scholarly journals Effectiveness of Pharmacopuncture for Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Yan Shen ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee ◽  
Sung-Ki Jung
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Clinical Trial Evidence ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Herbal Therapies ◽  
Trial Evidence ◽  
Selection Of

Pharmacopuncture is a new needle therapy that integrates acupuncture and herbal therapies, and it has the potential to treat many diseases. A systematic review was performed to summarize and critically evaluate clinical trial evidence regarding the effectiveness of pharmacopuncture for asthma. Eight electronic databases and six journals were searched in this study. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in which human patients with asthma were treated with pharmacopuncture were included. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two reviewers. Four RCTs met our inclusion criteria, and the evidence from all RCTs in this study was positive. The meta-analysis showed statistically significant effects of pharmacopuncture compared to conventional treatment (n=341,Risk Ratio=1.13, 95% CI of 1.05 to 1.23,P=.002, heterogeneity:χ2=3.55,P=.31,I2=16%). Two trials showed favorable effects of pharmacopuncture on peak expiratory flow (PEF). However, few rigorous trials have tested the effects of pharmacopuncture on asthma. The results of our systematic review point to the potential benefits of pharmacopuncture for adults with asthma, and we suggest further RCTs and the development of a standard method of pharmacopuncture therapy.

scholarly journals Clinical effectiveness of drugs in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Ariel Abeldano Zuniga ◽  
Silvia Coca ◽  
Giuliana Abeldano ◽  
Ruth Ana Maria Gonzalez Villoria
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Improvement ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis

Objective. The aim was to assess the clinical effectiveness of drugs used in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection. Method. We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials assessing treatment with remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, ritonavir, dexamethasone, and convalescent plasma, for hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The outcomes were mortality, clinical improvement, duration of ventilation, duration of oxygen support, duration of hospitalization), virological clearance, and severe adverse events. Results. A total of 48 studies were retrieved from the databases. Ten articles were finally included in the data extraction and qualitative synthesis of results. The meta-analysis suggests a benefit of dexamethasone versus standard care in the reduction of risk of mortality at day 28; and the clinical improvement at days 14 and 28 in patients treated with remdesivir. Conclusions. Dexamethasone would have a better result in hospitalized patients, especially in low-resources settings. Significance of results. The analysis of the main treatments proposed for hospitalized patients is of vital importance to reduce mortality in low-income countries; since the COVID-19 pandemic had an economic impact worldwide with the loss of jobs and economic decline in countries with scarce resources. Keywords: Drugs; Antivirals; Clinical improvement; Mortality; COVID-19; SARS-CoV2.

scholarly journals Functional Status Assessment of COPD Based on Ability to Perform Daily Living Activities: A Systematic Review of Paper and Pencil Instruments

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fateme Monjazebi ◽  
Asghar Dalvandi ◽  
Abbas Ebadi ◽  
Hamid Reza Khankeh ◽  
Mehdi Rahgozar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Health Measurement ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Paper And Pencil ◽  
Selection Of

<p><strong>CONTEXT: </strong>Activity of daily living (ADL) is an important predictor of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Increasing ADL is important in patients with COPD and assessment of ADL is one of the best ways to evaluate the status of COPD patients.</p> <p><strong>OBJECTIVES: </strong>The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the psychometric properties of paper and pencil instruments measuring ADL in patients with COPD.</p> <p><strong>DATA SOURCES:</strong> English papers published from 1980 to 2014 regarding ADL in patients with COPD were searched in  Web of Science, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane, PubMed, ProQuest, and CINAHL databases using the following keywords: “COPD”, “ADL”, “activities of daily living”, “daily activities”, “instrument”, “questionnaire”, “paper-and-pencil instruments”, and “measure”. Following the Internet search, manual search was also done to find article references.</p> <p><strong>STUDY SELECTION:</strong> A total of 186 articles were found. Of those, 31 met the inclusion criteria. Full texts of articles meeting the inclusion criteria were studied. Consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments<strong>"</strong>(COSMIN) were used to assess the quality of the studies.</p> <p><strong>DATA EXTRACTION:</strong> Data extraction form based on research aims developed by researchers and<strong> </strong>psychometric experts, with 17 questions was used.</p> <p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>In these articles, 14 pen and paper instruments were identified for examining ADL in patients with COPD; of which, 4 dealt directly with ADL while 9 assessed other criteria i.e. dyspnea as ADL indicator. The majority of instruments only dealt with two main dimensions of ADL: Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and did not consider Advanced Activities of Daily Living (AADL), which is influenced by cultural and motivational factors.</p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Despite several ADL instruments identified, complete psychometric processes have only been done in a few of them. Selection of the appropriate instrument should focus on the aim of the study and the target construct.</p>

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Managing Cancer-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae-Young Choi ◽  
Jong In Kim ◽  
Hyun-Ja Lim ◽  
Myeong Soo Lee
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
The Other ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background. Insomnia is a prominent complaint of cancer patients that can significantly affect their quality of life and symptoms related to sleep quality. Conventional drug approaches have a low rate of success in alleviating those suffering insomnia. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of cancer-related insomnia. Methods. A total of 12 databases were searched from their inception through January 2016 without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs were included if acupuncture was used as the sole intervention or as an adjunct to another standard treatment for any cancer-related insomnia. The data extraction and the risk of bias assessments were performed by 2 independent reviewers. Results. Of the 90 studies screened, 6 RCTs were included. The risk of bias was generally unclear or low. Three RCTs showed equivalent effects on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and 2 RCTs showed the similar effects on response rate to those of conventional drugs at the end of treatment. The other RCT showed acupuncture was better than hormone therapy in the numbers of hours slept each night and number of times woken up each night. The 3 weeks of follow-up in 2 RCTs showed superior effects of acupuncture compared with conventional drugs, and a meta-analysis showed significant effects of acupuncture. Two RCTs tested the effects of acupuncture on cancer-related insomnia compared with sham acupuncture. One RCT showed favourable effects, while the other trial failed to do so. Conclusion. There is a low level of evidence that acupuncture may be superior to sham acupuncture, drugs or hormones therapy. However, the number of studies and effect size are small for clinical significance. Further clinical trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae Infections among Iranian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arshid Yousefi Avarvand ◽  
Mehrdad Halaji ◽  
Donya Zare ◽  
Meysam Hasannejad-Bibalan ◽  
Hadi Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Iranian Children ◽  
The Web

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen of children, mostly in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of invasive S. pneumoniae among Iranian children using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search was carried out to identify papers published by Iranian authors in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar electronic databases from January of 2010 to December of 2017. Then, seven publications that met our inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and analysis. Results: Totally, one study was multicenter, and six were single-center based studies. Meanwhile, all of the included studied performed among hospitalized patients. Seven studies reported the prevalence of invasive S. pneumoniae isolated from children, of these the pooled prevalence of S. pneumoniae was 2.5% (95% CI: 0.7%-9.1%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of invasive S. pneumoniae infections among Iranian children is low (2.5%). However, further clinical studies are required to elucidate the burden of infections among Iranian children, especially in eastern regions.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Modern Diabetes Treatments- Dpp-4i, Sglt-2i, Glp-1ra- in White and Asian Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushrima Gan1 ◽  
Adem Y Dawed ◽  
Louise A Donnelly ◽  
ATN Nair ◽  
Colin NA Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Glucose Lowering ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Oral Agents ◽  
The Impact

<b><i><u>Background and Purpose:</u></i></b>The pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes differs markedly by ethnicity. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of ethnicity on the glucose lowering efficacy of the newer oral agents, SGLT-2is, GLP-1RAs and DPP-4is, using evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). <p><b><i><u>Data Sources:</u></i></b>A literature search was conducted in PubMed of all randomized, placebo-controlled trials of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA. The search strategy was developed based on medical subject sub-headings (MeSH) terms and keywords.</p> <p><b><i><u>Study selection :</u></i></b> 64 studies qualified for meta-analysis after full-text review based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RCTs with at least 50 patients in each arm; >70% of population from Asian or White group; duration>=24 weeks; published up to March 2019 were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis.</p> <p><b><i><u>Data extraction:</u></i></b>Data extraction was done for aggregated study-level data , by two independent researchers. Absolute changes in HbA1c (%) from baseline to 24 weeks between the drug and placebo was considered as the primary endpoint of the study.</p> <p><b><i><u>Data synthesis: </u></i></b>Change in HbA1c was evaluated by computing mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between treatment and placebo arms. </p> <p><b><i><u>Limitations: </u></i></b> Study is based on summarized data and could not be separated based on East Asians and South Asians.</p> <p><b><i><u>Conclusion : </u></i></b>The glucose lowering efficacy of SGLT-2i, and to a lesser extent DPP-4i, was greater in studies of predominantly Asian ethnicity compared to studies of predominantly white ethnicity. There was no difference seen by ethnicity for GLP-1RA.</p>

scholarly journals Effects of Aerobic Training Progression on Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Tadeu de Barcelos¹ ◽  
Isabel Heberle¹ ◽  
Juliana Cavestré Coneglian¹ ◽  
Bruno Allan Vieira¹ ◽  
Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti¹ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Meta Regression ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the effects of aerobic training with and without progression on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive adults.Method: The search for the studies was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Central, SPORTDiscus and LILACS databases. Clinical trials that analyzed the effect of aerobic training, lasting at least six weeks, on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals comparing with a control group without intervention were selected. The selection of studies and data extraction were carried out independently by two pairs of researchers. Results: Of the 13028 studies found, 24 were selected and included in this review. There was a reduction in SBP after aerobic training with progression (-10.67 mmHg; 95% CI -15.421, -5.926; p <0.001) and without progression (-10.17 mmHg; CI -12.213, -8.120; p <0.001). DBP also decreased after aerobic training with progression (-5.49 mmHg; 95% CI -8.663, -2.310; p <0.001) and without progression (-6.51 mmHg; 95% CI -9.147, -3.868; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aerobic training promotes a reduction in the SBP and DBP levels of adults with hypertension, regardless of whether or not the training variables progression.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Modern Diabetes Treatments- Dpp-4i, Sglt-2i, Glp-1ra- in White and Asian Patients With Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sushrima Gan1 ◽  
Adem Y Dawed ◽  
Louise A Donnelly ◽  
ATN Nair ◽  
Colin NA Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Glucose Lowering ◽  
Asian Ethnicity ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
Oral Agents ◽  
The Impact

<b><i><u>Background and Purpose:</u></i></b>The pathophysiology of Type 2 diabetes differs markedly by ethnicity. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of ethnicity on the glucose lowering efficacy of the newer oral agents, SGLT-2is, GLP-1RAs and DPP-4is, using evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). <p><b><i><u>Data Sources:</u></i></b>A literature search was conducted in PubMed of all randomized, placebo-controlled trials of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1RA. The search strategy was developed based on medical subject sub-headings (MeSH) terms and keywords.</p> <p><b><i><u>Study selection :</u></i></b> 64 studies qualified for meta-analysis after full-text review based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RCTs with at least 50 patients in each arm; >70% of population from Asian or White group; duration>=24 weeks; published up to March 2019 were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis.</p> <p><b><i><u>Data extraction:</u></i></b>Data extraction was done for aggregated study-level data , by two independent researchers. Absolute changes in HbA1c (%) from baseline to 24 weeks between the drug and placebo was considered as the primary endpoint of the study.</p> <p><b><i><u>Data synthesis: </u></i></b>Change in HbA1c was evaluated by computing mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between treatment and placebo arms. </p> <p><b><i><u>Limitations: </u></i></b> Study is based on summarized data and could not be separated based on East Asians and South Asians.</p> <p><b><i><u>Conclusion : </u></i></b>The glucose lowering efficacy of SGLT-2i, and to a lesser extent DPP-4i, was greater in studies of predominantly Asian ethnicity compared to studies of predominantly white ethnicity. There was no difference seen by ethnicity for GLP-1RA.</p>

Efficacy of acupuncture in the management of fatigue related to breast cancer antineoplastic treatment: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 264-272
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Moraes Costa ◽  
Alena Peixoto Medrado
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Antineoplastic Treatment

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide. Similar to chemotherapy, antineoplastic treatment is associated with many side effects, with fatigue being one of the most common. It is important to investigate potential treatments, especially non-pharmacological alternatives, to control symptoms that directly affect women’s quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide scientific evidence to verify the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of fatigue in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: This study involved a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) methodology. Randomized clinical trials published in indexed scientific journals were compiled. The literature search was performed using the electronic databases, PubMed, PEDro, and BIREME, using the descriptors ‘breast cancer’, ‘fatigue’, ‘acupuncture’, and ‘randomized trial’. Inclusion criteria included fully available online articles that were classified as randomised clinical trials published from 2012 to 2017 in either English or Portuguese. Study eligibility was based on the Population, Intervention, Control, Outcome, and Study (PICO) design criteria, in which the (1) population included women 18–65 years of age with breast cancer, (2) intervention was acupuncture, (3) comparison referred to standard care or sham acupuncture, and (4) outcome was the evaluation of fatigue. The PEDro scale was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. WebQualis was also used to evaluate the quality of the journals of the selected articles. RESULTS: In total, 66 articles were selected, but only four fulfilled all inclusion criteria, giving a total sample size of 620 women. All trials evaluated the effect of acupuncture on fatigue and other symptoms related to the treatment of breast cancer with different treatment durations. Three articles reported statistically significant results, and all articles described clinical improvement in fatigue after the application of acupuncture. The average PEDro score of the manuscripts was 6.25. All articles were published in non-Brazilian journals with WebQualis scores that ranged from B2 to A1. CONCLUSION: Scientific evidence confirms the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of fatigue reported by women with breast cancer. Acupuncture was effective in reducing fatigue in the studies selected for this review.

Effects of Caffeine Supplementation on Physical Performance of Soccer Players: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812199871
Author(s):  
Raphael Einsfeld Simões Ferreira ◽  
Rafael Leite Pacheco ◽  
Carolina de Oliveira Cruz Latorraca ◽  
Rachel Riera ◽  
Ricardo Guilherme Eid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Meta Analyses

Context: Caffeine is 1 of the most popular supplements consumed by athletes, and the evidence for improving soccer performance remains limited. Objective: To investigate and update the effects (benefits and harms) of caffeine to improve performance on soccer players. Data Sources: Electronic search in Medline (via PubMed), CENTRAL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS, from inception to March 28, 2020. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of caffeine on the performance of soccer players. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 1. Data Extraction: Data extraction was conducted independently by 2 authors using a piloted form. We assessed methodological quality (Cochrane risk-of-bias [RoB] table) and the certainty of the evidence (GRADE [Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation] approach). Results: Sixteen RCTs were included. Overall methodological quality was classified as unclear to low risk of bias. When assessing aerobic endurance, meta-analyses did not demonstrate the differences between caffeine and placebo (mean difference [MD], 44.9 m; 95% confidence interval [CI], −77.7 to 167.6). Similarly, no difference was observed during time to fatigue test (MD, 169.8 seconds; 95% CI, −71.8 to 411.6). Considering anaerobic power, meta-analyses also did not find differences for vertical jump (MD, 1.01 cm; 95% CI, −0.68 to 2.69) and repeated sprint tests (MD, −0.02 seconds; 95% CI, −0.09 to 0.04), as well as reaction time agility test (MD, 0.02 seconds; 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.04) and rating of perceived exertion (MD, 0.16 points; 95% CI, −0.55 to 0.87). Regarding safety, a few minor adverse events were reported. Based on the GRADE approach, the certainty of this evidence was classified as very low to low. Conclusions: We found no significant improvement in soccer-related performance with caffeine compared with placebo or no intervention. However, caffeine appears to be safe.

Efficacy and safety of topiramate in binge eating disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikail Nourredine ◽  
Lucie Jurek ◽  
Marine Auffret ◽  
Sylvain Iceta ◽  
Guillaume Grenet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Eating Disorder ◽  
Binge Eating ◽  
Binge Eating Disorder ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Mean Differences

Abstract Background. To assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate in treating binge eating disorder (BED), using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods. The RCTs assessing topiramate vs placebo with or without adjunctive psychotherapy in BED were reviewed using a systematic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and ClinicalTrials.gov search Websites, from inception to November 2019. Main outcomes were the changes in binge frequency, quality of life, and weight, respectively. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effect models and presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers. Results. Three studies were eligible for inclusion, involving 528 BED patients. Topiramate was found to be significantly more efficacious than placebo in reducing: (a) the number of binge episodes per week (MD = −1.31; 95% CI = −2.58 to −0.03; I2 = 94%); (b) the number of binge days per week (MD = −0.98; 95% CI = −1.80 to −0.16; I2 = 94%); and (c) weight (MD = −4.91 kg; 95% CI = −6.42 to −3.41; I2 = 10%). However, participants in the topiramate groups withdrew significantly more frequently for safety reasons, relative to placebo participants (RR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.13-3.18, I2 = 0%). Conclusions. Preliminary findings support a possible efficacy of topiramate for the treatment of BED, even if safety concerns could limit the practical use of this treatment in BED subjects.

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