High-dose chemotherapy for children and young adults with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma
Abstract Background Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Prognosis for patients with metastatic disease has not improved significantly in the past decades. High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) seems to be an attractive option to treat minimal residual disease in metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma patients. Objectives The objective of the review was to assess the effectiveness […]
Psychostimulants for hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) in myotonic dystrophy
Abstract Background Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of myotonic dystrophy. Psychostimulants are drugs increasingly used to treat hypersomnia in myotonic dystrophy. Objectives To search systematically for, and combine all evidence from, randomized trials relating to the effects of psychostimulants in myotonic dystrophy patients with hypersomnia. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease […]
Calcium antagonists for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle condition starting in childhood, leading to severe disability and a shortened life span. It is due to severe deficiency of the protein dystrophin which performs both structural and signalling roles within skeletal and cardiac myocytes. Calcium accumulates in dystrophic muscle cells and plays a role […]
Interventions for increasing ankle range of motion in patients with neuromuscular disease
Abstract Background Reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, or ankle equinus, is a common and disabling problem for patients with neuromuscular disease. Clinicians devote considerable time and resources implementing interventions to correct this problem although few of these interventions have been subject to rigorous empirical investigation. Objectives To assess the effect of interventions to reduce […]
Scapular fixation in muscular dystrophy
Abstract Background Winging of the scapula is caused by weakness of the thoracoscapular muscles, which allows the scapula to lift off the chest wall during shoulder movements. In facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (and occasionally in other muscular dystrophies) there is selective weakness of the thoracoscapular muscles which may spare other shoulder muscles such as the deltoid […]
Drug treatment for myotonia
Abstract Background Abnormal delayed relaxation of skeletal muscles, known as myotonia, can cause disability in myotonic disorders. Sodium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressive drugs, benzodiazepines, calcium-antagonists, taurine and prednisone may be of use in reducing myotonia. Objectives To consider the evidence from randomised controlled trials on the efficacy and tolerability of drug treatment in myotonia . […]
Treatment for periodic paralysis
Abstract Background Primary periodic paralyses are rare inherited muscle diseases characterised by episodes of flaccid weakness affecting one or more limbs, lasting several hours to several days, caused by mutations in skeletal muscle channel genes. Objectives The objective of this review was to systematically review treatment of periodic paralyses. Search methods We searched the Cochrane […]
Surgical treatment for the thumb-in-palm deformity in patients with cerebral palsy
Abstract Background Thumb-in-palm deformity in patients with spastic cerebral palsy is a deformity that impairs the ability to use the thumb and thus severely limits hand function. From the variety of operative procedures that have been described, it may be clear that there is no consensus on the surgical treatment of thumb-in-palm deformity. Objectives To […]
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal pain in working age adults
Abstract Background Non-malignant musculoskeletal pain is an increasing problem in western countries. Fibromyalgia syndrome is an increasing recognised chronic musculoskeletal disorder. Objectives The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation for fibromyalgia and widespread musculoskeletal pain among working age adults. Search methods An electronic search was conducted and included […]