, odds ratio: 0.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 1.02). In the severe subgroup, admissions were reduced in those receiving magnesium sulfate (odds ratio: 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.27). No clinically important changes in vital signs or adverse side effects were reported. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support routine use of intravenous magnesium sulfate in all patients with acute asthma presenting to the emergency department. Magnesium sulfate appears to be safe and beneficial in patients who present with severe acute asthma.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Early emergency department treatment of acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: The airway edema and secretions associated with acute asthma are most effectively treated with anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids delivered by inhaled, oral, intravenous or intra-muscular routes. There is an unresolved debate about the use of systemic corticorticoids in the early treatment of acute asthma for emergency department patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of treating patients with acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids within an hour of presenting to the emergency department (ED). SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma Register. Primary authors and content experts were contacted to identify eligible studies. Bibliographies from included studies and known reviews were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presenting to the ED with acute asthma were treated with IV/IM or oral corticosteroids (CS) vs. placebo within 1 hour of arrival and either admission rate or pulmonary function results were reported. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers, and confirmed with corresponding authors. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 863 patients (435 corticosteroids; 428 placebo) were included. Early use of CS for acute asthma in the ED significantly reduced admission rates (N = 11; pooled OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.78). This would correspond with a number needed to treat of 8 (95% CI: 5 to 21). This benefit was more pronounced for those not receiving systemic CS prior to ED presentation (N = 7; OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.70) and those with more severe asthma (N = 7; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0. 59). Oral CS therapy in children was particularly effective (N = 3; OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.53); no trials in adults used the oral route. Side effects were not significantly different between corticosteroid treatments and placebo. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Use of corticosteroids within 1 hour of presentation to an ED significantly reduces the need for hospital admission in patients with acute asthma. Benefits appear greatest in patients with more severe asthma, and those not currently receiving steroids. Children appear to respond well to oral steroids.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Early use of inhaled corticosteroids in the emergency department treatment of acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: Systemic corticosteroids therapy is central to the management of acute asthma The use of inhaled steroids may also be beneficial in this setting. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of ICS for the treatment of patients with acute asthma managed in the emergency department (ED). SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group register. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews, and texts also were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only RCTs or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presented with acute asthma to the ED or its equivalent, and were treated with ICS or placebo, in addition to standard therapy. Two reviewers independently selected potentially relevant articles, and then independently selected articles for inclusion. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by two reviewers if the authors were unable to verify the validity of extracted information. Missing data were obtained from the authors or calculated from other data presented in the paper. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials were selected for inclusion, but data were not available for one of them. In the six usable rials, (4 adult, 2 paediatric), a total of 352 patients were studied (179 ICS, 173 non-ICS treated). Patients treated with ICS were less likely to be admitted to hospital (OR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.57). This benefit was confined to patients not receiving concomitant systemic steroids. Such patients showed the same, but non-significant, trend towards reduced admissions compared to placebo treatment (OR 0.46; 95% CI: 0. 19, 1.11). In children, ICS appeared to be at least as effective as systemic steroids (OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.24, 1.06). Patients receiving ICS demonstrated small, significant improvements in peak expiratory flows (PEFR WMD: 7%; 95% CI: 3, 13) and forced expiratory volumes (FEV-FEV1 WMD: 5.0%; 95% CI: 0.4, 9.7). The treatment was well tolerated, with few reported adverse side effects. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled steroids reduced admission rates in patients with acute asthma who were not receiving concomitant systemic steroids. In children, inhaled steroids appear to be at least as effective as systemic steroids. Further research is needed to clarify the effect of ICS when used in addition to systemic corticosteroids, and to determine the optimal dose, agent, and frequency of ICS administration.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Inhaled steroids in acute asthma following emergency department discharge.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute asthma treated in the emergency department are frequently treated with inhaled beta-agonists and corticosteroids (CS) after discharge. The use of inhaled CS (ICS) following discharge may also be beneficial in acute asthma. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on outcomes in the treatment of acute asthma following discharge from the emergency department (ED). SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group register which consists of systematic searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases supplemented by hand searching of 20 respiratory journals. In addition, abstracts from conferences were searched; primary authors and pharmaceutical companies were contacted to identify eligible studies. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews, and texts also were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only RCTs or quasi RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients were treated for acute asthma in the ED or its equivalent, and following ED discharge were treated with ICS therapy either in addition to, or as a substitute for, oral corticosteroids (CS). Two reviewers independently assessed articles for potential relevance, final inclusion, and methodological quality - to "expand" the search. We didn't include any in the end) DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by two reviewers if the authors were unable to verify the validity of information. Several authors and pharmaceutical companies provided unpublished data. The data were analysed using the Cochrane Review Manager 4.0.4. MAIN RESULTS: Ten trials were selected for inclusion. Three of these trials, involving a total of 909 patients, compared ICS plus CS Vs CS therapy alone. There was no demonstrated benefit of ICS therapy when used in addition to CS therapy in the trials. Relapses were reduced, but not significantly, with the addition of ICS therapy (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.02). As well, no differences were demonstrated between the two groups for relapses requiring admission, quality of life, symptom scores, or adverse effects. Seven trials, involving a total of 1204 patients, compared high-dose ICS therapy alone Vs CS therapy alone after ED discharge. There were no significant differences demonstrated between ICS therapy alone and CS therapy alone for relapse rates (OR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.52) or in the secondary outcomes of beta-agonist use, symptoms, or adverse events. However, the sample size was not adequate to confidently exclude the possibility of either treatment being significantly inferior, and severe asthmatics were excluded from these trials. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence that ICS therapy provides additional benefit when used in combination with standard CS therapy upon ED discharge for acute asthma. There is some evidence that high-dose ICS therapy alone may be as effective as CS therapy when used in mild asthmatics upon ED discharge; however, there is a significant possibility of a type II error in drawing this conclusion. Further research is needed to clarify whether ICS therapy should be employed in acute asthma treatment in the ED or following ED discharge.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Nedocromil sodium vs. sodium cromoglycate for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics.

BACKGROUND: Nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate inhaled shortly before exercise appear to reduce the severity of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. There is some debate over which drug may be more effective. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to compare the effects on post-exercise lung function between prophylactic doses of nedocromil sodium (NSG) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) in persons diagnosed with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomized controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group Asthma Register which compiles searches of CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL, plus hand searches for trials in 20 journals. Bibliographies of relevant studies and review articles were searched and primary authors, content experts and manufacturers of drugs were contacted for additional relevant studies. No language restrictions were applied. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing NCS to SCG in prophylactic treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction were eligible. Studies were included if: the participants, aged 6 or over, had a confirmed diagnosis of asthma with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, were subjected to an exercise challenge sufficient to trigger bronchoconstriction, and the measures of lung function were reported as either changes in forced expiratory volume in one second or peak expiratory flow rate. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data extraction and methodological quality assessments were conducted independently by two reviewers using standard forms and validated assessment criteria. In some cases results were extrapolated from graphs. Results from similar studies were pooled and reported as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the random effects model. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 92 citations retrieved from the original search, a total of 8 studies were included in this review (117 participants). No significant difference was noted between NCS and SCG with respect to the maximum percent decrease in FEV1 (WMD = -0.88; 95% CI: -4.50, 2.74), complete protection (i.e. maximum % fall FEV1 still =>10%); OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.8, clinical protection (i.e. < 50% improvement over placebo); OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.39; unpleasant taste (OR = 6.85; 95% CI: 0.77, 60.73), or sore throat (OR = 3.46; 95% CI: 0.32, 37.48). For these pooled comparisons, no statistically significant heterogeneity was identified. Subgroup analyses based on age, dosage of medications and timing of exercise post-inhalation were consistent with the overall pooled analyses. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were evident between the effect of NCS and SCG during the immediate post-exercise period in adults and children with EIB with regards to pulmonary function - specifically maximum percent decrease in FEV1, complete protection, clinical protection, or side effects.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2000

Addition of intravenous aminophylline to beta2-agonists in adults with acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: Aminophylline has been used extensively in acute asthma, but its role is unclear especially with respect to any additional benefit when added to beta2-agonists. OBJECTIVES: To determine the magnitude of effect of the addition of intravenous aminophylline to beta2-agonists in adult patients with acute asthma treated in the emergency setting. SEARCH STRATEGY: Studies were identified from the following sources: The Cochrane Airways Group register (derived from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL standardised searches), hand searched respiratory journals and meeting abstracts. Potentially relevant articles were obtained, and their bibliographic lists were hand searched for additional articles. The search included searches of the database up to 1999. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing intravenous aminophylline versus placebo in adults with acute asthma and treated with beta-adrenergic agonists. Patients could be treated with or without corticosteroids or other bronchodilators. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: A total of 210 abstracts were identified. Two independent reviewers selected a total of 27 eligible studies for possible inclusion, in which quality assessment was performed and a third reviewer was used to adjudicate disagreements. Peak expiratory flow (PEFR) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) data were extracted and entered in Review Manager from these studies. Information not obtained from the authors was estimated from graphs. All data were entered and double checked by two reviewers. Results are reported as weighted mean differences (WMD) or odds ratio (OR), both with 95% confidential intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen trials were included. Overall, the quality of the studies was only moderate; concealment of allocation was assessed as clearly adequate in only seven (45%) of the trials. The doses of aminophylline and other medications and the severity of asthma varied between studies. There was no statistically significant effect of aminophylline on airflow outcomes at any time period. The aminophylline treated group had higher values of PEFR at 12 (PEFR 8 L/min or 2.3%) and 24 hours (PEFR 22 L/min or 6.4%), but these were not significant (p>0.05). Two subgroup analyses were performed by grouping studies according to mean baseline airflow limitation (n = 11 studies) and the use of any steroids (n = 9 studies). There was no relationship between baseline airflow limitation nor the use of steroids on the effect of aminophylline. Aminophylline treated patients reported more palpitations/arrhythmias (OR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5 to 5.7) and vomiting (OR: 4.2; 95% CI 2.4 to 7.4), but no difference was found in tremor or hospital admissions. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: In acute asthma, the use of intravenous aminophylline did not result in any additional bronchodilation compared to standard care with beta-agonists. The frequency of adverse effects was higher with aminophylline. No subgroups in which aminophylline might be more effective could be identified. These results should be added to consensus statements and guidelines.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed2000

The effects of lead sulfate on new sealed lead acid batteries.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rely on batteries to power external cardiac defibrillators. While maintenance protocols should be followed to ensure that batteries possess adequate capacity to power their defibrillator, they are not often applied to new batteries. This study examines the effects of prolonged storage on sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, the number of batteries that are affected by lead sulfate, and the ability of a protocol to restore the capacity in SLA batteries. A prospective cohort of new batteries was subjected to testing and discharge protocols. Initial battery capacities were measured using a battery analyzer. An "over-discharge" protocol fully discharged the battery over a 24-h period, and batteries were recharged and reanalyzed. Capacity measurements were repeated twice. Sulfate buildup was defined a priori as final capacity measurements greater than predischarge measurements. There were 126 batteries studied, a mean of 14 months after manufacture. Overall, 47 batteries (36.5%) had measured capacity that was insufficient (< 65% capacity). Batteries possessing very low initial capacities (< 55%) responded with a significant improvement on average of 54.7% compared with batteries within a normal capacity range (> 65%) whose average improvement was 9.3%. After discharge, there was an average of 17% improvement in the measured capacity, with no differences in the final capacity readings in each battery type. In conclusion, sealed lead acid batteries are affected by prolonged storage. The loss of capacity created by accumulation of lead sulfate can be reversed if battery maintenance protocols are used as part of EMS quality assurance programs.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Pilot study of a home-based asthma health education program.

OBJECTIVE: Caring for a child with asthma can affect the parent's coping and well-being and coping strategies. This study examined the influence of a home-based asthma health education program on parental coping and quality of life. DESIGN: Randomized controlled non-blinded clinical trial. SETTING: Northern community pediatrician's office. PATIENTS: Families whose children, under the age of 11, had chronic stable asthma, and who presented to the pediatrician's office for continuing care; those with an acute exacerbation of asthma were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Families were randomly assigned to receive either a single two-hour, standardized home-based asthma health education session or a booklet representing conventional care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: One and three-months following the intervention, assessments were obtained for coping measured by Hymovich's Parent Perception Inventory (PPI), quality of life measured by the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) and change in asthma measured by the Caregiver Perception of Change (CPC) survey. RESULTS: Forty families were recruited and randomized; baseline characteristics were similar between groups. At the final follow-up, reduction in parental need for asthma information (p = 0.04), reduction in parental concerns (p = 0.02) and increased use of coping strategies (p = 0.04) were observed in the home-based care group. Improvement was noted in the parent's perception of their child's asthma in the home-based asthma education group (p = 0.01). Quality of life as measured by the PACQLQ remained unchanged over the intervention period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the use of a one-time, flexible, home-based intervention to assist families caring for children with asthma should be considered and appears effective.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Personal risk factors associated with injury among female recreational ice hockey players.

INTRODUCTION: Women's ice hockey is a rapidly growing sport, however little is known about the injuries sustained by this group of athletes. PURPOSE: The objective of this research was to identify risk factors associated with injury among female recreational ice hockey players. METHODS: This prospective study followed players from two women's ice hockey leagues in Edmonton, Canada during the 1997-98 hockey season. The occurrence of injuries was monitored during the season through standardized telephone follow-up. Risk factors were determined using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The initial study sample consisted of 314 players, however as the season progressed 19 (6%) were lost to follow-up. The results of the study are based on 295 (94%) participants. A total of 125 injuries were reported; the injury rate was 7.5 injuries/1,000 player-exposures. Risk factors found to be significantly related to the occurrence of injury were: injury in the past year (OR= 1.57), more than 5 years of hockey experience (OR=1.49), and high exposure level (OR=1.41). CONCLUSION: This research is the first to quantify personal risk factors associated with injury among female recreational ice hockey players. A sports injury in the previous 12 months appears to be highly associated with injury and further research is required to more fully understand this relationship. The importance of controlling for level of exposure when investigating risk factors for sports injury was demonstrated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Nedocromil sodium in the treatment of exercise-induced asthma: a meta-analysis.

Exercise-induced asthma (or bronchoconstriction) afflicts millions of people worldwide. While generally self-limiting, it can hinder performance and reduce activity levels, thus it is an important condition to diagnose and treat. The objective of this review was to assess the prophylactic effect of a single dose of nedocromil sodium on exercise-induced asthma. The Cochrane Airways Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Current Contents, reference lists of relevant articles, review articles and textbooks were searched for randomized trials comparing a single dose of nedocromil to placebo to prevent exercise-induced asthma in people >6 yrs of age. Authors and the drug manufacturer were contacted for additional trials. Trial quality assessments and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Authors were contacted when possible. Twenty trials were included. All were rated as having good methodological quality. Nedocromil inhibited bronchoconstriction in all age groups. The pooled weighted mean difference for the maximum percentage fall in forced expiratory volume in one second was 15.6%, (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 13.2-18.1) and for the peak expiratory flow was 15.0% (95% CI: 8.3-21.6). These differences are both statistically and clinically significant. After nedocromil the time to recover normal lung function was <10 min compared to >30 min with placebo. Nedocromil had a greater effect on people with a fall in lung function of >30% from baseline. There were no significant adverse effects reported with this short-term use. In conclusion, Nedocromil taken before exercise appears to reduce the severity and duration of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This effect appears to be more pronounced as severity increases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Intravenous magnesium sulfate treatment for acute asthma in the emergency department: a systematic review of the literature.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: There is some evidence that magnesium, when infused into asthmatic patients, can produce bronchodilation in addition to that obtained from standard treatments. This systematic review examined the effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate used for patients with acute asthma managed in the emergency department. METHODS: Only randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presented with acute asthma and were treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate versus placebo. Trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group register, which consists of a combined search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases and hand-searching of 20 key respiratory journals. Bibliographies from included studies and known reviews were searched. Primary authors and content experts were contacted. Data were extracted and methodologic quality was assessed independently by 2 reviewers. Missing data were obtained from authors. RESULTS: Seven trials (5 adult, 2 pediatric) involving a total of 668 patients were included. Overall, admission to hospital was not statistically reduced using magnesium sulfate (odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09 to 1.02). In the severe subgroup, admissions were reduced in those receiving magnesium sulfate (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.27). Overall, patients receiving magnesium sulfate demonstrated nonsignificant improvements in peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) when all studies were pooled (weighted mean difference [WMD] 29 L/min, 95% CI -3 to 62). In studies of patients with severe acute asthma, PEFR WMD improved by 52 L/min (95% CI 27 to 78) favoring magnesium sulfate treatment. The absolute FEV(1) also improved by 10% predicted (95% CI 4 to 16) in patients with severe acute asthma. No clinically important changes in vital signs or side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Current evidence does not clearly support routine use of intravenous magnesium sulfate in all patients with acute asthma presenting to the ED. However, magnesium sulfate appears to be safe and beneficial for patients who present with severe acute asthma. Practice guidelines need to be changed to reflect these results.

Acute Disease↗