scholarly journals Characteristics that modify the effect of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplementation on child growth: an individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn G. Dewey ◽  
K. Ryan Wessells ◽  
Charles D. Arnold ◽  
Elizabeth L. Prado ◽  
Souheila Abbeddou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Acute Malnutrition ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Growth Outcomes ◽  
Small Head ◽  
Individual Participant

ABSTRACTBackgroundMeta-analyses have demonstrated that small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) reduce stunting and wasting prevalence among infants and young children. Identification of subgroups who benefit most from SQ-LNS may facilitate program design.ObjectiveOur objective was to identify study-level and individual-level modifiers of the effect of SQ-LNS on child growth outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a two-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 14 randomized controlled trials of SQ-LNS provided to children 6 to 24 months of age in low- and middle-income countries (n=37,066). We generated study-specific and subgroup estimates of SQ-LNS vs. control and pooled the estimates using fixed-effects models, with random-effects models as sensitivity analyses. We used random effects meta-regression to examine study-level effect modifiers. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and Tau2 statistics. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine whether results differed depending on inclusion criteria for arms within trials and types of comparisons.ResultsSQ-LNS provision decreased stunting (length-for-age z-score < −2) by 12% (relative reduction), wasting (weight-for-length (WLZ) z-score < −2) by 14%, low mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC < 125 mm or MUACZ < −2) by 18%, acute malnutrition (WLZ < −2 or MUAC < 125 mm) by 14%, underweight (weight-for-age z-score < −2) by 13%, and small head size (head-circumference z-score < −2) by 9%. Effects of SQ-LNS on growth outcomes generally did not differ by study-level characteristics including region, stunting burden, malaria prevalence, sanitation, water quality, duration of supplementation, frequency of contact or average reported compliance with SQ-LNS. Effects of SQ-LNS on stunting, wasting, low MUAC and small head size were greater among girls than among boys; effects on stunting, underweight and low MUAC were greater among later-born (vs. first-born) children; and effects on wasting and acute malnutrition were greater among children in households with improved (vs. unimproved) sanitation. Results were similar across sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsThe positive impact of SQ-LNS on growth is apparent across a wide variety of study-level contexts. Policy-makers and program planners should consider including SQ-LNS in the mix of interventions to prevent both stunting and wasting. This study was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO as CRD42019146592.

scholarly journals Effect of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions alone and combined with nutrition on child growth in low and middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. e034812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tolesa Bekele ◽  
Patrick Rawstorne ◽  
Bayzidur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Growth Outcomes ◽  
Sanitation And Hygiene ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide clarification on the benefits of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) alone separately and combined with nutrition in improving child growth outcomes.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Science Direct were searched in May 2018 and last updated in April 2019. We included studies that reported WASH interventions alone separately or combined with nutrition. Fixed and random-effects models were used to estimate pooled effect in mean difference (MD). Heterogeneity and publication bias statistics were performed.ResultsA total of 18 studies were included: 13 cluster randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 non-randomised controlled trials (non-RCTs). Non-RCTs showed effect of WASH interventions alone on height-for-age z-score (HAZ) (MD=0.14; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.21) but RCTs did not. WASH alone of non-RCTs and RCTs that were delivered over 18–60 months indicated an effect on HAZ (MD=0.04; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.08). RCTs showed an effect for children <2 years (MD=0.07; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.13). Non-RCTs of WASH alone and those that included at least two components, improved HAZ (MD=0.15; 95% CI 0.07 to 0.23) but RCTs did not. WASH alone of non-RCTs and RCTs separately or together showed no effect on weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) and weight-for-height z-score (WHZ). Combined WASH with nutrition showed an effect on HAZ (MD=0.13; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.17) and on WAZ (MD=0.09; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.13) and was borderline on WHZ.ConclusionsWASH interventions alone improved HAZ when delivered over 18–60 months and for children <2 years. Combined WASH with nutrition showed a strong effect on HAZ and WAZ and a borderline effect on WHZ. Integrated WASH with nutrition interventions may be effective inimproving child growth outcomes.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining continuous (CS) versus intermittent strategies (IS) of delivering systemic treatment (Tx) for untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A meta-analysis from the Cancer Care Ontario program in evidence-based care.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3534-3534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott R. Berry ◽  
Roxanne Cosby ◽  
Timothy R. Asmis ◽  
Kelvin K. Chan ◽  
Nazik Hammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Evidence Based Care ◽  
Review Manager

3534 Background: Given the varying impact on efficacy demonstrated in individual RCTs of CS vs IS of delivering systemic Tx for mCRC, a meta-analysis of the available RCTs was performed. Methods: RCTs that compared a CS versus IS of delivering systemic Tx were identified by a systematic search (MEDLINE, EMBASE and ASCO and ESMO proceedings) and review. The results of identified trials were clinically homogeneous (Table) so the data was pooled using Review Manager software (RevMan 5.2). Overall survival (OS) hazard ratios were extracted directly from the most recently reported trial results. A random effects model was used for all pooling. Results: 10 RCTs were identified (n= 4,296). After an induction period, the maintenance Tx patients received during the IS was: none (5 trials, n=2,562), fluoropyrimidine (F) (2 trials, n=759), biologic (B) (2 trials, n=852), F+B (1 trial, n=123). Results of the meta-analysis are summarized in the Table (HR>1 favors CS). Sensitivity analyses performed demonstrate results are robust independent of the induction or maintenance Tx used. QOL (data from 2 trials) was either the same in both arms (single Tx induction trial with no maintenance Tx, n=354) or improved in the IS arm (combination tx induction trial with no maintenance Tx, n=1,630). Conclusions: IS of delivering systemic Tx for mCRC do not result in a statistically significant reduction in OS compared to a CS of delivery whether or not maintenance therapy is included. QOL is the same or better with an IS. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Tolerability of duloxetine in the elderly and in adults: a protocol and preliminary results of a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Charles ROY ◽  
Chloé Rousseau ◽  
Alexis Jutel ◽  
Florian Naudet ◽  
Gabriel Robert
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Individual Participant Data ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Individual Participant

Abstract Background. Duloxetine is an antidepressant which benefits from a wide range of approval in elderly population while its safety of use in elderly population, compared to younger adults, is not clearly assessed. A comparison of tolerability of duloxetine between elderly and younger adults would help to rule on this issue. Methods and Design. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPD) of all double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing the number of serious adverse events among individuals taking duloxetine in comparison to placebo between participants at least 65 years and younger adults in conditions approved by the European Medical Agency (EMA) and the Food Drug Administration (FDA). Secondarily, will be compared the number of any adverse events, clinical efficacy and quality of life between elderly and younger adults under duloxetine, in comparison to placebo. Relevant studies were selected on ClinicalTrials.gov, Clinicaltrialsregister.eu, data sharing platforms, FDA and EMA websites, and from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of duloxetine on PubMed, following Cochrane’s recommendations. Sponsors and authors from eligible studies were invited to share IPD on data sharing platform or directly with our research team. As data cannot be aggregate into a unique database, a two step-approach meta-analysis will be undertaken. Qualitative results from available data. 77 eligible randomized controlled trials were identified, representing 25303 participants. From online available data, 35 trials were assessed as being at an overall low risk of bias, 31 trials at an unclear risk of bias and 1 at high risk of bias. Evaluation of risk of bias was not feasible for 10 studies. Conclusion. This study would represent the first meta-analysis investigating the safety of duloxetine in elderly population across all conditions approved by European and American regulatory authorities with an overall low risk of bias. Registration. PROSPERO: 2019 CRD42019130488.

scholarly journals Auricular Plaster Therapy for Comorbid Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huimin Zhao ◽  
Dan Li ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Yueting Liu ◽  
Jie Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Comorbid Insomnia ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background. Although the effectiveness of auricular plaster therapy (APT) on primary insomnia has been systematically reviewed, no systematic review of studies has focused on the effect on comorbid insomnia. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of APT for comorbid insomnia. Methods. Fifteen databases were searched from inception to July 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of APT as an exclusive intervention for comorbid insomnia against Western medications, sham APT or no treatment were identified. Results. Fourteen studies involving 928 participants were identified. The pooled outcomes revealed that APT was superior to control conditions for the global score on PSQI (SMD = -1.13, and 95% CI = -1.48—-0.78) and the effective rate (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.13—1.36, NNT = 5, and 95% CI =4—7). Furthermore, the results of subgroup analyses were similar to the pooled results. Additionally, the pooled results were verified to be stable by sensitivity analyses. Regarding safety, no significant difference was identified between APT and Western medications. Conclusions. APT appears to be an effective and safe treatment for comorbid insomnia. However, the benefits of APT for comorbid insomnia could not be ascertained due to the paucity of the quantity and quality of the included studies. Large-scale studies using proper methodology are needed to yield a firm conclusion.

scholarly journals 2116. Comparative Effectiveness of Amphotericin B, Azoles, and Echinocandins in the Treatment of Candidemia and Invasive Candidiasis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S716-S716
Author(s):  
Koray K Demir ◽  
Guillaume Butler-Laporte ◽  
Todd C Lee ◽  
Matthew P Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Amphotericin B ◽  
Invasive Candidiasis ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Current guidelines recommend the use of echinocandins, amphotericin B or fluconazole for the treatment of invasive candidiasis and candidemia. The objective of our study was to compare these agents through a systematic review of the literature and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods Three electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from database inception to January 1 2019. Randomized controlled trials that compared triazoles, echinocandins and/or amphotericin B (either in lipid formulation or deoxycholate form) for the treatment of invasive candidiasis or candidemia were included. Among included studies, treatment success was collected as the primary outcome and was assessed by a random effect network meta-analysis using Bayesian estimation methods. A sensitivity analysis was performed for all patients with candidemia. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials met the study inclusion criteria. Of the 2,475 patients included from these trials, 684 received an echinocandin, 855 received amphotericin B and 936 received a triazole. Echinocandins were associated with the highest rate of treatment success when compared with amphotericin B (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02–1.93) and the triazoles (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.32–2.51). Similarly, in the pre-specified analysis of candidemic patients, echinocandins were also more effective overall than amphotericin B (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.84–1.87) and triazoles (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16–2.44). Patients treated with triazoles had a lower rate of treatment success than amphotericin B in the overall (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60–1.01) and candidemia sensitivity analyses (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56–1.01) Rank probability analysis favored echinocandins as the most effective treatment choice 98% of the time. Conclusion In our meta-analysis comparing treatment strategies for severe Candida infections, the echinocandins had the highest rate of treatment success compared with both amphotericin B and triazoles. Echinocandins should be considered as first-line agents in the treatment of invasive candidiasis and candidemia. Further research is needed to determine the minimum duration of echinocandin treatment prior to using step-down therapy. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Selection and Evaluation of Empirical Research in Technology Assessment

1989 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas C. Chalmers ◽  
Peg Hewett ◽  
Dinah Reitman ◽  
Henry S. Sacks
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Technology Assessment ◽  
Scientific Method ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Data Bases ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Practice Of Medicine ◽  
Meta Analyses

Technology assessment involves application of the scientific method to the practice of medicine. Finding all of the assessment reports in a given field is not an easy task. Proper evaluation of those assessments requires the conduct of a prospective experiment in which the sources and results are blinded when the choice is made of papers to exclude and to include, and the process should be carried in duplicate. There are several available data bases for carrying out the search, but because of problems they should be supplemented by reference to the bibliographies of pertinent published articles. Clinical trials included in meta-analyses should be graded by quality and thus facilitate sensitivity analyses. Attention must be paid to the possibility of publication bias. Finally, the advent of meta-analysis makes it desirable to begin randomized controlled trials in areas of uncertainty, even when there is no possibility that individual investigators will encounter enough patients to draw valid conclusions.

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