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PubMed2003

Screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults: recommendations and rationale.

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for type 2 diabetes in adults and updates the 1996 recommendations on this topic. The complete USPSTF recommendation and rationale statement on this topic, which includes a brief review of the supporting evidence, is available through the USPSTF Web site ( http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov ) and the National Guideline Clearinghouse ( http://www.guideline.gov ) and in print through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Publications Clearinghouse (call 800-358-9295 or e-mail mailto:ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov ). The complete information on which this statement is based, including evidence tables and references, is available in the accompanying article in this issue and in the summary of the evidence and systematic evidence review on this topic on the Web sites already mentioned. The summary of the evidence is also available in print through the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Lung cancer screening: recommendation statement.

This statement summarizes the current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for lung cancer and the supporting scientific evidence and updates the 1996 recommendations on this topic. In 1996, the USPSTF recommended against screening for lung cancer (a grade D recommendation). The Task Force now uses an explicit process in which the balance of benefits and harms is determined exclusively by the quality and magnitude of the evidence. As a result, current letter grades are based on different criteria than those used in 1996. The complete information on which this statement is based, including evidence tables and references, is available in the accompanying article in this issue and in the systematic evidence review on this topic, available through the USPSTF Web site (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov) and the National Guideline Clearinghouse (http://www.guideline.gov). The complete USPSTF recommendation statement (which includes a brief review of the supporting evidence) and the summary of the evidence are also available in print through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Publications Clearinghouse (telephone, 800-358-9295; e-mail, ahrqpubs@ahrq.gov).

Female↗

PubMed2005

Methodological aspects of outcomes research.

A critical evaluation of existing scientific evidence of treatment efficacy can be an important part of communicating risk and benefits of treatment options to patients during the course of clinical practice. A checklist of key methodological issues to examine when reading a research study is presented and discussed. Steps in reading a paper include: identifying the research question; identifying the manner in which subjects get enrolled in the study; identifying the treatments and outcomes used; identifying the study design and the comparisons being made; evaluating the study methods for the possibility of bias and uncontrolled confounding; assessing whether the statistical analysis used is appropriate for the study design; assessing whether the study has sufficient statistical power to demonstrate hypotheses being tested. Finally, procedures for grading and evaluating evidence, as used by systematic review groups and international best evidence synthesis consensus groups is briefly described.

Back Pain↗

PubMed2006

Characteristics and treatment of headache after traumatic brain injury: a focused review.

Headache is one of the most common complaints in patients with traumatic brain injury. By definition, headache that develops within 1 wk after head trauma (or within 1 wk after regaining consciousness) is referred to as posttraumatic headache (PTH). Although most PTH resolves within 6-12 mos after injury, approximately 18-33% of PTH persists beyond 1 yr. We performed a systematic literature review on this topic and found that many patients with PTH had clinical presentations very similar to tension-type headache (37% of all PTH) and migraine (29% of all PTH). Although there is no universally accepted protocol for treating PTH, many clinicians treat PTH as if they were managing primary headache. As a result of the heterogeneity in the terminology and paucity in prospective, well-controlled studies in this field, there is a definite need for conducting double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment trials in patients with PTH.

Analgesics↗

PubMed2001

Kava extract for treating anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Synthetic anxiolytic drugs are effective for anxiety, but they are burdened with adverse events. Constraints on resources and time often render treatments such as psychological interventions impracticable. Thus, an effective and safe oral medication would be of considerable interest and a welcome addition to the therapeutic repertoire. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of kava extract for the symptomatic treatment of anxiety. SEARCH STRATEGY: Computerized literature searches were performed in the databases Medline, Embase, Biosis, AMED, CISCOM and the Cochrane Library (all from their respective inception to June 1998). The search terms used were kava, kawa, kavain, Piper methysticum and Rauschpfeffer (German common name for Piper methysticum). Manufacturers of kava preparations and experts on the subject were contacted and asked to contribute published and unpublished material. In addition, our own files were searched and the bibliographies of all of the studies identified were scanned for further trials. There were no restrictions regarding the language of publication. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized, double-blind trials of oral kava extract mono-preparations for the treatment of anxiety were included. Trials comparing kava with placebo were included. Trials assessing kava as one of several active constituents in a combination preparation or as a part of a combination treatment were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: All publications were blinded prior to assessment by a person not involved in the study. Data on patients, interventions, methods, results and adverse events were extracted systematically. Methodological quality of all trials was evaluated using the scoring system developed by Jadad and colleagues. The screening of studies, selection, data extraction and the assessment of methodological quality were performed independently by the two reviewers. Disagreements in the evaluation of individual trials were resolved through discussion. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials met the inclusion criteria. All of the reviewed trials suggest superiority of kava extract over placebo. The meta-analysis of three studies using the Hamilton Anxiety Score as a common outcome measure suggests a significant differential treatment effect in favour of kava extract (weighted mean difference: 9.69, 95% confidence interval: 3.54 - 15.83). Adverse events as reported in the reviewed trials were mild, transient and infrequent. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: These data imply that kava extract is superior to placebo and relatively safe as a symptomatic treatment for anxiety. These findings warrant further and more rigorous investigations into the efficacy and safety of kava extract.

Anxiety↗

PubMed2000

Nimodipine for primary degenerative, mixed and vascular dementia.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is an age-related condition in which Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cerebrovascular disease account for the bulk of cases. The role played by calcium in regulating brain functions is well known - the calcium ion links membrane excitation to subsequent intracellular enzymatic response. Change in calcium homeostasis is one important effect of aging with repercussions on higher cortical functions. Nimodipine is an isopropyl calcium channel blocker which can easily cross the blood brain barrier. Its primary action is to reduce the number of open channels, thus restricting influx of calcium ions into the cell. The usefulness of nimodipine in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia and unspecified dementia is still controversial with mixed results. In spite of the uncertainties about its efficacy in dementia, nimodipine is currently a frequently prescribed drug for cognitive impairment and dementia in several European countries. This review will be conducted in two phases; the current review is based on evidence from published data only. The second phase will be based on individual-patient data analysed centrally and added to this review in due course. OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical efficacy of nimodipine for the symptoms of dementia, either unclassified or according to the major subtypes - Alzheimer's disease, vascular, or mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Dementia Group Register of Clinical Trials was searched using the terms 'nimodipine' and 'isopropyl (2-methoxy-ethyl) 1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylate'. SELECTION CRITERIA: All unconfounded, double-blind, randomised trials in which treatment with nimodipine was administered for more than a day and compared to placebo in patients with dementia, either unclassified or according to the major subtypes - Alzheimer's disease, vascular, or mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by the reviewers and the odds ratio (95%CI) or the average difference (95%CI) were estimated. Both intention-to-treat and on-treatment results were extracted. MAIN RESULTS: This review produced no clear results. Many of the data published were not capable of being sensibly pooled. The data were compatible with nimodipine producing improvement, no change or even harm for those with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. It was not possible to use many of the published results in a combined analysis. For measures of overall clinical improvement, the intention-to-treat analysis, based on one study only, failed to detect any difference between nimodipine and placebo (OR 0.53; 95%CI 0.25 - 1.13). An on-treatment analysis, based on one study only, produced a statistically significant difference in favour of nimodipine (SMD 4.4; 95%CI 3.9 - 5.0). For cognitive function, the effect of nimodipine was statistically significantly different from placebo for the Mini Mental State Examination score (0-30; high =good) (SMD 0.9; 95%CI 0.59 - 1.22) and there was a statistically significant effect in favour of treatment for the Wechsler Memory Scale (SMD 0.47; 95%CI 0.17 - 0.77). These analyses were based only on those who completed the study and not intention-to-treat analyses. There were no results presented in a form suitable for pooling for functional autonomy, behaviour, quality of life dependency (eg institutionalization), effect on carer, death, acceptability of treatment (as measured by withdrawal rate, safety (as measured by the incidence of adverse effects, including side effects, leading to withdrawal). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: This review provides no convincing evidence that nimodipine is a useful treatment for the symptoms of dementia, either unclassified or according to the major subtypes - Alzheimer's disease, vascular, or mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2000

Antipsychotic medication for those with both schizophrenia and learning disability.

BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic medication is the standard treatment for people with learning disability and schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of any antipsychotic medication for treating people with a dual diagnosis of learning disability and schizophrenia. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searching of Biological Abstracts, the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register of trials, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycLIT and MEDLINE. Unpublished data were sought from pharmaceutical companies. Both authors independently selected the relevant studies from the reports identified in this way. SELECTION CRITERIA: 1. All randomised controlled trials of antipsychotic medication, regardless of dosage, versus a placebo control, of longer than one month's duration. 2. Anyone over 18 years of age with both learning disability and schizophrenia. Learning disability was defined as a measured IQ of 70 or less. Any mode of diagnosis of schizophrenia was acceptable. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The two reviewers independently attempted to select and then extract data but it was not possible to do this with the single study that met the inclusion criteria. MAIN RESULTS: Only one relevant randomised trial was found by the searches. This study included four people with a dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and learning disability, but results were available for only two. The groups to which the other two people were allocated were unclear. In order to display the data, too many assumptions would have to have been made about these other two people and any results would be uninformative and potentially misleading. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Using the methods described the reviewers found no randomised controlled trial evidence to guide the use of antipsychotic medication for those with both learning disability and schizophrenia. Until the urgent need for randomised controlled trials is met clinical practice will continue to be guided by extrapolation of evidence from randomised controlled trials involving people with schizophrenia but without learning disability and non-randomised trials of those with learning disability and schizophrenia.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

PubMed1998

Where is the evidence for effectiveness of treatments for the menopause? Introducing the Cochrane Collaboration.

The past two decades have seen an explosion of research surrounding the menopause. This ever-increasing volume of research has made it an impossible task for health professionals involved in the management of the menopause to be able to assimilate the information easily. There is an urgent need for the findings from research to be synthesized into simple, easy-to-read reviews that are of high quality and are based on the best evidence available. The Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group of the Cochrane Collaboration is attempting to address these issues by collecting a register of all the randomized controlled trials in the treatments of the menopause and preparing systematic reviews on a number of topics that will be of interest to health-care workers and consumers. Readers are invited to participate in this process by identifying published and unpublished data and by helping in the process of preparing protocols and systematic reviews for inclusion in the Cochrane Library.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗

PubMed2002

Patient education for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Because of the unpredictability people with arthritis face on a daily basis, patient education programmes have become an effective complement to traditional medical treatment giving people with arthritis the strategies and the tools necessary to make daily decisions to cope with the disease. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of patient education interventions on health status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. A selection of review articles (see references) were examined to identify further relevant publications. There was no language restriction. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCT's) evaluating patient education interventions that included an instructional component and a non-intervention control group; pre- and post-test results available separately for RA, either in the publication or from the studies' authors; and study results presented in full, end-of-study report. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four studies with relevant data were included. We found significant effects of patient education at first follow-up for scores on disability, joint counts, patient global assessment and psychological status. Physician global assessment was not assessed in any of the included studies. The two separate dimensions of psychological status: anxiety and depression showed no significant effects, nor did the dimensions of pain and disease activity. At final follow up no significant effects of patient education were found. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Patient education as provided in the studies reviewed here had moderate short-term effects on patient global assessment, and small short-term effects on disability, joint counts and psychological status. There were no long-term benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed2000

Carbamazepine for cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cocaine dependence has become a substantial public health problem, developing a significant number of medical, psychological and social problems, including the spread of infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis), crime, violence and neonatal drug exposure. Although there is no consensus regarding how to treat cocaine dependence, effective pharmacotherapy has a potentially major role to play as part of a broader treatment milieu. The anti-convulsant carbamazepine, a tricyclic medication that is widely used to treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorder, has also been used for treatment of cocaine dependence, although its effectiveness has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether carbamazapine (CBZ) is effective on the treatment of cocaine dependence. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches of Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycLIT, Biological Abstracts and LILACS; scan of reference list of relevant articles; personal communication; conference abstracts; unpublished trials from pharmaceutical industry; book chapters on treatment of cocaine dependence. SELECTION CRITERIA: The inclusion criteria for all randomised controlled trials were that they should focus on the use of carbamazepine drugs versus placebo on the treatment of cocaine dependence. Trials including patients with additional diagnosis such as opiate dependence were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The reviewers extracted the data independently and Odds Ratios, weighted mean difference and number needed to treat were estimated. Qualitative assessments of the methodology of eligible studies were carried out using validated checklists. The reviewers assumed that people who died or dropped out had no improvement and tested the sensitivity of the final results to this assumption. Where possible analysis was carried out according to the "intention to treat" principles. MAIN RESULTS: 5 studies were included in the review, with 455 people randomised. No differences were found regarding positive urine sample for cocaine metabolites. Scores on Spielberg State Anxiety Inventory slightly favoured carbamazepine, but didn't reach statistical significance. Dropouts were high in both groups up to 70% in the placebo group. Less dropout occurred in the Carbamazepine group (RR 0.87 95%CI 0.71-1.06). When no retention in treatment was due to side effects no differences were found. The number of participants presenting at least one side effect, reported in Kranzler (1995), was higher in the carbamazepine group (RR 4.33 95% CI 1.45-12.91). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is no current evidence supporting the clinical use of CBZ in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Larger randomised investigation must be considered taking into account that these time-consuming efforts should be reserved for medications showing more relevant and promising evidence.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed1998

Are risk factors for stroke and coronary disease the same?

Many risk factors operate in both coronary heart disease and stroke, especially ischaemic stroke--age, sex, social class, blood pressure, pre-existing vascular disease (angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, transient ischaemic attack and stroke), atrial fibrillation and fibrinogen, smoking, alcohol and height. Total cholesterol has also recently been recruited to this list. The various mechanisms involved in stroke and its subtypes and the epidemiological problems in evaluating aetiological factors in stroke make the comparison with coronary heart disease more difficult. The recent discrepancy between much of the epidemiology and the clinical trials evaluating the role of lipids in stroke has spurred the systematic review (meta-analysis) of major prospective observational studies. These will provide a clearer assessment about the quantitative comparison of some of the more important risk factors for stroke and coronary heart disease in the near future.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Lecithin for dementia and cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: People with Alzheimer's disease have been found to have a relative lack of the enzyme responsible for converting choline into acetylcholine within the brain. Lecithin is a major dietary source of choline, so extra consumption may assist in the production of acetylcholine and reduce some of the symptoms of dementia. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of lecithin in the treatment of dementia or cognitive impairment. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Group Register of Clinical Trials has been searched, as have the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Psychlit, ISI and Current Contents. Reference lists and relevant books have been examined. SELECTION CRITERIA: All unconfounded, randomised trials comparing lecithin with placebo in a treatment period longer than one day, in patients with dementia of the Alzheimer type, vascular dementia, mixed vascular and Alzheimer's disease, unclassified or other dementia or unclassified cognitive impairment not fulfilling the criteria for dementia are eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data are extracted by two independent reviewers and cross checked. Meta-analyses are performed when more than one trial provide data on a comparable outcome on sufficiently similar patients. Random effects analyses are performed whenever heterogeneity between results appears to be present. Standardised mean difference are used due do the use of different scales and periods of treatment. Odds ratios for dichotomous data are pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel or DerSimonian and Laird methods. MAIN RESULTS: Eleven randomised trials have been identified involving patients with Alzheimer's disease (265 patients) and Parkinsonian dementia (21 patients). No trials reported any clear clinical benefit of lecithin. Few trials contributed data to meta-analyses. The only statistically significant result was in favour of placebo for adverse events, based on one trial, which appears likely to be a spurious result. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from randomised trials does not support the use of lecithin in the treatment of patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. A moderate effect cannot be ruled out, but results from the small trials to date do not indicate priority for a large randomised trial.

Alzheimer Disease↗

PubMed2000

Elective versus selective caesarean section for delivery of the small baby.

BACKGROUND: Elective caesarean delivery for women in preterm labour might reduce the chances of fetal or neonatal death, but it might also increase the risk of maternal morbidity. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of a policy of elective caesarean delivery versus selective caesarean delivery for women in preterm labour. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register was searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing a policy of elective caesarean delivery with expectant management with recourse to caesarean section. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One reviewer assessed eligibility and trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies involving 104 women were included. All trials reported recruiting difficulties. No significant differences between elective and selective policies for caesarean delivery were found for fetal, neonatal or maternal outcomes. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of a policy for elective caesarean delivery for small babies. Randomised trials in this area are likely to continue to experience recruitment problems. However it still may be possible to investigate elective caesarean delivery in preterm babies presenting cephalically.

Cesarean Section↗

PubMed1998

Accidents related to sleepiness: review of medical causes and prevention with special reference to Switzerland.

Sleepiness is a major cause of traffic accidents. Our purpose was to review determinants of accidents related to sleepiness and measures to prevent them. We performed a systematic literature review on the topic and studied official accident statistics and legislation regarding medical driving ability in Switzerland. In 1997, 79,178 road traffic accidents, each causing bodily injury or property damage in excess of 500 Swiss francs, occurred in Switzerland. According to official statistics, sleepiness accounted for only 1% of identified causes. However, scientific studies performed in other countries suggest that sleepiness is a contributing factor in up to 30% of traffic accidents. Causes of hypersomnolence are sleep restriction, sleep disturbance by external environmental factors, inappropriate sleep hygiene, and sleep disorders. Several reports suggest an increased crash rate in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. At our clinic, every sixth sleep apnoea patient reports sleepiness-related driving problems which resulted in traffic accidents in one third of them. Long monotonous motorway drives, late night, early morning and late afternoon hours are associated with an increased crash rate. Drivers with excessive sleepiness should not drive until the cause of hypersomnolence is determined and treated appropriately. Medical assessment of driving ability in patients with sleep disorders involves a specific history including standardised questionnaires, sleep studies and vigilance tests. Swiss legislation authorizes physicians to report sleepy drivers to the authorities if they are thought to represent an accident risk for themselves or others. We conclude that sleepiness is a common but under-recognised cause of traffic accidents. Enhancing awareness of the problem in the public, early recognition and treatment of sleep disorders, and counselling of drivers with excessive sleepiness may contribute to prevention.

Accident Prevention↗

PubMed2004

Large trials or meta-analysis? That is not the question.

Selection and evaluation of evidence to identify the most effective treatment modalities is a difficult process. Randomized controlled trials are well accepted as the least biased means of evaluating medical, surgical, screening or preventive manoeuvres. The most commonly used statistical strategy to pool results from trials identified during a systematic review is the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity of trial results should be evaluated, interactions and specific populations identified for the planning of the new large trial.

Decision Making↗

PubMed2001

Aciclovir for Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis).

BACKGROUND: The most common disorder of the facial nerve is acute idiopathic facial paralysis or Bell's palsy and there may be significant morbidity or incomplete recovery associated with severe cases. Although the cause remains unknown, recent evidence suggests a possible association with Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. To test this hypothesis clinically four clinical trials have used aciclovir, an antiviral agent, either alone or in combination with corticosteroids to treat Bell's palsy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of aciclovir for treating Bell's palsy and to evaluate any adverse effects of the drug treatment. SEARCH STRATEGY: Search of the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases for randomised trials. We also contacted authors of identified trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials of aciclovir therapy, alone or in combination with any other drug, in patients with Bell's palsy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We identified four randomised trials. One author extracted the data and the other checked them. We wrote to all the authors of the trials identified. No additional data were obtained. MAIN RESULTS: Only two studies met our inclusion criteria and provided results from 200 patients. One study evaluated aciclovir with corticosteroid versus steroid alone and the other study evaluated aciclovir alone versus corticosteroid. PRIMARY OUTCOME Proportion of patients with incomplete recovery after one year: These data were not available. However an analysis was performed on data reported at the end of the study period, three (De Diego 1998) or four months (Adour 1996) after the start of treatment. The results from the Adour study significantly favoured the treatment group whilst the De Diego study significantly favoured the control group. Adverse events: This analysis was not performed as the data were not reported. Complete facial paralysis six months after start of treatment: Only one patient had complete paralysis upon entering only one of the studies (De Diego 1998). This patient was assigned to the control group and the level of recovery attained was not reported. Motor synkinesis/Crocodile tears one year after start of treatment: Data were available up to a maximum of four months after onset of paralysis. One study reported a significant difference between the treatment groups in favour of the aciclovir group and the other demonstrated an inconclusive result. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: More data are needed from a large multicentre randomised controlled and blinded study with at least 12 months' follow up before a definitive recommendation can be made regarding the routine use of aciclovir in Bell's palsy.

Acyclovir↗

PubMed2000

Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems.

BACKGROUND: Calcium supplementation may prevent high blood pressure through a number of mechanisms and may help to prevent preterm labour. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related maternal and child adverse outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and we contacted study authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing at least one gram daily of calcium during pregnancy compared to placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eligibility and trial quality were assessed. Data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. MAIN RESULTS: Nine studies were included, all of good quality. There was a modest reduction in high blood pressure with calcium supplementation (relative risk 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.73 to 0.88). The effect was greatest for women at high risk of hypertension (relative risk 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.57) and those with low baseline dietary calcium (relative risk 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.38 to 0.62). There was also a modest reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia with calcium supplementation (relative risk 0. 72, 95% confidence interval 0.60 to 0.86). The effect was greatest for women at high risk of hypertension (relative risk 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.43) and those with low baseline calcium intake (relative risk 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.49). There was no overall effect on the risk of preterm delivery, although there was a reduction in risk amongst women at high risk of hypertension (relative risk 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.23 to 0. 78). There was no evidence of any effect of calcium supplementation on stillbirth or death before discharge from hospital. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Calcium supplementation appears to be beneficial for women at high risk of gestational hypertension and in communities with low dietary calcium intake. Optimum dosage requires further investigation.

Calcium↗

PubMed2003

Heroin maintenance for chronic heroin dependents.

BACKGROUND: Dependent heroin users are characterised by the persistence of use in spite of the difficulties they experience with health, law, social achievements and personal relationships. The present review will consider maintenance treatment in which the patients enter programs of pharmacological administration tailored to achieve patient stabilisation. Many medications have been used for this purpose such as: Methadone, Buprenorphine and LAAM. The present review will focus on maintenance treatment through the prescription of heroin. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and acceptability of heroin maintenance versus methadone or other substitution treatments for opioid dependence, in retaining patients in treatment; reducing the use of illicit substances and improving health and social functioning. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Central Register of Trials (CENTRAL) issue 4, 2002; MEDLINE (on Silver Platter) 1966-2002; EMBASE (on OVID) 1980-2000 and CINAHL till 2000 were searched. There was no language or publication year restrictions. Many researchers were contacted for information. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of heroin (alone or combined with methadone) maintenance treatment compared with any other pharmacological treatments. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The trials were independently assessed for inclusion and methodological quality by the reviewers. Data were extracted independently and double checked. Studies were not pooled together because of heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS: 2400 references were obtained and 20 studies were eligible, 4 met the inclusion criteria for a total of 577 patients. The studies included could not be analysed cumulatively because of heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes considered. Two studies compared injected heroin to oral methadone for 1 year (270 patients) but considered different outcomes; one study compared injected heroin and methadone to oral methadone for 6 months (51 patients); and one compared inhaled heroin and methadone to oral methadone for 1 year (235 patients). Retention in treatment: in two studies there was no statistical difference between groups; one study (N=90) had a RR=2.49 (95% CI 1.51-4.10) in favour of heroin; one study (N=235) had a RR 0.79 (95%CI 0.68-0.90) in favour of methadone. Relapse to illegal heroin use, based on self report: in one study the proportion of people still using heroin were 64% in the heroin group, 59% methadone group; in the other study the RR was 0.33 (95%CI 0.15-0.72) in favour of heroin. The remaining studies did not provide the data. Criminal offence: one of the two studies which provided details about this showed the potential of heroin prescription in reducing the risk of being charged RR 0.32 (95% CI 0.14-0.78). Social functioning: the two studies reporting this outcome did not show statistical difference between intervention groups. The two most recent studies considered criminal offence and social functioning as part of a multidomain outcome measure and showed higher improvement among those treated with heroin plus methadone over those on methadone only. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: No definitive conclusions about the overall effectiveness of heroin prescription is possible because of non-comparability of the experimental studies available to be included in this review. Results favouring heroin treatment come from studies conducted in countries where the treatment system is comprehensive and easy accessible Methadone Maintenance Treatment at effective dosages is available. In those studies heroin prescription was addressed to patients who had failed previous methadone treatments.

Heroin↗