Surgical decompression for cerebral oedema in acute ischaemic stroke
Abstract Background Large cerebral infarction has a high case fatality. Despite the use of conventional medical treatments such as hyperventilation, mannitol, diuretics, corticosteroids and barbiturates, the outcome of this condition remains poor. Decompressive surgery to relieve intracranial pressure is performed in some cases, although evidence of any clinical benefits has not been available until recently. […]
Interventions for the management of dry mouth : topical therapies
Abstract Background Xerostomia (the feeling of dry mouth) is a common symptom especially in older adults. Causes of dry mouth include medications, autoimmune disease (Sjögren’s Syndrome), radiotherapy or chemotherapy for cancer, hormone disorders and infections. Objectives To determine which topical treatments for dry mouth are effective in reducing this symptom. Search methods We searched the […]
Human albumin solution for resuscitation and volume expansion in critically ill patients
Abstract Background Human albumin solutions are used for a range of medical and surgical problems. Licensed indications are the emergency treatment of shock and other conditions where restoration of blood volume is urgent, such as in burns and hypoproteinaemia. Human albumin solutions are more expensive than other colloids and crystalloids. Objectives To quantify the effect […]
Interventions for supporting informal caregivers of patients in the terminal phase of a disease
Abstract Background Patients in the terminal phase of a disease may have complex needs. It is often family and friends who play a central role in providing support, despite health professional input and regardless of whether the patient is at home or elsewhere. Such informal caring may involve considerable physical, psychological, and economic stresses. A […]
Cooling therapy for acute stroke
Abstract Background Increased body temperatures are common in patients with acute stroke and are associated with poor outcome. In animal models of focal cerebral ischaemia, temperature-lowering therapy reduces infarct volume. In patients with acute stroke, lowering temperature may therefore improve outcome. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1999. Objectives To […]
Emergency intubation for acutely ill and injured patients
Abstract Background Emergency intubation has been widely advocated as a life saving procedure in severe acute illness and injury associated with real or potential compromises to the patient’s airway and ventilation. However, some initial data have suggested a lack of observed benefit. Objectives To determine in acutely ill and injured patients who have real or […]
Therapeutic ultrasound for pressure ulcers
Abstract Background Pressure ulcers have been recorded as occurring in 5 to 32% of patients admitted to a UK District General Hospital (the precise rate depends on case-mix) and 4 to 7% in the community. They represent a major burden of sickness and reduced quality of life for patients and their carers, and are costly […]
Hypertonic versus near isotonic crystalloid for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients
Abstract Background Hypertonic solutions are considered to have a greater ability to expand blood volume and thus elevate blood pressure and can be administered as a small volume infusion over a short time period. On the other hand, the use of hypertonic solutions for volume replacement may also have important disadvantages. Objectives To determine whether […]
Hypothermia to reduce neurological damage following coronary artery bypass surgery
Abstract Background Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) may be life saving, but known side effects include neurological damage and cognitive impairment. The temperature used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be important with regard to these adverse outcomes, where hypothermia is used as a means of neuroprotection. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of hypothermia during CABG […]