Digital telemedicine interventions for patients with multimorbidity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of digital telemedicine interventions designed to improve outcomes in patients with multimorbidity.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of available literature.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness and hand searching. The search included articles from inception to 19 April 2019 without language restrictions. The search was updated on 7 June 2020 without additional findings.Eligibility criteriaProspective interventional studies reporting multimorbid participants employing interventions with at least one digital telemedicine component were included. Primary outcomes were patient physical or mental health outcomes, health-related quality of life scores and the utilisation of health services.ResultsOut of 5865 studies initially identified, 7 articles, reporting on 6 studies were retained (total of 699 participants). Four of these studies reported interventions including integration with usual care, two studies had interventions with no links to usual patient care. Follow-up periods lasted between 2 and 6 months. Among the studies with links to usual care, the primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP) (three studies), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (three studies), total cholesterol (two studies) and self-perceived health status (one study). The evidence ranged from very low to moderate certainty. Meta-analysis showed a moderate decrease in SBP (8 mm Hg (95% CI 4.6 to 11.4)), a small to moderate decrease in HbA1c (0.46 mg/dL (95% CI 0.25 to 0.67)) and moderate decrease in total cholesterol (cholesterol 16.5 mg/dL (95% CI 8.1 to 25.0)) in the intervention groups. There was an absence of evidence for self-perceived health status. Among the studies with no links to usual care, time to hospitalisation (median time to hospitalisation 113.4 days intervention and 104.7 days control group, absolute difference 12.7 days) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (intervention group 35.2 score points, control group 23.9 points, absolute difference 11.3, 95% CI 5.5 to 17.1) showed small reductions. The Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) showed no evidence of improvement (intervention 7.6 points, control 8.6 points, difference 1.0 points, 95% CI −22.9% to 11.9%).ConclusionDigital telemedicine interventions provided moderate evidence of improvements in measures of disease control but little evidence and no demonstrated benefits on health status. Further research is needed with clear descriptions of conditions, interventions and outcomes based on patients’ and healthcare providers’ preferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019134872.

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Effects of diacerein intake on cardiometabolic profiles in type 2 diabetics: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867327666200728134755 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

Author(s):

Peyman Nowrouzi-Sohrabi ◽

Reza Tabrizi ◽

Mohammad Jalali ◽

Navid Jamali ◽

Shahla Rezaei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Body Weight ◽

Total Cholesterol ◽

Ldl Cholesterol ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Statistical Heterogeneity

Introduction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials was undertaken to evaluate the effect of diacerein intake on cardiometabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Electronic databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to 31 July 2019. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Data were pooled using random-effect models and weighted mean difference (WMD). Results: From 1,733 citations, seven clinical trials were eligible for inclusion and meta-analysis. A significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD -0.73; 95%CI -1.25 to -0.21; P= 0.006; I2 = 72.2%) and body mass index (BMI) (WMD -0.55; 95%CI -1.03 to -0.07; P= 0.026; I2 = 9.5%) were identified. However, no significant effect of diacerein intake was identified on fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD - 9.00; 95%CI -22.57 to 4.57; P= 0.194; I2 = 60.5%), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (WMD 0.39; 95%CI 0.95 to 1.73; P= 0.569; I2 = 2.2%), body weight (WMD -0.54; 95%CI -1.10 to 0.02; P= 0.059), triglycerides (WMD -0.56; 95%CI -24.16 to 23.03; P= 0.963; I2 = 0.0%), total-cholesterol (WMD -0.21; 95%CI -12.19 to 11.78; P= 0.973; I2 = 0.0%), HDL-cholesterol (WMD -0.96; 95%CI -2.85 to 0.93; P= 0.321; I2 = 0.0%), and LDL-cholesterol levels (WMD -0.09; 95%CI -8.43 to 8.25; P= 0.983; I2 = 37.8%). Conclusion: Diacerein intake may reduce HbA1c and BMI; however, no evidence of effect was observed for FBS, HOMA-IR, body weight, triglycerides, total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol.

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Tolerability of statin-based management of patients with a history of statin-associated muscle symptoms: protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052341 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e052341

Author(s):

Fanny Villoz ◽

Christina Lyko ◽

Cinzia Del Giovane ◽

Nicolas Rodondi ◽

Manuel R Blum

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Clinical Issue ◽

Standard Data ◽

Evaluation Approach ◽

History Of

IntroductionStatin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMSs) are a major clinical issue in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Current guidelines advise various approaches mainly based on expert opinion. We will lead a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the tolerability and acceptability and effectiveness of statin-based therapy management of patients with a history of SAMS. We aim to provide evidence on the tolerability and different strategies of statin-based management of patients with a history of SAMS.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies with a control group. We will search in Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov and Proquest from inception until April 2021. Two independent reviewers will carry out the study selection based on eligibility criteria. We will extract data following a standard data collection form. The reviewers will use the Cochrane Collaboration’s tools and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to appraise the study risk of bias. Our primary outcome will be tolerability and our secondary outcomes will be acceptability and effectiveness. We will conduct a qualitative analysis of all included studies. In addition, if sufficient and homogeneous data are available, we will conduct quantitative analysis. We will synthesise dichotomous data using OR with 95% CI and continuous outcomes by using mean difference or standardised mean difference (with 95% CI). We will determine heterogeneity visually with forest plots and quantitatively with I2 and Q-test. We will summarise the confidence in the quantitative estimate by using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.Ethics and disseminationAs a systematic review of literature without collection of new clinical data, there will be no requirement for ethical approval. We will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020202619.

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Effects of Selenium Supplementation on Graves’ Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/3763565 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Huijuan Zheng ◽

Junping Wei ◽

Liansheng Wang ◽

Qiuhong Wang ◽

Jing Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Thyroid Function ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Selenium Supplementation ◽

Control Group ◽

Graves Disease ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Placebo Administration ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Tsh Levels

Low selenium status is associated with increased risk of Graves’ disease (GD). While several trials have discussed the efficacy of selenium supplementation for thyroid function, in GD patients, the effectiveness of selenium intake as adjuvant therapy remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the efficacy of selenium supplementation on thyroid function in GD patients. Two reviewers searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and four Chinese databases for studies published up to October 31, 2017. RCTs comparing the effect of selenium supplementation on thyroid hyperfunction in GD patients on antithyroid medication to placebo were included. Serum free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyrotrophic hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were assessed. Ten trials involving 796 patients were included. Random-effects meta-analyses in weighted mean difference (WMD) were performed for 3, 6, and 9 months of supplementation and compared to placebo administration. Selenium supplementation significantly decreased FT4 (WMD=-0.86 [confidence interval (CI)-1.20 to -0.53]; p=0.756; I2=0.0%) and FT3 (WMD=-0.34 [CI-0.66 to -0.02]; p=0.719; I2=0.0%) levels at 3 months, compared to placebo administration; these findings were consistent at 6 but not 9 months. TSH levels were more elevated in the group of patients taking selenium than in the control group at 3 and 6, but not 9 months. TRAb levels decreased at 6 but not 9 months. At 6 months, patients on selenium supplementation were more likely than controls to show improved thyroid function; however, the effect disappeared at 9 months. Whether these effects correlate with clinically relevant measures remains to be demonstrated.

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Mediterranean Diet Increases Endothelial Function in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/nxaa002 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 150 (5) ◽

pp. 1151-1159 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Oliver M Shannon ◽

Inês Mendes ◽

Christina Köchl ◽

Mohsen Mazidi ◽

Ammar W Ashor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Health Status ◽

Endothelial Function ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Study Design ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Study Duration

ABSTRACT Background The endothelium plays a key role in the maintenance of vascular health and represents a potential physiological target for dietary and other lifestyle interventions designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including stroke or coronary heart disease. Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MedDiet) on endothelial function. Methods Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from inception until January 2019 for studies that met the following criteria: 1) RCTs including adult participants, 2) interventions promoting the MedDiet, 3) inclusion of a control group, and 4) measurements of endothelial function. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were performed to identify whether effects were modified by health status (i.e., healthy participants versus participants with existing comorbidities), type of intervention (i.e., MedDiet alone or with a cointervention), study duration, study design (i.e., parallel or crossover), BMI, and age of participants. Results Fourteen articles reporting data for 1930 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Study duration ranged from 4 wk to 2.3 y. We observed a beneficial effect of the MedDiet on endothelial function [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.35; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.53; P <0.001; I2 = 73.68%]. MedDiet interventions improved flow-mediated dilation (FMD)—the reference method for noninvasive, clinical measurement of endothelial function—by 1.66% (absolute change; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.17; P <0.001; I2 = 0%). Effects of the MedDiet on endothelial function were not modified by health status, type of intervention, study duration, study design, BMI, or age of participants (P >0.05). Conclusions MedDiet interventions improve endothelial function in adults, suggesting that the protective effects of the MedDiet are evident at early stages of the atherosclerotic process with important implications for the early prevention of CVD. This study has the PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018106188.

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Effect of electronic health interventions on metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036927 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e036927

Author(s):

Dandan Chen ◽

Zhihong Ye ◽

Jing Shao ◽

Leiwen Tang ◽

Hui Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Usual Care ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Controlled Clinical Trial ◽

Biochemical Indicators ◽

Positive Effects

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine whether eHealth interventions can effectively improve anthropometric and biochemical indicators of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed, the Web of Science, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang and Weipu databases were comprehensively searched for papers that were published from database inception to May 2019. Articles were included if the participants were metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients, the participants received eHealth interventions, the participants in the control group received usual care or were wait listed, the outcomes included anthropometric and biochemical indicators of MetS, and the study was a randomised controlled trial (RCT) or a controlled clinical trial (CCT). The Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to assess the methodological quality of the included articles. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager V.5.3 software.ResultsIn our review, seven RCTs and two CCTs comprising 935 MetS participants met the inclusion criteria. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that eHealth interventions resulted in significant improvements in body mass index (standardised mean difference (SMD)=−0.36, 95% CI (−0.61 to −0.10), p<0.01), waist circumference (SMD=−0.47, 95% CI (−0.84 to −0.09), p=0.01) and systolic blood pressure(SMD=−0.35, 95% CI (−0.66 to −0.04), p=0.03) compared with the respective outcomes associated with the usual care or wait-listed groups. Based on the included studies, we found significant effects of the eHealth interventions on body weight. However, we did not find significant positive effects of the eHealth interventions on other metabolic parameters.ConclusionsThe results indicated that eHealth interventions were beneficial for improving specific anthropometric outcomes, but did not affect biochemical indicators of MetS. Therefore, whether researchers adopt eHealth interventions should be based on the purpose of the study. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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Rehabilitation interventions to support return to work for women with breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-250979/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Naomi Algeo ◽

Kathleen Bennett ◽

Deirdre Connolly

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Return To Work ◽

Usual Care ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Work Outcomes ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Specific Content ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Research recommends the development and evaluation of interventions to support women with breast cancer in returning to, or managing, work. Despite this, there has historically been a paucity of rehabilitation interventions to support women with breast cancer to maintain or return to their work role. The aim of this systematic review was to examine key characteristics of rehabilitation interventions, and their effectiveness on work outcomes for women with breast cancer, compared to usual care. Methods A systematic review was conducted of controlled studies of rehabilitation interventions with work outcomes for women with breast cancer. Six databases were systematically searched: EMBASE, Web of Science, MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Results are presented either as pooled odds ratio (OR) or pooled effect size (hedges g) between groups, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Narrative synthesis was conducted on intervention outcomes not suitable for meta-analysis. Results Five thousand, five hundred and thirty-five studies were identified. Nine out of 28 abstracts met inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes precluded meta-analysis for most outcomes. Of the interventions included in meta-analysis, no significant differences compared to usual care were found for sick leave (2 studies (12 months); OR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.66 to 1.87), number of sick days taken (2 studies (six months); difference in effect: -0.08, (95% CI: -0.48 to 0.38) or working hours (2 studies (12 months); 0.19, (95% CI: -0.20 to 0.64). Only one study, with a multidisciplinary intervention, showed a significant difference for work outcomes when compared to usual care. Work-specific content featured in three interventions only, none of which provided conclusive evidence for improvement in work outcomes. Enhanced physical and psychological sequalae, and quality of life was observed in some studies. Conclusion There remains a lack of effective and methodologically rigorous rehabilitation intervention studies for breast cancer survivors. The development and evaluation of effective rehabilitation interventions to support return to work is warranted.

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Methods for Anterior Torque Control during Retraction: A Systematic Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-556431/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Marek Nahajowski ◽

Grzegorz Olchowski ◽

Maciej Warnecki ◽

Joanna Lis ◽

Elie Amm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Research Question ◽

Torque Control ◽

Maxillary Incisor ◽

Control Group ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

High Quality Research ◽

Main Research ◽

Anterior Teeth

Abstract BackgroundThere are various methods to control the inclination of the incisors during retraction, but there is no evidence as to the advantages of some methods over others. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effectiveness of the methods used to control torque during anterior teeth retraction.MethodsIn accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, the main research question was defined in the PICO format [P: patients with complete permanent dentition; I: the maxillary incisor torque after (I) and before (C) retraction with straight-wire appliance and different modes of torque control; O: statistically significant differences in torque values of the upper incisors after orthodontic treatment]. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for keywords combining: retraction orthodontics, torque control orthodontics, torque orthodontics, inclination orthodontics, torque control retraction. The articles were subjected to risk of bias and quality analyses with the ROBINS-I protocol and the modified Newcastle–Ottawa QAS, respectively. Meta-analyses were performed with both fixed and random effects models.Results13 articles were selected in which total number of 580 subjects took part. In all studies incisors were retroclined during retraction by 2.46° (mean difference), which was statistically significant. Considering articles separately, differences in torque between the study group and the control group were statistically significant in 6 articles. The Q statistic value was 36.25 with p = .0003 and I2 = 66.9% which indicate a high level of study heterogeneity.ConclusionBoth properly performed corticotomy and en-masse retraction using orthodontic microimplants seem to be the most effective and scientifically validated methods of torque control. Further high-quality research is needed to perform better quality analyses and draw more reliable conclusions.

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Effectiveness of Aerobic Exercise on Smoking Cessation in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2019-0339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 230-242

Author(s):

Caroline Pereira Santos ◽

Mahara Proença ◽

Tamara dos Santos Gouveia ◽

Crystian Bitencourt Soares de Oliveira ◽

Guilherme Yassuki Tacao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Usual Care ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Control Group ◽

Short Term ◽

Continuous Abstinence ◽

Different Characteristics

Background: The specific benefits of aerobic exercises in smoking cessation are unclear, as they have different characteristics, intensities, and durations. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise, with or without co-interventions, compared with a control group of cognitive behavior treatment on smoking cessation. Methods: This review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO, and the searches were performed from 2016 to 2018. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of aerobic exercise, with or without nicotine therapy replacement, compared with usual care were included. The primary outcome was smoking cessation defined as the prevalence of those who quit or continuous abstinence. Meta-analysis was calculated using random effects model in the comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: The authors identified 18 trials reporting data for a total of 2815 participants. There was moderate-quality evidence that aerobic exercise was better than usual care in promoting smoking cessation at short term (11 trials, risk ratio 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.94). However, there were no differences between aerobic exercises and usual care at medium- or long-term follow-ups. Conclusions: According to review, aerobic exercise may be effective in promoting smoking cessation at short-term, but not at medium- and long-term follow-ups.

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Associations of childhood exposure to malaria with cognition and behaviour outcomes: a systematic review protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-19683/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

ANDREW SENTOOGO SSEMATA ◽

JACQUELLINE ANN NAKITENDE ◽

SIMON KIZITO ◽

ELIZABETH C WHIPPLE ◽

PAUL BANGIRANA ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Malaria Infection ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Interrupted Time Series ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Malaria is one of the major contributing risk factors for poor development of children living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). However, little is known about the specific domains of cognition and behaviour that are impacted by malaria, the extent of these deficits, and the different types of the malaria spectrum that are associated with these deficits. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the association of the different type of malaria infection on cognition and behavioural outcomes among children living in LMICs. Methods and analysis: We will systematically search online bibliographic databases including MEDLINE (via PubMed), CINAHL (via EBSCO), PsycINFO (via EBSCO), Embase and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) as well as Google Scholar and bibliographies of pertinent articles. We will include studies with a comparison group (e.g., clinical trials, cohort, observational, cross-sectional case–control and controlled before and after or interrupted–time–series studies) involving children under 18 years of age living in LMICs, as determined by World Bank Criteria, with either an active malaria infection or history of malaria. Included articles must also measure cognitive and/or behaviour outcomes determined by standardized psychological assessments (questionnaire-based scales and or neurocognitive assessments). Studies will be excluded if they are not in English, lack a control group, take place in a high-income country, or if a standardized instrument was not used. Two reviewers will independently review all articles to determine if they meet eligibility criteria. Any conflicts will be resolved after discussion with a third reviewer. When a list of included articles is finalized, two reviewers will extract data to populate and then cross check within an electronic table. Risk of bias and the strength of evidence and recommendations will be assessed independently using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria, and a final score will be given upon consensus. For sufficiently homogeneous data on measured outcomes in multiple studies, we will investigate the possibility of pooling data to perform a meta-analysis. Discussion: This systematic review will evaluate the evidence of the association of malaria on the cognitive and behavioural outcomes. Findings from this planned review will generate insight on the domains affected by the different forms malaria infection and may inform subsequent malaria interventions and future research in paediatric care.Systematic review registration: This systematic review has been registered under the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42020154777)

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Comparative efficacy and safety of probiotics for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027376 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. e027376

Author(s):

Man Yang ◽

Yuanyuan Yu ◽

Ping-Guang Lei ◽

Jinqiu Yuan

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Irritable Bowel Syndrome ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Absolute Difference ◽

Individual Species ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Comparative Efficacy ◽

Irritable Bowel

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting approximately 10% to 25% of the adult population. A large number of clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics for IBS but the results were inconsistent. Previous meta-analyses have shown that probiotics are effective for IBS, but the comparative efficacy of individual species is unclear. In addition, evidence regarding the superiority of combination over single probiotic is still lacking. We, therefore, perform this study to evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of various species of probiotics, and combination regimens for the treatment of IBS.Methods and analysisThis study is a systematic review with network meta-analysis. We will search PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINAHL for randomised controlled trials comparing probiotics with placebo or comparing different probiotics for IBS, with no language restrictions. The primary outcomes will be treatment response and global IBS-symptom score. We will initially combine included studies with traditional pairwise meta-analysis and then with random-effects network meta-analysis. We will quantify the effect of potential effect modifiers by meta-regression if appropriate. We will check the consistency assumption by testing the absolute difference between direct and indirect estimates for comparisons in closed loops. The quality of evidence will be evaluated according to the GRADE framework.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for literature-based studies. We will disseminate the findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018102101

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