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B H Rowe

Publications and source records attributed to B H Rowe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

ED management of cellulitis: a review of five urban centers.

Cellulitis is a common problem presenting to the emergency department (ED). This study examines the epidemiology of cellulitis in 5 Canadian urban EDs and determines the practice variation in this management among sites. From computerized provincial ED diagnosis information, 10% of cellulitis charts from April 1, 1997 to March 31, 1998 were randomly selected for review. All 5 EDs in one urban region were sampled; physicians were unaware of the study when seeing patients. A standardized audit form was used to collect information pertaining to visits for the incident infection case. Cases were excluded if simple cellulitis was not the primary diagnosis or if procedures such as incision and drainage were initially required. A total of 416 adult charts were retrospectively identified. The mean age was 46 years and 61% were men; 38% had seen another physician before the ED presentation. Cellulitis was most commonly located in the upper (41%) and lower (48%) extremities. Most cases were treated with intravenous cefazolin (58%; range among sites: 49%-66%); however, over 25 different antibiotics and doses were initially prescribed. Each case required a median of 4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1, 9) ED visits. Some patients (14%) received an increase in dose (3%) or a change in antibiotic regimen (11%) during their treatment. Few patients (3%) required a second change in regimen. Specialist consultations were obtained in only 6% of patients and hospitalization was rare (7%). The most common discharge prescription was oral cephalexin (62%); however; many different regimens were prescribed. Cellulitis is a common ED problem which consumes considerable resources to treat. Considerable practice variation exists with respect to in-ED and post-ED management. These results suggest the need for the development of practice guidelines for the treatment of this common ED problem.

Alberta↗
PubMed2001

Differences between men and women in reporting of symptoms during an asthma exacerbation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Compared with men, women presenting to the emergency department with acute asthma are more likely to be admitted and to have a longer hospital stay. This study compares peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) with reported symptom severity between men and women with acute asthma. The null hypothesis was that men and women report similar severity symptoms for similar levels of airway obstruction. METHODS: This study combined data from 4 prospective cohort studies performed from 1996 to 1998 as part of the Multicenter Airway Research Collaboration. Using a standardized protocol, investigators at 64 EDs in 21 US states and 4 Canadian provinces provided 24-hour per day coverage for a median of 2 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 1,291 patients with moderate to severe exacerbations (initial percentage of predicted PEFR <80%), 62% were women. Women were more likely than men to report "severe" complaints in terms of symptom frequency, symptom intensity, and resulting activity limitations (all P <.05). Women with moderate exacerbations were especially likely to describe their exacerbation as causing "severe" activity limitations (sex-PEFR interaction, P =.05). CONCLUSION: Men are less likely than women to report severe asthma symptoms and activity limitations in the presence of airway obstruction. This finding supports use of objective measures of airway obstruction when managing patients with asthma so that those whose symptoms do not reflect the severity of their obstruction can be recognized and properly treated. It also reconfirms the need for increased research on differences between men and women in acute asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Evaluating the quality of systematic reviews in the emergency medicine literature.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the scientific quality of systematic reviews published in 5 leading emergency medicine journals. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were electronically searched to identify published systematic reviews. Searches were only conducted in emergency medicine journals during the past 10 years; 4 of the journals were also hand searched. Potential reviews were assessed independently by 2 reviewers for inclusion. Data regarding methods were extracted from each review independently by 2 reviewers. All systematic reviews were retrieved and rated for quality by using the 10 questions from the overview quality assessment questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-nine reviews were identified from more than 100 citations. The overall scientific quality of the systematic reviews was low (mean score, 2.7; 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 3.2; maximum possible score, 7.0). Selection and publication biases were rarely addressed in this collection of reviews. For example, the search strategies were only identified in 9 (31%) reviews, whereas independent study selection (6 [21%]) and quality assessment of included studies (9 [31%]) were infrequently performed. Overall, the majority of reviews had extensive flaws, and only 3 (10%) had minimal flaws. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that many of the systematic reviews published in the emergency medicine literature contain major flaws; reviews with poor methodology may limit the validity of reported results. Further efforts should be made to improve the design, reporting, and publication of systematic reviews in emergency medicine.

Emergency Medicine↗
PubMed2001

Prospective multicenter study of relapse after treatment for acute asthma among children presenting to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Single-center studies have reported varying relapse rates after treatment of patients with acute asthma. We determined the relapse rate after emergency department (ED) treatment in a cohort of children. DESIGN: This was a prospective inception cohort study performed during 1997-1998. SETTING: The study was performed in 44 EDs including both general and pediatric centers. PATIENTS: Children (n = 1184) aged 2 to 17 years who had been admitted to EDs, with acute asthma restricted to 881 patients discharged from the ED. MAIN RESULTS: Two weeks after discharge, families were telephoned to determine relapse. Follow-up data were available for 762 (86%) of the children with a 10% incidence of relapse. On univariate analysis several factors were associated with relapse including current medications and markers of asthma severity. On multivariate analysis the factors associated with relapse were age (OR 1.4 per 5-year increase), use of second-line asthma medications (OR 3.7), exposure to cigarette smoke (OR 0.5), and ED visits within the past year (OR 1.2 per 5 ED visits). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of relapse among children is lower than that observed among adults and varies with age. Other risk factors such as frequent ED visits are likely markers of chronic asthma severity. Further research should focus on ways to decrease the relapse rate among patients at high risk.

Asthma↗
PubMed2001

Sport and recreation-related head injuries treated in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Head injury (HI) in sport is common and can have serious consequences. This study examines the epidemiology of sport/recreational (SR)-related HI presenting to the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. SETTING: Five EDs in the Capital Health Region (Edmonton) located in the province of Alberta, Canada. PATIENTS: All persons in a 1-year period reporting to the EDs with an HI. HI was defined as IC9-CM coded skull fracture, loss of consciousness, or concussion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospitalization, utilization of diagnostic testing, and discharge destination. RESULTS: In total, 10,877 (3%) of 288,948 ED encounters were for sports and recreational injuries; 358 (3%) were for HI. Males (71%) were more frequently injured; patients < 20 years old were involved in 66% of all HI cases. The highest proportion of HI occurred during ice hockey (21%), cycling (13%), and playground-related activities (8%). 9% of HI were hospitalized (versus 4% admission rate for other SR injuries: p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the utility of an ED-based injury registry and indicate that patients with HI presenting to the ED from SR activities are common. These injuries appear to be more severe than other types of SR injuries treated in the ED.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Sledding injuries in patients presenting to the emergency department in a northern city.

OBJECTIVES: Sledding is a common recreational activity in northern communities. The objective of this study was to examine the frequency and nature of sledding injuries (SIs) in patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: The data were derived from a cohort of patients treated at all five EDs in an urban Canadian health region over a two-year period. Following chart review, consenting patients were interviewed by telephone about their sledding activities and the circumstances surrounding the injury. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-eight patients were correctly coded as having SIs, with 212 patients (65%) reached during the follow-up survey. The median age of those with SIs was 12 years (IQR = 8, 21), and 206 (59%) were male. Injury rates peaked in the 10--14-year age group (87/100,000) for boys and in the 5--9-year age group (75/100,000) for girls. Most patients stated they were drivers (75%), fewer than half were thrown from the sled (42%), and fewer than half (44%) were sledding on community-designated sledding hills at the time of injury. Injuries to the lower extremity (32%), upper extremity (31%), and head (13%) were most common. Thirty-seven (11%) patients with SIs were admitted to hospital vs 4% of patients with other sports/recreation injuries (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sledding injuries are common and potentially serious wintertime injuries in northern communities, involving primarily younger patients, with a large pre-adolescent group. However, older sledders (>20 years) have poorer outcomes (hospitalization, lost time from work/school) than their younger counterparts. The SIs treated in the ED appear to lead to hospitalization more frequently than other types of sport/recreation injury, and injury prevention strategies appear warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Nedocromil sodium versus sodium cromoglycate in treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a systematic review.

The objective of this review was to compare the effects of prophylactic doses of nedocromil sodium (NCS) and sodium cromoglycate (SCG) on postexercise lung function, in persons diagnosed with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Randomized controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group Asthma Register, plus hand searching for trials in journals, bibliographies of relevant studies and review articles. Randomized controlled trials comparing NCS to SCG in prophylactic treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction were eligible. Studies were pooled using odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous outcomes or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for continuous outcomes. No significant differences were noted between NCS and SCG with respect to the maximum per cent decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second (WMD=-0.88; 95% CI -4.50-2.74), complete protection (OR=0.95; 95% CI 0.50-1.81), clinical protection (OR=0.71; 95% CI 0.36-1.39), unpleasant taste (OR=6.85; 95% CI 0.77-60.73), or sore throat (OR=3.46; 95% CI 0.32-37.48). Subgroup analyses based on age, dosages of medications and timing of exercise postinhalation were consistent with the overall pooled analyses. No significant differences were evident between the effects of nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate during the immediate postexercise period in adults and children with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, with regards to maximum per cent decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second, complete protection, or clinical protection. Side-effect profiles were similar.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Evidence-based treatments for acute asthma.

Asthma is an important health care problem; over 12 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, the majority of whom are young patients. Presentations of acute asthma to emergency departments are common. In the United States, acute asthma presentations account for close to 2 million emergency department visits annually, and these patients often exhibit acute and chronic markers of severe asthma; so controlling asthma is important from many perspectives. We review the evidence for various acute asthma therapies, using the highest levels of evidence, employing systematic reviews (especially those from the Cochrane Collaboration) and evidence from randomized controlled trials to guide therapy decisions. beta agonists and systemic corticosteroids are the cornerstones of initial treatment. Delivery of beta agonists via nebulizer or metered-dose inhaler with spacer device appear to be similarly efficacious. However, recent evidence from studies involving children and adults indicate that addition of ipratropium bromide to early beta agonist treatments may reduce airway obstruction and reduce hospital admissions, especially for more severe asthma. Evidence from systematic reviews indicates that intravenous magnesium sulfate may provide similar benefits in severe asthma. Antibiotics, intravenous beta agonists, and intravenous aminophylline have been shown to add little and may increase adverse effects. Treatment for discharged patients should include systemic corticosteroids for 5-7 days, for all but the mildest asthma. Addition of inhaled corticosteroids should be considered for most patients, since evidence suggests that inhaled corticosteroids may reduce relapses and improve quality of life. Alternative treatments such as long-acting beta agonists and leukotriene antagonists remain unproven in this setting. Linking a discharge plan to close follow-up and asthma education (especially an action plan) needs to be encouraged. Acute asthma is a common problem and treatment has improved dramatically over the past 10 years. Employing the evidence-based practice outlined above should reduce the burden of acute asthma on patients and the health care system.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Interventions for preventing ankle ligament injuries.

BACKGROUND: Some sports, for example basketball and soccer, have a very high incidence of ankle injuries, mainly sprains. This contributes to ankle sprains being one of the most commonly treated injuries. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions used for the prevention of ankle ligament injuries or sprains in physically active individuals from adolescence to middle age. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register, MEDLINE (1966 to July 1996), EMBASE (1980 to September 1996), CINAHL (1982 to June 1996), and bibliographies of study reports. We also contacted colleagues and some trialists. Date of the most recent search: March 1997. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised trials of interventions for the prevention of ankle sprains in physically active individuals from adolescence to middle age were included provided ankle sprains were recorded. Interventions include use of modified footwear and associated supports, adapted training programmes and health education. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least four reviewers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Wherever possible, results of outcome measures were pooled and sub-grouped by history of previous sprain. MAIN RESULTS: Five randomised trials with data for 3954 participants were included. All trials involved young, active, mostly male adults participating in high-risk, usually sporting, activities. With the exception of ankle disc training, all prophylactic interventions entailed the application of an external ankle support in the form of a semi-rigid orthosis, air-cast brace or high top shoes. There was a significant reduction in the number of ankle sprains in people allocated external ankle support (Peto odds ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval 0.37 to 0.66). This reduction was greater for those with a previous history of ankle sprain, but still possible for those without prior sprain. There was no apparent difference in the degree of severity of the ankle sprain prevented nor any change to the incidence of other leg injuries. The protective effect of 'high-top' shoes remains to be established. There was limited evidence for reduction in ankle sprain for those with previous ankle sprains who did ankle disc training exercises. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: This review provides good evidence for the beneficial effect of ankle supports in the form of semi-rigid orthoses or air-cast braces to prevent ankle sprain during high-risk sporting activities (e.g. soccer, basketball). Participants with a history of previous sprain can be advised that wearing such supports may reduce the risk of incurring a future sprain. However, any potential prophylactic effect should be balanced against the baseline risk of the activity, the supply and cost of the particular device, and for some, the possible or perceived loss of performance. Further research is indicated principally to investigate other prophylactic interventions and general applicability.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary hygiene physical therapy is a form of chest physical therapy including chest percussion and postural drainage to remove lung secretions. These are applied commonly to patients with both acute and chronic airway diseases. Despite controversies in the literature regarding its efficacy, it remains in use in a variety of clinical settings. The various forms of this therapy are labour intensive and need to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of bronchial hygiene physical therapy in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and reference lists of articles up to July 1997. We also wrote to study authors. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials in which postural drainage, chest percussion, vibration, chest shaking, directed coughing or forced exhalation technique was compared to other drainage or breathing techniques, placebo or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria on masked publications independently. They assessed the trial quality independently. Only data from the first arm of crossover trials were included. MAIN RESULTS: The seven included trials involved six comparisons and a total of 126 people. The trials were small and not generally of high quality. The results could not be combined as trials addressed different patient groups and outcomes. In most comparisons, bronchial hygiene physical therapy produced no significant effects on pulmonary function, apart from clearing sputum in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in bronchiectasis. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to support or refute the use of bronchial hygiene physical therapy in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis.

Bronchiectasis↗
PubMed2000

Holding chambers versus nebulisers for beta-agonist treatment of acute asthma.

BACKGROUND: In acute asthma inhaled beta-agonists are often administered to relieve bronchospasm by wet nebulisation, but some have argued that metered-dose inhalers with a holding chamber (spacer) can be equally effective. In the community setting nebulisers are more expensive, require a power source and need regular maintenance. OBJECTIVES: There is controversy as to whether wet nebulisers are better than metered dose inhalers with holding chambers to deliver beta2-agonist medications for acute asthma. Comparisons of hospital and home use are also of interest. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of holding chambers compared to nebulisers for the delivery of beta2-agonists for acute asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials in adults and children (from two years of age) with asthma, where holding chamber beta2-agonist delivery was compared with wet nebulisation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One reviewer applied study inclusion criteria and extracted the data. Trial quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Missing data were obtained from the authors or estimated. MAIN RESULTS: This review analysed 686 children and 375 adults included in 16 trials. Method of delivery of beta2-agonist did not appear to affect hospital admission rates. In adults, the odds ratio of holding chamber versus nebuliser was 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 2.76. The odds ratio for children was 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 2.1. Children's length of stay in the emergency department was significantly shorter when the holding chamber was used, with a weighted mean difference of -0.62 hours, 95% confidence interval -0.84 to -0.40 hours. Adults' length of stay in the emergency department was similar for the two delivery methods. Peak flow and forced expiratory volume were also similar for the two delivery methods. Pulse rate was lower for holding chamber in children, weighted mean difference -8.3% baseline, 95% confidence interval -11.5 to -5.0,. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Metered-dose inhalers with holding chamber produced outcomes that were at least equivalent to nebuliser delivery. Holding chambers may have some advantages compared to nebulisers for children with acute asthma.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Corticosteroids for preventing relapse following acute exacerbations of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Acute asthma is responsible for many emergency department visits annually. Between 12-16% will relapse to require additional interventions within two weeks of ED discharge. Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and reducing airway inflammation and this review examines the evidence for using systemic corticosteroids to improve outcomes after discharge from the ED. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of corticosteroids (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) for the treatment of asthmatic patients discharged from an acute care setting (i.e. usually the emergency department) after assessment and treatment of an acute asthmatic exacerbation. SEARCH STRATEGY: The Cochrane Airways Group "Asthma and Wheez* RCT" register was searched using the terms: a) Asthma OR Wheez* b) Glucocorticoid OR Steroid* AND c) Exacerbat* OR Relapse* OR Emerg*. In addition, authors of all included studies were contacted to determine if unpublished studies which met the inclusion criteria were available. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews and texts were also searched for additional citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomized controlled trials were eligible for selection. Studies were included in this review if they dealt with the outpatient treatment of asthmatic exacerbations using glucocorticoids at discharge and reported either relapse rate or PFTs. Two independent reviewers first identified potentially relevant studies and then selected articles for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Agreement was assessed using kappa (k) statistics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by two reviewers; authors were contacted to verify the extracted data and clarify missing information. When author contact was unsuccessful, missing data were estimated from graphs where possible. Sensitivity, sub-group and overall analyses were performed using the Cochrane Review Manager. MAIN RESULTS: A search that yielded 229 references identified 169 (73%) original publications. Reviewers identified 8 studies for potential inclusion (k =0.76); 18 references were added by searching publication reference lists and contact with authors. Of these 26 articles, a total of 7 were included in the overview. Two studies used intramuscular corticosteroids, five studies used oral corticosteroids. Significantly fewer patients in the corticosteroid group relapsed to receive additional care in the first week (odds ratio (OR) 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 0.73). This favourable effect was maintained over the first 21 days (OR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.82). Patients receiving corticosteroids had less need for beta-agonists (weighted mean difference (WMD) -3.3 activations/day; 95% CI: -5.5, -1.0). Changes in pulmonary function tests (SMD 0.045; 95% CI: -0.47, 0.56) and side effects (SMD 0.03; 95% CI : -0.38, 0.44) in the first 7-10 days, while rarely reported, showed no differences between the treatment groups. Statistically significant heterogeneity was identified for the side effect results; all other outcomes were homogeneous. It appears that IM corticosteroids are similarly efficacious to a 7-10 day tapering course of oral agents. From these results, as few as 13 patients need to be treated to prevent relapse to additional care after an exacerbation of asthma. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: A short course of corticosteroids following assessment for an acute exacerbation of asthma significantly reduces the number of relapses to additional care and decreases beta-agonist use without an apparent increase in side effects. Intramuscular corticosteroids appear as effective as oral agents.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Interventions for preventing falls in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Fractures in the elderly often result from a simple fall. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of programmes designed to reduce the incidence of falls in community dwelling, institutionalised, or hospitalised elderly people. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycLIT, Social Science Citation Index, Dissertation Abstracts, Index to UK Theses, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of identified studies. We contacted known workers in the field. Trials were also obtained from the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group trials register. Date of the most recent search: May 1997. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of interventions designed to minimise the effect of, or prevent exposure to, any putative risk factor for falling in elderly individuals living in the community, in institutional care, or in hospital. The main outcomes of interest were number of fallers or falls, or the number sustaining a fall resulting in injury. Trials that focused on intermediate outcomes such as improved balance or did not report fall outcomes, were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers selected trials for inclusion. For each included trial, quality assessment and data extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers. Results of trials of similar design were pooled. MAIN RESULTS: Eighteen trials and one pre-planned meta-analysis were included. The analysis of four trials which studied the effect of exercise alone did not establish protection against falling (Peto odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.48). Based on one trial, there was no evidence to support exercise in conjunction with health education classes (Peto odds ratio 1.72; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 3.75), or of health education classes alone (Peto odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval 0.51 to 3.03) for the prevention of falls. However, significant protection against falling was apparent from interventions which targeted multiple, identified, risk factors in individual patients (Peto odds ratio 0.77; 95% confidence interval 0. 64 to 0.91), and from interventions which focused on behavioural interventions targeting environmental hazards plus other risk factors (Peto odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.93). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Health care purchasers and providers contemplating fall prevention programmes should consider health screening of at risk elderly people, followed by interventions which are targeted at both intrinsic and environmental risk factors of individual patients. There is inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of single interventions such as exercise alone or health education classes for the prevention of falls.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2000

Vaccines for preventing influenza in people with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination is recommended for asthmatic patients in many countries as observational studies have shown that influenza infection can be associated with asthma exacerbations, but influenza vaccination itself has the potential to adversely affect pulmonary function. A recent overview concluded that there was no clear benefit of influenza vaccination in patients with asthma but this conclusions was not based on a systematic search of the literature. OBJECTIVES: Whilst influenza may cause asthma exacerbations, there is controversy about the use of influenza vaccinations, since they may precipitate an asthma attack in some people. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of influenza vaccination in children and adults with asthma. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register and checked reference lists of articles. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of influenza vaccination in children (over two years of age) and adults with asthma. Studies involving people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Inclusion criteria and assessment of trial quality were applied by two reviewers independently. Data extraction was done by two reviewers independently. Study authors were contacted for missing information. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials were included. Four of these trials were of high quality. One further article has been included since the previous version of this review. Inclusion of the new trial has not altered the conclusions of this review. The included studies covered a wide diversity of people, settings and types of influenza vaccination, so data from the different trials were not pooled. In one trial, no protective effect of influenza vaccination against asthma exacerbation was demonstrated, but the incidence of influenza was low during the study period. A higher number of asthma exacerbations following killed influenza vaccination was found in one trial (risk difference 3 1%, 95% confidence interval 0.3% to 5.8%). When people with upper respiratory tract infections were excluded, this difference was no longer significant. A small trial using recombinant vaccine found no significant difference in asthma exacerbations between the vaccinated and placebo groups. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is not enough evidence to assess the benefits and risks of influenza vaccination for people with asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Nedocromil sodium for preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced asthma causes cough, dyspnea, wheeze and chest tightness. Management of focuses on prevention through pharmaco-therapy and alternate strategies. Single use, pre-exercise beta2-agonists and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as the cromones are the most common treatments. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of a single dose of nedocromil sodium to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group trials register, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Current Contents, review articles, textbooks and reference lists of articles. We also contacted the drug manufacturer and primary authors for additional citations. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials comparing a single dose of nedocromil sodium with placebo to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in people over six years of age. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Study authors were contacted for confirmation of data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty randomised controlled trials involving 280 participants were identified. 15-60 min following inhalation of 4 mg nedocromil, the maximum fall in forced expiratory volume in one second due to exercise was improved by 15.6%, (95% CI:13.2 to 18.1) compared to the placebo response. The maximum percentage fall in peak expiratory flow rate was of the same magnitude (weighted mean difference 15.0%; 95% CI 8.3 to 21.6). Nedocromil shortened the time to recover lung normal function from more than 30 minutes with placebo to less than 10 minutes with the drug. The relative magnitude of its effect was greatest in patients with more severe exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (defined as an exercise-induced fall in lung function > 30% from baseline). There were no significant adverse effects reported. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Nedocromil sodium used before exercise appears to reduce the severity and duration of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This effect appears to be more pronounced in people with severe exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Magnesium sulfate for treating exacerbations of acute asthma in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute asthma is based on rapid reversal of bronchospasm and arresting airway inflammation. There is some evidence that intravenous magnesium can provide additional bronchodilation when given in conjunction with standard bronchodilating agents and corticosteroids. No systematic review of this literature has been completed on this topic. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of additional intravenous magnesium sulfate in patients with acute asthma managed in the emergency department. SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Review Group register. Bibliographies from included studies, known reviews and texts were searched. Primary authors and content experts were contacted. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presented with acute asthma and were treated with IV magnesium sulfate vs placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed independently by two reviewers. Missing data were obtained from authors. MAIN RESULTS: Seven trials were included (5 adult, 2 pediatric). A total of 665 patients were involved. Patients receiving magnesium sulfate demonstrated non-significant improvements in peak expiratory flow rates when all studies were pooled (weighted mean difference: 29.4 L/min; 95% confidence interval: -3.4 to 62). In studies of people with severe acute asthma, peak expiratory flow rate improved by 52.3 L/min (95% confidence interval: 27 to 77.5). The forced expiratory volume in one second also improved by 9.8 % predicted (95% confidence interval: 3.8 to 15.8). Overall, admission to hospital was not reduced, odds ratio: 0.31 (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 1.02). In the severe subgroup, admissions were reduced in those receiving magnesium sulfate (odds ratio: 0.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.04 to 0.27). No clinically important changes in vital signs or adverse side effects were reported. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support routine use of intravenous magnesium sulfate in all patients with acute asthma presenting to the emergency department. Magnesium sulfate appears to be safe and beneficial in patients who present with severe acute asthma.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Early emergency department treatment of acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: The airway edema and secretions associated with acute asthma are most effectively treated with anti-inflammatories such as corticosteroids delivered by inhaled, oral, intravenous or intra-muscular routes. There is an unresolved debate about the use of systemic corticorticoids in the early treatment of acute asthma for emergency department patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine the benefit of treating patients with acute asthma with systemic corticosteroids within an hour of presenting to the emergency department (ED). SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomised controlled trials were identified from the Cochrane Airways Group Asthma Register. Primary authors and content experts were contacted to identify eligible studies. Bibliographies from included studies and known reviews were searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Studies were included if patients presenting to the ED with acute asthma were treated with IV/IM or oral corticosteroids (CS) vs. placebo within 1 hour of arrival and either admission rate or pulmonary function results were reported. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trial selection, data extraction and quality assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers, and confirmed with corresponding authors. MAIN RESULTS: Twelve studies involving 863 patients (435 corticosteroids; 428 placebo) were included. Early use of CS for acute asthma in the ED significantly reduced admission rates (N = 11; pooled OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.78). This would correspond with a number needed to treat of 8 (95% CI: 5 to 21). This benefit was more pronounced for those not receiving systemic CS prior to ED presentation (N = 7; OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.70) and those with more severe asthma (N = 7; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0. 59). Oral CS therapy in children was particularly effective (N = 3; OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.53); no trials in adults used the oral route. Side effects were not significantly different between corticosteroid treatments and placebo. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Use of corticosteroids within 1 hour of presentation to an ED significantly reduces the need for hospital admission in patients with acute asthma. Benefits appear greatest in patients with more severe asthma, and those not currently receiving steroids. Children appear to respond well to oral steroids.

Acute Disease↗