Prophylaxis and treatment of cancer-related dyspnea with pharmacologic agents: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ronald Chow ◽  
David Hui ◽  
Saverio Caini ◽  
Charles B. Simone ◽  
Elizabeth Prsic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Exertional Dyspnea ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Advance Care ◽  
Analysis Design ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Pharmacologic Agents

Abstract Introduction Cancer-related dyspnea is a common symptom in patients with cancer. It has also been reported to be a predictor of poorer prognosis, which can then change clinical treatment and advance care planning. Currently, no definitive recommendation for pharmacologic agents for cancer-related dyspnea exists. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis is to compare pharmacologic agents for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer-related dyspnea. Methods A search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL through May 2021. Standardized mean differences (SMDs), as reported by studies or calculated from baseline and follow-up dyspnea scores, were amalgamated into a summary SMD and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a restricted maximum likelihood multivariate network meta-analysis. Results Twelve studies were included in this review; six reported on prophylaxis of exertional dyspnea, five on treatment of everyday dyspnea, and one on treatment of episodic dyspnea. Morphine sulfate was better at controlling everyday dyspnea than placebo (SMD 1.210; 95% CI: 0.415–2.005). Heterogeneity in study design and comparisons, however, led to some concerns with the underlying consistency assumption in network meta-analysis design. Conclusion Optimal pharmacologic interventions for cancer-related dyspnea could not be determined based on this analysis. Further trials are needed to report on the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions for the prophylaxis and treatment of cancer-related dyspnea.

“Outcome evaluation of fruit and vegetables distribution interventions in schools: A systematic review and meta-analysis”

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-34
Author(s):  
M. R. Ismail ◽  
J. A. Seabrook ◽  
J. A. Gilliland
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Outcome Evaluation ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Strategy ◽  
Rigorous Study ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract Objective: Fruit and vegetables (FVs) distribution interventions have been implemented as a public health strategy to increase children’s intake of FVs at school settings. The purpose of this review was to examine whether snack-based FVs distribution interventions can improve school-aged children’s consumption of FVs. Design: Systematic Review and meta-analysis of articles published in English, in a peer-review journals were identified by searching six databases up to August 2020. Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics. Setting: Population-based studies of interventions where the main focus was the effectiveness of distributed FVs as snacks to schoolchildren in North America, Europe and Pacific were included. Results: Forty-seven studies, reporting on 15 different interventions, were identified; 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. All interventions were effective in increasing children’s consumption of FVs, with only one intervention demonstrating a null effect. Pooled results under all classifications showed effectiveness in improving children’s consumption of FVs, particularly for multi-component interventions at post-intervention (SMD 0.20, CI 0.13, 0.27) and free distribution interventions at follow-up (SMD 0.19, CI 0.12, 0.27). Conclusions: Findings suggest that utilizing FV distribution interventions provide a promising avenue by which children’s consumption can be improved. Nonetheless, our results are based on a limited number of studies, and further studies should be performed to confirm these results. More consistent measurement protocols in terms of rigorous study methodologies, intervention duration, and follow-up evaluation are needed to improve comparability across studies.

scholarly journals Exercise-Based Interventions to Enhance Long-Term Sustainability of Physical Activity in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sansano-Nadal ◽  
Giné-Garriga ◽  
Brach ◽  
Wert ◽  
Jerez-Roig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Mean Differences

Exercise is a form of physical activity (PA). PA is an important marker of health and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to assess the effect of exercise-based interventions on an at least six-month follow up PA measure, and to describe the specific strategies implemented during the intervention to strengthen the sustainability of PA in community-dwelling 65+ year-old adults. We registered and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42017070892) of randomized clinical trials (RCT). We searched three electronic databases during January 2018 to identify RCT assessing any type of exercise-based intervention. Studies had to report a pre-, post-, and at least 6-month post-intervention follow-up. To be included, at least one PA outcome had to be assessed. The effect of exercise-based interventions was assessed compared to active (e.g., a low-intensity type of exercise, such as stretching or toning activities) and non-active (e.g., usual care) control interventions at several time points. Secondary analyses were conducted, restricted to studies that reported specific strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. The intervention effect was measured on self-reported and objective measures of time spent in PA, by means of standardized mean differences. Standardized mean differences of PA level were pooled. Pooled estimates of effect were computed with the DerSimonian–Laird method, applying a random effects model. The risk of bias was also assessed. We included 12 studies, comparing 18 exercise intervention groups to four active and nine non-active control groups. Nine studies reported specific strategies to enhance the long-term sustainability of PA. The strategies were mostly related to the self-efficacy, self-control, and behavior capability principles based on the social cognitive theory. Exercise interventions compared to active control showed inconclusive and heterogeneous results. When compared to non-active control, exercise interventions improved PA time at the six-months follow up (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.30; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.44; four studies; 724 participants; I2 0%), but not at the one- or two-years follow-ups. No data were available on the mid- and long-term effect of adding strategies to enhance the sustainability of PA. Exercise interventions have small clinical benefits on PA levels in community-dwelling older adults, with a decline in the observed improvement after six months of the intervention cessation.

scholarly journals The Effect of Therapeutic Exercise Interventions on Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes in Adults Aged 80 Years and Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Philippa J.A. Nicolson ◽  
Vicky Duong ◽  
Esther Williamson ◽  
Sally Hopewell ◽  
Sarah E. Lamb
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Psychosocial Outcomes ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Therapeutic Exercise ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Quality Evidence

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of therapeutic exercise on physical and psychosocial outcomes in community-dwelling adults aged 80 years or older. Databases were searched from inception to July 8, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened by two reviewers who extracted data and assessed study quality. Sixteen RCTs (1,660 participants) were included. Compared to nonexercise controls there was no evidence of an effect of exercise on performance based (standardized mean differences: 0.58, 95% confidence interval: [−0.19, 1.36]; I2: 89%; six RCTs; 290 participants; very low-quality evidence) or self-reported physical function (standardized mean differences: 1.35, 95% confidence interval: [−0.78, 3.48]; I2: 96%; three RCTs; 280 participants; very low-quality evidence) at short-medium term follow-up. Four RCTs reporting psychosocial outcomes could not be combined in meta-analysis and reported varying results. Exercise appeared to reduce the risk of mortality during follow-up (risk ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: [0.32, 0.70]; I2: 0.0%; six RCTs; 1,222 participants; low-quality evidence).

The efficacy of placebo for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e23157-e23157
Author(s):  
Carmelia Maria Noia Barreto ◽  
Pedro Nazareth Aguiar ◽  
Daniel de Iracema Gomes Cubero ◽  
Auro Del Giglio
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Brief Fatigue Inventory ◽  
The Mean

e23157 Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom among patients with cancer. The efficacy of placebo, however, was never the main objective of any meta-analysis. Predicting the efficacy of placebo may facilitate researchers in designing future clinical trials for the treatment of CRF. Methods: We performed a systematic review searching for prospective clinical trials comparing any treatment versus placebo for the treatment of CRF. We included studies that enrolled patients with any primary site of neoplasia and any stage of cancer. We excluded all studies that assessed fatigue related to any treatment. The primary endpoint of this study is the mean effect of placebo on fatigue according to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness (FACIT-F) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) scales. The secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients who reported improvement in fatigue (response rate). Results: We found 520 studies, and 29 studies with 3,758 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Placebo had a mean effect of +4.88 (95%CI +2.45 to +7.29) using the FACIT-F scale, although it was statistically worse than the interventions studied (p = 0.005). Using the BFI scale, placebo had an average effect of +0.64 (95%CI +0.02 to +1.30), although it was also worse than the other interventions studied (p = 0.002). In terms of the response rate, 29% (95%CI 25%–32%) of patients taking a placebo reported a significant improvement in CRF compared to 36% of patients treated with other interventions (p = 0.030). Conclusions: Placebo treatments had a significant effect on CRF, and predicting these effects may help design future studies for CRF.

Effects of neurofeedback versus methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD: systematic review and meta-analysis of head-to-head trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lixia Yan ◽  
Siyuan Wang ◽  
Yang Yuan ◽  
Junhua Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Comparative Efficacy ◽  
Chinese Studies ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Core Symptoms

BackgroundThe comparative efficacy and tolerability of methylphenidate (MPH) and neurofeedback (NF) in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to fill this gap by means of a systematic review/meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, OVID, ERIC, Web of Science, ClinialTrials.gov and a set of Chinese databases were searched until 22 August 2018. Standardised mean differences (SMD) were pooled using comprehensive meta-analysis software.Results18 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included (778 individuals with ADHD in the NF arm and 757 in the MPH group, respectively; 13 studies in Chinese, five in English). At the study first endpoint, MPH was significantly more efficacious than NF on ADHD core symptoms (ADHD symptoms combined: SMD=−0.578, 95% CI (−1.063 to –0.092)) and on two neuropsychological parameters (inattention:−0.959 (-1.711 to –0.208); inhibition:−0.469 (-0.872 to –0.066)). Dropouts were significantly lower in NF versus MPH (OR=0.412, 0.186 to 0.913). Results were robust to sensitivity analyses, with two important exceptions: removing Chinese studies and non-funded studies, no differences emerged between MPH and NF, although the number of studies was small. At the study follow-up, MPH was superior to NF in some outcomes, but results were inconsistent across raters.ConclusionsDue to the risk of bias of included studies, the results of the sensitivity analysis excluding Chinese and non-funded studies, and the mixed findings on at the follow-up endpoint, further high quality studies are needed to assess the comparative efficacy and acceptability of NF and MPH in individuals with ADHD.Trial registration numberCRD42018090256.

scholarly journals The Role of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion on Relieving Axial Neck Pain in Patients With Single-Level Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-323
Author(s):  
Colby Oitment ◽  
Tracy Watson ◽  
Victor Lam ◽  
Mohammed Aref ◽  
Alex Koziarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neck Pain ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neck Disability Index ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Neck Disability ◽  
Axial Neck Pain

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effects of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) on axial neck pain in adult patients receiving surgery for myelopathy, radiculopathy, or a combination of both. Methods: Two independent reviewers completed a librarian-assisted search of 4 databases. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores were extracted preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 48+ months postoperatively for ACDF groups and pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Of 17 850 eligible studies, 37 were included for analysis, totaling 2138 patients analyzed with VAS and 2477 with NDI score. Individual VAS mean differences were reduced at 6 weeks (−2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): −3.5 to −1.6]), 3 months (−2.9 [−3.7 to −2.2]), 6 months (−3.2 [−3.9 to −2.6]), 12 months (−3.7 [−4.3 to −3.1]), 24 months (−4.0 [−4.4 to −3.5]), 48 months (−4.6 [−5.5 to −3.8]), and >48 months (−4.7 [−5.8 to −3.6]) follow-up ( P < .0001 for all endpoints). Individual NDI mean differences were reduced at 6 weeks (−26.7 [−30.9 to −22.6]), 3 months (−29.8 [−32.7 to −26.8]), 6 months (−31.2 [−35.5 to −26.8)], 12 months (−29.3 [−33.2 to −25.4]), 24 months (−28.9 [−32.6 to −25.2]), 48 months (−33.1 [−37.4 to −28.7]), and >48 months (−37.6 [−45.9 to −29.3]) follow-up ( P < .0001 for all endpoints). Conclusions: ACDF is associated with a significant reduction in axial neck pain compared with preoperative values in patients being treated specifically for myelopathy or radiculopathy. This influences the preoperative discussions surgeons may have with patients regarding their expectations for surgery. The effects seen are stable over time and represent a clinically significant reduction in axial neck pain.

scholarly journals The Effects of ADHD Teacher Training Programs on Teachers and Pupils: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472097280
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Ward ◽  
Sarah J. Bristow ◽  
Hanna Kovshoff ◽  
Samuele Cortese ◽  
Jana Kreppner
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Teacher Training ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Training Interventions ◽  
Teacher Training Programs ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: To synthesize the evidence on the efficacy of ADHD teacher training interventions for teachers’ ADHD knowledge and reducing pupils’ ADHD-type behaviors. Method: Six electronic databases were systematically searched up to 14/04/20. Meta-analyses were performed to pool standardized mean differences (SMD). Results: 29 studies were included in the systematic review, and 22 meta-analyzed. SMD for teacher knowledge within subjects at post-test and follow-up was 1.96 (95% confidence interval = 1.48, 2.43) and ‒1.21 (–2.02, –0.41) respectively. Between subjects analyses at post-test showed SMD = 1.56 (0.52, 2.59), with insufficient data at follow-up. At post-test, SMD for pupils’ behavior within and between subjects was 0.78 (0.37, 1.18), and 0.71 (–0.11, 1.52), respectively. Medium-to-high risk of bias was found in all but one study. Conclusion: ADHD teacher training programs may be effective in initially improving ADHD teachers’ knowledge. There is inconsistent evidence for their efficacy to reduce students’ ADHD-type behaviors.

scholarly journals Chondroitinase ABC Administration in Locomotion Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Yousefifard ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Primary Therapy ◽  
Severity Of Injury ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Moderate Effect ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Rats And Mice

Objective: The present systematic review and meta-analysis intends to conduct a comprehensive and complete search in electronic resources to investigate the role of administrating ChABC in improving complications following SCI. Methods: Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of sciences were searched until the end of 2019. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies conducted on rats and mice and summarized the data. Using STATA 14.0 program, the findings were reported as pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 34 pre-clinical studies were included. ChABC administration generally improves locomotion recovery after SCI (SMD = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.20; p <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that differences in SCI model (p = 0.732), severity of injury (p = 0.821), number of ChABC administration (p = 0.092), blinding status (p = 0.294), use of different locomotor score (p = 0.567) and follow up duration (p = 0.750) have no effect on the efficacy of ChABC treatment. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that prescribing ChABC has a moderate effect in the improvement of locomotion after SCI in mice and rats. However, this moderate effect introduces ChABC as an adjuvant therapy and not as a primary therapy.

Cancer-related fatigue—pharmacological interventions: systematic review and network meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2021-003244
Author(s):  
Ronald Chow ◽  
Eduardo Bruera ◽  
Michael Sanatani ◽  
Leonard Chiu ◽  
Elizabeth Prsic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Direct Head ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Review Reports

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a very common symptom in patients with cancer, and one of the five areas of highest priority in cancer research. There is currently no consensus on pharmacologic interventions for treating CRF. The aim of this systematic review is to provide more clarity on which pharmacologic interventions may be most promising, for future clinical trials. The network meta-analysis provides the ability to compare multiple agents when no direct head-to-head trials of all agents have been performed.MethodsMedline (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up until 5 March 2021. Studies were included if they reported on a pharmacologic intervention for CRF. Standardised mean differences and corresponding 95% CIs were computed using a random-effects maximum-likelihood model.ResultsThis review reports on 20 studies and 2688 patients, the most comprehensive review of pharmacologic interventions for CRF at the time of this publication. Methylphenidate, modafinil and paroxetine were superior to placebo. Methylphenidate and modafinil were equivalent to one another. Paroxetine was superior to both methylphenidate and modafinil.ConclusionParoxetine should be further studied in future trials. As well, more safety data are needed on pharmacologic interventions.

Mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric stroke: systematic review, individual patient data meta-analysis, and case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 558-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartik Bhatia ◽  
Hans Kortman ◽  
Christopher Blair ◽  
Geoffrey Parker ◽  
David Brunacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurological Outcomes

OBJECTIVEThe role of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric acute ischemic stroke is uncertain, despite extensive evidence of benefit in adults. The existing literature consists of several recent small single-arm cohort studies, as well as multiple prior small case series and case reports. Published reports of pediatric cases have increased markedly since 2015, after the publication of the positive trials in adults. The recent AHA/ASA Scientific Statement on this issue was informed predominantly by pre-2015 case reports and identified several knowledge gaps, including how young a child may undergo thrombectomy. A repeat systematic review and meta-analysis is warranted to help guide therapeutic decisions and address gaps in knowledge.METHODSUsing PRISMA-IPD guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature from 1999 to April 2019 and individual patient data meta-analysis, with 2 independent reviewers. An additional series of 3 cases in adolescent males from one of the authors’ centers was also included. The primary outcomes were the rate of good long-term (mRS score 0–2 at final follow-up) and short-term (reduction in NIHSS score by ≥ 8 points or NIHSS score 0–1 at up to 24 hours post-thrombectomy) neurological outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients < 18 years of age. The secondary outcome was the rate of successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3).RESULTSThe authors’ review yielded 113 cases of mechanical thrombectomy in 110 pediatric patients. Although complete follow-up data are not available for all patients, 87 of 96 (90.6%) had good long-term neurological outcomes (mRS score 0–2), 55 of 79 (69.6%) had good short-term neurological outcomes, and 86 of 98 (87.8%) had successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3). Death occurred in 2 patients and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 1 patient. Sixteen published thrombectomy cases were identified in children < 5 years of age.CONCLUSIONSMechanical thrombectomy may be considered for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (ICA terminus, M1, basilar artery) in patients aged 1–18 years (Level C evidence; Class IIb recommendation). The existing evidence base is likely affected by selection and publication bias. A prospective multinational registry is recommended as the next investigative step.

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