Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DATA SOURCES: STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Prospective, randomized, controlled trials that evaluated efficacy and safety endpoints of antiviral agents in the treatment of Bell's palsy were included. Primary efficacy outcomes included facial paralysis recovery profile, facial paralysis recovery index, and the House-Brackmann facial nerve grading scale. Safety outcomes were also identified by each trial. DATA SYNTHESIS: CONCLUSIONS: The use of acyclovir in the treatment of Bell's palsy remains controversial. Additional, adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled trials are needed to definitively support its use. For the time being, the evidence reviewed in this article would favor the combination of acyclovir and prednisone if commenced within the first 72 hours of symptom onset.
|
Authors | Dario L Alberton, Peter J Zed |
Journal | The Annals of pharmacotherapy
(Ann Pharmacother)
Vol. 40
Issue 10
Pg. 1838-42
(Oct 2006)
ISSN: 1542-6270 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 16968821
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
|
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Antiviral Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Bell Palsy
(drug therapy, epidemiology, pathology)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Humans
|