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Minimal Evidence (minimal + evidence)
Selected AbstractsLatent Mahaim Fiber as a Cause of Antidromic Reciprocating Tachycardia: Recognition and Successful Radiofrequency AblationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002M.R.C.P., NEIL C. DAVIDSON M.B. Latent Mahaim Fiber. The term "Mahaim fiber" usually is applied to an atriofascicular fiber that inserts distally into the right bundle branch and forms the anterograde limb of a reciprocating tachycardia. One of the features that has been used to describe the physiology of Mahaim fibers is the presence of anterograde preexcitation. We describe two patients who had a clinical tachycardia consistent with a "Mahaim tachycardia" in whom there was no evidence or minimal evidence of anterograde preexcitation during sinus rhythm or atrial pacing. In both patients, the tachycardia was rendered noninducible by radiofrequency ablation at the site of Mahaim potentials at the tricuspid annulus, and a long-term cure was achieved. This is the first description of a "latent Mahaim fiber" that does not cause preexcitation but which can support antidromic reciprocating tachycardia. [source] Management of skin toxicity during radiation therapy: A review of the evidenceJOURNAL OF MEDICAL IMAGING AND RADIATION ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2010S Kumar Summary Acute skin toxicity occurs in the majority of the patients undergoing radical radiotherapy. While a variety of topical agents and dressing are used to ameliorate side effects, there is minimal evidence to support their use. The aims of this study were to systematically review evidence on acute skin toxicity management and to assess the current practices in ANZ. A systematic review of the literature was conducted on studies published between 1980 and 2008. A meta-analysis was performed on articles on clinical trials reporting grade II or greater toxicity. Analyses were divided into breast (the most common site) and other sites. A survey of Radiation Oncology departments across ANZ was conducted to identify patterns of practices and compare these with the published evidence. Twenty-nine articles were reviewed. Only seven articles demonstrated statistically significant results for management of side-effects. These were for topical corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, sucralfate, calendula, Cavilon cream (3M, St Paul, Minnesota, USA) and silver leaf dressing. Meta-analysis demonstrated statistical significance for the prophylactic use of topical agents in the management acute toxicity. The survey of departments had a low response rate but demonstrated variation in skin care practices across ANZ. A considerable number of these practices were based only on anecdotal evidence. Lack of evidence in the literature for the care of radiation skin reactions was associated with variation in practice. Only a limited number of studies have demonstrated a significant benefit of specific topical agents. There is a need for objective and prospective recording of skin toxicity to collect meaningful comparative data on which to base recommendations for practice. [source] Targeted Pharmacotherapy of Evoked Phenomena in Neuropathic Pain: A Review of the Current EvidencePAIN MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007BSc(Med), Ron Granot MB BS ABSTRACT Objective., Evoked phenomena in clinical neuropathic pain are viewed as a window into the underlying pathophysiology. They are also potential therapeutic targets. This study sought evidence for the effect on such evoked phenomena of currently used agents. Design., We reviewed MEDLINE (1966,2006) and EMBASE (1980,2006) to locate all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining therapeutic responses of evoked neuropathic pain phenomena, including dynamic mechanical allodynia, pin prick hyperalgesia, and thermal allodynia. We also noted the methods of elicitation of these evoked pain phenomena. Results., We found 40 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. A wide variety of methods was used to evoke neuropathic pain phenomena. For dynamic mechanical allodynia, there is some evidence for the efficacy of ketamine, alfentanil, and morphine, but only when administered intravenously. For other agents and other evoked pain phenomena, there is insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions. Conclusions., There is minimal evidence to guide clinicians in treating evoked pain phenomena in clinical neuropathic pain states. There is little clinical evidence to either support or refute theoretical arguments for efficacy of specific agents in evoked neuropathic pain phenomena. More and larger trials are needed to examine these phenomena. Consensus is required with respect to methods used to elicit these evoked phenomena. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,ED PHARMACOTHERAPY: Post-Radical Prostatectomy Pharmacological Penile Rehabilitation: Practice Patterns Among the International Society for Sexual Medicine PractitionersTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2009Patrick Teloken MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Despite the fact that there is minimal evidence-based data supporting it, the concept of pharmacological penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy (RP) is receiving great attention. Aim., To define attitudes and practice patterns of clinicians who were members of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and/or its affiliated societies. Methods., Members of the ISSM and its regional affiliates were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Main Outcome Measures., Demographic factors, current practice status, and opinions regarding post-RP erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation. The statistical methods used included chi-square, Student's t -tests, and logistic regression analysis. Results., Three hundred-one physicians from 41 countries completed the questionnaire (82% were urologists). Sixty-five percent of the responders had formal sexual medicine specialty training, 44% had uro-oncology specialty training, and 60% performed RPs. Eighty-seven percent performed some form of rehabilitation. As part of the primary rehabilitation strategy, 95% used phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), 30% used vacuum device, 75% used intracavernosal injections, and 9.9% used intraurethral prostaglandin. Fifty-four percent commenced rehabilitation immediately/just after urethral catheter removal, and 37% within the first 4 months after RP. Neither the number of years in medical practice, clinician age, nor country/region of practice differed between rehabilitation performers and nonperformers. With regard to the primary reason for avoiding rehabilitation: 50% responded said it is the cost; 25% said the fact that it is not evidence-based; and 25% said they were not familiar with the concept. Performing rehabilitation was positively associated with urologic oncology training (P = 0.03), performing RP (P < 0.001), and seeing over 50 post-RP patients per year (P = 0.011). Conclusions., Among ISSM members post-RP penile rehabilitation is widely practiced, commenced early, and based predominantly on PDE5 inhibitors and intracavernosal injections. Clinicians who perform RP or see over 50 such patients per year are the most likely to perform rehabilitation. Cost represents the most common reason for rehabilitation neglect. Teloken P, Mesquita G, Montorsi F, and Mulhall J. Post-radical prostatectomy pharmacological penile rehabilitation: Practice patterns among ISSM practitioners. J Sex Med 2009;6:2032,2038. [source] | ||||||||||