Statins and the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveWhether statins increase the risk of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in patients with a previous stroke remains uncertain. This study addresses the evidence of statin therapy on ICH and other clinical outcomes in patients with previous ischaemic stroke (IS) or ICH.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed in conformity with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to assess observational and randomised studies comparing statin therapy with control (placebo or no treatment) in patients with a previous ICH or IS. The risk ratios (RR) for the primary outcome (ICH) and secondary outcomes (IS, any stroke, mortality and function) were pooled using random effects meta-analysis according to stroke subtype.ResultsForty-three studies with a combined total of 317 291 patient-years of follow-up were included. In patients with previous ICH, statins had no significant impact on the pooled RR for recurrent ICH (1.04, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.25; n=23 695); however, statins were associated with significant reductions in mortality (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.67; n=89 976) and poor functional outcome (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.75; n=9113). In patients with previous IS, statins were associated with a non-significant increase in ICH (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.91; n=103 525), but significantly lower risks of recurrent IS (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.83; n=53 162), any stroke (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99; n=55 260), mortality (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.92; n=74 648) and poor functional outcome (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91; n=34 700).ConclusionsIrrespective of stroke subtype, there were non-significant trends towards future ICH with statins. However, this risk was overshadowed by substantial and significant improvements in mortality and functional outcome among statin users.Trial registration numberCRD42017079863.

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Abstract P477: A Meta-Analysis of Carotid Stenting and Angioplasty for Treatment of Tandem Occlusion Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p477 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Weston R Gordon ◽

Gary S Gronseth ◽

Guillermo Linares

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Carotid Stenting ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Tandem Occlusion ◽

Meta Analyses

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the setting of tandem extracranial carotid disease and intracranial large vessel occlusion (TO) is associated with poor functional outcome. It remains unclear whether the extracranial lesion requires acute stenting or angioplasty alone. Meta-analyses to date have included predominantly retrospective non-comparative series. Our meta-analysis aimed to investigate if emergent carotid stenting plus endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is more effective than angioplasty alone plus EVT at reducing incomplete recanalization (TICI <2b/3), symptomatic ICH (sICH) rate, or poor functional outcome (mRS>2 90 days). Methods: Systematic review identifying TO studies comparing those undergoing carotid angioplasties alone to stenting. Results were pooled using inverse variance random effects meta-analyses. Conclusions accounted for the magnitude of effect, precision and risk of bias in the studies using the modified GRADE process of the American Academy of Neurology. Results: Ten non-blinded, observational studies totaling 1006 TO patients met inclusion criteria. Baseline patient characteristics were without significant confounders. Mean initial NIHSS was 15.3 and 15.0 and symptom onset-to-recanalization time was 332 and 337 minutes in the stenting and angioplasty groups, respectively. Overall, poor functional outcome at 90 days occurred in 44.6% of patients and death occurred in 13.0% of patients. There was a significant decrease in the rate of mRS>2 (OR=0.55, CI 95% 0.40 –0.76) and death (OR=0.47, CI 95% 0.24–0.94) in patients treated with stenting vs angioplasty. TICI <2b/3 occurred in 21.5% of patients overall with no statistical difference in patients treated with stenting vs angioplasty (OR=0.67, CI 95% 0.42—1.07). sICH occurred in 5.7% of patients overall and there was no statistical difference in patients treated with stenting vs angioplasty (OR=1.19, CI 95% 0.53—2.67). Conclusion: Emergent stenting possibly decreases the risk of mRS>2 and mortality at 90 days. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether stenting increases the risk of TICI <2b/3 and sICH. Confidence in the evidence is low, anchored by observational study designs and absence of blinding. A randomized controlled study is warranted.

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Sarcopenia Is Associated with Mortality in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000517099 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Jane Xu ◽

Ching S. Wan ◽

Kiriakos Ktoris ◽

Esmee M. Reijnierse ◽

Andrea B. Maier

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Working Group ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

European Working ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

Meta Analyses

Background: Sarcopenia can predispose individuals to falls, fractures, hospitalization, and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia depends on the population studied and the definition used for the diagnosis. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and mortality and if it is dependent on the population and sarcopenia definition. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane from 1 January 2010 to 6 April 2020 for articles relating to sarcopenia and mortality. Articles were included if they met the following criteria – cohorts with a mean or median age ≥18 years and either of the following sarcopenia definitions: Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS and AWGS2019), European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP and EWGSOP2), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group for Sarcopenia (IWGS), or Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC). Hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) were pooled separately in meta-analyses using a random-effects model, stratified by population (community-dwelling adults, outpatients, inpatients, and nursing home residents). Subgroup analyses were performed for sarcopenia definition and follow-up period. Results: Out of 3,025 articles, 57 articles were included in the systematic review and 56 in the meta-analysis (42,108 participants, mean age of 49.4 ± 11.7 to 86.6 ± 1.0 years, 40.3% females). Overall, sarcopenia was associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality (HR: 2.00 [95% CI: 1.71, 2.34]; OR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.64, 3.37]), which was independent of population, sarcopenia definition, and follow-up period in subgroup analyses. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality, independent of population and sarcopenia definition, which highlights the need for screening and early diagnosis in all populations.

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Contrast extravasation and outcome of endovascular therapy in acute ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044917 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e044917

Author(s):

Tao Xu ◽

You Wang ◽

Jinxian Yuan ◽

Yangmei Chen ◽

Haiyan Luo

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Contrast Extravasation

ObjectiveContrast extravasation (CE) after endovascular therapy (EVT) is commonly present in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) patients. Substantial uncertainties remain about the relationship between CE and the outcomes of EVT in patients with AIS. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this association.DesignA systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies were performed.Data sourceWe systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases for relevant clinical studies. The last literature search in databases was performed in June 2020.Eligibility criteria for study selectionWe included studies exploring the associations between CE and the outcomes of EVT in patients with AIS undergoing EVT.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers extracted relevant information and data from each article independently. We pooled ORs with CIs using a random-effects meta-analysis to calculate the associations between CE and outcomes of EVT. The magnitude of heterogeneity between estimates was quantified with the I2 statistic with 95% CIs.ResultsFifteen observational studies that enrolled 1897 patients were included. Patients with CE had higher risks of poor functional outcome at discharge (2.38, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.89 p=0.001; n=545) and poor functional outcome at 90 days (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.90; n=1194). We found no association between CE and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.30; n=376) or 90-day mortality (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.36; n=697) after EVT. Moreover, CE was associated with higher risks of post-EVT intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) (OR 6.68, 95% CI 3.51 to 12.70; n=1721) and symptomatic ICH (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.97 to 5.40; n=1092).ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that in patients with AIS undergoing EVT, CE is associated with higher risks of unfavourable functional outcomes and ICH. Thus, we should pay more attention to CE in patients with AIS undergoing EVT.

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Association between insulin resistance and post-ischaemic stroke outcome in patients without diabetes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044771 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e044771

Author(s):

Jeremiah Hadwen ◽

Woojin Kim ◽

Brian Dewar ◽

Tim Ramsay ◽

Alexandra Davis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Insulin Resistance ◽

Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Recurrent Stroke ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Stroke Outcome ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Meta Analyses

IntroductionInsulin resistance is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and ischaemic stroke. Currently, insulin resistance is not usually included in post-stroke risk stratification. This systematic review and meta-analysis intends to determine if available scientific knowledge supports an association between insulin resistance and post-stroke outcomes in patients without diabetes.Methods and analysisThe authors will conduct a literature search in Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central. The review will include studies that assess the association between elevated insulin homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and post-stroke outcome (functional outcome and recurrent stroke). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines will be used. The primary outcome will be post-stroke functional outcome (Modified Rankin Scale), and the secondary outcome will be recurrent ischaemic stroke. Comparison of outcome will be made between highest and lowest HOMA-IR range (as defined in each article included in this systematic review). Risk of bias will be assessed qualitatively. Meta-analysis will be performed if sufficient homogeneity exists between studies. Heterogeneity of outcomes will be assessed by I².Ethics and disseminationNo human or animal subjects or samples were/will be used. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and will be disseminated at local and international neurology conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020173608.

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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.

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Efficacy and safety of instantaneous wave-free ratio in patients undergoing coronary revascularisation: protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017868 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e017868

Author(s):

Joey S.W. Kwong ◽

Sheyu Li ◽

Wan-Jie Gu ◽

Hao Chen ◽

Chao Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Coronary Revascularisation ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Registration Number ◽

Collection Form ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Meta Analyses

IntroductionEffective selection of coronary lesions for revascularisation is pivotal in the management of symptoms and adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. Recently, instantaneous ‘wave-free’ ratio (iFR) has been proposed as a new diagnostic index for assessing the severity of coronary stenoses without the need of pharmacological vasodilation. Evidence of the effectiveness of iFR-guided revascularisation is emerging and a systematic review is warranted.Methods and analysisThis is a protocol for a systematic review of randomised controlled trials and controlled observational studies. Electronic sources including MEDLINE via Ovid, Embase, Cochrane databases and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched for potentially eligible studies investigating the effects of iFR-guided strategy in patients undergoing coronary revascularisation. Studies will be selected against transparent eligibility criteria and data will be extracted using a prestandardised data collection form by two independent authors. Risk of bias in included studies and overall quality of evidence will be assessed using validated methodological tools. Meta-analysis will be performed using the Review Manager software. Our systematic review will be performed according to the guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. Results of the systematic review will be disseminated as conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journal publication.Trial registration numberThis protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), registration number CRD42017065460.

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Abstract 182: "Spot" Sign vs "Dot" Sign as Predictor of Hemorrhagic Stroke Outcomes

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.182 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Katherine O Brag ◽

Erica Jones ◽

Dominique Monlezun ◽

Alex George ◽

Michael Halstead ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Clinical Significance ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

Poor Functional Outcome ◽

Spot Sign ◽

Post Contrast ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Logistic Regression Models

Introduction: Hematoma expansion (HE) is an established predictor of mortality and poor functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The computed tomography angiography (CTA) “spot” sign predicts HE and deterioration. The “dot” sign on delayed post-contrast CT (PCCT) has undetermined clinical significance but is thought to represent a slower rate of bleeding than the “spot” sign. We aimed to compare the sensitivity of a “dot” sign with the “spot” sign and establish the clinical significance of the “dot” sign. Methods: Patients with ICH presenting to our center July 2008-May 2013 were identified from our stroke registry. Only patients with baseline CT, CTA and PCCT and follow-up CT 6-36 hours later were included. Patients with clot evacuation between baseline and follow-up CT were excluded. HE was defined as 1) any ≥ 1cc increase and 2) significant ≥ 12.5cc increase or >33% increase in volume. Differences in cohort characteristics were assessed using appropriate statistical tests and sensitivity was calculated from 2x2 tables. Unadjusted logistic regression models were used to investigate the relation of “spot” and “dot” signs with HE and poor functional outcome (discharge mRS 4-6). Results: Of the 210 ICH patients included in the analyses (median age 61, 44.7% female, 66.2% black), 39 (18.5%) patients had a PCCT “dot” sign and 19 (9%) had a CTA “spot” sign. Significant HE occurred in 15% with “dot” sign and 8% with “spot” sign. The PCCT “dot” sign had a sensitivity of 0.52 in predicting significant HE and a sensitivity of 0.69 in predicting discharge mRS 4-6 (compared with 0.24 and 0.30 for “spot” sign, respectively). Patients with a “dot” sign, but without a “spot” sign, had significantly increased odds of any HE (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.9-17.8, p=0.003), mRS 4-6 (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.03-64.6, p=0.048), and death (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.4-48.4, p=0.02), but not significant HE (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.7-6.7, p=0.15). Conclusions: The PCCT “dot” sign was more sensitive in predicting hematoma expansion than the CTA “spot” sign and predicted hematoma expansion and poor functional outcome even in the absence of the “spot sign.” The utility of PCCT imaging in acute evaluation of ICH patients requires validation, but our study supports clinical relevance of the “dot” sign.

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Comparative efficacy and safety of oral or transdermal opioids in the treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022142 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e022142

Author(s):

Jun Wang ◽

Yin Wang ◽

Hui Zhang ◽

Ming Lu ◽

Weilu Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bayesian Network ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Hip Osteoarthritis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Transdermal Opioids ◽

And Function

IntroductionOsteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease that eventually leads to disability and poor quality of life. The main symptoms are joint pain and mobility disorders. If the patient has severe pain or other analgesics are contraindicated, opioids may be a viable treatment option. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of opioids in the treatment of knee or hip osteoarthritis, we will integrate direct and indirect evidence using a Bayesian network meta-analysis to establish hierarchies of these drugs.Methods and analysisWe will search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases as well as published and unpublished research in international registries and regulatory agency websites for osteoarthritis reports published prior to 5 January 2018. There will be no restrictions on the language. Randomised clinical trials that compare oral or transdermal opioids with other various opioids, placebo or no treatment for patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis will be included. The primary outcomes of efficacy will be pain and function. We will use pain and function scales to evaluate the main outcomes. The secondary outcomes of safety will be defined as the proportion of patients who have stopped treatment due to side effects. Pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian network meta-analyses will be performed for all related outcome measures. We will conduct subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our findings. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework will be used to assess the quality of the evidence contributing to each network assessment.Ethics and disseminationThis study does not require formal ethical approval because individual patient data will not be included. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018085503.

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The Optimal Time of Applying Enteral Immunonutrition in Esophageal Cancer Patients Receiving Esophagectomy: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

10.21203/rs.3.rs-235527/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xu Tian ◽

Yan-Fei Jin ◽

Zhao-Li Zhang ◽

Hui Chen ◽

Wei-Qing Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Esophageal Cancer ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Infectious Complications ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Optimal Time ◽

Registration Number ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Enteral immunonutrition (EIN) has been extensively applied in cancer patients, however its role in esophageal cancer (EC) patients receiving esophagectomy remains unclear. We performed this network meta-analysis to investigate the impact of EIN on patients undergoing surgery for EC and further determine the optimal time of applying EIN.Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and China National Knowledgement Infrastructure (CNKI) to identify eligible studies. Categorical data was expressed as the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI), and continuous data was expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% CI. Pair-wise and network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of EIN on clinical outcomes using RevMan 5.3 and ADDIS V.1.16.8 softwares. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to rank all nutritional regimes.Results: Total 14 studies involving 1071 patients were included. Pair-wise meta-analysis indicated no difference between EIN regardless of the application time and standard EN (SEN), however subgroup analyses found that postoperative EIN was associated with decreased incidence of total infectious complications (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.26 to 0.84; p=0.01) and pneumonia (OR=0.47; 95%CI=0.25 to 0.90; p=0.02) and shortened LOH (MD=-1.01; 95%CI=-1.44 to -0.57; p<0.001) compared to SEN, which were all supported by network meta-analyses. Ranking probability analysis further indicated that postoperative EIN has the highest probability of being the optimal option in terms of these three outcomes.Conclusions: Postoperative EIN should be preferentially utilized in EC patients undergoing esophagectomy because it has optimal potential of decreasing the risk of total infectious complications and pneumonia and shortening LOH.OSF registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KJ9UY.

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Effects of five types of selenium supplementation for treatment of Kashin-Beck disease in children: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017883 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. e017883 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Dongmei Xie ◽

Yulin Liao ◽

Jirong Yue ◽

Chao Zhang ◽

Yanyan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sodium Selenite ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Selenium Supplementation ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Registration Number ◽

Selenium Supplements ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Beck Disease

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of five kinds of selenium supplementation for the treatment of patients with Kashin-Beck disease, and rank these selenium supplementations based on their performance.DesignWe searched for all publications between 1 January 1966 and 31 March 2017 using seven electronic databases. GRADE system to network meta-analyses (NMAs) was applied to rate the quality of the evidence. We conducted a random effects model NMA in STATA 12.1 to determine comparative effectiveness of each intervention. Rankings were obtained by using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values and mean ranks.ResultsA total of 15 randomised controlled trials involving 2931 patients were included. After assessment of the overall quality of the evidence, we downgraded our primary outcomes from high to low or very low quality. NMAs showed that all five kinds of selenium supplementation had higher metaphysis X-ray improvement which were superior to placebo. Ranking on efficacy indicated that selenium salt was ranked the highest, followed by sodium selenite + vitamin E, selenium enriched yeast, sodium selenite and then sodium selenite + vitamin C.ConclusionsBased on the results of NMA, all five types of selenium supplements are more effective than placebo and so that selenium supplementation is of help in repairing metaphyseal lesions. Since the overall quality of the evidence was low or very low, the SUCRA values may be misleading and should be considered jointly with the The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) confidence in the estimates for each comparison. The quality of the evidence is insufficient to draw a conclusion about what method of selenium supplementation is most effective.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016051874.

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