Nortriptyline for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Antidepressants are widely used to treat chronic neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage), usually in doses below those at which they exert antidepressant effects. An earlier review that included all antidepressants for neuropathic pain is being replaced by new reviews of individual drugs examining individual neuropathic pain conditions. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic […]
Treatment for cryoglobulinemic and non-cryoglobulinemic peripheral neuropathy associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Abstract Background Peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurologic complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The pathophysiology of the neuropathy associated with HCV is not definitively known; however, proposed mechanisms include cryoglobulin deposition in the vasa nervorum and HCV-mediated vasculitis. The optimal treatment for HCV-related peripheral neuropathy has not been established. Objectives To assess the […]
Interventions for fatigue in peripheral neuropathy
Abstract Background Persistent feelings of fatigue (or subjective fatigue), which may be experienced in the absence of physiological factors, affect many people with peripheral neuropathy. A variety of interventions for subjective fatigue are available, but little is known about their efficacy or the likelihood of any adverse effects for people with peripheral neuropathy. Objectives To […]
Ephedrine for myasthenia gravis, neonatal myasthenia and the congenital myasthenic syndromes
Abstract Background Myasthenia is a condition in which neuromuscular transmission is affected by antibodies against neuromuscular junction components (autoimmune myasthenia gravis, MG; and neonatal myasthenia gravis, NMG) or by defects in genes for neuromuscular junction proteins (congenital myasthenic syndromes, CMSs). Clinically, some individuals seem to benefit from treatment with ephedrine, but its effects and adverse […]
Nocturnal mechanical ventilation for chronic hypoventilation in patients with neuromuscular and chest wall disorders
Abstract Background Chronic alveolar hypoventilation is a common complication of many neuromuscular and chest wall disorders. Long-term nocturnal mechanical ventilation is commonly used to treat it. This is a 2014 update of a review first published in 2000 and previously updated in 2007. Objectives To examine the effects on mortality of nocturnal mechanical ventilation in […]
Treatment for thoracic outlet syndrome
Abstract Background Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is one of the most controversial diagnoses in clinical medicine. Despite many reports of operative and non-operative interventions, rigorous scientific investigation of this syndrome leading to evidence-based management is lacking. This is the first update of a review first published in 2010. Objectives To evaluate the beneficial and adverse […]
Pharmacological and nutritional treatment for McArdle disease (Glycogen Storage Disease type V)
Abstract Background McArdle disease (Glycogen Storage Disease type V) is caused by an absence of muscle phosphorylase leading to exercise intolerance, myoglobinuria rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. This is an update of a review first published in 2004. Objectives To review systematically the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological or nutritional treatments for […]
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment for myasthenia gravis
Abstract Background In myasthenia gravis, antibody-mediated blockade of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction abolishes the naturally occurring ‘safety factor’ of synaptic transmission. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors provide temporary symptomatic treatment of muscle weakness but there is controversy about their long-term efficacy, dosage and side effects. This is the second update of a review published in The […]
Desipramine for neuropathic pain in adults
Abstract Background Antidepressants are widely used to treat chronic neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage), usually in doses below those at which they exert antidepressant effects. An earlier review that included all antidepressants for neuropathic pain is being replaced by new reviews of individual drugs examining individual neuropathic pain conditions. Desipramine is a tricyclic […]
Intravenous immunoglobulin for Guillain -Barré syndrome
Abstract Background Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, paralysing, inflammatory peripheral nerve disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is beneficial in other autoimmune diseases. This is an update of a review first published in 2001 and previously updated in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012. Other Cochrane systematic reviews have shown that plasma exchange (PE) significantly hastens […]