Cochrane

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of vibrating devices (e.g. Flutter, acapella, cornet, Quake®, intrapulmonary percussive ventilation, high frequency chest wall oscillators (e.g. Vest®), VibraLung® and MetaNeb®) to help people with cystic fibrosis clear their airways of mucus. This is an update of a previously published review. Background People ...

Review question What is the effect of hydroxyurea on clinical outcomes (changes in pain crises, life-threatening illnesses, survival, haemoglobin levels, quality of life and side effects) in people with sickle cell disease (SCD) of any genotype? Background SCD is an inherited genetic disorder that creates problems with haemoglobin (the substance ...

Background to the question Inhalers containing steroids improve asthma-related symptoms and reduce asthma attacks when taken regularly. But many people with asthma do not take them as prescribed. This leads to more symptoms and flare-ups, which have been linked to a third of asthma deaths in the UK. Missing doses is sometimes called 'non-adherence'. ...

What is the issue? The World Health Organization recommends that infants should be breastfed exclusively until six months of age with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant’s diet until he or she is at least two years old. We know that breastfeeding is good for the short-term and long-term health of both infants and their mothers. ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of buprenorphine for managing withdrawal in people who are dependent on opioid drugs (for example, heroin or pharmaceutical opiates). Background Managed withdrawal, or detoxification, is a required first step for long-term treatment of opioid dependence. The combination of uncomfortable symptoms ...

The aim of this Cochrane review was to explore how parents experience communication about vaccination for children under six years of age. We searched for and analysed qualitative studies that could answer this question. Qualitative research explores how people perceive and experience the world around them. This review of qualitative research supplements ...

Review question What is the efficacy of emollients (ingredient of a moisturiser) and moisturisers for eczema? Background Eczema is a chronic skin disorder, the main symptoms being dry skin and intense itching. Skin lesions include redness, crusts, scratches, and oozing. Moisturisers are a cornerstone of eczema treatment, but there is uncertainty ...

Review question What are the effects of ataluren and similar compounds (specific therapies for premature termination codon (class I) mutations) on clinical outcomes (quality of life, lung function and adverse effects) in people with cystic fibrosis? Background In people with cystic fibrosis, the gene encoding a protein called the cystic fibrosis ...

Review question: we reviewed the evidence about the effect of stretch in people who had or were vulnerable to joint deformities. Background: we wanted to know whether stretch interventions are effective for the treatment and prevention of joint deformities (also known as contractures) in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions. Some ...

Review question Do inhaled corticosteroids administered to preterm infants with birth weight of up to 1500 grams beginning in the first two weeks after birth prevent chronic lung disease as reflected by the requirement for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age? Background Preterm babies who require breathing support often develop chronic ...