Nitrates for achalasia.
BACKGROUND
Achalasia is a disease that impairs oesophageal motility. Though nitrates have been used to treat achalasia for a long time, the effectiveness of nitrates for achalasia is still controversial.


OBJECTIVE
To quantify short-term and long-term effects of nitrate therapy in patients with achalasia.


METHODS
Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 4-2001), MEDLINE (1966-2001), EMBASE (1980-2001), LILACS - Latin American and Caribbean health science literature (1982-2001) and CBM-Chinese Biomedical database(1980-2000). Additionally, all references in the identified trials were checked for further relevant trials.


METHODS
All randomised controlled trials involving achalasic patients given any type of nitrates were included.


METHODS
Data were extracted by two independent observers based on the intention to treat principle.


RESULTS
Two randomised cross-over studies were found, but no results are included. Due to the design of the studies and the method of reporting the results in the original paper it was not possible to extract the necessary information to examine any of the outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
We can conclude no implications for practice at this stage. Appropriately designed parallel group randomised controlled trials with long term follow-up are needed to determine the effects of nitrates.
Wen
Z H
ZH
Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guo Xue Xiang 37#, Chengdu, China, 610041. amyw@21cn.com
Gardener
E
E
Wang
Y P
YP
D004931:Esophageal Achalasia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D009574:Nitro Compounds