Liver injury is associated with severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective studies

AbstractAimThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a major threat to human beings. Lung injury has been reported as the major outcome of COVID-19 infection. However, liver damage has also been considered to occur in severe cases. Current meta-analysis of retrospective studies was done to summarize available findings on the association between liver injury and severity of COVID-19 infection.MethodsOnline databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched to detect relevant publications up to 1 April 2020, using relevant keywords. To pool data, a fixed- or random-effects model was used depending on the heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, publication bias test and sensitivity analysis were also done.ResultsIn total, 20 retrospective studies with 3,428 COVID-19 infected patients (severe cases = 1,455 and mild cases = 1,973), were included in this meta-analysis. Higher serum levels of Aspartate aminotransferase (weighted mean difference = 8.84 U/L, 95% CI = 5.97 to 11.71, P<0.001), Alanine aminotransferase (weighted mean difference = 7.35 U/L, 95% CI = 4.77 to 9.93, P<0.001), total Bilirubin (weighted mean difference = 2.30 mmol/L, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.36, P<0.001) and lower serum levels of Albumin (weighted mean difference = −4.24 g/L, 95% CI = −6.20 to −2.28, P<0.001), were associated with a significant increase in the severity of COVID-19 infection.ConclusionsThe incidence of liver injury seems to be higher in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. This finding could help physicians to identify patients with poor prognosis at an early stage.

Download Full-text

Effect of Earthworm on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.691742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dong Wang ◽

Zhen Ruan ◽

Rongchao Zhang ◽

Xuejing Wang ◽

Ruihui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Wound Healing ◽

Healing Rate ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Healing Process ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Weighted Mean

Background: Earthworm, also called dilong (Chinese language), has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, some scientists believe that earthworm extracts (EE) can promote wound healing. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EE on wound healing based on the healing rate.Methods: We comprehensively reviewed literature that mentioned EE for wound healing in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and WanFang database that have been published until January 2021. We computed weighted mean difference (WMD) for analysis with RevMan 5.3 software in animal and human models groups. Two researchers independently selected studies and evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020168400).Results: From 2,486 articles, we selected 16 studies for analysis. EE treatment was associated with improvements in wound healing performance based on wound healing rate (mouse model: weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.34–4.77, p < 0.00001; rat model: WMD = 17.29, 95% CI: 5.75–28.82, p = 0.003; rabbit model: WMD = 19.29, 95% CI: 9.95–28.64, p < 0.0001). Clinical studies also confirmed that EE could reduce healing time in hospital (WMD = −8.94, 95% CI: −17.75 to −0.14, p = 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of EE on wound healing process. As a corollary, EE can be a useful natural product for wound healing drug development.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168400, identifier CRD42020168400.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041258 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1258

Author(s):

Wiesław Kanadys ◽

Agnieszka Barańska ◽

Agata Błaszczuk ◽

Małgorzata Polz-Dacewicz ◽

Bartłomiej Drop ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Postmenopausal Women ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Red Clover ◽

Menopausal Symptoms ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Biochanin A ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Hot Flushes ◽

Weighted Mean

The meta-analysis presented in this article covered the efficacy of red clover isoflavones in relieving hot flushes and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Studies were identified by MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Library searches. The quality of the studies was evaluated according to Cochrane criteria. A meta-analysis of eight trials (ten comparisons) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the daily incidence of hot flushes in women receiving red clover compared to those receiving placebo: weighted mean difference (WMD—weighted mean difference) −1.73 hot flushes per day, 95% CI (confidence interval) −3.28 to −0.18; p = 0.0292. Due to 87.34% homogeneity, the performed analysis showed substantive difference in comparisons of postmenopausal women with ≥5 hot flushes per day, when the follow-up period was 12 weeks, with an isoflavone dose of ≥80 mg/day, and when the formulations contained a higher proportion of biochanin A. The meta-analysis of included studies assessing the effect of red clover isoflavone extract on menopausal symptoms showed a statistically moderate relationship with the reduction in the daily frequency of hot flushes. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm the present findings and to finally determine the effects of red clover on the relief of flushing episodes.

Download Full-text

Puerarin for OVX-Induced Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Murine Model: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy ◽

10.2174/1574888x14666190703143946 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 37-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xiaobin Yang ◽

Haishi Zheng ◽

Yuan Liu ◽

Dingjun Hao ◽

Baorong He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Bone Mass ◽

Postmenopausal Osteoporosis ◽

Murine Model ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Enhancing Effect ◽

Searching Strategy

Aims/Background: Ovariectomy (OVX)-induced murine model is widely used for postmenopausal osteoporosis study. Our current study was conducted to systematically review and essentially quantified the bone mass enhancing effect of puerarin on treating OVX-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis in murine model. Methods: Literatures from PUBMED, EMBASE, and CNKI were involved in our searching strategy by limited the inception date to January 9th, 2019. Moreover, the enhancing effect of puerarin on bone mass compared to OVX-induced rats is evaluated by four independent reviewers. Finally, all the data were extracted, quantified and analyzed via RevMan, besides that in our current review study, we assessed the methodological quality for each involved study. Results: Based on the searching strategy, eight randomization studies were finally included in current meta-analysis and systematic review. According to the data analysis by RevMan, puerarin could improve bone mineral density (BMD); (eight studies, n=203; weighted mean difference, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03-0.07; P<0.0001) using a random-effects model. There is no significant difference between puerarin and estrogen (seven studies, n=184; weighted mean difference, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.00; P=0.30). Conclusions: Puerarin showed upregulating effects on bone mass in OVX-induced postmenopausal osteoporosis in murine model. More studies of the effect of puerarin on bone density in OVX animals are needed.

Download Full-text

Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety between dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: a meta-analysis

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/03000605211032786 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (7) ◽

pp. 030006052110327

Author(s):

Weihua Liu ◽

Wenli Yu ◽

Hongli Yu ◽

Mingwei Sheng

Keyword(s):

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Lower Risk ◽

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Similar Efficacy ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Weighted Mean

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and propofol in patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods Relevant studies comparing dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Results Seven relevant studies (dexmedetomidine group, n = 238; propofol group, n = 239) met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in the induction time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.95–7.88, I2 = 99%) and recovery time (WMD = 2.74, 95% CI = −2.72–8.19, I2 = 98%). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in the risks of hypotension (risk ratio [RR] = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.25–1.22) and nausea and vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.46–2.22) between the drugs, whereas dexmedetomidine carried a lower risk of hypoxia (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.11–0.63) and higher risk of bradycardia (RR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38–6.54). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine had similar efficacy and safety profiles as propofol in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Download Full-text

Impact of extended lymphadenectomy on morbidity, mortality, recurrence and 5-year survival after gastrectomy for cancer: meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Acta Cirurgica Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0102-86502008000600009 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 520-530 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Suzana Angélica Silva Lustosa ◽

Humberto Saconato ◽

Álvaro Nagib Atallah ◽

Gaspar de Jesus Lopes Filho ◽

Delcio Matos

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Recurrent Disease ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

D3 Lymphadenectomy ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Significant Statistical Heterogeneity

PURPOSE: To compare morbidity, mortality, recurrence and 5-year survival between D1 and D2 or D3 for treatment of gastric cancer. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Metaview in RevMan 4.2.8 for analysis; statistical heterogeneity by Cochran's Q test (P<0.1) and I² test (P>50%). Estimates of effect were calculated using random effects model. RESULTS: D2 or D3 was associated with higher in-hospital mortality, with RR = 2.13, p=0.0004, 95% CI, 1.40 to 3.25, I²=0%, P=0.63; overall morbidity showed higher incidence in D2 or D3, RR = 1.98, p<0.00001, 95% CI, 1.64 to 2.38, I² = 33.9%, P=0.20; operating time showed longer duration in D2 or D3, weighted mean difference of 1.05, p<0.00001, 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.38, I² = 78.7%, P=0.03, with significant statistical heterogeneity; reoperation showed higher rate in D2 or D3, with RR = 2.33, p<0.0001, 95% CI, 1.58 to 3.44, I² = 0%, P=0.99; hospital stay showed longer duration in the D2 or D3, with weighted mean difference of 4.72, p<0.00001, 95% CI, 3.80 to 5.65, I² = 89.9%, P<0.00001; recurrence was analyzed showed lower rate in D2 or D3, with RR = 0.89, p=0.02, 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.98, I² = 71.0%, P = 0.03, with significant statistical heterogeneity; mortality with recurrent disease showed higher incidence in D1, with RR = 0.88, p=0.04, 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.99, I² =51.8%, P=0.10; 5-year survival showed no significant difference, with RR = 1.05, p=0.40, 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.19, I² = 49.1% and P=0.12. CONCLUSIONS: D2 or D3 lymphadenectomy procedure is followed by higher overall morbidity and higher in-hospital mortality; D2 or D3 lymphadenectomy shows lower incidence of recurrence and lower mortality with recurrent disease, when analysed altogether with statistical heterogeneity; D2 or D3 lymphadenectomy has no significant impact on 5-year survival.

Download Full-text

Diagnostic Value of sST2 in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.697837 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Tianyi Zhang ◽

Chengyang Xu ◽

Rui Zhao ◽

Zhipeng Cao

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Cardiac Troponin ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Diagnostic Biomarker ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin (cTn), and CK-MB contribute significantly to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies have demonstrated that suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) is associated with CVD, but a meta-analysis of ST2 levels in different CVDs has yet to be conducted. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate soluble ST2 (sST2) levels in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction (MI), and heart failure (HF). A total of 1,425 studies were searched across four databases, of which 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) values of all 16 studies were ≥7. The meta-analysis results indicated that the sST2 level was not correlated with IHD (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.00 to 1.16, p = 0.05) or MI (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.17, 95% CI = −0.22 to 0.55, p = 0.40) but was significantly associated with HF (WMD = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.38, p = 0.02; I2 = 99%, p < 0.00001). sST2 levels did not differ significantly between patients with IHD or MI and healthy individuals; however, we believe that ST2 could be used as an auxiliary diagnostic biomarker of HF.

Download Full-text

Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the prevention of migraine and vestibular migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine ◽

10.1136/rapm-2019-101207 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 45 (5) ◽

pp. 323-330 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Fengzhi Wang ◽

Jiaoqi Wang ◽

Yumeng Cao ◽

Zhongxin Xu

Keyword(s):

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Vestibular Migraine ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Severity Scores ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Norepinephrine Reuptake ◽

Better Than

Background and objectivesThe role of serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in migraine prophylaxis has not been completely established. Current treatments for vestibular migraine (VM) are based on scarce evidence. We aimed to perform an updated review focusing on the efficacy and tolerability of SNRIs for migraine and VM prevention.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies. The primary outcome was migraine frequency. In the case of VM, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores and Vertigo Severity Scores (VSSs) were extracted.ResultsSix randomized controlled trials involving 418 patients were analyzed. Patients receiving SNRIs had fewer migraine days than those receiving a placebo (standardized mean difference −0.38, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.01, p=0.04). The effects of SNRIs and other active drugs were comparable. In patients with VM, venlafaxine had a significant advantage over other active drugs in decreasing the VSS (weighted mean difference (MD) −1.45, 95% CI −2.11 to −0.78, p<0.0001) and the emotional domain score of the DHI (MD −2.64, 95% CI −4.97 to −0.31, p=0.03). We found no significant difference in the rate of withdrawals due to any reason or withdrawals due to side effects between SNRIs and active drugs and between SNRIs and a placebo.ConclusionsSNRIs were clinically safe and effective for migraine and VM prophylaxis, were better than a placebo, and not inferior to other active drugs. SNRIs may be a preferable choice for patients with VM with psychiatric disorders.

Download Full-text

Comparison of total and activity energy expenditure estimates from physical activity questionnaires and doubly labelled water: a systematic review and meta-analysis

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114520003049 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mohammad Sharifzadeh ◽

Minoo Bagheri ◽

John R. Speakman ◽

Kurosh Djafarian

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Energy Expenditure ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Doubly Labelled Water ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Activity Questionnaires ◽

Activity Energy

Abstract Physical activity questionnaires (PAQ) could be suitable tools in free-living people for measures of physical activity, total and activity energy expenditure (TEE and AEE). This meta-analysis was performed to determine valid PAQ for estimating TEE and AEE using doubly labelled water (DLW). We identified data from relevant studies by searching Google Scholar, PubMed and Scopus databases. This revealed thirty-eight studies that had validated PAQ with DLW and reported the mean differences between PAQ and DLW measures of TEE (TEEDLW − TEEPAQ) and AEE (AEEDLW − AEEPAQ). We assessed seventy-eight PAQ consisting of fifty-nine PAQ that assessed TEE and thirty-five PAQ that examined AEE. There was no significant difference between TEEPAQ and TEEDLW with a weighted mean difference of –243·3 and a range of –841·4 to 354·6 kJ/d, and a significant weighted mean difference of AEEDLW – AEE PAQ 414·6 and a range of 78·7–750·5. To determine whether any PAQ was a valid tool for estimating TEE and AEE, we carried out a subgroup analysis by type of PAQ. Only Active-Q, administered in two seasons, and 3-d PA diaries were correlated with TEE by DLW at the population level; however, these two PAQ did not demonstrate an acceptable limit of agreement at individual level. For AEE, no PAQ was correlated with DLW either at the population or at the individual levels. Active-Q and 3-d PA diaries were identified as the only valid PAQ for TEE estimation. Further well-designed studies are needed to verify this result and identify additional valid PAQ.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of intra-articular autologous-conditioned serum injection in knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis study

Future Science OA ◽

10.2144/fsoa-2021-0069 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Seyed A Raeissadat ◽

Seyed M Rayegani ◽

Mohammad R Sohrabi ◽

Nafisseh Jafarian ◽

Mohammad N Bahrami

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Womac Score ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Analog Scale ◽

Autologous Conditioned Serum ◽

Before And After ◽

Standardized Mean Difference

Aim: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disabling disorder, with no curative treatment. This study aims to assess autologous conditioned serum effectiveness in its treatment. Materials & methods: Following a systematic search (2000–2020) on major databases and screening and filtering processes, eight articles were included in the final analyses. The pooled effect of visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) variables was evaluated before and after the intervention. Results: The combined standardized mean difference for the global WOMAC score was -2.44 and the combined weighted mean difference was -22.92. The combined standardized mean difference for the VAS score was -3.77 and the combined weighted mean difference was -32.37 (p < 0.000). Conclusion: This meta-analysis reported that the autologous conditioned serum can reduce pain and improve function (VAS and WOMAC outcome measures) in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Download Full-text

Comparative Effectiveness and Functional Outcome of Open-Door versus French-Door Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy: A Meta-Analysis

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2019.739 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (19) ◽

pp. 3348-3352

Author(s):

I Gusti Lanang Ngurah Agung Artha Wiguna ◽

Rahadyan Magetsari ◽

Zairin Noor ◽

Suyitno Suyitno ◽

Ricvan Dana Nindrea

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Cervical Myelopathy ◽

Comparative Effectiveness ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Open Door ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy

BACKGROUND: At present, few reports are comparing these 2 major cervical posterior laminoplasty methods with Open-door and French-door Laminoplasty in terms of neurological recovery, cervical alignment, and surgical complications. Moreover, most of the research has not been well designed. AIM: This study aims to determine comparative effectiveness and functional outcome of open-door versus french-door laminoplasty for multilevel cervical myelopathy. METHODS: The Meta-analysis is used in this study. The study sample is a published research articles on comparative effectiveness and functional outcome of open-door versus french-door laminoplasty for multilevel cervical myelopathy on the internet through databases on PubMed and ProQuest and published between 1997 until December 2018. Weighted mean difference and pooled weighted mean difference are calculated by using the fixed-effect model or random-effect model. Data is processed by using Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3). RESULTS: This study reviews 58 articles. There are 6 studies conducted a systematic review and continued with Meta-analysis of relevant data. The results showed significant higher postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score in open-door laminoplasty (ODL) than French-door laminoplasty (FDL) (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35 to 1.07; p < 0.05). The outcome of procedures treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy revealed the operative time, cervical range of motion, axial canal diameter postoperative, axial pain reduction and complications events in ODL and FDL there was no significant difference. But for a cervical lordotic angle in ODL and FDL, there was a significant difference; the ODL group were significantly lesser than the FDL group. The recovery rate in ODL and FDL, there was a significant difference; the ODL was shown to be significantly higher than FDL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that neither cervical laminoplasty approach is superior, based on the postoperative radiological data and complication rate. But the open-door laminoplasty resulted in a higher functional outcome and recovery rate as compared to the French-door laminoplasty.

Download Full-text