Effects Of Prophylactic Use Research Articles

Nitroglycerin combined with NSAIDs for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: A meta-analysis of prospective, randomized, controlled trials.

Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with an incidence of approximately 9.7% according to some literature reviews. Recent clinical guidelines propose that glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) can reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). However, currently, no guidelines provide an exact opinion on GTN and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. A meta-analysis was performed of published, full-length, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of prophylactic use of GTN, including GTN alone or GTN in combination with NSAIDs, on the prevention of PEP. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library. Search terms included "endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography" OR "ERCP," "OR 'PEP' OR 'post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis', pancreatitis," "GTN" OR "glyceryl trinitrate" OR "nitroglycerin," "NSAIDs" OR "Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs" and limited to RCT. A total of 10 RCTs comprising 3240 patients undergoing ERCP were included. Meta-analysis revealed that the administration of GTN was associated with a significant reduction in the overall incidence of PEP. Moreover, PEP incidence was significantly lower in the GTN combined with the NSAIDs group than in the GTN alone group. GTN alone or GTN combined with NSAIDs may not reduce the severity of PEP (risk ratio = 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.99; P = .04). The difference in incidence between the 2 groups is 1.01% (6/594) in the GTN with NSAIDs group and 2.36% (14/592) in the placebo group. GTN has a significant benefit in preventing postoperative ERCP pancreatitis (P < .001). And neither GTN nor GTN plus NSAIDs reduces the incidence of non-mild ERCP postoperative pancreatitis. These conclusions need to be confirmed by high-quality randomized controlled studies with multicenter, large samples, and long-term follow-up.

The effects of prophylactic use of esketamine on postoperative depression and quality of life: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of prophylactic use of esketamine on postoperative depression and quality of life in patients. We searched for all articles on esketamine in patients after surgury in electronic data bases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, up to the June 2023.The included studies compared the impact of using esketamine and placebo on postoperative depression and quality of life in patients through randomized controlled trials. The outcome measurements consist of postoperative depression and indicators that can reflect the impact on patients' post Cochrane Risk of Bias tool in Review Manager 5.4 tool was adopted to assess the risk of bias. The study included a total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 1447 participants. This meta-analysis demonstrated that the prophylactic use of esketamine alleviated postoperative depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.96 to -0.25; P=0.0008) and incidence (relative risk [RR]:0.37;95% [CI]: 0.22 to 0.62; P=0.0001), reducing the occurrence of postoperative depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Additionally, it improved postoperative sleep quality and enhanced the postoperative quality of life for patients. Prophylactic use of esketamine during the preoperative and anesthesia period has shown significant benefits in improving postoperative quality of life. It can effectively alleviate postoperative depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, as well as enhance sleep quality.

Role of prophylactic fresh frozen plasma in critically ill neonate to prevent bleeding in disseminated intravascular coagulation: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has a high prevalence in critically ill neonates. In suspicion of DIC based on abnormal coagulation parameter is a common trigger to transfuse fresh frozen plasma (FFP), even in absence of bleeding. In past years, use of FFP has increased and has expanded to include prophylactic use in neonates especially in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as it contains several coagulation factors. Several studies suggest that, prophylactic use of FFP has no role to prevent bleeding in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but carries increase risk of transfusion related mortality and morbidity. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of prophylactic use of FFP in critically ill neonate to prevent bleeding in DIC. Methods: This randomized, open-label, blinded end-point study was conducted in Bangladesh Institute of Child Health and Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from July, 2019 to June, 2021. Term, critically ill neonates who had underlying disease, suspected to develop DIC were conveniently selected. Later, they were randomly allocated using software in intervention group, who received 10 ml/kg of FFP along with standard management and control group, who received only standard management. Coagulation parameters were checked before and 24 hour after intervention in both groups. Outcome was occurrence of bleeding as a indicator of DIC. Results: The mean age was 8.55 ± 3.5 days in intervention and 8.92 ± 6.1 days in control group. Male patients were predominant. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between two groups. The difference of mean ± SD of coagulation parameters between two groups were nonsignificant before intervention. Even after FFP transfusion, DIC developed among 40.1% neonates in intervention and without FFP transfusion among 48.9% neonates in control group without any significant difference (P-value &gt;0.05). Conclusion: Study result found no role of prophylactic use of FFP in critically ill neonate to prevent bleeding in DIC. Bangladesh Medical Res Counc Bull 2022; 48: 146-153

Orally Ingested Probiotic, Prebiotic, and Synbiotic Interventions as Countermeasures for Gastrointestinal Tract Infections in Nonelderly Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analyses have not examined the prophylactic use of orally ingested probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for preventing gastrointestinal tract infections (GTIs) of various etiologies in adult populations, despite evidence that these gut microbiota-targeted interventions can be effective in treating certain GTIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the effects of prophylactic use of orally ingested probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on GTI incidence, duration, and severity in nonelderly, nonhospitalized adults. CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through January 2022. English-language, peer-reviewed publications of randomized, placebo-controlled studies testing an orally ingested probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic intervention of any dose for ≥1 wk in adults who were not hospitalized, immunosuppressed, or taking antibiotics were included. Results were analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses of intention-to-treat (ITT) and complete case (CC) cohorts. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 tool. Seventeen publications reporting 20 studies of probiotics (n = 16), prebiotics (n = 3), and synbiotics (n = 1) were identified (n > 6994 subjects). In CC and ITT analyses, risk of experiencing ≥1 GTI was reduced with probiotics (CC analysis-risk ratio: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.01) and prebiotics (risk ratio: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.98). No effects on GTI duration or severity were observed. Sources of heterogeneity included the study population and number of probiotic strains administered but were often unexplained, and a high risk of bias was observed for most studies. The specific effects of individual probiotic strains and prebiotic types could not be assessed owing to a lack of confirmatory studies. Findings indicated that both orally ingested probiotics and prebiotics, relative to placebo, demonstrated modest benefit for reducing GTI risk in nonelderly adults. However, results should be interpreted cautiously owing to the low number of studies, high risk of bias, and unexplained heterogeneity that may include probiotic strain-specific or prebiotic-specific effects. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42020200670.

Combination prophylaxis in CMV high risk heart transplant recipients: A single center experience.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most clinically relevant infectious agent following heart transplantation (HTX). Data on the beneficial effects of prophylactic use of CMV immunoglobulins (CMVIG) are scarce. In this single-center, retrospective study, we reported patient outcomes following cardiac transplantation using prophylactic CMV treatment, including CMVIG. Distinct clinically relevant outcomes were compared across different CMV risk groups (CMV D-/R-, CMV D-/R+, CMV D+/R+, and CMV D+/R- or CMV high risk group). We included 272 heart transplant procedures, performed between 1/1/2009 and 1/11/2020. Sixty-one (22%) procedures belonged to the CMV high risk group, while 96 (35%), 50 (18%), and 65 (24%) were CMV D-/R-, CMV D-/R+, and CMV D+/R+, respectively. Baseline donor and recipient characteristics (sex, age, body mass index, cause of death, indication for HTX), ischemia times and baseline immunosuppressive regimens were similar across the different CMV risk groups, yet fewer patients were bridged with a mechanical circulatory support in the CMV D+/R- group. CMV disease following cardiac transplantation was more common in the CMV D+/R- risk group (n=40 or 66.7%; p<.001), yet mortality and re-transplantation rates, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) severity, rejection episodes, and development of donor-specific antibodies (DSA), post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD), and EBV infections were similar across all four CMV risk groups. High risk CMV D+/R- patients had a similar survival compared to low and intermediate CMV risk groups using a prophylactic strategy combining CMVIG and viral DNA polymerase inhibitors. This may be related to a number of factors unrelated to prophylaxis strategy as two out of three CMV D+/R- recipients developed CMV primary infection after prophylaxis was discontinued.

Prophylactic tranexamic acid in patients with hematologic malignancy: a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

AbstractEvidence of the effectiveness of prophylactic use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in thrombocytopenia is lacking. To determine whether TXA safely reduces bleeding incidence in patients undergoing treatment for hematologic malignancies, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted from June 2016 through June 2020. Of 3120 screened adults, 356 patients were eligible and enrolled, and 337 patients (mean age, 53.9; 141 [41.8%] women), randomized to 1300 mg TXA orally or 1000 mg TXA through IV (n = 168) vs placebo (n = 169) thrice daily for maximum 30 days. Three hundred thirty patients were activated when their platelet counts fell below 30 000 per µL; 279 (83%) had complete outcome ascertainment. World Health Organization (WHO) grade ≥2 bleeding was observed in the 30 days following activation in 50.3% (73/145) and 54.2% (78/144) of patients in the TXA and placebo groups, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-1.34; P = .44). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of platelet transfusions (mean difference, 0.1; 95% CI, −1.9 to 2.0), mean days alive without grade ≥2 bleeding (mean difference, 0.8; 95% CI, −0.4 to 2.0), thrombotic events (6/163 [3.7%] TXA, 9/163 [5.5%] placebo), or deaths due to serious bleeding. Most common adverse events were: diarrhea (116/164 [70.7%] TXA and 114/163 [69.9%] placebo); febrile neutropenia (111/164 [67.7%] TXA, 105/163 [64.4%] placebo); fatigue (106/164 [64.6%] TXA, 109/163 [66.9%] placebo); and nausea (104/164 [63.4%] TXA, 97/163 [59.5%] placebo). Among patients with hematologic malignancy undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, prophylactic treatment with TXA compared with placebo did not significantly reduce the risk of WHO grade ≥2 bleeding.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Use of Hepatoprotectants for Tuberculosis Drug-Induced Liver Injury: A Population-Based Cohort Analysis Involving 6,743 Chinese Patients.

Background: Tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (TB-DILI) is a common and potentially severe adverse drug reaction leading to treatment interruption and treatment failure. The real-world preventive effectiveness of hepatoprotective agents for DILI is not well described. The aim of the study was to evaluate the patterns of prophylactic therapies in real-world settings and risks of DILI among adult TB patients without known risk factors for DILI. Methods: This is a population-based retrospective cohort study of patients receiving first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs in the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) TB registry linked to the Ningbo Regional Health Care Database (NRHCD) between 2015 and 2020. The primary exposure was any use of chemopreventive agents including silymarin and/or glycyrrhetinic acid during the 30-day period prior to TB diagnosis (index date). The main outcome measure was the occurrence of newly onset DILI following TB treatment. Eligible patients were followed until the earliest of any DILI, treatment discontinuation, death, or end of the study period (30 June 2020). Marginal structural competing risk models and Cox models via inverse probability treatment weights using high-dimensional propensity scores were used to estimate subdistribution hazard risks (SHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for DILI risks, with adjustment for age, sex, TB-related characteristics, and comorbidities. Results: We identified a cohort of 6,743 adult patients with TB (mean age of 47.1 [SD 18.7] years; 65.80% male), of whom 2,886 (42.8%) patients received hepatoprotective agents. A total of 895 DILI events and 111 all-cause death events without DILI were observed over a median follow-up of 367 days post-TB diagnosis. The incidence rates of composite outcomes combining DILI and all-cause mortality were 248.9 and 222.3 per 1,000 person-years in the hepatoprotective agent exposed and unexposed groups (relative hazard ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.11–1.64), respectively. The incidence rates of DILI were 223.7 and 196.1 per 1,000 person-years in the hepatoprotective agent exposed and unexposed groups (relative hazard ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.12–1.71), respectively. Patients with any chemopreventive agent use had comparable liver function changes as evidenced by laboratory tests. Conclusion: A non-trivial number of adult patients received chemopreventive agents for TB-DILI. However, prophylactic utilization of hepatoprotective agents was not associated with a reduction in TB-DILI risks.

A Comparison between Intravenous Ondansetron and Granisetron in the Preventive Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract Background: Efforts are still conducted to reduce side effects of anesthesia, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This study was performed to compare the effectiveness of prophylactic use of intravenous Ondansetron (4 mg) and Granisetron (2 mg) in the preventive management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in women undergoing elective lower (uterine) segment cesarean section (LSCS). Patients and Methods: A total of 100 patients belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I and II posted for elective LSCS were included in the study. 100 patients were further divided into two groups (n = 50), i.e., Group O (ondansetron) and Group G (granisetron). This study was conducted from November 2017 to August 2019 on 100 ASA I and ASA II patients, aged from 18 to 35 years who underwent elective LSCS under the subarachnoid block. Results: Both drugs Ondansetron and Granisetron showed prevention of PONV (Granisetron showed 80% response and Ondansetron showed 44% response). Both drugs have shown promising results for a shorter duration in postoperative care but Ondansetron showed a higher number of PONV incidences than Granisetron in long duration. Conclusion: Granisetron is effective than Ondansetron in preventing nausea and vomiting in the late postoperative period with fewer side effects.

Comparison of prophylactic dexmedetomidine and ketamine for the control of shivering under spinal anaesthesia

Background: Shivering is a common problem during neuraxial block. Thermoregulatory control gets compromised by neyraxial block and as a result the incidence of shivering can go up to 56.7%. Aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic use of intravenous dexmedetomidine and ketamine for the control of shivering and to note any side-effects of the drugs used during subarachnoid block.Methods: This randomised single blind study was conducted in 151 ASA grade I and II patients. SAB was performed with 3.0mL (15 mg) of 0.5% bupivacaine heavy in all patients. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 75 and 76each to receive dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/kg) in group D and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) in group K respectively. Temperature and hemodynamic parameters were recorded at every 15mins interval. Shivering was graded from 0 to 4 according to Tsai and Chu and if grade 3 shivering occurred, the study was stopped and pethidine 25 mg was given intravenously as rescue drug.Results: 2.67% of patients in group D had shivering whereas 38.16% patients in group K experienced shivering at the 5th minute after spinal anaesthesia and it was statistically significant. However the difference in the incidence of shivering was not statistically significant between the two groups after the initial 5 minutes till the end of surgery.Conclusions: The prophylactic use of dexmedetomidine reduced incidences of shivering more effectively as compared to prophylactic use of ketamine. None of the drugs caused any untoward side effects.

A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY OF COMPARISON OF PROPHYLACTIC KETAMINE, CLONIDINE AND TRAMODOL FOR THE CONTROL OF SHIVERING UNDER NEURAXIALANAESTHESIA

Background: Thermoregulatory system coordinates defenses against environmental temperature to maintain internal core temperature within a narrow range, thus optimizing normal body function and homeostasis in humans. Anaesthetic induced thermoregulatory impairment and hence hypothermia in cold environments. Shivering is an important complication of hypothermia. Shivering is an involuntary, oscillatory muscular activity that augments metabolic heat production upto 600% above basal level to increase temperature. It is associated with substantial adrenergic activation, discomfort and can double or even triple oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production. Potent anti-shivering properties have been attributed to numerous drugs including biogenic monoamines, cholinomimetics, cations, endogenous peptides and possibly N-methyl-D- aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists like ketamine, tramadol and clonidine. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic use of intravenous ketamine, clonidine and tramadol in control of shivering and to note any side-effects of the drugs used. Methods: A total number of 120 ASA I and 2 patients of either sex belonging to age group 18-60 years posted for Lower Abdomen and Lower Limb surgeries under subarachnoid block were divided into four groups of 30 each. Group P (control group): Patients received 10mL of normal saline IV as placebo. Group K: Patients received Inj. Ketamine 0.5mg/kg BW IV diluted to 10ml in Normal Saline. Group C: Patients received Inj. Clonidine 75mcg IV diluted to 10ml in Normal Saline. Group T: patients received Inj. Tramadol 0.5mg/kg BW IV diluted to 10ml in normal saline. Results: We conclude that giving Ketamine 0.5mg/kg,Clonidine 75mcg or tramadol 0.5mg/kg i.v. prophylactically just before subarachnoid block significantly decreased the incidence of shivering without causing any major side effects. Conclusion: Ketamine, Tramadol or Clonidine decrease shivering during spinal anesthesia.

NSAID-induced damage to the gastrointestinal tract: new opportunities for the prevention of gastro- and enteropathies

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of inflammatory and pain syndromes in the clinical practice of doctors of various specialties. The popularity of this pharmacological group is increasing due to over-the-counter dispensing condition, but at the same time, the significance of issues of likelihood, prevention and treatment of severe adverse drug reactions during intake that is controlled and uncontrolled by medical personnel is increasing. This review is devoted to the issue of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced damage to the gastrointestinal tract and to the current possibilities to prevent and manage such damage. The drugs that can increase the production of prostaglandins and mucus in the digestive tract and have a general anti-inflammatory effect raise significant hopes. Rebamipide draws particular attention due to numerous pleiotropic effects, including stimulation of secretion of newly formed prostaglandins and glycoproteins in the mucous membranes, inhibition of synthesis of oxidative stress products, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by intestinal epithelial cells. The authors considered the effectiveness of prophylactic use of rebamipide in comparison with other strategies for the use of drugs to prevent the development of stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers and distal small bowel ulcers. They described the mechanisms of prophylactic action and its debatable aspects for proton pump inhibitors, H2-histamine receptor blockers, misoprostol. The clinical efficacy of rebamipide is illustrated by a clinical example. The absence of effects on cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, which minimizes the risks of drug interactions and changes in bioavailability, biotransformation and excretion of the drug itself during its course use is an additional advantage of rebamipide.

Effects of Prophylactic Use of a Decoction of Blueberry Leaves in Modeling the Lesion of the Gastrointestinal Tract by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Introduction: Today there is a continuing search for an effective, affordable remedy that can be used to treat and prevent diseases of periodontal, stomach and duodenum during the use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ). Aim: To study the protective effect of phytopreparation (decoction of blueberry leaves) on an experimental model of gastric ulcer and periodontitis. Material and Methods: The study was performed on 30 rats, which were evenly divided into three groups: 1 – control animals, 2 – animals that were modeled with non-steroid gastric ulcer and periodontitis (7 mg/kg diclofenacum natrium intragastrically for 5 days) and 3 – group in the background experimental pathology was introduced decoction of blueberry leaves 1:10 2 ml intragastrically (30 minutes after the introduction of diclofenacum natrium). Results: Histological examination of the mucous membrane of rats, which used as a preventive agent decoction of blueberry leaves, showed that it is characterized only by single erosion, no fibrinosis and hemorrhagic plaque, lympho-macrophage infiltration. Conclusions: Simultaneous use of a decoction of blueberry leaves can be used as a preventive and curative agent to prevent the development of erosions and ulcers of the mucous membrane of the digestive system.

Effects of prophylactic use of taurolidine-citrate lock on the number of catheter-related infections in children under 2 years of age undergoing surgery

Central venous access poses a risk for the development of catheter-related infections (CRIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate prophylactic use of taurolidine-citrate (T-C) solution on the number of CRIs. Ninety-seven catheters, used in 86 children, were divided at random into two groups: Group T(-) (N=49) underwent standard aseptic procedures, and Group T(+) (N=48) received additional filling of the lines with T-C solution during intervals in cycles of parenteral nutrition or drug supply. Sixteen CRIs occurred in Group T(-) and one CRI occurred in Group T(+); this difference was significant (P<0.05). Use of T-C appears to be a safe and effective method for the prevention of CRIs.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Use of Intravenous Ketamine, Dexmedetomidine and Tramadol for Prevention of Shivering After Spinal Anesthesia

Background: Shivering after spinal anesthesia is a common complication and can occur in as many as 40%-70% of patients after regional anesthesia. Present study was done with an aim to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic use of intravenous (IV) ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and tramadol for prevention of shivering after spinal anesthesia. &nbsp;Subjects and Methods: Present study was conducted at tertiary care institute of Gujarat, India. The study was carried out in 160 patients and the participants were randomized into four groups of 40 patients each as&nbsp; Group A ‑ patients receiving ketamine 0.5 mg/kg intravenous (IV) diluted in 10 mL of normal saline (NS) given as IV infusion over 10 min&nbsp; Group B ‑ patients receiving tramadol 0.5 mg/kg diluted in 10 mL of NS given as IV infusion over 10 min, Group C ‑ patients receiving dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg/kg diluted in 10 mL of NS given as IV infusion over 10 min, Group D ‑ patients receiving 10 mL of NS given as IV infusion over 10 min. Results: There was no statistically significant difference among mean age, gender, and the duration of surgery. There was statistically significant difference among the four groups, when overall shivering grades were compared. The overall sedation score, when compared among four groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is effective and comparably better than tramadol or ketamine in preventing shivering after spinal anesthesia. Apart from preventing shivering, dexmedetomidine offers other advantages in the form of sedation without any respiratory depression. However, with its use a watch should be kept on the fall hemodynamic parameters.

Prophylactic use of ergot alkaloids in the third stage of labour.

Previous research has shown that the prophylactic use of uterotonic agents in the third stage of labour reduces postpartum blood loss and moderate to severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). PPH is defined as a blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours after birth. This is one of a series of systematic reviews assessing the effects of prophylactic use of uterotonic drugs; in this review prophylactic ergot alkaloids as a whole, and different regimens of administration of ergot alkaloids, are compared with no uterotonic agents. This is an update of a Cochrane Review which was first published in 2007 and last updated in 2011. To determine the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic use of ergot alkaloids in the third stage of labour by any route (intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or oral) compared with no uterotonic agents, for the prevention of PPH. For this update, we searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (19 September 2017); we also searched reference lists of retrieved studies. We included all randomised controlled trials or cluster-randomised trials comparing prophylactic ergot alkaloids by any route (IV, IM, or oral) with no uterotonic agents in the third stage of labour among women giving birth vaginally. Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, extracted data and checked them for accuracy; they also assessed the risk of bias in included studies. Two review authors assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. There were eight included studies: three studies had a low risk of bias and five studies had high risk of bias. The studies compared ergot alkaloids with no uterotonic agents, with a total of 2031 women in the ergot alkaloids group and 1978 women in the placebo or no treatment group. Seven studies used the IV/IM route of administration and one study used the oral route.Ergot alkaloids (any route of administration) versus no uterotonic agentsUse of ergot alkaloids in the third stage of labour decreased mean blood loss (mean difference (MD) -80.52 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) -96.39 to -64.65 mL; women = 2718; studies = 3; moderate-quality evidence); decreased PPH of at least 500 mL (average risk ratio (RR) 0.52, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.94; women = 3708; studies = 5; I2 = 83%; low-quality evidence); increased maternal haemoglobin concentration (g/dL) at 24 to 48 hours postpartum (MD 0.50 g/dL, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.62; women = 1429; studies = 1; moderate-quality evidence); and decreased the use of therapeutic uterotonics (average RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.90; women = 2698; studies = 3; I2 = 89%; low-quality evidence). There were no clear differences between groups in severe PPH of at least 1000 mL (average RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.59; women = 1718; studies = 2; I2 = 74%; very low-quality evidence). The risk of retained placenta or manual removal of the placenta, or both, were inconsistent with high heterogeneity. Ergot alkaloids increased the risk of elevated blood pressure (average RR 2.60, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.57: women = 2559; studies = 3; low-quality evidence) and pain after birth requiring analgesia (RR 2.53, 95% CI 1.34 to 4.78: women = 1429; studies = 1; moderate-quality evidence) but there were no differences between groups in vomiting, nausea, headache or eclamptic fit.Results for IV/IM ergot alkaloids versus no uterotonic agents were similar to those for the main comparison of ergot alkaloids administered by any route, since most of the studies (seven of eight) used the IV/IM route. Only one small study (289 women) compared oral ergometrine with placebo and it showed no benefit of ergometrine over placebo. No maternal adverse effects were reported.None of the studies reported on any of our prespecified neonatal outcomes AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic IM or IV injections of ergot alkaloids may be effective in reducing blood loss, reducing PPH (estimated blood loss of at least 500 mL), and increasing maternal haemoglobin. Ergot alkaloids may also decrease the use of therapeutic uterotonics, but adverse effects may include elevated blood pressure and pain after birth requiring analgesia. There were no differences between groups in terms of other adverse effects (vomiting, nausea, headache or eclamptic fit). There is a lack of evidence on the effects of ergot alkaloids on severe PPH, and retained or manual removal of placenta. There is also a lack of evidence on the oral route of administration of ergot alkaloids.

Comparison of prophylactic use of ketamine, tramadol, and dexmedetomidine for prevention of shivering after spinal anesthesia.

Background and Aims:Shivering after spinal anesthesia is a common complication and can occur in as many as 40%–70% of patients after regional anesthesia. This shivering, apart from its physiological and hemodynamic effects, has been described as even worse than surgical pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of prophylactic use of intravenous (IV) ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and tramadol for prevention of shivering after spinal anesthesia.Material and Methods:Two hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II patients subjected to spinal anesthesia were included in the study. The subjects were randomly divided into four groups to receive either ketamine 0.5 mg/kg IV or tramadol 0.5 mg/kg IV or dexmedetomidine 0.5 microgm/kg IV or 10 mL of 0.9% normal saline (NS). All the drugs/NS were administered as IV infusion over 10 min immediately before giving spinal anesthesia. Temperature (core and surface), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation were assessed before giving the intrathecal injection and thereafter at 5 min intervals. Important side effects related to study drugs were also noted.Results:Shivering after spinal anesthesia was comparatively better controlled in group receiving dexmedetomidine as compared to other groups (P = 0.022). However, the use of dexmedetomidine was associated with significant hypotension which responded to single dose of mephentermine (3 mg IV). Dexmedetomidine is a better agent for prevention of shivering after spinal anesthesia as compared to ketamine and tramadol. It also provides adequate sedation and improves the surgical conditions.Conclusion:Dexmedetomidine is effective and comparably better than tramadol or ketamine in preventing shivering after spinal anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine also provides sedation without respiratory depression and favorable surgical conditions. However, with its use a fall in blood pressure and heart rate is anticipated.

Prophylactic lidocaine for myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery disease is a major public health problem affecting both developed and developing countries. Acute coronary syndromes include unstable angina and myocardial infarction with or without ST-segment elevation (electrocardiogram sector is higher than baseline). Ventricular arrhythmia after myocardial infarction is associated with high risk of mortality. The evidence is out of date, and considerable uncertainty remains about the effects of prophylactic use of lidocaine on all-cause mortality, in particular, in patients with suspected myocardial infarction. To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of prophylactic lidocaine in preventing death among people with myocardial infarction. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 3), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 13 April 2015), EMBASE (1947 to 13 April 2015) and Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) (1986 to 13 April 2015). We also searched Web of Science (1970 to 13 April 2013) and handsearched the reference lists of included papers. We applied no language restriction in the search. We included randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of prophylactic lidocaine for myocardial infarction. We considered all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality and overall survival at 30 days after myocardial infarction as primary outcomes. We performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction in duplicate. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes and measured statistical heterogeneity using I(2). We used a random-effects model and conducted trial sequential analysis. We identified 37 randomised controlled trials involving 11,948 participants. These trials compared lidocaine versus placebo or no intervention, disopyramide, mexiletine, tocainide, propafenone, amiodarone, dimethylammonium chloride, aprindine and pirmenol. Overall, trials were underpowered and had high risk of bias. Ninety-seven per cent of trials (36/37) were conducted without an a priori sample size estimation. Ten trials were sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry. Trials were conducted in 17 countries, and intravenous intervention was the most frequent route of administration.In trials involving participants with proven or non-proven acute myocardial infarction, lidocaine versus placebo or no intervention showed no significant differences regarding all-cause mortality (213/5879 (3.62%) vs 199/5848 (3.40%); RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.27; participants = 11727; studies = 18; I(2) = 15%); low-quality evidence), cardiac mortality (69/4184 (1.65%) vs 62/4093 (1.51%); RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.50; participants = 8277; studies = 12; I(2) = 12%; low-quality evidence) and prophylaxis of ventricular fibrillation (76/5128 (1.48%) vs 103/4987 (2.01%); RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.12; participants = 10115; studies = 16; I(2) = 18%; low-quality evidence). In terms of sinus bradycardia, lidocaine effect is imprecise compared with effects of placebo or no intervention (55/1346 (4.08%) vs 49/1203 (4.07%); RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.80; participants = 2549; studies = 8; I(2) = 21%; very low-quality evidence). In trials involving only participants with proven acute myocardial infarction, lidocaine versus placebo or no intervention showed no significant differences in all-cause mortality (148/2747 (5.39%) vs 135/2506 (5.39%); RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.30; participants = 5253; studies = 16; I(2) = 9%; low-quality evidence). No significant differences were noted between lidocaine and any other antiarrhythmic drug in terms of all-cause mortality and ventricular fibrillation. Data on overall survival 30 days after myocardial infarction were not reported. Lidocaine compared with placebo or no intervention increased risk of asystole (35/3393 (1.03%) vs 14/3443 (0.41%); RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.26; participants = 6826; studies = 4; I(2) = 0%; very low-quality evidence) and dizziness/drowsiness (74/1259 (5.88%) vs 16/1274 (1.26%); RR 3.85, 95% CI 2.29 to 6.47; participants = 2533; studies = 6; I(2) = 0%; low-quality evidence). Overall, safety data were poorly reported and adverse events may have been underestimated. Trial sequential analyses suggest that additional trials may not be needed for reliable conclusions to be drawn regarding these outcomes. This Cochrane review found evidence of low quality to suggest that prophylactic lidocaine has very little or no effect on mortality or ventricular fibrillation in people with acute myocardial infarction. The safety profile is unclear. This conclusion is based on randomised controlled trials with high risk of bias. However (disregarding the risk of bias), trial sequential analysis suggests that additional trials may not be needed to disprove an intervention effect of 20% relative risk reduction. Smaller risk reductions might require additional higher trials.

Prophylactic interventions after delivery of placenta for reducing bleeding during the postnatal period

There are several Cochrane systematic reviews looking at postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) prophylaxis in the third stage of labour and another Cochrane review investigating the timing of prophylactic uterotonics in the third stage of labour (i.e. before or after delivery of the placenta). There are, however, no Cochrane reviews looking at the use of interventions given purely after delivery of the placenta. Ergometrine or methylergometrine are used for the prevention of PPH in the postpartum period (the period after delivery of the infant) after delivery of the placenta in some countries. There are, furthermore, no Cochrane reviews that have so far considered herbal therapies or homeopathic remedies for the prevention of PPH after delivery of the placenta. To assess the effectiveness of available prophylactic interventions for PPH including prophylactic use of ergotamine, ergometrine, methylergometrine, herbal therapies, and homeopathic remedies, administered after delivery of the placenta, compared with no uterotonic agents as well as with different routes of administration for prevention of PPH after delivery of the placenta. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 April 2013), The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (USA), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) (UK), European Medicines Agency (EMA) (EU), Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) (Japan), Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (Australia), ClinicalTrials.gov, Current Controlled Trials, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; Japan), Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center Clinical Trials Information (Japic-CTI; Japan), Japan Medical Association Clinical Trial Registration (JMACCT CTR; Japan) (all on 30 April 2013) and reference lists of retrieved studies All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing prophylactic ergotamine, ergometrine, methylergometrine, herbal therapies, and homeopathic remedies (using any route and timing of administration) during the postpartum period after delivery of the placenta with no uterotonic agents or trials comparing different routes or timing of administration of ergotamine, ergometrine, methylergometrine, herbal therapies, and homeopathic remedies, during the postpartum period after delivery of the placenta. Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and the methodological quality of trials, extracted data using the agreed form. Data were checked for accuracy. Five randomised studies involving 1466 women met the inclusion criteria. All studies were classified as having an unclear risk of bias. Two studies (involving 1097 women) compared oral methylergometrine with a placebo, and one (involving 171 women) compared oral methylergometrine with Kyuki-chouketsu-in, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine. The remaining two studies (involving 198 women) did not report the outcomes of interest for this review. None of the included studies reported primary outcomes prespecified in the review protocol (blood loss of 1000 mL or more over the period of observation, maternal death or severe morbidity). Overall, there was no clear evidence of differences between groups in the following PPH outcomes: blood loss of 500 mL or more (risk ratio (RR) 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39 to 5.47, two studies), amount of lochia during the first 72 hours of the puerperium (mean difference (MD) -25.00 g; 95% CI -69.79 to 19.79, one study), or amount of lochia by four weeks postpartum (MD -7.00 g; 95% CI -23.99 to 9.99).The Japanese study with a relatively small sample size comparing oral methylergometrine with a Japanese traditional herbal medicine found that oral methylergometrine significantly increased the blood haemoglobin concentration at day one postpartum (MD 0.50 g/dL; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.89) compared to herbal medicine. Adverse events were not well-reported in the included studies. We did not find any studies comparing homeopathic remedies with either a placebo or no treatment. There was insufficient evidence to support the use of prophylactic oral methylergometrine given after delivery of the placenta for the prevention of PPH. Additionally, the effectiveness of prophylactic use of herbal medicine or homeopathic remedies for PPH is still unclear as we could not find any clear evidence. Trials to assess the effectiveness of herbal medicines and homeopathic remedies in preventing PPH are warranted.

Effects of Prophylactic Use of Sirolimus on Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome Development in Lung Transplant Recipients

Sirolimus (SIR) has been shown to stabilize the lung function in lung transplant recipients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). However, there is no long-term data on the prophylactic use of SIR in lung transplant recipients. This retrospective study examines the effects of SIR in the prevention of BOS. From 1999 to 2009, 24 lung transplant recipients whose maintenance immunosuppression regimen consisted of tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or azathioprine (AZA), and prednisone (Pred), were switched to Tac, SIR, and Pred at 1 year after transplantation. From these 24 patients, 5 developed side effects that necessitated the cessation of SIR within 1 year, while 19 patients tolerated long-term use of SIR. The clinical outcomes of these 19 patients (SIR group) were compared with 22 lung transplant recipients whose immunosuppression regimen consisted of Tac, MMF or AZA, and Pred from the time of transplant (MMF group). Survival rates and freedom from BOS were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The SIR group had a lower incidence of BOS and viral infection (p = 0.05), and higher survival rates (p = 0.004). The SIR group had lower levels of Tac and received less Pred. The incidences of acute rejection, carcinoma, hypertension, and diabetes were similar between both groups. Results from this study suggest that conversion to SIR 1 year after lung transplantation improves survival and decreases the development of BOS. Randomized studies with higher number of patients are needed to determine the prophylactic efficacy of sirolimus in preventing the development of BOS.

The usefulness and effectiveness of prophylactic use of defibrillation electrode pads in adult patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation

Introduction: Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia requiring cardioversion or defibrillation may be encountered during liver transplantation. The aim of current study is to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of prophylactic use of defibrillation electrode pads in adult patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation. Methods and patients: Three hundred sixty three anesthesia records of adult patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation were reviewed retrospectively. All the patients received similar general anesthesia and monitoring as previously reported. After induction of the anesthesia, adhesive defibrillation pads (Multifunction Adult defib Electrodes Alternative to M1749A (Philips Medical Systems, 3000 Minuteman Rd. Andover, MA, USA)) were prophylactic placed in the chest of the patient. The anterior electrode is placed on the right, below the clavicle and the other electrode is placed on the back behind the heart. The function of the electrode pads were tested by connecting it to the defibrillator (Heartstart XL, Phillips medical Systems, 3000, minuteman Road, Anderson MA, USA) before operation. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia which affected the hemodynamic, such as paroxysmal tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation will be treated with cardio-version or defibrillation. Results: Four patients amongst the 363 patients developed lifethreatening cardiac arrhythmia intraoperatively, 2 had paroxysmal tachycardia requiring cardio-version and the other two had ventricular fibrillation requiring closed chest cardiac massage and defibrillation. All 4 patients regained sinus rhythm after electrical treatment and tolerated the further operation well. The postoperative courses were smooth and uneventful. Conclusion: The incidence of life threatening cardiac arrhythmia was 1.1% in our serial. Although the thorax of the patients is covered with electric isolated Steri-Drape TM Ioban TM 2 (3 M Health Care, Dt. Paul, MN USA), but the electrode pads was prophylactic place in the thorax of the patients, we were able to do the closed chest cardiac massage and to treat the arrhythmia with electric shock immediately and successfully without interfering the sterility of the operation field.