S-carboxymethylcysteine in the treatment of glue ear: quantitative systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To establish the clinical relevance of S-carboxymethylcysteine in the treatment of glue ear in children using measures approximating those saving a child from operation for grommet insertion.

Data sources

Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, reference lists and reviews were used for randomised controlled trials comparing S-carboxymethylcysteine with placebo. Seven trials involving 283 children and 146 ears were found.

Review methods

Studies were randomised, double-blind comparisons of S-carboxymethylcysteine (any dose and duration) with placebo in otitis media with effusion. Quality of trial reporting and validity of methods were assessed and used in sensitivity analysis. Main outcomes were relative benefit and number-needed-to-treat to prevent one gro

SUBMITTER: Moore RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC57002 | biostudies-literature | 2001

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature