Risk of dementia in gout and hyperuricaemia: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

ObjectivesGout, characterised by hyperuricaemia with monosodium urate crystal formation and inflammation, is the most common inflammatory arthritis in adults. Recent studies have found that elevated uric acid levels are related to the occurrence of dementia. We conducted a study to investigate the association between dementia and gout or hyperuricaemia.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.Data sourcesStudies were screened from inception to 28 June 2019 by searching Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases.Eligibility criteriaCohort studies comparing the risk of dementia in patients with gout and hyperuricaemia versus non-gout and non-hyperuricaemia controls were enrolled.Data extraction and analysisTwo reviewers separately selected studies and extracted data using the Medical Subject Headings without restriction on languages or countries. The adjusted HRs were pooled using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the stability of the results. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s and Begg’s tests. Quality assessment was performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsFour cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in our meta-analysis. We found that gout and hyperuricaemia did not increase the risk of dementia, with a pooled HR of 0.94 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.28), but might decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a pooled HR of 0.78 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.95). There was little evidence of publication bias. Quality assessment of the included studies was high (range: 6–8 points).ConclusionsOur study shows that gout and hyperuricaemia do not increase the risk of dementia. However, gout and hyperuricaemia might have a protective effect against AD. Due to the limited number of research articles, more investigations are needed to demonstrate the potential relationship between dementia and gout or hyperuricaemia.

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Global Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17868/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Amer Alsaied ◽

Nazmul Islam ◽

Lukman Thalib

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Vlbw Infants ◽

Funnel Plots ◽

Substantial Heterogeneity

Abstract Background: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), yet the global incidence of NEC has not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC in infants with Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW).Methods: The databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and grey literature. Eligible studies were cohort or population-based studies of newborns including registry data reporting incidence of NEC. Data were extracted from the selected papers included incidence of NEC cases and size of population at risk, author and publication details, follow up period covered by the study, location and setting of the study and whether it was VLBW infants or preterm infants. Additionally, risk of bias assessment of the included studies were carried out using a validated tool. Bias adjusted Quality Effect Model (QEM) were used to pool the estimates. In the presence of substantial heterogeneity, Random Effect Models (REM) were used as an additionally sensitivity analyses. The heterogeneity between studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Q statistics and Higgin’s I2 value. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plots as appropriate for ratio measures were used to assess publication bias. Results: A systematic and comprehensive search of databases identified 27 cohort studies reporting the incidence of NEC. The pooled estimate of the global incidence of NEC was 6.0% (95% CI: 4.0%-9.0%). There were substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 100%) between studies. Funnel plots showed no evidence of publication bias.Conclusion: Seven out of 100 of all VLBW infants in NICU are likely to develop NEC. However, there were considerable heterogeneity between studies. High quality studies assessing incidence of NEC along with associated risk factors are warranted.

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Leishmanicidal effects of resveratrol and its derivatives: a systematic review and meta-Analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-25274/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Nasrin Amiri Dashatan ◽

Marzieh Ashrafmansouri ◽

Mehdi Koushki ◽

Nayebali Ahmadi

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Protective Effects ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Important Health ◽

Mean Differences ◽

Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Leishmaniasis is one of the most important health problems worldwide. The evidence has suggested that resveratrol and its derivatives have anti-leishmanial effects; however, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of resveratrol and its derivatives on the Leishmania viability through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available relevant studies. Methods The electronic databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were queried between October 2000 and April 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy. The eligible articles selected and data extraction conducted by two reviewers. Mean differences of IC50 (concentration leading to reduction of 50% of Leishmania) for each outcome was calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses and prespecified subgroup were conducted to evaluate potential heterogeneity and the stability of the pooled results. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger’s and Begg’s tests. We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for this review. Results Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. We observed that RSV and its derivatives had significant reducing effects on Leishmania viability in promastigote [24.02 µg/ml; (95% CI 17.1, 30.8); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.8%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] and amastigote [18.3 µg/ml; (95% CI 13.5, 23.2); P < 0.05; I2 = 99.6%; P heterogeneity = 0.00] stages of Leishmania. A significant publication bias was observed in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analyses showed a similar effect size while reducing the heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled effects of leishmanicidal of resveratrol and its derivatives were affected by type of stilbenes and Leishmania species. Conclusions Our findings clearly suggest that the strategies for the treatment of leishmaniasis should be focused on natural products such as RSV and its derivatives. Further study is needed to identify the mechanisms mediating this protective effects of RSV and its derivatives in leishmaniasis.

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Neighbourhood socioeconomic status and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028238 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e028238 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Shimels Hussien Mohammed ◽

Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold ◽

Mulugeta Molla Birhanu ◽

Tesfamichael Awoke Sissay ◽

Balewgizie Sileshi Tegegne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Neighbourhood Socioeconomic Status

ObjectiveLow neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) has been linked to a higher risk of overweight/obesity, irrespective of the individual’s own socioeconomic status. No meta-analysis study has been done on the association. Thus, this study was done to synthesise the existing evidence on the association of NSES with overweight, obesity and body mass index (BMI).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Sciences and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published until 25 September 2019.Eligibility criteriaEpidemiological studies, both longitudinal and cross-sectional ones, which examined the link of NSES to overweight, obesity or BMI, were included.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was done by two reviewers, working independently. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for the observational studies. The summary estimates of the relationships of NSES with overweight, obesity and BMI statuses were calculated with random-effects meta-analysis models. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses were done by age categories, continents, study designs and NSES measures. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots and Egger’s regression test.ResultA total of 21 observational studies, covering 1 244 438 individuals, were included in this meta-analysis. Low NSES, compared with high NSES, was found to be associated with a 31% higher odds of overweight (pooled OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.47, p<0.001), a 45% higher odds of obesity (pooled OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.74, p<0.001) and a 1.09 kg/m2 increase in mean BMI (pooled beta=1.09, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.50, p<0.001).ConclusionNSES disparity might be contributing to the burden of overweight/obesity. Further studies are warranted, including whether addressing NSES disparity could reduce the risk of overweight/obesity.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017063889

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Association between sepsis and retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025440 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. e025440 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xiaofen Wang ◽

Kun Tang ◽

Ling Chen ◽

Sixiang Cheng ◽

Huilan Xu

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Premature Infants ◽

Retinopathy Of Prematurity ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Severe Stage

ObjectiveTo explore the association between sepsis and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesWe performed a systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Embase from 1 January, 2000, to 1 January, 2018, with no language restrictions and reported the relationship between sepsis and ROP.Eligibility criteriaOriginal observational studies, including cohort studies and case-control studies.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently completed the study selection and data extraction. The OR and corresponding 95% CI were used to measure the risk of sepsis in patients with ROP. The heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and the I2statistic. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was adopted to evaluate the quality of each of the included studies, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence.ResultsSixteen studies with a total sample size of 12 466 premature infants and 2494 cases of ROP were included in this meta-analysis. Adjusted analysis showed that sepsis was closely related to any stage of ROP (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.89) and severe stage of ROP (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.51) in premature infants, with 56.3% and 81.8% heterogeneity, respectively. Subgroup analyses showed that heterogeneity was obvious in prospective cohort studies (I2= 62.1%, p<0.001). In a sensitivity analysis, we found that removing any single study did not significantly change the overall effect value. The quality of the evidence was rated as low for both any stage of ROP and severe stage of ROP.ConclusionsSepsis increases the risk of ROP in preterm infants. However, considering that all included studies are observational and causality can rarely be established, additional evidence is needed to substantiate this finding and provide advice for practice.

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Carbon dioxide versus air insufflation enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0574-2357 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 06 (06) ◽

pp. E637-E645 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Julio Aquino ◽

Wanderley Bernardo ◽

Diogo de Moura ◽

Flávio Morita ◽

Rodrigo Rocha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Ambient Air ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Co2 Insufflation ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objectives To compare the insufflation of CO2 and ambient air in enteroscopy. Search sources The investigators researched the electronic databases MedLine, Cochrane Library, Central, LILACS, BVS, Scopus and Cinahl. The grey search was conducted in the base of theses of the University of São Paulo, books of digestive endoscopy and references of selected articles and in previous systematic revisions. Study eligibility criteria The evaluation of eligibility was performed independently, in a non-blind manner, by two reviewers, firstly by title and abstract, followed by complete text. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. Data collection and analysis method Through the spreadsheet of data extraction, where one author extracted the data and a second author checked the extraction. Disagreements were resolved by debate between the two reviewers. The quality analysis of the studies was performed using the Jadad score. The software RevMan 5 version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. Results Four randomized clinical trials were identified, totaling 473 patients submitted to enteroscopy and comparing insufflation of CO2 and ambient air. There was no statistical difference in the intubation depth between the two groups. When CO2 insufflation was reduced, there was a significant difference in pain levels 1 hour after the procedure (95 % IC, –2.49 [–4.72, –0.26], P: 0.03, I2: 20%) and 3 hours after the procedure (95% IC, –3.05 [–5.92, –0.18], P: 0.04, I2: 0 %). There was a usage of lower propofol dosage in the CO2 insufflation group, with significant difference (95 % IC, –67.68 [–115.53, –19.84], P: 0.006, I2: 0 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to the use of pethidine and to the oxygen saturation. Limitations Restricted number of randomized clinical trials and nonuniformity of data were limitations to the analysis of the outcomes. Conclusion The use of CO2 as insufflation gas in enteroscopy reduces the pain levels 1 hour and 3 hours after the procedure, in addition to the reduction of the sedation (propofol) dosage used.

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Search for unpublished data by systematic reviewers: an audit

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017737 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. e017737 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Hedyeh Ziai ◽

Rujun Zhang ◽

An-Wen Chan ◽

Nav Persaud

Keyword(s):

Publication Bias ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Cochrane Reviews ◽

Unpublished Studies ◽

Cochrane Database

ObjectivesWe audited a selection of systematic reviews published in 2013 and reported on the proportion of reviews that researched for unpublished data, included unpublished data in analysis and assessed for publication bias.DesignAudit of systematic reviews.Data sourcesWe searched PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013 for the following journals:Journal of the American Medical Association,The British Medical Journal,Lancet,Annals of Internal Medicineand theCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. We also searched the Cochrane Library and included 100 randomly selected Cochrane reviews.Eligibility criteriaSystematic reviews published in 2013 in the selected journals were included. Methodological reviews were excluded.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently reviewed each included systematic review. The following data were extracted: whether the review searched for grey literature or unpublished data, the sources searched, whether unpublished data were included in analysis, whether publication bias was assessed and whether there was evidence of publication bias.Main findings203 reviews were included for analysis. 36% (73/203) of studies did not describe any attempt to obtain unpublished studies or to search grey literature. 89% (116/130) of studies that sought unpublished data found them. 33% (68/203) of studies included an assessment of publication bias, and 40% (27/68) of these found evidence of publication bias.ConclusionA significant fraction of systematic reviews included in our study did not search for unpublished data. Publication bias may be present in almost half the published systematic reviews that assessed for it. Exclusion of unpublished data may lead to biased estimates of efficacy or safety in systematic reviews.

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Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Suspected Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies

Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.4314/ejhs.v30i2.17 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Susan Mansuri Mehrabadi ◽

Mina Taraghian ◽

Aliyar Pirouzi ◽

Azad Khaledi ◽

Alireza Neshani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Pulmonary Nocardiosis ◽

Suspected Tuberculosis ◽

Cross Sectional Studies

BACKGROUND: nocardiosis is an opportunistic infectious disease in immunocompromised patients. The most common form of nocardiosis infection in humans is pulmonary nocrdiosis caused by inhaling Nocardia species from the environment. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary nocardiosis in patients with suspected tuberculosis using systematic review and meta-analysis.METHODS: We conducted a systematic search for cross-sectional studies focused on the pulmonary nocardiosis among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) published from January 2001 to October 2019. The search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct databases, and Iranian databases. Medical subject headings (MeSH) and text words were searched: “pulmonary nocardiosis”, “nocardiosis”, OR “nocardial infection”, “pulmonary nocardial infections/agents”, AND “pulmonary tuberculosis”, OR “pulmonary TB”, AND “Iran”. Two of the reviewers enrolled independently articles published in English and Persian languages according to the inclusion and the exclusion criteria. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3.3.070) was used for meta-analysis.RESULTS: Only 4 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pulmonary nocardiosis prevalence varied from 1.7% to 6.7%. The combined prevalence of nocardiosis among patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran was 4.8% (95% CI: 3-7.3, Q=5.8, Z=12.7). No heterogeneity was observed between studies because I2 was 48.3. N. cyriacigeorgica and N. asteroides were reported as the prevalent isolates, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: This review showed in patients suspected TB when they were negative in all diagnosis laboratory tests, nocardiosis cases which be considered.

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PIWI proteins as prognostic markers in cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/663468 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Alexios-Fotios A. Mentis ◽

Efthimios Dardiotis ◽

Athanassios G. Papavassiliou

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cohort Studies ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cancer Site ◽

Synthesis Methods ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Low Expression

ABSTRACTBackgroundPIWI proteins, which interact with piRNAs, are implicated in stem cell and germ cell regulation, but have been detected in various cancers, as well.ObjectivesIn this systematic review, we explored, for the first time in the literature (to our knowledge), the association between prognosis in patients with cancer and intratumoral expression of PIWI proteins.Data sourcesPubMed, Embase and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for the relevant cohort studies.Study eligibility criteriaProspective or retrospective cohort studies investigating the association of intratumoral mRNA or protein expression of different types of PIWI proteins with survival, metastasis or recurrence of various types of cancers in the systematic review. Exclusion of cross-sectional studies, of studies on the prognostic value of genetic polymorphism of PIWI genes, of studies re-analyzed previously published databases, and of conference abstracts and non-English articles.ParticipantsTwenty-six studies with 4,299 participants were included in the systematic review.InterventionsPooled Hazard Ratios (HRs) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were calculated for different PIWI proteins separately, by pooling of log of the calculated HRs using the random-effects model.Study appraisal and synthesis methodsData extraction was performed using a pre-designed form and quality of the studies was assessed using REMARK criteria. Heterogeneity assessed using the I2 index and the Cochran Q test. Publication bias assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression.ResultsThe pooled HR of mortality in high compared to low expression of HIWI, HILI and PIWIL4 was 1.87 (CI95%: 1.31-2.66, p < 0.05), 1.09 (CI95%: 0.58-2.07, p = 0.79) and 0.44 (CI95%: 0.25-0.76, p < 0.05), respectively. The pooled HR of recurrence in in high compared to low expression of HIWI and HILI was 1.72 (CI95%: 1.20-2.49, p < 0.05) and 1.98 (CI95%: 0.65-5.98, p = 0.23), respectively.LimitationsExclusion of studies not in English; Discrepancy between mRNA and protein levels, and the respective analytical methods; Only one cancer site – PIWI protein pair investigated in three or more studies.Conclusions and Implications of Key FindingsThe prognosis of cancer patients is worse with higher HIWI and lower PIWIL4 expression, although the results are highly variable for different cancers. The expression of these proteins can be used for personalized prognostication and treatment of individual patients.Systematic review registration numberNot registered.

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Incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040815 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (10) ◽

pp. e040815

Author(s):

Keith Couper ◽

Oliver Putt ◽

Richard Field ◽

Kurtis Poole ◽

William Bradlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Sudden Cardiac Death ◽

General Population ◽

Cardiac Death ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Prevalence Studies

ObjectiveTo summarise studies describing incidence of sudden cardiac death in a general population of young individuals to inform screening policy.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesDatabase searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (all inception to current) on 29 April 2019 (updated 16 November 2019), and forward/backward citation tracking of eligible studies.Study eligibility criteriaAll studies that reported incidence of sudden cardiac death in young individuals (12–39 years) in a general population, with no restriction on language or date. Planned subgroups were incidence by age, sex, race and athletic status (including military personnel).Data extractionTwo reviewers independently assessed study eligibility, extracted study data and assessed risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies.AnalysisReported incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young per 100 000 person-years.Results38 studies that reported incidence across five continents. We identified substantial heterogeneity in population, sudden cardiac death definition, and case ascertainment methods, precluding meta-analysis. Median reported follow-up years was 6.97 million (IQR 2.34 million–23.70 million) and number of sudden cardiac death cases was 64 (IQR 40–251). In the general population, the median of reported incidence was 1.7 sudden cardiac death per 100 000 person-years (IQR 1.3–2.6, range 0.75–11.9). Most studies (n=14, 54%) reported an incidence between one and two cases per 100 000 person-years. Incidence was higher in males and older individuals.ConclusionsThis systematic review identified variability in the reported incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young across studies. Most studies reported an incidence between one and two cases per 100 000 person-years.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019120563.

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Dental Bulk-Fill Resin Composites Polymerization Efficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Journal of Composites Science ◽

10.3390/jcs5060149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Reem A. Ajaj ◽

Nada J. Farsi ◽

Lama Alzain ◽

Nour Nuwaylati ◽

Raneem Ghurab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Medical Subject Headings ◽

Future Studies ◽

Comprehensive Search ◽

The Cochrane Library

Dental Bulk-Fill Composites (BFCs) and Bulk-Fill Flowables (BFFs) were introduced in the market to facilitate efficient bulk filling of cavities up to 5 mm. The aim of this study was to synthesize the literature investigating their polymerization efficiency. A comprehensive search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library from 2010 to January 2019 was performed using the medical subject headings. Screening of the titles, abstracts and full text was performed. Data extraction for relevant information was done on the included studies. Clinically relevant parameters were selected to present the study estimates (meta-analysis) using a random effects model for polymerization efficiency (Degree of Conversion (DC) and Depth of Cure (DoC)). Twenty one studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis reporting seven BFCs and nine BFFs. Ten materials reported acceptable DC values of above 55% and ten materials reported adequate DoC values. Most of the stated materials reported adequate DC and DoC values in at least one investigation with BFFs showing higher and more acceptable values compared to packable BFCs. It is suggested that future studies be carried out using a standard methodology following the ISO 4049 standard and manufacturer’s instructions to compare results.

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