Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhoea
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhoea is a common gynaecological problem consisting of painful cramps accompanying menstruation, which in the absence of any underlying abnormality is known as primary dysmenorrhoea. Research has shown that women with dysmenorrhoea have high levels of prostaglandins, hormones known to cause cramping abdominal pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs which act by blocking prostaglandin production.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review is to compare nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea versus placebo, versus paracetamol and versus each other, to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the following databases to May 2009: Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group trials register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science. The National Research Register and the Clinical Trials Register were also searched. Abstracts of major scientific meetings and the reference lists of relevant articles were checked.
SELECTION CRITERIA: All randomised controlled comparisons of NSAIDs versus placebo, other NSAIDs or paracetamol, when used to treat primary dysmenorrhoea.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed trials for quality and extracted data, calculating odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Inverse variance…
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