scholarly journals Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shao-chen Lu ◽  
Zhen Zheng ◽  
Charlie Changli Xue
Keyword(s):  
Physical Functioning ◽  
Waiting List ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Mental Functioning ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Point Selection ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Better Than

This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for qualities of life (QoL) in patients suffering from pain associated with the spine (PAWS). Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain severity, but its effect on QoL is unknown. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as well as EMBASE were searched. Published randomized controlled trials on PAWS comparing acupuncture with waiting-list or sham interventions were considered. Eight out of 186 trials were included. For physical functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at immediate and short-term followups; and was better than sham interventions at immediate assessment (SMD = 0.40. 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74). For mental functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting-list at short-term followup and sham interventions at intermediate-term followup (SMD = 0.27. 95% CI 0.03 to 0.51). A similar effect was observed on pain reduction. Discrepancies in point selection for relieving anxiety and insufficient training of trial acupuncturists were also identified. Acupuncture has a moderate effect on the improvement of physical functioning and pain for PAWS patients in the short term; but the effect for mental functioning is small and delayed. Future trials should address point selection and consistency in the qualifications of trial acupuncturists.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of atropine to control myopia progression: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Congling Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Cai ◽  
Qiang Ding ◽  
Hongbin Dai
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Myopia Progression ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Atropine Treatment ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract Background The effect and safety of atropine on delaying the progression of myopia has been extensively studied, but its optimal dose is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia, and to explore the relationship between the dose of atropine and the effectiveness of controlling the progression of myopia. Methods This work was done through the data searched from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software. Results A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated greater in the atropine treatment group than that in the control group, with MD = − 0.80, 95% CI (− 0.94, − 0.66) during the whole observation period. There was a statistical difference among 0.05, 0.5, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, less axial elongation was shown, with MD = − 0.26, 95% CI (− 0.33, − 0.18) during the whole observation period. Conclusion The effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose related. A 0.05% atropine was likely to be the optimal dose.

scholarly journals The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: a meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Kamenov ◽  
C. Twomey ◽  
M. Cabello ◽  
A. M. Prina ◽  
J. L. Ayuso-Mateos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Depression Symptom ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Central Register

BackgroundThere is growing recognition of the importance of both functioning and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in the treatment of depressive disorders, but the meta-analytic evidence is scarce. The objective of this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to determine the absolute and relative effects of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and their combination on functioning and QoL in patients with depression.MethodOne hundred and fifty-three outcome trials involving 29 879 participants with depressive disorders were identified through database searches in Pubmed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.ResultsCompared to control conditions, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy yielded small to moderate effect sizes for functioning and QoL, ranging from g = 0.31 to g = 0.43. When compared directly, initial analysis yielded no evidence that one of them was superior. After adjusting for publication bias, psychotherapy was more efficacious than pharmacotherapy (g = 0.21) for QoL. The combination of psychotherapy and medication performed significantly better for both outcomes compared to each treatment alone yielding small effect sizes (g = 0.32 to g = 0.39). Both interventions improved depression symptom severity more than functioning and QoL.ConclusionDespite the small number of comparative trials for some of the analyses, this study reveals that combined treatment is superior, but psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy alone are also efficacious for improving functioning and QoL. The overall relatively modest effects suggest that future tailoring of therapies could be warranted to better meet the needs of individuals with functioning and QoL problems.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Atropine to Control Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congling Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Cai ◽  
Qiang Ding ◽  
Hongbin Dai
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Myopia Progression ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Atropine Treatment ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract Background: The effect and safety of atropine on delaying the progression of myopia has been extensively studied, but its optimal effect dose is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia, and to explore the relationship between the dose of atropine and the effect of controlling the progression of myopia. Methods: This work was done through the data search from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of these included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software. Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated greater in the atropine treatment group than the control group, with MD = -0.80, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.66) during the whole observation period. There was a statistical difference between 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, less axial elongation was showed, with MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.33, -0.18) during the whole observation period. Conclusion: The effect of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose related. A 0.05% atropine was likely to be the optimal dose.

scholarly journals Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Agents: A Review of Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arti. S. Naidu ◽  
Vincent Bennani ◽  
John M. Aarts Paul Brunton ◽  
Paul Brunton
Keyword(s):  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Tooth Whitening ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Ranking Criteria ◽  
Central Register ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract There is an increased accessibility of over-the-counter (OTC) whitening agents with very little data in the literature regarding their effectiveness. This review was done to determine their effectiveness of the predominant OTC whitening agents from 2006 until 2018 where a comparison of each agent was made with a placebo, no treatment or with other OTC whitening agents. The major categories of OTC whitening agents such as dentifrices, whitening strips and paint on gels. Dentist prescribed bleaching applied at home and in-office bleaching studies and studies that demonstrated whitening products to participants were excluded. Articles were searched for in the databases of Medline (Ovid), PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review and the quality of studies was determined by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) ranking criteria. Compared to other OTC, strips are reported to be effective. Two studies determined whitening strips to be effective. Whitening strips have been shown to be effective when compared with placebos and other OTC whitening agents. Dentifrices are effective in changing the shade of the tooth “by removing extrinsic stains” when compared to a placebo and non-whitening dentifrices, but they are not as effective in comparison to whitening strips. There is a lack of evidence with regards to the effectiveness of paint-on gels. While there is some evidence that OTC can alter shade in the short term, there is a need for better-designed studies.

scholarly journals Classic Chinese Acupuncture versus Different Types of Control Groups for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (2000–2018)

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yan-Jiao Chen ◽  
Gabriel Shimizu Bassi ◽  
Yong-Qing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Chinese Acupuncture ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Better Than

Objective. To review the effectiveness of classic Chinese acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain by comparing treatment groups with different types of control groups in accordance with the newly published guidelines for systematic reviews. Methods. We searched EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from 2000 to 2018. We included randomized controlled trials that included acupuncture as the sole treatment or as an adjunctive treatment for chronic pain. The outcome was pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale, 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS), and other tools. Two researchers conducted the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment processes independently. Disagreements were solved by discussion and reanalysis of the data. The quality of all included studies was evaluated using the CBNG (the Cochrane Back and Neck Group) and the STRICTA (Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture) checklists. Results. Sixty-one studies were fully analyzed and ranked based on the newest STRICTA and CBNG standards. We found good evidence that receiving acupuncture is better than not receiving treatment or being placed on a waiting list and reasonable evidence that it is better than conventional or usual care. Limited evidence was found regarding placebo treatments that involve the expectation of needling (real or fake). Conclusion. Sham acupuncture may not be appropriate as a control intervention for assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture. Acupuncture effectiveness in controlling chronic pain is still limited due to the low quality of the studies published.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Specific Immunotherapy with Aeroallergens in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cita Rosita Sigit Prakoeswa ◽  
Sylvia Anggraeni ◽  
Damayanti Damayanti ◽  
Menul Ayu Umborowati ◽  
Cintya Dipta Riswanto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Specific Immunotherapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Placebo Control ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Central Register ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background: Specific immunotherapy with standardized aeroallergens can reduce symptoms and increase the quality of life for related allergy patients. This therapy is still controversial for atopic dermatitis (AD). Hence, a meta-analysis to assess efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with aeroallergens on patients with AD could provide a clear oversight on advantages and limitations of such treatment.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, DOAJ, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant studies published Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to October 2020. Studies involving all ages and gender with AD who treated with specific immunotherapy employing aeroallergens compared with placebo/control.Results: Seven studies RCTs were identified with 832 participants. Significantly decreased of SCORAD values favoring immunotherapy were observed (MD: -5.42; 95% CI - 10.31, -0.52; p=0.03). VAS score was significantly decrease (MD: -1.21; 95% CI -2.10, -0.31; p=0.008). However, immunotherapy showed no significant local and systemic adverse events ((RR 1.77; 95% CI 0.98, 3.19, p=0.06); (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.16, 3.01, p=0.62)) and IgG4 Dermatophagoides farinae (MD: 92.36, 95% CI -89.14,273.87; p=0.32). Conclusion: Our five years meta-analysis included small number studies, indicated moderate-level evidence for immunotherapy with standardized extract of aeroallergens is effective and safe for AD patients.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Atropine to Control Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congling Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Cai ◽  
Qiang Ding ◽  
Hongbin Dai
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Myopia Progression ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Atropine Treatment ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract Background: The effect and safety of atropine on delaying the progression of myopia has been extensively studied, but its optimal effect dose is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia, and to explore the relationship between the dose of atropine and the effect of controlling the progression of myopia. Methods: This work was done through the data search from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of these included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software. Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated greater in the atropine treatment group than the control group, with MD = -0.80, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.66) during the whole observation period. There was a statistical difference between 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, less axial elongation was showed, with MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.33, -0.18) during the whole observation period. Conclusion: The effect of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose related. A 0.05% atropine was likely to be the optimal dose.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Atropine to Control Myopia Progression: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Congling Zhao ◽  
Chunyan Cai ◽  
Qiang Ding ◽  
Hongbin Dai
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Optimal Dose ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Myopia Progression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Atropine Treatment ◽  
Dose Dependent

Abstract Purpose: To systematically evaluate the safety and effectiveness of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia.Methods: This work was done through the data search from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The Cochrane Handbook was also used to evaluate the quality of these included studies. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.3 software.Results: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Myopia progression was mitigated in the atropine treatment group, with MD = -0.80, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.66). There was a statistical difference between 0.05%, 0.5%, and 1.0% atropine (P = 0.004). In addition, axial elongation was slowed, with MD = -0.26, 95% CI (-0.33, -0.18).Conclusion: The effect of atropine in controlling the progression of myopia was dose-dependent. A 0.05% atropine was most likely to be the optimal dose.

scholarly journals Effect of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics in patients undergoing hysterectomy: a meta-analysis and systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 030006052110398
Author(s):  
Zhaoqiu Li ◽  
Cuiping Li ◽  
Maoxian Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
English Language ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Cardiovascular Stress ◽  
Central Register ◽  
Indirect Comparisons

Objective We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the hemodynamics of patients undergoing hysterectomy. Methods We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that allowed direct or indirect comparisons of hemodynamic indicators. We also searched nine English-language databases up to April 2021 to identify relevant research. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs was applied to assess the methodological quality of the eligible studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. Results Nine trials were included in this systematic review. The effect of dexmedetomidine on heart rate during surgery was significantly smaller than that of other sedatives. Intraoperative systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were more stable in the dexmedetomidine group compared with the control group. The postoperative modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness Score was also better in the dexmedetomidine compared with the control group. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine increases hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing hysterectomy, reduces the cardiovascular stress response during surgery, and effectively prevents postoperative adverse reactions, with good safety.

scholarly journals Protetores de ouvido e olhos na promoção do sono em cuidados intensivos

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2784 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Vitor Vieira ◽  
Rogério Ferrinho Ferreira ◽  
Margarida Palma Goes
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Levels Of Evidence ◽  
Protective Devices ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
Central Register

RESUMOObjetivo: analisar a contribuição dos protetores auriculares e das máscaras oculares para a promoção do sono do doente admitido em cuidados intensivos. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura que conduziu à pesquisa no motor de busca EBSCOHost, nas bases de dados CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials e Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, para a identificação de estudos publicados entre 2014 e 2018. Foram selecionados quatro ensaios controlados randomizados. Esta revisão considerou a recomendação PRISMA. Os níveis de evidência foram assegurados pelos níveis de evidência do The Joanna Briggs Institute e a qualidade metodológica foi analisada com recurso ao Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme. Resultados: todos os artigos selecionados apontam para os benefícios da utilização desses dispositivos para a promoção da qualidade do sono do doente em cuidados intensivos. Conclusão: pela segurança e benefícios associados a esses dispositivos, sugere-se a sua utilização para a promoção da qualidade do sono do doente em cuidados intensivos. No entanto, pela escassez de estudos sobre o tema e pelas limitações dos estudos analisados, sugere-se a realização de mais estudos quantitativos com amostras mais representativas. Descritores: Protetores para Ouvido; Dispositivos de Proteção dos Olhos; Sono; Cuidados Críticos; Delírio.ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the contribution of ear protectors and eye masks to promote the sleep of the patient admitted to intensive care. Method: integrative review of the literature that led to the search in the EBSCOHost search engine, in the databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, for the identification of studies published between 2014 and 2018. Four randomized controlled trials were selected. This review considered the PRISMA recommendation. Levels of evidence were secured by the levels of evidence from The Joanna Briggs Institute and methodological quality was analyzed using the Clinical Appraisal Skills Program. Results: all articles selected, point to the benefits of using these devices to promote the quality of sleep of the patient in intensive care. Conclusion: due to the safety and benefits associated with these devices, it is suggested that they be used to promote the quality of the patient's sleep in intensive care. However, due to the scarcity of studies on the subject and the limitations of the studies analyzed, it is suggested that more quantitative studies with more representative samples be carried out. Descritores: Ear Protective Devices; Eye Protective Devices; Sleep; Critical Care; Delirium.RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la contribución de los protectores auriculares y de las máscaras oculares para la promoción del sueño del enfermo admitido en cuidados intensivos. Método: revisión integrativa de la literatura que condujo a la investigación en el motor de búsqueda EBSCOHost, en las bases de datos CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Central Register de Controlled Trials y Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, para la identificación de estudios publicados entre 2014 y 2018. Se seleccionaron cuatro ensayos controlados aleatorizados. Esta revisión consideró la recomendación PRISMA. Los niveles de evidencia fueron asegurados por los niveles de evidencia del The Joanna Briggs Institute y la calidad metodológica fue analizada con recurso al Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme. Resultados: todos los artículos seleccionados apuntan a los beneficios de la utilización de estos dispositivos para la promoción de la calidad del sueño del enfermo en cuidados intensivos. Conclusión: por la seguridad y los beneficios asociados a estos dispositivos, se sugiere su utilización para la promoción de la calidad del sueño del paciente en cuidados intensivos. Sin embargo, por la escasez de estudios sobre el tema y las limitaciones de los estudios analizados, se sugiere realizar más estudios cuantitativos con muestras más representativas. Descritores: Dispositivos de Protectores de Oídos; Dispositivos de Protección de los Ojos; Sueño; Cuidados Críticos; Delirio.

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