Effects of empathic and positive communication in healthcare consultations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Practitioners who enhance how they express empathy and create positive expectations of benefit could improve patient outcomes. However, the evidence in this area has not been recently synthesised. Objective To estimate the effects of empathy and expectations interventions for any clinical condition. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Data sources Six databases from inception to August 2017. Study selection Randomised trials of empathy or expectations interventions in any clinical setting with patients aged 12 years or older. Review methods Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and graded quality of evidence using GRADE. Random effects model was used for meta-analysis. Results We identified 28 eligible (n = 6017). In seven trials, empathic consultations improved pain, anxiety and satisfaction by a small amount (standardised mean difference −0.18 [95% confidence interval −0.32 to −0.03]). Twenty-two trials tested the effects of positive expectations. Eighteen of these (n = 2014) reported psychological outcomes (mostly pain) and showed a modest benefit (standardised mean difference −0.43 [95% confidence interval −0.65 to −0.21]); 11 (n = 1790) reported physical outcomes (including bronchial function/ length of hospital stay) and showed a small benefit (standardised mean difference −0.18 [95% confidence interval −0.32 to −0.05]). Within 11 trials (n = 2706) assessing harms, there was no evidence of adverse effects (odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 1.63). The risk of bias was low. The main limitations were difficulties in blinding and high heterogeneity for some comparisons. Conclusions Greater practitioner empathy or communication of positive messages can have small patient benefits for a range of clinical conditions, especially pain. Protocol registration Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (protocol) DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011934.pub2.

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Impact of anesthetic agents on the amount of bleeding during dilatation and evacuation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261494 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. e0261494

Author(s):

Hyun Ah Lee ◽

Hiromasa Kawakami ◽

Takahiro Mihara ◽

Hitoshi Sato ◽

Takahisa Goto

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Volatile Anesthetic ◽

Volatile Anesthetics ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Controlled Trials

Purpose Patients undergo dilatation and evacuation for abortion or miscarriage. However, bleeding is sometimes problematic. Despite reports on the association between volatile anesthetics and increased bleeding during the procedure, firm evidence is lacking. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of volatile anesthetics and propofol on the amount of bleeding in patients undergoing dilatation and evacuation. Methods We conducted a systematic search of four databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), from their respective inception to April 2021. Moreover, we searched two trial registration sites. The inclusion criterion was randomized controlled trials of patients who underwent dilatation and evacuation under general anesthesia using volatile anesthetics or propofol. The primary outcome was the amount of perioperative bleeding. The mean difference of the bleeding was combined using a random-effects model. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. We assessed risk of bias with Cochrane domains. We controlled type I and II errors due to sparse data and repetitive testing with Trial Sequential Analysis. We assessed the quality of evidence with GRADE. Results Five studies were included in the systematic review. The amount of bleeding was compared in four studies and was higher in the volatile anesthetic group, with a mean difference of 164.7 ml (95% confidence interval, 43.6 to 285.7; p = 0.04). Heterogeneity was considerable, with an I2 value of 97%. Two studies evaluated the incidence of significant bleeding, which was significantly higher in the volatile anesthetic group (RR, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–5.63; p = 0.04). Conclusion Choosing propofol over volatile anesthetics during dilatation and evacuation might reduce bleeding and the incidence of excessive bleeding. However, the quality of the evidence was very low. This necessitates further trials with a low risk of bias. Trial registration PROSPERO (CRD42019120873).

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Effectiveness of web-based feedback interventions for people with overweight and obesity: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Journal of Eating Disorders ◽

10.1186/s40337-021-00432-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Carmen Varela ◽

Camila Oda-Montecinos ◽

Ana Andrés ◽

Carmina Saldaña

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Weight Control ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Effective Treatment Option ◽

Web Based ◽

Self Help

Abstract Background Web-based delivered interventions have become an innovative option to treat health problems, like obesity. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to analyze the effectiveness of web-based behavioral treatments for adults with overweight and obesity. Web-based interventions and comparison interventions (traditional weight control programs) were classified according to the following feedback characteristics: frequency, personalization, and provider (human versus machine). Method From the initial 1789 studies, 15 were included in this review. A network meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the efficacy of web-based programs with traditional interventions, considering direct and indirect comparisons. The main outcome was the weight loss mean difference (kg) between baseline and post-treatment. Heterogeneity and consistency assumptions were validated to conduct the network meta-analysis. Results Network meta-analysis showed comparisons between different treatment options. The main results were that Intensive Contact Web-based programs were more effective than wait-list (Mean Difference − 1.86 kg; 95% Confidence Interval: − 3.61, − 0.12). Moreover, Intensive Contact Web-based programs were more effective than the other web-based options and self-help traditional interventions. However, the only significant comparison was Intensive Contact Web-based programs versus Guided Self-Help Web-based programs (Mean Difference − 4.31 kg; 95% Confidence Interval: − 5,22, − 3,41). Intensive Contact Web-based programs were the most effective treatment option according the obtained results, achieving the first place in the ranking provided by the network meta-analysis with 98.5% of probabilities. Conclusions Intensive Contact Web-based interventions have obtained the first position in the ranking, proving the relevance of frequent, personalized, and professional feedback and their association with a better prognosis for people with overweight and obesity. These results provide relevant information to design more effective treatments for people with overweight and obesity, in a new format especially appropriate for the current situation.

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P–394 Intralipid infusion at time of embryo transfer in women with history of recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.393 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M P Rimmer ◽

N Black ◽

S Keay ◽

S Quenby ◽

B. H.A Wattar

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Embryo Transfer ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Small Sample ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

Implantation Failure ◽

Randomised Trials ◽

Recurrent Implantation Failure ◽

History Of

Abstract Study question What is the effectiveness of IV Intralipid (IVI) in improving pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF with history of Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) to improve reproductive outcomes. Summary answer The evidence to support the use of IVI at the time of embryo transfer in women with RIF is limited. More RCTs are needed. What is known already: Optimising the implantation process following embryo transfer remains a clinical challenge with 10% of couples undergoing IVF affected by (RIF). Immunotherapy could help to optimise endometrial receptivity and increase the chances for successful conception in women with history of RIF. Intra-venous Intralipid (IVI), a fat-based emulsion of soybean oil, glycerine, phospholipids, egg, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been evaluated in several trials as a potential intervention to downregulate the uNK cells and macrophages as well as inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators including T1 helper cells. Evidence synthesis is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. Study design, size, duration We performed this systematic review using a prospectively registered protocol (CRD42019148517) and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Participants/materials, setting, methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL for any randomised trials evaluating the use of IVI at the time of embryo transfer in women undergoing assisted conception until September 2020. We extracted data in duplicate and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. We meta-analysed data using a random effect model and reported on dichotomous outcomes using risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Main results and the role of chance We included five randomised trials reporting on 843 women with an overall moderate risk of bias. All trials used 20% IVI solution at the time of embryo transfer compared to normal saline infusion or no intervention (routine care). The IVI group had a higher chance of clinical pregnancy (172 vs 119, RR 1.55, 95%CI 1.16–2.07, I2 44.2%) and live birth (132 vs 73, RR 1.83, 95%CI 1.42–2.35, I2 0%) post treatment compared to no intervention. Limitations, reasons for caution Our findings are limited by the small sample size and the variations in treatment protocols and population characteristics. Wider implications of the findings: Our meta-analysis offers an overview on the value of IVI to help women affected by RIF. Given the limitations and the quality of included trials, adopting the use of IVI a-la-carte to couples undergoing IVF remains immature. IVI should not be offered until larger RCTs demonstrate a persistent benefit. Trial registration number CRD42019148517

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Effect of Earthworm on Wound Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Pharmacology ◽

10.3389/fphar.2021.691742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Dong Wang ◽

Zhen Ruan ◽

Rongchao Zhang ◽

Xuejing Wang ◽

Ruihui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Wound Healing ◽

Healing Rate ◽

Weighted Mean Difference ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Healing Process ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Weighted Mean

Background: Earthworm, also called dilong (Chinese language), has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recently, some scientists believe that earthworm extracts (EE) can promote wound healing. However, its effectiveness remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of EE on wound healing based on the healing rate.Methods: We comprehensively reviewed literature that mentioned EE for wound healing in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and WanFang database that have been published until January 2021. We computed weighted mean difference (WMD) for analysis with RevMan 5.3 software in animal and human models groups. Two researchers independently selected studies and evaluated the risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020168400).Results: From 2,486 articles, we selected 16 studies for analysis. EE treatment was associated with improvements in wound healing performance based on wound healing rate (mouse model: weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.34–4.77, p < 0.00001; rat model: WMD = 17.29, 95% CI: 5.75–28.82, p = 0.003; rabbit model: WMD = 19.29, 95% CI: 9.95–28.64, p < 0.0001). Clinical studies also confirmed that EE could reduce healing time in hospital (WMD = −8.94, 95% CI: −17.75 to −0.14, p = 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of EE on wound healing process. As a corollary, EE can be a useful natural product for wound healing drug development.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168400, identifier CRD42020168400.

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Aromatherapy for Symptom Relief in Patients with Burn: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010001 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Hye Won Lee ◽

Lin Ang ◽

Jung Tae Kim ◽

Myeong Soo Lee

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Symptom Relief ◽

Routine Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Review Author ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Study Selection ◽

Meta Analyses

Background and Objectives: This review aimed to provide an updated review of evidence regarding the effects of aromatherapy in relieving symptoms of burn injuries, focusing on pain and physiological distress. Materials and Methods: Fifteen databases (including five English databases, four Korean medical databases, and four Iranian databases) and trial registries were searched for studies published between their dates of inception and July 2021. Two review authors individually performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, and any discrepancies were solved by a third review author. Results: Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this updated systematic review. Our meta-analyses revealed that inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care showed beneficial effects in relieving pain after dressing, as compared to placebo plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and routine care alone (p = 0.02). Additionally, inhaled aromatherapy plus routine care (p < 0.00001) and aromatherapy massage plus routine care (p < 0.0001) also showed superior effects in calming anxiety, as compared to routine care alone. None of the included studies reported on AEs. Overall, the risk of bias across the studies was concerning. Conclusions: This updated review and synthesis of the studies had brought a more detailed understanding of the potential application of aromatherapy for easing the pain and anxiety of burn patients.

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Non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for lung cancer: an exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery ◽

10.1093/icvts/ivaa141 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 499-506 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elena Prisciandaro ◽

Luca Bertolaccini ◽

Giulia Sedda ◽

Lorenzo Spaggiari

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Ratio ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Thoracoscopic Lobectomy ◽

Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽

The Individual

Abstract Our goal was to assess the safety, feasibility and oncological outcomes of non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A comprehensive search was performed in EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane CENTRAL from January 2004 to March 2020. Studies comparing non-intubated anaesthesia with intubated anaesthesia for thoracoscopic lobectomy for NSCLC were included. An exploratory systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed by combining the reported outcomes of the individual studies using a random effects model. For dichotomous outcomes, risk ratios were calculated and for continuous outcomes, the mean difference was used. Three retrospective cohort studies were included, with a total of 204 patients. The comparison between non-intubated and intubated patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy showed no statistically significant differences in postoperative complication rates [risk ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–1.16; P = 0.30; I2 = 17%], operating times (mean difference −12.40, 95% CI −28.57 to 3.77; P = 0.15; I2 = 48%), length of hospital stay (mean difference −1.13, 95% CI −2.32 to 0.05; P = 0.90; I2 = 0%) and number of dissected lymph nodes (risk ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.78–1.25; P = 0.46; I2 = 0%). Despite the limitation of only 3 papers included, awake and intubated thoracoscopic lobectomies for resectable NSCLC seem to have comparable perioperative and postoperative outcomes. Nevertheless, the oncological implications of the non-intubated approach should be considered. The long-term benefits for patients with lung cancer need to be carefully assessed.

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Laboratory Tests and Outcome for Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine ◽

10.1093/jalm/jfaa098 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1038-1049 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anne Alnor ◽

Maria B Sandberg ◽

Charlotte Gils ◽

Pernille J Vinholt

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Laboratory Tests ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Routine Laboratory ◽

Standard Mean Difference

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and poses substantial challenges for healthcare systems. With a vastly expanding number of publications on COVID-19, clinicians need evidence synthesis to produce guidance for handling patients with COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examine which routine laboratory tests are associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Content PubMed (Medline), Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until March 22, 2020, for studies on COVID-19. Eligible studies were original articles reporting on laboratory tests and outcome of patients with COVID-19. Data were synthesized, and we conducted random-effects meta-analysis, and determined mean difference (MD) and standard mean difference at the biomarker level for disease severity. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Summary 45 studies were included, of which 21 publications were used for the meta-analysis. Studies were heterogeneous but had low risk of bias and applicability concern in terms of patient selection and reference standard. Severe disease was associated with higher white blood cell count (MD, 1.28 ×109/L), neutrophil count (MD, 1.49 ×109/L), C-reactive protein (MD, 49.2 mg/L), lactate dehydrogenase (MD, 196 U/L), D-dimer (standardized MD, 0.58), and aspartate aminotransferase (MD, 8.5 U/L); all p < 0.001. Furthermore, low lymphocyte count (MD −0.32 × 109/L), platelet count (MD −22.4 × 109/L), and hemoglobin (MD, −4.1 g/L); all p < 0.001 were also associated with severe disease. In conclusion, several routine laboratory tests are associated with disease severity in COVID-19.

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Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-BIG to improve motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215517734385 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 607-618 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Michelle N McDonnell ◽

Briony Rischbieth ◽

Tenille T Schammer ◽

Chantel Seaforth ◽

Alex J Shaw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Motor Function ◽

Randomized Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ◽

Voice Treatment

Objective: The technique called Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-LOUD has previously been used to improve voice quality in people with Parkinson’s disease. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an alternate intervention, LSVT-BIG (signifying big movements), to improve functional mobility. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials. Data sources: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, AgeLine, Scopus and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2017 using multiple search terms related to Parkinson’s disease and LSVT-BIG. Review method: Two researchers searched the literature for studies of the LSVT-BIG intervention of 16 sessions, delivered by a certified instructor over four weeks, to any other intervention. Outcomes related to functional ability were included. Study quality was appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Four studies were included, reporting on three randomized trials of 84 participants with mild Parkinson’s disease. Compared to physiotherapy exercises, or a shorter training protocol, there was a significant improvement in motor function assessed with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (mean difference = −3.20, 95% confidence interval = −5.18 to −1.23) and a trend towards faster Timed Up and Go performance (mean difference = −0.47, 95% confidence interval = −0.99 to 0.06) and 10-metre walk test (mean difference = −0.53, 95% confidence interval = −1.07 to 0.01). Conclusion: Compared to shorter format LSVT-BIG or general exercise, LSVT-BIG was more effective at improving motor function. This provides preliminary, moderate quality evidence that amplitude-oriented training is effective in reducing motor impairments for people with mild Parkinson’s disease.

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Effect of surface treatment on the mechanical stability of orthodontic miniscrews:

The Angle Orthodontist ◽

10.2319/020721-111.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yousef Al-Thomali ◽

Sakeenabi Basha ◽

Roshan Noor Mohamed

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Surface Treatment ◽

Mechanical Stability ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Forest Plot ◽

Total N ◽

Standard Mean Difference ◽

Effect Of Surface

ABSTRACT Objectives To provide collective quantitative evidence about the effect of surface treatments on the mechanical stability of orthodontic miniscrews (MSs). Materials and Methods The study was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42020209652). The research question was defined according to the PICO (population, intervention, control, and outcomes) format. Various research databases were searched for animal and human studies on effects of surface treatment on the mechanical stability of MSs. Both prospective and retrospective in vivo clinical studies published in English were included. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. Results A total of 109 articles were identified; 14 were included in the systematic review, and seven studies with sandblasting, acid etching (SLA) methods of surface treatment were included for meta-analysis. The number of study participants ranged from 6 to 24 (total n = 185), with a mean of 13.2. A total of 949 MSs were used with a mean of 67.8. The overall success rate for surface-treated MSs ranged from 47.9% to 100%. Forest plot of removal torque values showed significantly higher values for SLA surface-treated MSs compared with controls with a standard mean difference of 2.61 (95% confidence interval = 1.49–3.72, I2 = 85%). Forest plot of insertion torque showed a standard mean difference of –6.19 (95% confidence interval = –13.63–1.25, I2 = 98%, P = .10). Conclusions Surface treatment of MSs improved primary and secondary stability with good osseointegration at the bone-implant surface. However, significant heterogeneity across the studies included in the meta-analysis made it difficult to draw conclusions.

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Use of convalescent plasma in patients with coronavirus disease (Covid-19): Systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.02.14.20246454 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fernando Tortosa ◽

Gabriela Carrasco ◽

Martin Ragusa ◽

Pedro Haluska ◽

Ariel Izcovich

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Assessment Development ◽

Treatment Standard ◽

Study Selection

AbstractObjetivesTo assess the effects of convalescent plasma treatment in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Study designSystematic review and Meta-analysisData sourcesA systematic search was carried out on the L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence) platform for COVID-19 until October 31, 2020Study selectionRandomized clinical trials in which people with probable or confirmed COVID-19 were randomized to drug treatment, standard care, or placebo. Pairs of reviewers independently screened potentially eligible articles.MethodsThe PRISMA guidelines were followed for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0, and the certainty of the evidence using the recommendation assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each outcome, the interventions were classified into groups, from most to least beneficial or harmful.ResultsWe identified 10 RCTs (randomized controlled trials) involving 11854 patients in which convalescent plasma was compared with standard of care or other treatments. The results of five RCTs that evaluated the use of convalescent plasma in patients with COVID-19 did not show significant differences in the effect on mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is insufficient to recommend the use of convalescent plasma in the treatment of moderate or severe COVID-19.Contribution of the authors

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