Association between abnormal maternal serum levels of vitamin B12 and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Context Some evidence has shown an association between maternal vitamin B12 levels and the development of preeclampsia in pregnant women, but the relationship between preeclampsia and vitamin B12 is not clear. Objective The aim of this systematic review was to compare serum vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia with those in normotensive pregnant women. Data Sources The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to August 2019, along with the reference lists of included articles. Study Selection The literature was searched for observational studies that investigated vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia. Data Extraction Data were extracted independently by 2 authors. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Vitamin B12 levels in women with preeclampsia were significantly lower than those in healthy women (mean, −15.24 pg/mL; 95%CI, −27.52 to −2.954; P < 0.015), but heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 97.8%; P = 0.0103). Subgroup analyses based on folic acid supplementation, homocysteine concentrations, and gestational age at the time of sampling for vitamin B12 assessment did not identify the sources of heterogeneity. Conclusions Women with preeclampsia had significantly lower vitamin B12 concentrations than normotensive pregnant women.

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Maternal Serum Zinc Level and Pre-eclampsia Risk in African Women: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Biological Trace Element Research ◽

10.1007/s12011-021-02611-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Endalamaw Tesfa ◽

Endalkachew Nibret ◽

Abaineh Munshea

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Large Scale ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

African Women ◽

Mean Values ◽

Serum Zn

AbstractSome studies have reported the association between maternal serum zinc (Zn) levels and pre-eclampsia. However, many studies have reported controversial results. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis was planned to generate summarized evidence on the association between maternal serum Zn levels and pre-eclampsia in African women. Four electronic databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched for studies published in English. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument, and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used for data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. The meta-regression analysis was performed by the Stata 14 software. The standardized mean difference (SMD) values of lipid profiles were computed to assess their association with pre-eclampsia at 95% CI. A total of 12 observational studies were included. The mean values of serum Zn level were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women (Zn = 59.40 ± 22.80 μg/dL and 80.24 ± 16.04 μg/dL), respectively. The pooled SMD of Zn was significantly reduced in pre-eclamptic women as compared with normotensive pregnant women with the SMD of −1.45 (95% CI −2.26, −0.65) at 95% CI. In this review, we found that the maternal Zn serum level was significantly reduced in pre-eclamptic women than normotensive pregnant women. This suggests that Zn could be involved in the etio-pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. However, the specific functions of Zn in pre-eclampsia pathogenesis should be proved in large-scale clinical trial studies.

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Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in animals in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02749-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji ◽

Jean Joel Bigna ◽

Sebastien Kenmoe ◽

Fredy Brice N. Simo ◽

Marie A. Amougou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Hepatitis E Virus ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Study Selection ◽

Language Restriction

Abstract Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and have high burden in the resource-limited countries. Better knowledge of the epidemiology of hepatitis in animals in Africa can help to understand the epidemiology among humans. The objective of this study was to summarize the prevalence of HEV infection and distribution of HEV genotypes among animals in Africa. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online, and Africa Index Medicus from January 1st, 2000 to March 22th, 2020 without any language restriction. We considered cross-sectional studies of HEV infection in animals in Africa. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality of included studies were done independently by two investigators. Prevalence data were pooled using the random-effects meta-analysis. This review was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42018087684. Results Twenty-five studies (13 species and 6983 animals) were included. The prevalence (antibodies or ribonucleic acid [RNA]) of HEV infection in animals varied widely depending on biological markers of HEV infection measured: 23.4% (95% confidence interval; 12.0–37.2) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins G, 13.1% (3.1–28.3) for anti-HEV immunoglobulins M, and 1.8% (0.2–4.3) for RNA; with substantial heterogeneity. In subgroup analysis, the immunoglobulins G seroprevalence was higher among pigs 37.8% (13.9–65.4). The following HEV genotypes were reported in animals: Rat-HEV genotype 1 (rats and horses), HEV-3 (pigs), HEV-7 (dromedaries), and Bat hepeviruses (bats). Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HEV infection in animals in Africa and HEV genotypes close to that of humans. Some animals in Africa could be the reservoir of HEV, highlighting the need of molecular epidemiological studies for investigating zoonotic transmission.

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Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Hye Won Lee ◽

Lin Ang ◽

Jung Tae Kim ◽

Myeong Soo Lee

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Routine Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Review Author ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Study Selection ◽

Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

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Compliance with Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) and associated factors among pregnant women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249789 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249789

Author(s):

Meseret Belete Fite ◽

Kedir Teji Roba ◽

Lemessa Oljira ◽

Abera Kenay Tura ◽

Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Folic Acid ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Global Public Health ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Iron And Folic Acid ◽

Sub Saharan

Background Anemia is one of the world’s leading cause of disability and the most serious global public health issues. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted very carefully in order to give up the pooled compliance of Iron and Folic-Acid Supplementation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods To conduct this brief systematic review and meta-analysis, a related literature search was done from different sources, PubMed Medline and Google Scholar Journals. Then IFA Supplementation related searching engine was used to make the work more meaningful and intensive. Moreover, we used modified Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale for cross sectional studies to assess the quality of the study in terms of their inclusion. Then, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed to carry out the work in a carful manner. Finally, the pooled effect size was computed using the review manager and Compressive Meta-analysis software. Results Twenty-three studies, which encompassed 24272 pregnant women, were chosen for the analysis. From those an overall prevalence of compliance with Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS) in pregnancy in SSA was 39.2%. However, the result from meta-analysis showed that women who were counseled on IFAS in their courses of pregnancy were 1.96 times more likely to adhere to IFAS compared to those who were not counseled [OR:1.96, 95% CI (1.76-,5.93)]. Moreover, it showed that women who had knowledge of IFAS were 2.71 times more likely to have compliance with IFAS as compared to those who had no knowledge of IFAS [OR:2.71, 95% CI (1.33,5.54)]. Also it revealed that those women who had knowledge of anemia were 5.42 times more likely to have compliance with IFAS as compared with those who had no knowledge of anemia [OR5.42, 95% CI (1.52, 19.43)]. Furthermore, women who had received fourth visit for ANC were 1.54 times more likely to have compliance with IFAS as compared to those who had not received for ANC [OR 1.54, 95% CI (0.66, 3.58.43)]. Conclusions Our finding from this systematic review and meta-analysis shows the low case in prevalence of compliance to IFAS among pregnant women in SSA. Predictors for this includes: knowledge about anemia, knowledge about IFAS, counseling on IFAS and receiving fourth antenatal care visit were statistically correlated positively with compliance to IFAS. This demands careful appraisal of effect of prevention work for functioning policy, programs and plan nutrition intrusions for refining maternal dietary intake in gestation. Also dietary education intrusion requires to be planned to satisfy the needs of pregnant women. So we hope that the result of this study might be essential as a bridging stone for policy makers of Africa; exclusively for maternal and child health care. Finally, we recommended further studies to be conducted in the area of the study for more intensive and detailed suggestions.

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Oxcarbazepine administration and the serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in epileptic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Seizure ◽

10.1016/j.seizure.2016.11.016 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 ◽

pp. 87-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Shahabeddin Rezaei ◽

Sakineh Shab-Bidar ◽

Ahmed Abdulahi Abdurahman ◽

Kurosh Djafarian

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Vitamin B12 ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Epileptic Patients

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Prevalence of Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Women in India: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Journal of Thyroid Research ◽

10.1155/2021/5515831 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Vikas Yadav ◽

Deepti Dabar ◽

Akhil D. Goel ◽

Mohan Bairwa ◽

Akanksha Sood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Rank Correlation ◽

Overt Hypothyroidism ◽

Study Selection ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Meta Regression Analysis ◽

Women In India

Introduction. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women in India. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Shodhganga (Indian thesis repository) for observational studies, providing prevalence of hypothyroidism among pregnant women in India. Systematic study selection and data extraction procedures were followed. Quality assessment of each study was done using JBI critical appraisal checklist. The random effects model was used for pooling the effect sizes. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and rank correlation test. I2 statistics was used to measure heterogeneity across the studies. Heterogeneity in the pooled estimates was further explored with subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis. Results. Sixty-one studies were found eligible and included in this review. The pooled estimate of the prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women was 11.07% (95% CI: 8.79–13.84, I2 = 99%). Pooled prevalence estimates of subclinical and overt hypothyroidism are 9.51% (95% CI: 7.48–12.04, I2 = 98%) and 2.74% (95% CI: 2.08–3.58, I2 = 94%). Conclusion. We documented 11.07% pooled prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnant women in India.

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“Subtherapeutic concentrations of first-line antitubercular agents in pediatric patients and its association with tuberculosis treatment outcome: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis”

10.1101/2020.05.19.20107177 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jorge Chachaima-Mar ◽

Diana Sánchez-Velazco ◽

Cesar Ugarte-Gil

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pediatric Patients ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Reference Ranges ◽

Antitubercular Agents ◽

First Line ◽

Antitubercular Drugs

AbstractPediatric tuberculosis is a neglected disease that is receiving more attention lately. Some studies found that serum levels of first line antituberculosis drugs do not reach reference concentrations in children. However, these reference ranges were validated in an adult sample. Thus, we do not know if subtherapeutic concentrations of antitubercular agents in children are associated with negative outcomes.ObjectiveTo estimate the association between subtherapeutic concentrations of first-line antitubercular drugs with clinical outcomes of treatment.MethodsWe propose to do a systematic review and meta-analysis. In order to do so, we will perform an electronic search in Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus. There will be no restriction of language nor date of publication. First, we will screen titles and abstracts; then we will screen through the full text of the article. Both phases will be done by 2 independent authors. Data extraction will be performed using a data abstraction form by two independent authors. The quality of the studies will be checked with standardized tools according to the design of the study, and will also be performed by duplicate. We will present the main characteristics of each included study through tables. The heterogeneity between studies will be assessed through the I2 statistic. If appropriate, we will use the random-effects model to calculate the pooled estimate. We will evaluate the publication bias through visual inspection of the funnel plot and Egger’s test. Pre-arranged subgroup and sensitivity analysis will be performed.ResultsWe will publish the results of this systematic review in a peer-reviewed journal.ConclusionsThis systematic review will provide up-to-date evidence regarding serum concentration in pediatric patients and its association with outcomes. With the analysis we plan, we will offer important recommendations regarding the dosage of the first line antitubercular agents in children, and the modifications that may be needed.Conflicts of interestAll the authors declare to have no conflict of interest.FundingThis study did not receive funding from the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

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Adherence of iron and folic acid supplementation and determinants among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reproductive Health ◽

10.1186/s12978-019-0848-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Melaku Desta ◽

Bekalu Kassie ◽

Habtamu Chanie ◽

Henok Mulugeta ◽

Tadesse Yirga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Folic Acid ◽

Side Effects ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

National Level ◽

Folic Acid Supplementation ◽

Acid Supplementation ◽

Life Years ◽

Iron And Folic Acid

Abstract Background Iron and folic acid deficiency anaemia are one of the global public health challenges that pose 1.45% of all disability-adjusted life-years. It is recognized as a cause for an unacceptably high proportion of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation during the antenatal period is paramount to reduce anaemia and its associated morbidities. Although several studies have been conducted across the country, their reports were inconsistent and inconclusive for intervention. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were aimed to estimate the pooled national level adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and its determinants among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis were pursued the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2009 guideline. An extensive search of databases including, PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were conducted to access articles. The Newcastle- Ottawa quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of each study and meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. I2 test and Egger’s test were used to assess the heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. The meta-analysis of estimating national level adherence were done using STATA version 11 with 95% CI. Results Twenty studies with a total of 16,818 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled national level iron and folic acid supplementation’s adherence were 46.15% (95%CI:34.75,57.55). The highest adherence was observed in Addis Abeba, 60% (95%CI: 55.93, 64.07) followed by Tigray, 58.9% (95% CI: 33.86, 84.03). Women who received supplemental information [OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.05, 5.24], who had good knowledge [OR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.05, 5.24], began the ANC visit before 16 weeks [OR = 2.41, 95%CI: 1.76, 3.29], and had ≥4 ANC visits [OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.09, 6.15] were more likely adhere to the supplementation. Fear of side effects (46.4, 95% CI: 30.9 61.8) and forgetfulness (30.7, 95% CI: 17.6, 43.8) were the major barriers of adherence of the supplementations. Conclusions More than four of nine pregnant women have adhered to the iron and folic acid supplementation. This meta-analysis revealed that receiving supplemental counselling, knowledge of the supplement; early registration and frequent ANC visit were significantly associated with the adherence of the iron and folic acid supplementation. Therefore, provision of strengthened supplemental counselling service, antenatal care services, and improving the knowledge of the supplementation is a crucial strategy to increase the adherence among pregnant women in Ethiopia. Besides, addressing the barriers of the adherence of the supplement mainly counseling or managing of side effects and reducing of forgetfulness to take the tablet through getting family support or male involvement during visit is mandatory.

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A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effect of Oral Exercises on Masticatory Function

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/00220345211050326 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002203452110503

Author(s):

X. Shu ◽

S. He ◽

E.C.M. Lo ◽

K.C.M. Leung

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Bite Force ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Masticatory Performance ◽

Masticatory Function ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Study Selection ◽

Longitudinal Comparison

The aim of the current systematic review was to summarize and to evaluate the available information on the effectiveness of oral exercise in improving the masticatory function of people ≥18 y. Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL) and gray literatures were searched (up to December 2020) for relevant randomized and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials. Two reviewers independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessments. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD), respectively. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) assessment was adopted for collective grading of the overall body of evidence. Of the 1,576 records identified, 18 studies (21 articles) were included in the analysis. Results of meta-analysis indicated that oral exercise could significantly improve the mean bite force of the participants (parallel comparison: MD, 41.2; 95% CI, 11.6–70.7, P = 0.006; longitudinal comparison: MD, 126.5; 95% CI, 105.2–144.9, P < 0.001). However, the improvement in masticatory performance was not significant (parallel comparison: SMD, 0.11; 95% CI, –0.20 to 0.42, P = 0.48; longitudinal comparison: SMD, 0.4; 95% CI, –0.11 to 0.91, P = 0.13). Results of meta-regression showed that greater improvements in bite force can be achieved among younger adults and with more intensive exercise. Chewing exercise is the most effective oral exercise, followed by clenching exercise, while simple oral exercise may not have a significant effect. Based on the results of the meta-analysis and GRADE assessment, a weak recommendation for people with declined masticatory function to practice oral exercise is made.

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Effect of different visual presentations on the comprehension of prognostic information: a systematic review

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making ◽

10.1186/s12911-021-01612-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eman Abukmail ◽

Mina Bakhit ◽

Chris Del Mar ◽

Tammy Hoffmann

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Survival Curve ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Visual Presentation ◽

Free Text ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Prognostic Information ◽

Study Selection ◽

Central Register

Abstract Background Understanding prognostic information can help patients know what may happen to their health over time and make informed decisions. However, communicating prognostic information well can be challenging. Purpose To conduct a systematic review to identify and synthesize research that has evaluated visual presentations that communicate quantitative prognostic information to patients or the public. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (from inception to December 2020), and forward and backward citation search. Study selection Two authors independently screened search results and assessed eligibility. To be eligible, studies required a quantitative design and comparison of at least one visual presentation with another presentation of quantitative prognostic information. The primary outcome was comprehension of the presented information. Secondary outcomes were preferences for or satisfaction with the presentations viewed, and behavioral intentions. Data extraction Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Data synthesis Eleven studies (all randomized trials) were identified. We grouped studies according to the presentation type evaluated. Bar graph versus pictograph (3 studies): no difference in comprehension between the groups. Survival vs mortality curves (2 studies): no difference in one study; higher comprehension in survival curve group in another study. Tabular format versus pictograph (4 studies): 2 studies reported similar comprehension between groups; 2 found higher comprehension in pictograph groups. Tabular versus free text (3 studies): 2 studies found no difference between groups; 1 found higher comprehension in a tabular group. Limitations Heterogeneity in the visual presentations and outcome measures, precluding meta-analysis. Conclusions No visual presentation appears to be consistently superior to communicate quantitative prognostic information.

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