scholarly journals Decreased Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Treated With Tocilizumab: A Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jishnu Malgie ◽  
Jan W Schoones ◽  
Bart G Pijls
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Difference ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background We systematically reviewed the literature to answer the following research questions: (1) Does interleukin 6 (IL-6) (receptor) antagonist therapy reduce mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists; and (2) is there an increased risk of side effects in COVID-19 patients treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists compared to patients not treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists? Methods We systematically searched PubMed, PMC PubMed Central, Medline, World Health Organization COVID-19 Database, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, and Academic Search Premier (through 30 June 2020). Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool the risk ratios and risk differences of individual studies. Risk of bias was appraised using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist. Results The search strategy retrieved 743 unique titles, of which 10 studies (all on tocilizumab [TCZ]) comprising 1358 patients were included. Nine of 10 studies were considered to be of high quality. Meta-analysis showed that the TCZ group had lower mortality than the control group. The risk ratio was 0.27 (95% confidence interval [CI], .12–.59) and the risk difference was 12% (95% CI, 4.6%–20%) in favor of the TCZ group. With only a few studies available, there were no differences observed regarding side effects. Conclusions Our results showed that mortality was 12% lower for COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ compared with those not treated with TCZ. The number needed to treat was 11, suggesting that for every 11 (severe) COVID-19 patients treated with TCZ, 1 death is prevented. These results require confirmation by randomized controlled trials.

scholarly journals Effect of electromagnetic field on abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Open Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1628-1641
Author(s):  
Masumeh Ghazanfarpour ◽  
Zahra Atarodi Kashani ◽  
Reza Pakzad ◽  
Fatemeh Abdi ◽  
Fatemeh Alsadat Rahnemaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The increasing use of new technologies by pregnant women inevitably exposes them to the risks of the electromagnetic fields (EMFs). According to the World Health Organization, EMFs are the major sources of pollutants which harm human health. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of EMF exposure on abortion. Methods Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched until 2021. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored using Cochran’s Q test and I 2 index. A meta-regression method was employed to investigate the factors affecting heterogeneity between the studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the credibility of the studies. Results Eligible studies (N = 17) were analyzed with a total of 57,693 participants. The mean maternal age (95% CI) was 31.06 years (27.32–34.80). Based on meta-analysis results, the pooled estimate for OR of EMF with its effects was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10–1.46). According to the results of meta-regression, sample size had a significant effect on heterogeneity between studies (p: 0.030), but mother’s age and publication year had no significant effect on heterogeneity (p-value of bothwere >0.05). No publication bias was observed. Conclusion Exposure to EMFs above 50 Hz or 16 mG is associated with 1.27× increased risk of abortion. It may be prudent to advise women against this potentially important environmental hazard. Indeed, pregnant women should receive tailored counselling.

scholarly journals EXPRESS: Stroke risk following traumatic brain injury: systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110042
Author(s):  
Grace Mary Turner ◽  
Christel McMullan ◽  
Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi ◽  
Danai Bem ◽  
Tom Marshall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vitamin K Antagonists ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Aims To investigate the association between TBI and stroke risk. Summary of review We undertook a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from inception to 4th December 2020. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool hazard ratios (HR) for studies which reported stroke risk post-TBI compared to controls. Searches identified 10,501 records; 58 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 met the inclusion criteria. The review included a large sample size of 2,606,379 participants from four countries. Six studies included a non-TBI control group, all found TBI patients had significantly increased risk of stroke compared to controls (pooled HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.46-2.37). Findings suggest stroke risk may be highest in the first four months post-TBI, but remains significant up to five years post-TBI. TBI appears to be associated with increased stroke risk regardless of severity or subtype of TBI. There was some evidence to suggest an association between reduced stroke risk post-TBI and Vitamin K antagonists and statins, but increased stroke risk with certain classes of antidepressants. Conclusion TBI is an independent risk factor for stroke, regardless of TBI severity or type. Post-TBI review and management of risk factors for stroke may be warranted.

scholarly journals Oral Contraceptive Use and Breast Cancer Risk Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies, 2009–2020

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 5654
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Barańska ◽  
Agata Błaszczuk ◽  
Wiesław Kanadys ◽  
Maria Malm ◽  
Katarzyna Drop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Oral Contraceptive ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

To perform a meta-analysis of case-control studies that addressed the association between oral contraceptive pills (OC) use and breast cancer (BrCa), PubMED (MEDLINE), Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify case-control studies of OC and BrCa published between 2009 and 2020. We used the DerSimonian–Laird method to compute pooled odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs), and the Mantel–Haenszel test to assess the association between OC use and cancer. Forty-two studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria and we included a total of 110,580 women (30,778 into the BrCa group and 79,802 into the control group, of which 15,722 and 38,334 were using OC, respectively). The conducted meta-analysis showed that the use of OC was associated with a significantly increased risk of BrCa in general, OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.31, p = 0.0358. Regarding other risk factors for BrCa, we found that increased risk was associated significantly with early menarche, nulliparous, non-breastfeeding, older age at first parity, postmenopause, obesity, smoking, and family history of BrCa. Despite our conclusion that birth control pills increase the cancer risk being supported by extensive previous studies and meta-analyzes, further confirmation is required.

scholarly journals Decreased mortality and increased side effects in COVID-19 patients treated with IL-6 receptor antagonists: systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jishnu Malgie ◽  
Jan W. Schoones ◽  
Maurice P. Zeegers ◽  
Bart G. Pijls
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Receptor Antagonists ◽  
Impaired Liver Function ◽  
Baseline Mortality

AbstractThere is controversy whether IL-6 (receptor) antagonists are beneficial in treating COVID-19 patients. We therefore update our systematic review to answer the following research questions: (1) Do patients hospitalized for COVID-19 treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists have lower mortality compared to standard of care? (2) Do patients hospitalized for COVID-19 treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists have more side effects compared to standard of care? The following databases were search up to December 1st 2020: PubMed, PMC PubMed Central, MEDLINE, WHO COVID-19 Database, Embase, Web-of-Science, COCHRANE LIBRARY, Emcare and Academic Search Premier. In order to pool the risk ratio (RR) and risk difference of individual studies we used random effects meta-analysis. The search strategy retrieved 2975 unique titles of which 71 studies (9 RCTs and 62 observational) studies comprising 29,495 patients were included. Mortality (RR 0.75) and mechanical ventilation (RR 0.78) were lower and the risk of neutropenia (RR 7.3), impaired liver function (RR 1.67) and secondary infections (RR 1.26) were higher for patients treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists compared to patients not treated with treated with IL-6 (receptor) antagonists. Our results showed that IL-6 (receptor) antagonists are effective in reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients, while the risk of side effects was higher. The baseline risk of mortality was an important effect modifier: IL-6 (receptor) antagonists were effective when the baseline mortality risk was high (e.g. ICU setting), while they could be harmful when the baseline mortality risk was low.

scholarly journals Association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility: A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roohollah Sharifi ◽  
Sajjad Jahedi ◽  
Hamid Reza Mozaffari ◽  
Mohammad Moslem Imani ◽  
Masuod Sadeghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Caries Risk ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Dental Caries Susceptibility ◽  
Review Manager

Abstract Background This meta-analysis evaluated the association of LTF, ENAM, and AMELX polymorphisms with dental caries susceptibility.Methods We searched the Scopus, PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve articles published by October 2019. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of publication bias tests were retrieved by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0 software.Results A total of 150 relevant records were identified; out of which, 16 were entered into the analysis (4 studies assessed LTF, 11 ENAM, and 11 AMELX polymorphisms). Of all polymorphisms, there was a significant association only between ENAM rs3796704 polymorphism and dental caries susceptibility. Both ENAM rs3796704 and AMELX rs17878486 polymorphisms had a significant association with dental caries risk in the Caucasian ethnicity and the studies including caries-free control group.Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis showed that the G allele and the GG genotype of ENAM rs3796704 were associated with an increased risk of caries in the case group compared with the control group. But there was no association between LTF rs1126478, ENAM (rs1264848 and rs3796703), and AMELX (rs946252, rs17878486, and rs2106416) polymorphisms and dental caries susceptibility.

scholarly journals Association of Leptin and Adiponectin with Risk and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Combination of Traditional, Survival and Dose-response Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilong Zhang ◽  
Qihang Yuan ◽  
Man Li ◽  
Dongqi Chai ◽  
Wenhong Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthy Control Group ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Carcinoma Risk

Abstract Background: The association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk as well as prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma has been investigated by an increasing number of studies, but the results were controversial.Methods: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between leptin, adiponectin levels and risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase databases, Clinicaltrials, and Opengrey were searched, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and main texts were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data.Results: Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000) , the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher adiponectin levels than the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (-0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI (-1.30, 0.29), P= 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766).Conclusion: The study shows that high leptin levels are associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels are proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and are related to the poor prognosis.

scholarly journals Pre-operative denosumab is associated with higher risk of local recurrence in giant cell tumor of bone: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi Chen ◽  
Hairui Li ◽  
Shibai Zhu ◽  
Yiou Wang ◽  
Wenwei Qian
Keyword(s):  
Local Recurrence ◽  
Giant Cell Tumor ◽  
Giant Cell ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cell Tumor ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Risk Of Recurrence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background: In 2013, denosumab was introduced as peri-operative adjuvant treatment for giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone as it inhibits osteoclast activity. It is suggested that denosumab relives pain, facilitate curettage in lesions requiring resection initially. However, controversy remains whether denosumab increases the risk of local recurrence after surgery. Methods: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched in June 2019 to identify studies investigating the clinical outcome of GCT of bone with and without peri-operative denosumab after surgery. Data were gathered and a meta-analysis was conducted. Result: Ten studies with 1082 cases (169 in denosumab group, 913 in control group) were included. Overall, denosumab was associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence(P<0.02) and inferior 5 year recurrence free survival(P=0.000). Denosumab and curettage has a relatively higher risk of recurrence comparing to curettage alone(P=0.07). The risk of recurrence is not significantly increased if denosumab was administered both preoperatively and postoperatively(P=0.24). Conclusion: Administration of denosumab is associated with increased risk of recurrence due to a variety of reasons, though it is proven effective in relieving pain, enabling curettage and improved functional outcome. Post-operative denosumab is recommended as it continuously suppress/eliminate residue tumor cells.

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 The association of leptin and adiponectin with hepatocellular carcinoma risk and prognosis: a combination of traditional, survival, and dose-response meta-analysis

BMC Cancer ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilong Zhang ◽  
Qihang Yuan ◽  
Man Li ◽  
Dongqi Chai ◽  
Wenhong Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Healthy Control Group ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Linear Relationships ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Carcinoma Risk

Abstract Background An increasing number of studies have focused on the association between leptin, adiponectin levels and the risk as well as the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the reported results are conflicting. Methods A meta-analysis was performed to assess the correlation between leptin, adiponectin levels and risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (CRD42020195882). Through June 14, 2020, PubMed, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched, including references of qualifying articles. Titles, abstracts, and main texts were reviewed by at least 2 independent readers. Stata 16.0 was used to calculate statistical data. Results Thirty studies were included in this meta-analysis and results showed that hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher leptin levels than the cancer-free control group (SMD = 1.83, 95% CI (1.09, 2.58), P = 0.000), the healthy control group (SMD = 4.32, 95% CI (2.41, 6.24), P = 0.000) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = 1.85, 95% CI (0.70, 3.01), P = 0.002). Hepatocellular carcinoma group had significantly higher adiponectin levels than the healthy control group (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.37, 2.76), P = 0.010), but no statistical difference compared with the cancer-free control group (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI (− 0.35, 0.82), P = 0.430) and the cirrhosis group (SMD = − 0.51, 95% CI (− 1.30, 0.29), P = 0.213). The leptin rs7799039 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (G vs A: OR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.10, 1.48), P = 0.002). There were linear relationships between adiponectin levels and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 1.066, 95% CI (1.03, 1.11), P = 0.001). In addition, the results showed that high/positive expression of adiponectin was significantly related to lower overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HR = 1.70, 95% CI (1.22, 2.37), P = 0.002); however, there was no significantly association between the leptin levels and overall survival (HR = 0.92, 95% CI (0.53, 1.59), P = 0.766). Conclusion The study shows that high leptin levels were associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adiponectin levels were proportional to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, and were related to the poor prognosis.

scholarly journals Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy for Functional Dyspepsia: A Meta-Analysis by Region and H. pylori Prevalence

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seung Joo Kang ◽  
Boram Park ◽  
Cheol Min Shin
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
Functional Dyspepsia ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Eradication Therapy ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Number Needed To Treat ◽  
Helicobacter Pylori Eradication ◽  
Dyspeptic Symptoms ◽  
H Pylori

Background: Previous studies on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on functional dyspepsia (FD) are conflicting. We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis on this issue according to region and prevalence of H. pylori. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of eradication of H. pylori on functional dyspepsia up to December 2018 were searched through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Subgroup analyses by the outcome measure, region, and prevalence of H. pylori were performed. All data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3. Results: Eighteen RCTs were included in our meta-analysis. Overall, the H. pylori eradication group showed significant improvement of symptoms compared with the control group (risk ratio (RR) = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.30, p < 0.01). There was moderate heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 34%) and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 15.0. Helicobacter pylori eradication improved dyspeptic symptoms both in low (<50%) and high (≥50%) H. pylori prevalence regions (RR = 1.21 and 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44 and 1.06–1.29, I2 = 49% and 5%, respectively.) In the analysis of studies from Asia, however, the effect of eradication on improvement of dyspepsia was not significant (RR = 1.14; 95% CI: 0.99–1.33, p = 0.08, I2 = 37%). Conclusion: Overall, H. pylori eradication provides significant improvement of symptoms in functional dyspepsia patients regardless of H. pylori prevalence. However, in the analysis of studies from Asia, the eradication did not significantly improve dyspeptic symptoms. In this region, eradication for dyspepsia can be individualized.

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