Systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence on the efficacy of e-cigarette use for sustained smoking and nicotine cessation

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review and meta-analyse evidence regarding the efficacy of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as smoking cessation aids.Data SourcesPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library were searched up to February-March 2020 (PROSPERO registration CRD42020170692).Study selectionPublished peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the efficacy of ENDS for sustained cessation of combustible tobacco smoking and/or nicotine use, compared with no intervention, placebo or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) by intention-to-treat, with a minimum of four months follow-up.Data ExtractionData were extracted independently into a pre-specified template. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and evidence quality rated using GRADE.Data SynthesisFrom 3,973 titles identified, nine RCTs were identified; 330 of 5,445 smokers randomised quit. Smoking cessation did notPublic health consequences differ significantly for randomisation to ENDS versus: no intervention (three studies, random-effects meta-analysis RR 1.95; 95%CI 0.90-4.22); placebo (three studies, 1.61; 0.93-2.78) or NRT (three studies; 1.25; 0.74-2.11). Fixed-effects sensitivity analyses showed significant results for ENDS vs NRT (1.43; 1.10-1.86). Smokers randomised to ENDS were substantially more likely than control to use nicotine at follow-up. Overall evidence quality was low. Considering only studies without potential competing interests further limited evidence but did not materially change conclusions.ConclusionsThere is insufficient evidence that ENDS are efficacious for smoking cessation compared to no intervention, placebo or NRT. Results are promising, particularly for therapeutic use, but vary according to analytic method. ENDS may lead to greater ongoing nicotine exposure than other smoking cessation methods.ImplicationsThis systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates current evidence on the efficacy of ENDS as an aid to sustained smoking and nicotine cessation and considers these findings in the context of potential competing interests. While findings are promising more research - preferably independent of industry funding - is needed to provide robust evidence of the efficacy of ENDS for smoking cessation. Future research should investigate nicotine cessation in addition to smoking cessation.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1226 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

M Oberndorfer ◽

I Grabovac ◽

S Haider ◽

T E Dorner

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Quality Of Evidence ◽

Different Populations ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or counselling) published between 01/01/2014 and 01/05/2019. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. Results Our literature review yielded 13190 publications with 10 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review, covering 8362 participants, and 8 for meta-analyses (n = 30 - 6006). Using the last follow-up of eligible studies, the proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.67 [95CI:0.99 - 2.81] times higher in nicotine EC users compared to non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 [95CI:1.25 - 2.27] times higher in EC users compared to participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.70 [95CI:1.15 - 6.30] times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison to participants solely receiving counselling. Conclusions Our analysis showed modest effects of nicotine-ECs compared to non-nicotine ECs. When compared to NRT or counselling, results suggest that nicotine EC may be more effective for smoking cessation. As ECs also help maintaining routinized behaviour and social aspects of smoking, we hypothesise that this may explain their advantage as a tool for smoking cessation. However, given the small number of included studies, different populations, heterogeneous designs, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. More comparable data is needed to strengthen confidence in the quality of evidence. Key messages The number of previous studies assessing the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is limited. Further, comparability of these studies is restricted, weakening the quality of evidence. Although current evidence on the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is inconclusive, our meta-analyses suggest that ECs could be a promising alternative tool in attempts to achieve abstinence.

Download Full-text

Antegrade or Retrograde Approach for the Management of Tandem Occlusions in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-121897/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiao Zhang ◽

Xuesong Bai ◽

Xue Wang ◽

Wuyang Yang ◽

Jie Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Collaboration ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Retrograde Approach ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Tandem Lesions

Abstract BackgroundAcute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for AIS. AIS caused by tandem intracranial and extracranial occlusions are not rare. Evidence for optimal MT strategy regarding order of treatment, including antegrade (extracranial first) or retrograde (intracranial first) approach is lacking. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis is necessary to compare the two approaches for optimal management of tandem lesions in AIS.MethodsThis study will be performed with accordance to the PRISMA statement. Major databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library will be used for literature search. Randomized controlled trials and high-quality observational studies will be included. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria or Newcastle–Ottawa Scale according to type of study. Two reviewers will independently screen for eligible studies and perform data extraction. The primary outcomes are successful recanalization at post-intervention, and favorable outcome at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include duration of onset to arrival, onset to puncture, onset to recanalization, intracerebral hemorrhage, procedure and device related complications and mortality at 3-month follow-up. We will assess heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Specific results will be described in narrative form when insufficient suitable studies are available for meta-analysis.DiscussionThis study will provide a reliable evidence base for antegrade or retrograde approach for the management of tandem lesions in AIS by synthesizing evidence from current pieces of literature comparing the two approaches, and also will provide updated clinical evidence of strategy selection and decision-making for this special group of patients. PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020199093

Download Full-text

Effect of garlic intake on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Postgraduate Medical Journal ◽

10.1136/postgradmedj-2019-137267 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. postgradmedj-2019-137267

Author(s):

Mehdi Koushki ◽

Nasrin Amiri-Dashatan ◽

Yasin Pourfarjam ◽

Amir Hossein Doustimotlagh

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Inflammatory Mediators ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Tnf Α ◽

The Impact

BackgroundGarlic is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Data have shown that garlic has anti-inflammatory activity; however, the findings are inconclusive and inconsistent. We aimed to evaluate the impact of garlic intake on inflammatory mediators through systematic review and meta-analysis of existing data.MethodsElectronic databases were completely investigated using databases of ISI Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library and EMBASE until October 2019. A random effects model and the generic reverse variance procedure were used for quantitative data production. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were done to evaluate potential heterogeneity. Random effect meta-regression was conducted to investigate the effects of possible confounders on the assessed effect size.ResultsTen trials with one observational study, including 530 participants, met the eligibility criteria. The findings showed reduction in the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (−0.31 pg/mL, 95% CI −1.07 to 0.46) and C reactive protein (CRP) levels (−0.20 mg/L, 95% CI −1.4 to 1.05) following supplementation with garlic, although it had no marked impact on the interleukin 6 (IL-6) level (0.37 pg/mL, 95% CI −0.58 to 1.33). In the subgroup analysis, we found that garlic supplementation significantly decreased TNF-α, highly sensitive CRP and IL-6 levels in subgroups of >8, >6 and ≥4 weeks of intervention duration, respectively, and dose of garlic consumption between 2 and 2.4 g/day.ConclusionThese findings suggested that current evidence may support garlic as an adjunct to pharmacological management of metabolic diseases.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018108816.

Download Full-text

The Efficacy and Safety of Infliximab in Refractory Noninfectious Uveitis: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.620340 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Anji Xiong ◽

Deng Liu ◽

Huini Chen ◽

Guancui Yang ◽

Chen Xiong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Intraocular Inflammation ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Serious Adverse Events

Background: Although infliximab has been recommended for the second-line treatment of seronegative spondyloarthropathy- or juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis, the issue of its systemic efficacy and safety in a broader diversity of refractory noninfectious uveitis is debatable. To assess the short-term and relatively long-term efficacy of infliximab in refractory noninfectious uveitis, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Wanfang Med Online were systematically searched from January 2005 to March 2020. Two investigators independently assessed eligibility. Data were independently collected by two investigators. The pooled proportions were estimated with patients for intraocular inflammation control and improvement of visual acuity. Pooled proportions with 95% credible intervals were computed. Study homogeneity was investigated using I2 statistics to quantify the percentage of variation across studies. To pool the results, the Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effects or random-effects models were used.Results: Of 2316 studies identified, 16 unique studies with 509 unique participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportions of intraocular inflammation control reached 92% (95% CI: 87%–98%; I2: 1%; p=0.42) and 95% (95% CI: 93%–97%; I2: 0%; p=0.91) in groups of ≤6- and ≥12-month follow-up durations. During the relatively long follow-up period, the pooled proportions of maintaining visual acuity stable or increasing at least one line reached 99% (95% CI: 96%–100%; I2: 0%; p=0.54) in the involved eyes. The corticosteroid-sparing effect of infliximab was also well demonstrated, with the proportion of corticosteroid-sparing success reaching 85.5% (112/131). Besides, about serious adverse events, 2.6% (13/500) of patients experienced hypersensitivity reactions, 2.4% (12/500) of patients experienced serious infections, 1.8% (9/500) of patients experienced autoimmune diseases, and 0.6% (3/500) of patients experienced neoplasia.Conclusions: This meta-analysis provided evidence that infliximab might be a promising choice in controlling inflammatory activity, gaining visual acuity, and sparing corticosteroid use with relatively few side effects when applied in treating refractory noninfectious uveitis.Systematic Review Registration: [website], identifier [registration number]

Download Full-text

Sarcopenia as a predictor of all-cause mortality among older nursing home residents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. e021252 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Xiaoming Zhang ◽

Conghua Wang ◽

Qingli Dou ◽

Wenwu Zhang ◽

Yunzhi Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Muscle Mass ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

All Cause Mortality

ObjectivesThis study aims to review the evidence of sarcopenia as a predictor of all-cause mortality among nursing home residents.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles.ParticipantsNursing home residents.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAll-cause mortality.Data analysisSummary-adjusted HRs or risk ratios (RRs) were calculated by fixed-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsOf 2292 studies identified through the systematic review, six studies (1494 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher risk for all-cause mortality among nursing home residents (pooled HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.45, p<0.001, I2=0). In addition, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that sarcopenia was associated with all-cause mortality (pooled HR 1.87,95% CI 1.38 to 2.52, p<0.001) when studies with a follow-up period of 1 year or more were analysed; however, this was not found for studies with the follow-up period less than 1 year. Furthermore, sarcopenia was significantly associated with the risk of mortality among older nursing home residents when using bioelectrical impedance analysis to diagnosis muscle mass (pooled HR 1.88, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.53, p<0.001); whereas, it was not found when anthropometric measures were used to diagnosis muscle mass.ConclusionSarcopenia is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality among older nursing home residents. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat sarcopenia to reduce mortality rates among nursing home residents.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018081668

Download Full-text

Daily sodium consumption and CVD mortality in the general population: systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014000949 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 695-704 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Rosana Poggio ◽

Laura Gutierrez ◽

María G Matta ◽

Natalia Elorriaga ◽

Vilma Irazola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Relative Risk ◽

General Population ◽

Prospective Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Meta Regression ◽

Cvd Mortality

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to determine whether elevated dietary Na intake could be associated with CVD mortality.DesignWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies representing the general population. The adjusted relative risks and their 95 % confidence intervals were pooled by the inverse variance method using random-effects models. Heterogeneity, publication bias, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed.SettingsMEDLINE (since 1973), Embase (since 1975), the Cochrane Library (since 1976), ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar (until September 2013) and secondary referencing were searched for inclusion in the study.SubjectEleven prospective studies with 229 785 participants and average follow-up period of 13·37 years (range 5·5–19 years).ResultsHigher Na intake was significantly associated with higher CVD mortality (relative risk=1·12; 95 % CI 1·06, 1·19). In the sensitivity analysis, the exclusion of studies with important relative weights did not significantly affect the results (relative risk=1·08; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·15). The meta-regression analysis showed that for every increase of 10 mmol/d in Na intake, CVD mortality increased significantly by 1 % (P=0·016). Age, hypertensive status and length of follow-up were also associated with increased CVD mortality.ConclusionsHigher Na intake was associated with higher CVD mortality in the general population; this result suggests a reduction in Na intake to prevent CVD mortality from any cause.

Download Full-text

Recurrence Rate of Sporadic Pheochromocytomas After Curative Adrenalectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ◽

10.1210/clinem/dgaa794 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Isabelle Holscher ◽

Tijs J van den Berg ◽

Koen M A Dreijerink ◽

Anton F Engelsman ◽

Els J M Nieveen van Dijkum

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Weighted Mean ◽

Curative Surgery ◽

Endocrine Society ◽

Time To Recurrence ◽

The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Evidence on follow-up duration for patients with sporadic pheochromocytomas is absent, and current guidelines of the European Society of Endocrinology, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Surgeons, and the Endocrine Society are ambiguous about the appropriate duration of follow-up. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the recurrence rate of sporadic pheochromocytomas after curative adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. A study was eligible if it included a clear report on the number of sporadic patients, recurrence rate, and follow-up duration. Studies with an inclusion period before 1990, <2 years of follow-up, <10 patients, and unclear data on the sporadic nature of pheochromocytomas were excluded. A meta-analysis on recurrence was performed provided that the heterogeneity was low (I2 < 25%) or intermediate (I2 26–75%). Hozo’s method was used to calculate weighted mean follow-up duration and weighted time to recurrence with combined standard deviations (SDs). Results A total of 13 studies, including 430 patients, were included in the synthesis. The meta-analysis results describe a pooled recurrence rate after curative surgery of 3% (95% confidence interval: 2–6%, I2 = 0%), with a weighted mean time to recurrence of 49.4 months (SD = 30.7) and a weighted mean follow-up period of 77.3 months (SD = 32.2). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows a very low recurrence rate of 3%. Prospective studies, including economical and health effects of limited follow-up strategies for patients with truly sporadic pheochromocytomas should be considered.

Download Full-text

Kinesio Taping for Balance Function after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2019/8470235 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Yijuan Hu ◽

Dongling Zhong ◽

Qiwei Xiao ◽

Qiang Chen ◽

Juan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Duration ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Clinical Effects ◽

Balance Function ◽

Balance Impairment ◽

Kinesio Taping ◽

Significant Difference

Objective. With the increasing social and economic burdens of balance impairment after stroke, the treatment for balance impairment after stroke becomes a major public health problem worldwide. Kinesio taping (KT) as a part of clinical practice has been used widely in the treatment of balance impairment after stroke. However, the clinical effects of KT for balance function have not been confirmed. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects and safety of KT for balance impairment after stroke. Methods. We conducted a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of KT for balance impairment after stroke. We searched the following databases: (1) English databases: EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid), the Cochrane library, PubMed, and PEDro; (2) Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP. Besides, hand searches of relevant references were also conducted. We systematically searched from the inception to December 2018, using the keywords (Kinesio, Kinesio Tape, tape, or Orthotic Tape) and (stroke, hemiplegia, or hemiplegic paralysis) and (balance or stability). The search strategies were adjusted for each database. The reference lists of included articles were reviewed for relevant trials. For missing data, we contacted the authors to get additional information. Results. 22 RCTs involved 1331 patients, among which 667 patients in the experimental group and 664 patients in the control group were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with conventional rehabilitation (CR), there was significant difference in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD=4.46, 95%CI 1.72 to 7.19, P=0.001), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD=-4.62, 95%CI -5.48 to -3.79, P < 0.00001), functional ambulation category scale (FAC) (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.68, P < 0.00001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-L) (MD=4.20, 95%CI 3.17 to 5.24, P < 0.00001), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (MD=-0.38, 95%CI -0.49 to -0.27, P < 0.00001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between KT and CR with ≤4 weeks treatment duration (< 4 weeks: MD=5.03, 95%CI -1.80 to 11.85, P=0.15; =4 weeks: MD=4.33, 95%CI -1.50 to 10.15, P=0.15), while there was significant difference with more than 4-week treatment duration (MD=4.77, 95%CI 2.58 to 6.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Based on current evidence, KT was more effective than CR for balance function, lower limb function, and walking function in poststroke patients. Longer treatment duration may be associated with better effects. However, more well-conducted RCTs are required in the future.

Download Full-text

Nervous and Muscular Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080939 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 939

Author(s):

Jiaxin Chen ◽

Yuangui Cai ◽

Yicong Chen ◽

Anthony P. Williams ◽

Yifang Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Phase 1 ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Control Group ◽

Open Label

Background: Nervous and muscular adverse events (NMAEs) have garnered considerable attention after the vaccination against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the incidences of NMAEs remain unclear. We aimed to calculate the pooled event rate of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on the incidences of NMAEs after COVID-19 vaccination was conducted. The PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from inception to 2 June 2021. Two independent reviewers selected the study and extracted the data. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and generated with random or fixed effects models. The protocol of the present study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021240450). Results: In 15 phase 1/2 trials, NMAEs occurred in 29.2% vs. 21.6% (p < 0.001) vaccinated participants and controls. Headache and myalgia accounted for 98.2% and 97.7%, and their incidences were 16.4% vs. 13.9% (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.002) and 16.0% vs. 7.9% (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) in the vaccine and control groups, respectively. Headache and myalgia were more frequent in the newly licensed vaccines (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.28–3.06, p = 0.02 and OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 2.05–5.35, p < 0.001) and younger adults (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.12–1.75, p = 0.003 and OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.20–1.96, p < 0.001). In four open-label trials, the incidences of headache, myalgia, and unsolicited NMAEs were 38.7%, 27.4%, and 1.5%. Following vaccination in phase 3 trials, headache and myalgia were still common with a rate of 29.5% and 19.2%, although the unsolicited NMAEs with incidence rates of ≤ 0.7% were not different from the control group in each study. Conclusions: Following the vaccination, NMAEs are common of which headache and myalgia comprised a considerable measure, although life-threatening unsolicited events are rare. NMAEs should be continuously monitored during the ongoing global COVID-19 vaccination program.

Download Full-text

Effectiveness of acute geriatric unit care on functional decline and process outcomes among older adults admitted to hospital with acute medical complaints: a protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050524 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. e050524

Author(s):

Íde O’Shaughnessy ◽

Katie Robinson ◽

Margaret O'Connor ◽

Mairéad Conneely ◽

Damien Ryan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Older Adults ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Index Admission ◽

Research Centre ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Process Outcomes

IntroductionOlder adults are clinically heterogeneous and are at increased risk of adverse outcomes during hospitalisation due to the presence of multiple comorbid conditions and reduced homoeostatic reserves. Acute geriatric units (AGUs) are units designed with their own physical location and structure, which provide care to older adults during the acute phase of illness and are underpinned by an interdisciplinary comprehensive geriatric assessment model of care. This review aims to update and synthesise the totality of evidence related to the effectiveness of AGU care on clinical and process outcomes among older adults admitted to hospital with acute medical complaints.DesignUpdated systematic review and meta-analysisMethods and analysisMEDLINE, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library and Embase electronic databases will be systematically searched from 2008 to February 2021. Trials with a randomised design that deliver an AGU intervention to older adults admitted to hospital for acute medical complaints will be included. The primary outcome measure will be functional decline at discharge from hospital and at follow-up. Secondary outcomes will include length of stay, cost of index admission, incidence of unscheduled hospital readmission, living at home (the inverse of death or institutionalisation combined; used to describe someone who is in their own home at follow‐up), mortality, cognitive function and patient satisfaction with index admission. Title and abstract screening of studies for full-text extraction will be conducted independently by two authors. The Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included trials. The quality of evidence for outcomes reported will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. A pooled meta-analysis will be conducted using Review Manager, depending on the uniformity of the data.Ethics and disseminationFormal ethical approval is not required as all data collected will be secondary data and will be analysed anonymously. The authors will present the findings of the review to a patient and public involvement stakeholder panel of older adults that has been established at the Ageing Research Centre in the University of Limerick. This will enable the views and opinions of older adults to be integrated into the discussion section of the paper.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021237633.

Download Full-text