Baguan Therapy Is an Alternative in Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review Based on Existing Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-125
Author(s):  
Fei Wang ◽  
Zhong-Gu Tian ◽  
Chao-Hui Lv ◽  
Cheng-Wu Geng
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence available on the effects of Baguan therapy for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Materials and Methods: The following databases were searched from their inception to August 2018: PubMed, Web of Science, AMED, Cochrane Library, Google, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, Wanfang Data, CiNii, KoreaMed, and the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which assessed the effects of Baguan therapy for AS, were included in our review. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for quantitative analysis of RCTs. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Results: Four studies were included in our review. The aggregated results indicated that Baguan therapy improved the treatment effect (risk ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.10–1.34, p < 0.01) as well as physical function (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index) (mean difference –1.56, 95% CI –2.01 to –1.12, p < 0.01) and reduced disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index) (mean difference –0.71, 95% CI –1.09 to –0.33, p < 0.01) in patients with AS. Conclusion: Due to the low quality of included trials, it is difficulty to draw the firm conclusion that Baguan therapy may have beneficial effects on AS.

scholarly journals The Efficacy and Safety of Simple-Needling Therapy for Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yichen Xuan ◽  
Hui Huang ◽  
Yiyong Huang ◽  
Duanyong Liu ◽  
Xiuwu Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Chinese Literature ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. Clinical investigators have found that the use of needling in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a good clinical application prospect in recent years. However, these studies were insufficient to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of simple-needling for AS. So, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of simple-needling for treating AS. Methods. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wangfang database (Wanfang), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), and any other gray literature sources for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used simple-needling to treat AS before June 2019 with the language restriction of Chinese and English. Researchers evaluated the retrieved literature studies and extracted valid data according to relevant requirements and used RevMan5.3 software for meta-analysis. Results. A total of 10 studies were included, all of which were Chinese literature studies, involving 729 patients. Compared with the control groups, simple-needling groups had a better effect on the clinical effective rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI (1.11, 1.29), P<0.00001), TCM syndrome score (MD = −5.26, 95% CI (−5.99, −4.53), P<0.00001), symptom score (MD = −8.08, 95% CI (−10.18, −5.97), P<0.00001), and Schober test outcome (MD = 0.39, 95% CI (0.15, 0.64), P=0.002). Sensibility analysis was based on the leave-one-out cross-validation procedure, and the results showed no significant changes. Most studies did not describe adverse reactions. The funnel plot suggested publication bias on clinical effectiveness. Conclusions. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that simple-needling was effective as an intervention for AS. However, due to the low quality of the methodology of included studies, the designs of clinical trials were not rigorously standardized. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out multiquality RCTs for verification.

scholarly journals Effects of Phytoestrogen Supplement on Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Ching Peng ◽  
Chia-Yu Liu ◽  
Nai-Rong Kuo ◽  
Tao-Hsin Tung
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. The effect of phytoestrogen on postmenopausal quality of life is unclear. This study evaluated the effects of phytoestrogen supplement on quality of life for postmenopausal women. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of phytoestrogen supplements on the quality of life of postmenopausal women. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on March 31, 2018, for relevant randomized controlled trials. Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. Disagreement was resolved through discussion with a third author. Results. We involved 10 articles in the systematic review. 8 studies and a total of 1,129 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The questionnaires used in the evaluation of quality of life were as follows: SF-36, 4 studies; MENQOL, 4 studies; For Short Form 36 surveys, phytoestrogen groups scored significantly higher for body pain (mean difference = 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.14, 6.57], P < 0.01), mental health (mean difference = 4.01, 95% CI = [1.49, 6.57], P < 0.01), and role limitations caused by emotional problems domains (mean difference = 3.83, 95% CI = [1.81, 5.85], P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was obtained from Menopause-Specific Quality of Life surveys (vasomotor domain mean difference 0.14, 95% CI = [−0.08, 0.36], P = 0.20; physical domain mean difference 0.20, 95% CI [−0.08, 0.48], P = 0.15; psychological domain mean difference −0.10, 95% CI [−0.26, 0.07], P = 0.27; sexual domain mean difference −0.17, 95% CI [−0.42, 0.09], P = 0.19). Conclusion. Current evidence does not support phytoestrogen supplementation improving postmenopausal quality of life. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Acupuncture for Persistent and Intractable Hiccups: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Xudong Jiang ◽  
Zhijie Wang ◽  
Mingming He ◽  
Zimeng Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Intractable Hiccups

Abstract Background: Persistent and intractable hiccups are a common clinical symptom that cause considerable physical pain to patients and severely damage their quality of lives. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that acupuncture applied at acupoints dominated by Cuanzhu (BL2) can be used as one of the nonpharmacological therapies for controlling intractable hiccups. However, there is insufficient evidence evaluating the safety and effectiveness of those interventions. Therefore, this study is intended to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide evidence for a further study investigating alternative treatment options for persistent and intractable hiccups.Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of adult patients aged >18 years who meet the criteria for intractable hiccup diagnosis will be included, regardless of gender, nationality, and education level. Eight electronic databases will be searched, including four Chinese databases (CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database), four English databases (Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library), from their date of establishment to September 2020. Two independent reviewers will evaluate the title summary for each RCT. Disagreements will be discussed with a third commentator. Data integration, heterogeneity analysis, subgroup analysis, and sensitivity analysis, will be performed using R-3.3.2 software. The RevMan 5.3 software will be used for the meta-analysis, and the “risk of bias” assessment will be conducted based on the methodological quality of the included trials recommended by the Cochrane Handbook 5.1. The quality evaluation of this study will be completed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.Discusstion: This systematic review will provide evidence to assess the validity and safety of applying acupuncture at acupoints dominated by Cuanzhu (BL2) for persistent and intractable hiccups, which may provide clinicians with more choices in the treatment of this disease.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020114900

scholarly journals Quality of life in patients with implantable cardioverter–defibrillator: systematic review of randomized controlled trials

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katia Regina da Silva ◽  
Roberto Costa ◽  
Clarissa Garcia Rodrigues ◽  
Andi Schasechter ◽  
Moacyr Cuce Nobre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Icd Therapy ◽  
Cardioverter Defibrillator ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background: Implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) therapy significantly improves the survival of patients who are at high risk for sudden cardiac death. However, it is unclear whether this survival is accompanied by impairment on quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This systematic review sought to describe whether ICD therapy, as compared with standard treatment, can have an impact on QoL outcomes. Methods: Extensive literature searches were carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ICD versus medical therapy that reported valid and reliable measures of QoL. Included studies were reviewed to determine baseline patient characteristics, mean duration of follow-up, questionnaires used to assess QoL and association between QoL scores and ICD shock therapy. Results: Seven studies, enrolling a total of 5,701 patients, were included in this review. The analyzed trials showed conflicting results about the impact of ICD on QoL outcomes. Among the secondary prevention studies, CIDS reported a clear benefit from ICD and AVID showed no difference between ICD and amiodarone groups. Of the primary prevention trials, AMIOVIRT, MADIT II, DEFINITE, and SCD-HeFT found no evidence of impaired QoL in patients with an ICD. Evidence for an association between ICD shocks and QoL was mixed and seemed to depend on the interval between shocks and QoL assessment. Conclusion: There was no evidence of impaired QoL in patients with an ICD. However, ICD patients must be educated of all possible risks and benefits, including transitory declines in QoL after ICD shocks.

scholarly journals Extended lymph node resection versus standard resection for pancreatic head and peri-ampullary adenocarcinoma: A systemic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R N Vuille-dit-Bille ◽  
R F Staerkle ◽  
C Soll ◽  
R Troller ◽  
J Muff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Pancreatic Head ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Extended Lymphadenectomy ◽  
Extended Resection ◽  
Ampullary Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Objective For patients with pancreatic and peri-ampullary adenocarcinoma, it has been hypothesized that extended lymphadenectomy may result in higher R0 resection rates and improved survival. As such, the objective of this systematic review was to compare the oncologic outcomes after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with standard lymphadenectomy (SLA) versus PD with extended lymphadenectomy (ELA). Methods A Cochrane systematic review was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing PD with SLA versus PD with ELA for participants with periampullary or pancreatic cancer. The following electronic databases were reviewed: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; PubMed and EMBASE. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias criteria and the quality of evidence for important outcomes using GRADE. Extended lymphadenectomy included the interaortocaval space, left side of the celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery. Results Seven randomized controlled trials were included with 843 patients (421 ELA and 422 SLA). No difference in overall survival (1- and 3-years after surgery) was seen between groups. Mortality and morbidity rates (including pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, and postoperative bleeding) were similar between the two groups. Operative time was significantly longer following extended resection (Mean Difference 50.1 min; 95% CI 19.2 to 81.1 min; P = 0.001). Total amount of blood loss during surgery was significantly increased following extended resection (Mean Difference 137 ml; 95% CI 12 to 263 ml; P = 0.03), as well as transfusion requirements (Mean Difference 0.15 units; 95% CI 0.13 to 0.17 units; P &lt; 0.00001). More lymph nodes were retrieved during ELA (Mean Difference 11 nodes; 95% CI 7 to 15 nodes; P &lt; 0.00001). Incidence of positive resection margins was not different between groups. Conclusion There is no indication for extended lymphadenectomy in pancreatic head resection as a routine procedure.

Teledentistry and mHealth for Promotion and Prevention of Oral Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110038
Author(s):  
C.E. Fernández ◽  
C.A. Maturana ◽  
S.I. Coloma ◽  
A. Carrasco-Labra ◽  
R.A. Giacaman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Large Reduction ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standardized Mean Difference

The dental profession has experienced a dramatic acceleration in the use of communication systems and information-based technologies over recent years, originating new paradigms for the prevention and promotion of oral health. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of teledentistry-based (telematic) strategies, reported in randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized trials, with a focus on oral health prevention and promotion–related outcomes in patients of all ages. We searched Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science from inception until August 2020, regardless of the language of publication. We selected studies for inclusion and conducted data extraction, assessed risk of bias (Cochrane tool), and evaluated the certainty of the evidence (GRADE approach) in duplicate and independently. Out of 898 potentially eligible references, we selected 43 for full-text screening, of which 19 studies proved eligible: 18 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-randomized study. Virtual interventions were mostly asynchronous via apps ( n = 9), text messages ( n = 9), or computer-aided learning ( n = 1). The use of teledentistry as compared with conventional strategies may result in a large reduction in the plaque index (standardized mean difference, −1.18; 95% CI, −1.54 to −0.82; I2 = 92%; low certainty) and will likely result in a large reduction in the gingival index (standardized mean difference, −2.17; 95% CI, −3.15 to −1.19; I2 = 97%; moderate certainty) and in the incidence of white spot lesions (risk ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.66; I2 = 0%; moderate certainty), with an increased effect over time. Evidence suggests that teledentistry, particularly mHealth (messages and apps), is a promising clinical tool for preventing and promoting oral health, especially under the accelerated virtualization of dentistry. Future studies should include a broader spectrum of the population, including adults and elders, to better inform policy and implementation of teledentistry (PROSPERO: CRD42020192685).

scholarly journals Adjuvant Transarterial Chemoembolization Following Curative-Intent Hepatectomy Versus Hepatectomy Alone for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2984
Author(s):  
Stepan M. Esagian ◽  
Christos D. Kakos ◽  
Emmanouil Giorgakis ◽  
Lyle Burdine ◽  
J. Camilo Barreto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Transarterial Chemoembolization ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Curative Intent ◽  
Randomized Controlled

The role of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is currently unclear. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to compare the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with resectable HCC undergoing hepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE vs. hepatectomy alone in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-regression analyses were performed to explore the effect of hepatitis B viral status, microvascular invasion, type of resection (anatomic vs. parenchymal-sparing), and tumor size on the outcomes. Ten eligible RCTs, reporting on 1216 patients in total, were identified. The combination of hepatectomy and adjuvant TACE was associated with superior OS (hazard ratio (HR): 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52 to 0.85; p < 0.001) and RFS (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.88; p < 0.001) compared to hepatectomy alone. There were significant concerns regarding the risk of bias in most of the included studies. Overall, adjuvant TACE may be associated with an oncologic benefit in select HCC patients. However, the applicability of these findings may be limited to Eastern Asian populations, due to the geographically restricted sample. High-quality multinational RCTs, as well as predictive tools to optimize patient selection, are necessary before adjuvant TACE can be routinely implemented into standard practice. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42021245758.

scholarly journals Melatonin and Cardioprotection in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Domínguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Pedro Abreu-González ◽  
Néstor Báez-Ferrer ◽  
Russel J. Reiter ◽  
Pablo Avanzas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mean Differences

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury represents a critical problem associated with interventional approaches for coronary reperfusion. Pharmacological cardioprotective interventions are advocated to ameliorate IR injury. Melatonin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent with a wide range of therapeutic properties that may contribute to its cardioprotective effects. No systematic review or meta-analysis has compared melatonin vs. placebo as a cardioprotective agent in humans. The present study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, was carried out to assess melatonin's efficacy as a cardioprotective treatment. We performed a systematic review of the available literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and information was extracted using predefined data extraction forms. The primary outcomes were (a) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and (b) blood troponin levels in patients who underwent myocardial revascularization and were randomized to melatonin or placebo. The inverse-variance random-effects method was used to pool the estimates. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences were calculated. A total of 283 records were screened and seven RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. After the pooled analysis, the results on LVEF were consistent across all studies, and a significant heterogeneity was found in the results on troponin levels. The melatonin-treated patients had on average higher LVEF than the placebo-treated individuals with a weighted mean difference = 3.1% (95% CI 0.6–5.5, p = 0.01). Five works compared the levels of troponin after melatonin or placebo treatment. The melatonin-treated patients had lower levels of troponin with a standardized mean difference = −1.76 (95% CI −2.85 to −0.67, p = 0.002). The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that melatonin administration in humans as a cardioprotective agent attenuated heart dysfunction with a favorable effect on the LVEF.

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