title: Neostigmine for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: A meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is an uncommon condition that occasionally develops in hospitalized patients with serious underlying ailments. Its early recognition is essential to reduce life-threatening complications. Few low-powered randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have confirmed the effectiveness of neostigmine for treatment.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyse the effectiveness and main side effects of neostigmine in the treatment of ACPO.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was performed for all published RCTs, reporting on neostigmine as treatment for ACPO.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, evaluating 127 patients: treatment group = 65, control group = 62. Neostigmine effectiveness to resolve ACPO with only one dose was 89.2% versus 14.65% (P < 0.001, NNT = 1 [95% CI 1-2]).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Neostigmine is a safe and effective option for patients with ACPO who failed to respond to conservative management.
authors.affiliation: San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Baytown, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Raul Guillermo Lopez
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Valle
authors.affiliation: San Jacinto Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Baytown, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Francisco Lopez
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Godoy
keywords: Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction; Neostigmine; Side effects