scholarly journals Does retirement trigger depressive symptoms? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Odone ◽  
V. Gianfredi ◽  
G. P. Vigezzi ◽  
A. Amerio ◽  
C. Ardito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Funnel Plot ◽  
Funnel Plot Asymmetry

Abstract Aims Retirement is a major life transition that may improve or worsen mental health, including depression. Existing studies provide contradictory results. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to quantitatively pool available evidence on the association of retirement and depressive symptoms. Methods We applied PRISMA guidelines to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to retrieve, quantitatively pool and critically evaluate the association between retirement and both incident and prevalent depression and to understand better the potential role of individual and contextual-level determinants. Relevant original studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library, through 4 March 2021. Subgroup and sensitivity meta-analyses were conducted by gender, study design (longitudinal v. cross-sectional studies), study quality score (QS) and considering studies using validated scales to diagnose depression. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with I2 statistics. Results Forty-one original studies met our a priori defined inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis on more than half a million subjects (n = 557 111) from 60 datasets suggested a protective effect of retirement on the risk of depression [effect size (ES) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.74–0.93], although with high statistical heterogeneity between risk estimates (χ2 = 895.19, df = 59, I2 = 93.41%, p-value < 0.0001). Funnel plot asymmetry and trim and fill method suggested a minor potential publication bias. Results were consistent, confirm their robustness and suggest stronger protective effects when progressively restricting the included studies based on quality criteria: (i) studies with the highest QS [55 datasets, 407 086 subjects, ES = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.71–0.91], (ii) studies with a high QS and using validated assessment tools to diagnose depression (44 datasets, 239 453 subjects, ES = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.65–0.88) and (iii) studies of high quality, using a validated tool and with a longitudinal design (24 datasets, 162 004 subjects, ES = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.64–0.90). We observed a progressive reduction in funnel plot asymmetry. About gender, no statistically significant difference was found (females ES = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.61–1.02 v. men ES = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.68–1.11). Conclusions Pooled data suggested that retirement reduces by nearly 20% the risk of depression; such estimates got stronger when limiting the analysis to longitudinal and high-quality studies, even if results are affected by high heterogeneity. As retirement seems to have an independent and protective effect on mental health and depressive symptoms, greater flexibility in retirement timing should be granted to older workers to reduce their mental burden and avoid the development of severe depression. Retirement may also be identified as a target moment for preventive interventions, particularly primary and secondary prevention, to promote health and wellbeing in older ages, boosting the observed impact.

scholarly journals The Current State and Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Mental Health Assessment Tools for Psychiatric Disorders: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayra A Martin-Key ◽  
Thea S Schei ◽  
Eleanor J Barker ◽  
Benedetta Spadaro ◽  
Erin Funnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Assessment ◽  
Question And Answer

BACKGROUND Despite the rapidly growing number of digital assessment tools for screening and diagnosing mental health disorders, little is known about their diagnostic accuracy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to establish the diagnostic accuracy of question- and answer-based digital assessment tools for diagnosing a range of highly prevalent psychiatric conditions in the adult population. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) will be used. The focus of the systematic review is guided by the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework (PICO). We will conduct a comprehensive systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for appropriate articles published from January 1, 2005. Two authors will independently screen the titles and abstracts of identified references and select studies according to the eligibility criteria. Any inconsistencies will be discussed and resolved. The two authors will then extract data into a standardized form. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool, and a descriptive analysis and meta-analysis will summarize the diagnostic accuracy of the identified digital assessment tools. RESULTS The systematic review and meta-analysis commenced in November 2020, with findings expected by May 2021. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the diagnostic accuracy of question- and answer-based digital assessment tools. It will identify implications for clinical practice, areas for improvement, and directions for future research. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020214724; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020214724. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/25382

scholarly journals The Current State and Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Mental Health Assessment Tools for Psychiatric Disorders: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

10.2196/25382 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e25382
Author(s):  
Nayra A Martin-Key ◽  
Thea S Schei ◽  
Eleanor J Barker ◽  
Benedetta Spadaro ◽  
Erin Funnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Assessment ◽  
Question And Answer

Background Despite the rapidly growing number of digital assessment tools for screening and diagnosing mental health disorders, little is known about their diagnostic accuracy. Objective The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to establish the diagnostic accuracy of question- and answer-based digital assessment tools for diagnosing a range of highly prevalent psychiatric conditions in the adult population. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) will be used. The focus of the systematic review is guided by the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome framework (PICO). We will conduct a comprehensive systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) for appropriate articles published from January 1, 2005. Two authors will independently screen the titles and abstracts of identified references and select studies according to the eligibility criteria. Any inconsistencies will be discussed and resolved. The two authors will then extract data into a standardized form. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool, and a descriptive analysis and meta-analysis will summarize the diagnostic accuracy of the identified digital assessment tools. Results The systematic review and meta-analysis commenced in November 2020, with findings expected by May 2021. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the diagnostic accuracy of question- and answer-based digital assessment tools. It will identify implications for clinical practice, areas for improvement, and directions for future research. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42020214724; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020214724. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/25382

A Systematic Review of the Current State and Validity of Digital Assessment Tools for Psychiatry (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayra Anna Martin-Key ◽  
Benedetta Spadaro ◽  
Erin Funnell ◽  
Eleanor Jane Barker ◽  
Thea Sofie Schei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Digital Assessment ◽  
Current State

BACKGROUND Given the role digital technologies are likely to play in the future of mental healthcare, there is a need for a comprehensive appraisal of the current state and validity (i.e., screening/diagnostic accuracy) of digital mental health assessments. OBJECTIVE To explore the current state and validity of question-and-answer-based digital tools for diagnosing and screening psychiatric conditions in adults. METHODS This systematic review was based on the Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework and was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, ASSIA, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were systematically searched for articles published between 2005 and 2020. A descriptive evaluation of the study characteristics and digital solutions and a quantitative appraisal of the screening/diagnostic accuracy of the included tools was conducted. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria, with the most frequently evaluated conditions encompassing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and any depressive disorder. The majority of the studies employed digitized versions of existing pen-and-paper questionnaires, with findings revealing poor to excellent screening/diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity = 0.36-1.00, specificity = 0.37-1.00, AUC = 0.57-0.98) and a high risk of bias for most of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS The current state of the field of digital mental health tools is in its early stages and high-quality evidence is lacking. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/25382

scholarly journals Prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms among outpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e017173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinghui Wang ◽  
Xiaohang Wu ◽  
Weiyi Lai ◽  
Erping Long ◽  
Xiayin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

ObjectivesDepression and depressive symptoms are common mental disorders that have a considerable effect on patients’ health-related quality of life and satisfaction with medical care, but the prevalence of these conditions varies substantially between published studies. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a precise estimate of the prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among outpatients in different clinical specialties.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sources and eligibility criteriaThe PubMed and PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify observational studies that contained information on the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in outpatients. All studies included were published before January 2016. Data characteristics were extracted independently by two investigators. The point prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was measured using validated self-report questionnaires or structured interviews. Assessments were pooled using a random-effects model. Differences in study-level characteristics were estimated by meta-regression analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using standard χ2tests and the I2statistic. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42017054738.ResultsEighty-three cross-sectional studies involving 41 344 individuals were included in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was 27.0% (10 943/41 344 individuals; 95% CI 24.0% to 29.0%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (p<0.0001, τ2=0.3742, I2=96.7%). Notably, a significantly higher prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms was observed in outpatients than in the healthy controls (OR 3.16, 95% CI 2.66 to 3.76, I2=72.0%, χ2=25.33). The highest depression/depressive symptom prevalence estimates occurred in studies of outpatients from otolaryngology clinics (53.0%), followed by dermatology clinics (39.0%) and neurology clinics (35.0%). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in different specialties varied from 17.0% to 53.0%. The prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms was higher among outpatients in developing countries than in outpatients from developed countries. Moreover, the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in outpatients slightly decreased from 1996 to 2010. Regarding screening instruments, the Beck Depression Inventory led to a higher estimate of the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms (1316/4702, 36.0%, 95% CI 29.0% to 44.0%, I2=94.8%) than the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (1003/2025, 22.0%, 95% CI 12.0% to 35.0%, I2=96.6%).ConclusionOur study provides evidence that a significant proportion of outpatients experience depression or depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of developing effective management strategies for the early identification and treatment of these conditions among outpatients in clinical practice. The substantial heterogeneity between studies was not fully explained by the variables examined.

scholarly journals Acupuncture-Related Therapies for Parkinson's Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Qualitative Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaopeng Wen ◽  
Kunbin Li ◽  
Hao Wen ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Zhiyuan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Conventional Medication

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of the combination of acupuncture-related therapies with conventional medication compared with conventional medication in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods: A literature search within eight databases [including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), VIP, and Wanfang Database] was performed covering a time frame from their inception to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture-related therapies combined with conventional medication vs. conventional medication in patients with PD were eligible. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias. Assessments were performed with the total and subscales scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the dosage of Madopar, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Data were analyzed by adopting the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.4 (Review Man, Copenhagen, Denmark); and mean effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Tests for heterogeneity were used to assess differences in treatment effects across different types of acupuncture used.Results: Sixty-six trials met the inclusion criteria, of which 61 trials provided data for the meta-analysis. We defined high-quality articles as those with a low risk of bias in four or more domains; and only 10 (15.15%) articles were of high quality. Compared with the controls, acupuncture-related therapies with conventional medication achieved a benefit in the primary outcomes of UPDRS (motor subscore: −3.90, −4.33 to −3.49, P &lt; 0.01; total score: −7.37 points, −8.91 to −5.82, P &lt; 0.001; activities of daily living subscore: −3.96, −4.96 to −2.95, P &lt; 0.01). For the subgroup difference test among the effects of different acupuncture methods, significant differences existed in outcomes with the UPDRS-III, UPDRS-I, UPDRS-IV, and PDQ-39 scores and Madopar dosage, while non-significant differences existed with the UPDRS-total, UPDRS-II, HAMD, and MMSE scores.Conclusions: Acupuncture-related therapies combined with conventional medication may benefit individuals with PD. Our review findings should be considered with caution because of the methodological weaknesses in the included trials. Future, large randomized trials of acupuncture-related therapies for PD with high methodological quality are warranted.Systematic Review Registration: Identifier CRD42021228110.

scholarly journals The Efficacy and Tolerability of Ubrogepant for Acute Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Diao ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
Yang Chun Zhou ◽  
Biao Du
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Acute Attack ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Acute Migraine ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ubrogepant in patients with acute migraine. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to JULY, 2019. Randomized controlled trials of the efficacy and/or tolerability of ubrogepant for migraine were included. Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 4 RCTs involving 4 163 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed that:compared to the control group, the percentage of participants with PF, the percentage of participants with PR, the percentage of participants with SPF, the percentage of participants with SPR,the absence of phonophobia in sound，the absence of phonophobia in light and the absence of nausea (RR=1.31,95%CI:1.18~1.45，P<0.00001, RR=1.63,95%CI:1.46~1.82，P<0.00001, RR=1.22,95%CI:1.15~1.29，P<0.00001, RR=1.32,95%CI:1.22~1.42，P<0.00001, RR=1.16,95%CI:1.05~1.27，P=0.002), all the differences were statistically significant. Conclusions: For adult patients with acute migraine, ubrogepant could effectively abort the acute attack. High-quality, adequately powered RCTs are needed to fully evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ubrogepant for acute migraine.

scholarly journals Prevalence of sleep disturbances in Chinese adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0247333
Author(s):  
Mengjiao Liang ◽  
Ling Guo ◽  
Jing Huo ◽  
Guoliang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Effective Sample Size

Objectives To review cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of sleep disturbance in Chinese adolescents and use a meta-analysis to explore the factors that may explain the heterogeneity between estimates of the prevalence. Methods We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis and searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, SinoMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals databases from their inception through June 30, 2020. Analysis of the abstract, full-text, and data were conducted independently with uniform standards. Sub-group analyses and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the associations between prevalence and gender, sex ratio, mean age, area, studying stage, sample size, survey time, response rate, assessment tools, PSQI cut-off, and quality score of the study. Results A total of 63 studies (64 groups of outcomes) were included in our analysis, covering 430,422 adolescents across China, of which 104,802 adolescents had sleep disturbances. The overall pooled prevalence was 26% (95% CI: 24–27%). Adolescents in senior high school (28%, 95% CI: 24–31%, p<0.001) had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances than those in junior high school (20%, 95% CI: 15–24%, p<0.001). Studies with effective sample size of more than 1,000 and less than 3,000 had the highest prevalence of 30% (95% CI: 24–35%, p<0.001). The prevalence of sleep disturbances was not affected by other factors. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that sleep disturbances are common in Chinese adolescents, and effective psychological and behavior intervention may be needed to help adolescents solve their sleep problems.

scholarly journals Does aerobic exercise reduce postpartum depressive symptoms? a systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (663) ◽  
pp. e684-e691 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Victoria Pritchett ◽  
Amanda J Daley ◽  
Kate Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Group Exercise ◽  
Postpartum Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Health Organization

BackgroundThere is currently no specific guidance on the role of exercise in managing postpartum depression in the UK and US, and international guidance is inconsistent.AimTo assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on postpartum depressive symptoms.Design and settingSystematic review and meta-analysis. There was no restriction to study site or setting.MethodThe databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched. Titles and abstracts, then full-text articles, were screened against inclusion criteria: RCTs measuring depressive symptoms in mothers ≤1 year postpartum; and interventions designed to increase aerobic exercise compared with usual care or other comparators. Included studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted. Pre-planned subgroup analyses explored heterogeneity.ResultsThirteen RCTs were included, with 1734 eligible participants. Exercise significantly reduced depressive symptoms when all trials were combined (standardised mean difference −0.44; 95% confidence interval = −0.75 to −0.12). Exploration of heterogeneity did not find significant differences in effect size between women with possible depression and in general postpartum populations; exercise only and exercise with co-interventions; and group exercise and exercise counselling.ConclusionThis systematic review provides support for the effectiveness of exercise in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms. Group exercise, participant-chosen exercise, and exercise with co-interventions all may be effective interventions. These results should be interpreted with caution because of substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias.

scholarly journals Diabetes mellitus and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1141-1155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi-Yang Yao ◽  
Cai-Qi Jiang ◽  
Gen-Lai Jia ◽  
Gang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Subarachnoid Haemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage ◽  
Study Quality ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Relative Risks

Objective This systematic review aimed to define the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Studies associated with DM and aSAH published until March 2016 were retrieved from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. A random-effects model was used to calculate the relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Eighteen observational studies were retrieved. The overall RRs for DM and aSAH were RRs = 0.59 (0.44, 0.79), with moderate heterogeneity ( I2 = 55.7%, Pheterogeneity = 0.000). Subgroup analysis by study quality revealed a reduced association between DM and aSAH risk in high quality studies only (RRs = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.56; I2 = 0.0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.549), therefore study quality may be a source of heterogeneity. Conclusion A potential decreased risk of aSAH in DM patients was found in high quality studies. Further studies are required to confirm this causal relationship and to investigate the biological mechanisms.

scholarly journals Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation to Microfracture Provides a Limited Benefit for the Treatment of Cartilage Lesions: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712091050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Boffa ◽  
Davide Previtali ◽  
Sante Alessandro Altamura ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini ◽  
Christian Candrian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Comparative Studies ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cartilage Lesions

Background: Microfracture is the most common first-line option for the treatment of small chondral lesions, although increasing evidence shows that the clinical benefit of microfracture decreases over time. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested as an effective biological augmentation to improve clinical outcomes after microfracture. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical evidence regarding the application of PRP, documenting safety and efficacy of this augmentation technique to improve microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was performed in PubMed, EBSCOhost database, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of PRP augmentation to microfracture. A meta-analysis was performed on articles that reported results for visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Risk of bias was documented through use of the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions assessment tools. The quality assessment was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Results: A total of 7 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis: 4 randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective comparative studies, and 1 retrospective comparative study, for a total of 234 patients. Of the 7 studies included, 4 studies evaluated the effects of PRP treatment in the knee, and 3 studies evaluated effects in the ankle. The analysis of all scores showed a difference favoring PRP treatment in knees (VAS, P = .002 and P < .001 at 12 and 24 months, respectively; IKDC, P < .001 at both follow-up points) and ankles (both VAS and AOFAS, P < .001 at 12 months). The improvement offered by PRP did not reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Conclusion: PRP provided an improvement to microfracture in knees and ankles at short-term follow-up. However, this improvement did not reach the MCID, and thus it was not clinically perceivable by the patients. Moreover, the overall low evidence and the paucity of high-level studies indicate further research is needed to confirm the potential of PRP augmentation to microfracture for the treatment of cartilage lesions.

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