Meta-analysis: Econometric Advances and New Perspectives Toward Data Synthesis and Robustness

2015 ◽  
pp. 383-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Boyle ◽  
Sapna Kaul ◽  
Christopher F. Parmeter
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Data Synthesis

scholarly journals Prevalence of potential respiratory symptoms in survivors of hospital admission after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 147997312110022
Author(s):  
Kevin Cares-Marambio ◽  
Yessenia Montenegro-Jiménez ◽  
Rodrigo Torres-Castro ◽  
Roberto Vera-Uribe ◽  
Yolanda Torralba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chest Pain ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Recent Onset ◽  
Persistent Symptoms

Knowledge on the sequelae of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains limited due to the relatively recent onset of this pathology. However, the literature on other types of coronavirus infections prior to COVID-19 reports that patients may experience persistent symptoms after discharge. To determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in survivors of hospital admission after COVID-19 infection. A living systematic review of five databases was performed in order to identify studies which reported the persistence of respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 patients after discharge. Two independent researchers reviewed and analysed the available literature, and then extracted and assessed the quality of those articles. Of the 1,154 reports returned by the initial search nine articles were found, in which 1,816 patients were included in the data synthesis. In the pooled analysis, we found a prevalence of 0.52 (CI 0.38–0.66, p < 0.01, I 2 = 97%), 0.37 (CI 0.28–0.48, p < 0.01, I 2 = 93%), 0.16 (CI 0.10–0.23, p < 0.01, I 2 = 90%) and 0.14 (CI 0.06–0.24, p < 0.01, I 2 = 96%) for fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, and cough, respectively. Fatigue, dyspnoea, chest pain, and cough were the most prevalent respiratory symptoms found in 52%, 37%, 16% and 14% of patients between 3 weeks and 3 months, after discharge in survivors of hospital admission by COVID-19, respectively.

scholarly journals Flunarizine as prophylaxis for episodic migraine: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Ból ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-38
Author(s):  
Anker Stubberud ◽  
Nikolai Melseth Flaaen ◽  
Douglas C. McCrory ◽  
Sindre Andre Pedersen ◽  
Mattias Linde
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Episodic Migraine ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Current Guideline ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Meta Analyses

Based on few clinical trials, flunarizine is considered a first-line prophylactic treatment for migraine in several guidelines. In this meta-analysis, we examined the pooled evidence for its effectiveness, tolerability, and safety. Prospective randomized controlled trials of flunarizine as a prophylaxis against migraine were identified from a systematic literature search, and risk of bias was assessed for all included studies. Reduction in mean attack frequency was estimated by calculating the mean difference (MD), and a series of secondary outcomes –including adverse events (AEs) – were also analyzed. The database search yielded 879 unique records. Twentyfive studies were included in data synthesis. We scored 31/175 risk of bias items as “high”, with attrition as the most frequent bias. A pooled analysis estimated that flunarizine reduces the headache frequency by 0.4 attacks per 4 weeks compared with placebo (5 trials, 249 participants: MD 20.44; 95% confidence interval 20.61 to 2 0.26). Analysis also revealed that the effectiveness of flunarizine prophylaxis is comparable with that of propranolol (7 trials, 1151 participants, MD 20.08; 95% confidence interval 20.34 to 0.18). Flunarizine also seems to be effective in children. The most frequent AEs were sedation and weight increase. Meta-analyses were robust and homogenous, although several of the included trials potentially suffered from high risk of bias. Unfortunately, reporting of AEs was inconsistent and limited. In conclusion, pooled analysis of data from partially outdated trials shows that 10- mg flunarizine per day is effective and well tolerated in treating episodic migraine – supporting current guideline recommendations.

Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding on Treatment With Statin Alone or With Concomitant Administration of Warfarin: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 5.3 Million Participants

2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110497
Author(s):  
Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula ◽  
Kota Vidyasaga ◽  
Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes ◽  
Wubshet Tesfaye
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Bleeding ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Concomitant Administration ◽  
Pooled Analysis ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Statin Monotherapy ◽  
Statin Use

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) with statin monotherapy or with concomitant warfarin use. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE (via Scopus) were searched for observational studies that reported the risk of GIB in adults on statin therapy or with concomitant warfarin use until August 28, 2021. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Observational studies evaluating the risk of GIB in adults (age >18 years) on statin medication or concomitant use with warfarin were included. Data Synthesis: In all, 14 studies with a total of 5 235 123 participants, reporting 48 677 GIB events (43 734 from statin users and 4943 from users of statin combined with warfarin), were included in the analyses. The pooled analysis revealed no difference in the risk of GIB with statin monotherapy (relative risk [RR]: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.42-1.02) or concomitant statin + warfarin use (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.91-1.02). Prior use of statin was not associated with GIB risk (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.63-1.22), whereas a shorter duration of statin use (<5 years) was associated with a lower risk of GIB (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18-0.97). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This analysis provides strong evidence on the association between statin use (with/without warfarin) and risk of GIB. Conclusion: Statin alone or combined with warfarin was not significantly associated with either an increased or decreased risk of GIB. The GIB risk was significantly lower when statins were used for a short duration (<5 years). The putative relationship between statins and GIB in warfarin users warrant further investigation.

Blinding Strategies in Dry Needling Trials: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (11) ◽  
pp. 1461-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity A Braithwaite ◽  
Julie L Walters ◽  
Lok Sze Katrina Li ◽  
G Lorimer Moseley ◽  
Marie T Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Dry Needling ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Methodological Bias ◽  
Tactile Sensations ◽  
Effectiveness Data

Abstract Background Blinding of participants and therapists in trials of physical interventions is a significant and ongoing challenge. There is no widely accepted sham protocol for dry needling. Purpose The purpose of this review was to summarize the effectiveness and limitations of blinding strategies and types of shams that have been used in dry needling trials. Data Sources Twelve databases were searched from inception to February 2016. Study Selection Trials that compared active dry needling with a sham that simulated dry needling were included. Data Extraction The main domains of data extraction were participant/therapist details, intervention details, blinding strategies, blinding assessment outcomes, and key conclusions of authors. Reported blinding strategies and sham types were synthesized descriptively, with available blinding effectiveness data synthesized using a chance-corrected measurement of blinding (blinding index). Data Synthesis The search identified 4894 individual publications with 27 trials eligible for inclusion. In 22 trials, risk of methodological bias was high or unclear. Across trials, blinding strategies and sham types were heterogeneous. Notably, no trials attempted therapist blinding. Sham protocols have focused on participant blinding using strategies related to group standardization and simulation of tactile sensations. There has been little attention given to the other senses or cognitive strategies to enhance intervention credibility. Nonpenetrating sham types may provide effective participant blinding. Limitations Trials were clinically and methodologically diverse, which limited the comparability of blinding effectiveness across trials. Reported blinding evaluations had a high risk of chance findings with power clearly achieved in only 1 trial. Conclusions Evidence-based consensus on a sham protocol for dry needling is required. Recommendations provided in this review may be used to develop sham protocols so that future protocols are more consistent and potentially more effective.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Test Accuracy of the 4AT for Delirium Detection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunhye Jeong ◽  
Jinkyung Park ◽  
Juneyoung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Test ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Test Accuracy ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic ◽  
Bivariate Model ◽  
Data Synthesis

Under-recognition of delirium is an international problem. For the early detection of delirium, a feasible and valid screening tool for healthcare professionals is needed. This study aimed to present a scientific reason for using the 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the diagnostic test accuracy. We systematically searched articles in the EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases and selected relevant articles on the basis of the predefined inclusion criteria. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Quality Assessment of the Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. We estimated the pooled values of diagnostic test accuracy by employing the bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model in data synthesis. A total of 3729 patients of 13 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT were 81.5% (95% confidence interval: 70.7%, 89.0%) and 87.5% (79.5%, 92.7%), respectively. Given the 4AT’s evidence of accuracy and practicality, we suggest healthcare professionals to utilize this tool for routine screening of delirium. However, for detecting delirium in the dementia population, further work is required to evaluate the 4AT with other cut-off points or scoring methods in order for it to be more sensitive and specific.

scholarly journals Opioids and their endocrine effects: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Friso de Vries ◽  
Mees Bruin ◽  
Daniel J Lobatto ◽  
Olaf M Dekkers ◽  
Jan W Schoones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dynamic Testing ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Endocrine Effects ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Insulin Tolerance ◽  
Chronic Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Users

Abstract Context The increased use of opioids has resulted in an unprecedented opioid epidemic. Chronic opioid use causes hypogonadism, but its frequency, as well as the effects of opioids on other hypothalamo-pituitary-end organ hormone axes, remains unclear. Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of opioid use on pituitary function. Methods Eight electronic databases were searched for articles published up to May 8, 2018. Fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals. This study is reported following the PRISMA- and MOOSE-guidelines. Data Synthesis 52 studies (22 low risk of bias) were included describing 18,428 subjects, consisting of patients with chronic pain (n=21 studies), or on maintenance treatment for opioid addiction (n=9) and healthy volunteers (n=4). The most frequently used opioid was methadone (n=13 studies), followed by morphine (n=12). Prevalence of hypogonadism was 63% (95% CI: 55-70%, 15 studies, 3,250 patients, 99.5% males). Prevalence of hypocortisolism relying on dynamic and non-dynamic testing was 15% (95% CI: 6-28%, 5 studies, 205 patients, 57.5% males) and including only studies using the insulin tolerance tests 24% (95% CI 16-33%, 2 studies, n=97 patients). In 5 out of 7 studies hyperprolactinemia was present. No clear effects on the somatotropic and hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axes were described. Conclusions Hypogonadism occurs in more than half of male opioid users, and hypocortisolism in approximately a fifth of all patients. Periodical evaluation of at least the gonadal and adrenal axes is therefore advisable.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes With Levothyroxine Treatment in Euthyroid Women With Thyroid Autoimmunity

2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 1009-1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Sun ◽  
Ningning Hou ◽  
Hongsheng Wang ◽  
Lin Ma ◽  
Jinhong Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Thyroid Autoimmunity ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Definitive Evidence ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy ◽  
Levothyroxine Treatment

Abstract Context Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI), the most common cause of (sub)clinical hypothyroidism, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The benefits of levothyroxine (LT4) intervention in women with TAI remain controversial. Objective The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of LT4 on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women with TAI. Data sources Databases were searched up to May 2019. Study selection Randomized controlled trails (RCTs) and retrospective studies that reported effects of LT4 administration on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women with TAI were screened. Data extraction Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted independently by 2 researchers. Conflicts were settled by a third researcher. Data synthesis Six trials comprising 2249 women were included. Overall, no beneficial effect on pregnancy outcomes was observed with LT4 supplementation. For women with individualized initial LT4 dosages, the risk of miscarriage decreased (relative risk [RR] 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.93, I2 = 28%); there was no difference among women with fixed LT4 dosages (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.74-1.24, I2 = 0%). Women who initiated LT4 treatment in early pregnancy had a significantly lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.92, I2 = 0%) than those who received no treatment or placebo. No improvement was observed among women who initiated treatment before conception (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.71-1.84, I2 = 0%). Conclusion No definitive evidence showed improvement of pregnancy outcomes with LT4 supplementation in euthyroid women with TAI. However, therapeutic strategies, especially dosages and initial times of intervention, may be of great importance. Additional large RCTs are needed in the future.

Meta-Analysis of Parenteral Clindamycin Dosing Regimens

1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 852-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P Rovers ◽  
A Lane Ilersich ◽  
Thomas R Einarson
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Dosing Regimens ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Cure Rates

Objective: We used meta-analysis to compare clinical cure and success rates for parenteral clindamycin 600 mg q8h or 900 mg q8h therapy to treat adult intraabdominal or female pelvic infections. Data Sources: We located English-language articles describing clindamycin use in humans using MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Embase and from personal and drug information center files, plus all article references. Study Selection: Eligible studies used parenteral clindamycin 600 mg q8h or 900 mg q8h to treat intraabdominal or pelvic infection in at least I aim of a study and provided a definition of clinical outcome. Accepted were comparative trials in adults who were not critically ill or expected to die. Data Synthesis: The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to calculate weighted overall success rates for cure and success (cure plus improved) rates along with 95% confidence intervals for each dosage in intraabdominal and pelvic infections. Regimens were compared with respect to both cure and success rates using the Mann-Whitney U test. Main Results: Twenty-three articles were eligible for inclusion. Abdominal cure rates were 75.6% and 90.5% for clindamycin 600 mg q8h and 900 mg q8h, respectively (p = 0.03); success rates were 89.8% and 92.5%, respectively (p = 0.29). Pelvic cure rates were 82.8% and 89.4%, respectively (p = 0.51); success rates were 87.2% and 89.9%, respectively (p = 0.51). Conclusions: In pelvic infections, a dosage of clindamycin 600 mg q8h appears to be clinically acceptable for all patients. Although clinical outcomes for intraabdominal infections are generally similar for both regimens, the significantly higher cure rate with a dosage of clindamycin 900 mg q8h suggests that dosage recommendations should be patient specific.

scholarly journals Post COVID-19 Organizing Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 259-270
Author(s):  
Talal Khalid Abdullah Alanazi ◽  
Nasser Faris Ali Alahmari ◽  
Faris Essa Ibrahim Qubays ◽  
Solaiman Hosaian ibraheem Alenezi ◽  
Meshal Faleh Mofadhe Alenezi
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Organizing Pneumonia ◽  
Eligible Study ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Review Manager

Introduction: Several observational studies have found parallels between COVID-19 pneumonia and organizing pneumonia (OP). This study aims to investigate the published literature of OP related to COVID-19, estimates the prevalence of OP among COVID-19 patients, and assesses the risk or COVID-19 severity associated with OP. Methodology: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic electronic search through PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCO, and Google Scholar was conducted to include relevant and eligible literature. The authors used Review Manager 5.4 to perform quantitative data synthesis for the condition of interest analyses. Results: A total of 9 eligible study articles and 12 case reports were included in this study. The estimated pooled organizing pneumonia prevalence among COVID-19 patients was 45.6% [23.1%-68.2%]. The association between OP and severe COVID-19 infection revealed a pooled OR [95% CI] of 5.22 [-0.96-11.41]. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients had a rather high OP prevalence (43%). Surprisingly, cancer patients with COVID-19 infection had the lowest OP prevalence. OP was identified as a possible risk factor for the severity of COVID-19 infection.

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