Pharmacological adjuncts for chronic venous ulcer healing: a systematic review

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 356-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavanya Varatharajan ◽  
Ankur Thapar ◽  
Tristan Lane ◽  
Alex B Munster ◽  
Alun Huw Davies
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ulcer Healing ◽  
Venous Ulcer ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Venous Ulcers ◽  
Cochrane Reviews ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background The aim of this study was to systematically review the current evidence and determine whether there is a clinical benefit for using pharmacological agents as adjunctive treatment for chronic venous ulcers. Method A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE (from 1 January 1947 through 15 August 2013) and Cochrane databases (from inception through 15 August 2013) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Inclusion criteria were all randomised controlled trials investigating pharmacological adjuncts for the treatment of venous ulcers with a minimum sample size of 20 patients for each treatment arm. Results Ten relevant articles were identified; one pilot randomised controlled trial and four Cochrane reviews were included. Pentoxifylline, aspirin, sulodexide, mesoglycan, flavonoids, thromboxane A2 antagonist (ifetroban), zinc, prostaglandin and prostacyclin analogues were the drugs reviewed. Pentoxifylline was found to be more effective than placebo in terms of complete ulcer healing or in causing a significant improvement (greater than 60% reduction in ulcer size) (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.24). Aspirin and flavonoids show potential to be effective adjuncts but methodological shortcomings and issues with bias limit the validity of results from trials involving each of these drugs, respectively. There was no significant difference between placebo and Ifetroban and likewise pooled results from trials investigating sulodexide and zinc showed no benefit in comparison to placebo. Conclusion Many systemic pharmacological agents have been investigated as adjuncts to venous ulcer healing; however, pentoxifylline (400 mg, three times a day) is currently the only drug that has promising evidence to support its use. Other compounds are in early stage research.

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Hiccups following Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhuan Yue ◽  
Ming Liu ◽  
Jun Li ◽  
Yuming Wang ◽  
E-Sing Hung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Medical Databases ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for hiccups following stroke. Methods Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and four Chinese medical databases were searched from their inception to 1 June 2015. The dataset included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with no language restrictions that compared acupuncture as an adjunct to medical treatment (effectiveness) or acupuncture versus medical treatment (comparative effectiveness) in stroke patients with hiccups. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Results Out of 436 potentially relevant studies, five met the inclusion criteria. When acupuncture was compared with other interventions (as sole or adjunctive treatment), meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in favour of cessation of hiccups within a specified time period (CHWST) following intervention when used as an adjunct (risk ratio (RR) 1.59, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.19, I2=0%), but not when used alone (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.47, I2=65%, ie, high heterogeneity). No safety information was reported in these studies. Conclusions Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for patients suffering from hiccups following stroke when used as an adjunct to medical treatment. However, due to the limited number of RCTs and poor methodology quality, we cannot reach a definitive conclusion, hence further large, rigorously designed trials are needed.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of bupropion for smoking cessation and reduction in schizophrenia: systematic review and meta-analysis

2010 ◽  
Vol 196 (5) ◽  
pp. 346-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Tai-yin Tsoi ◽  
Mamta Porwal ◽  
Angela Claire Webster
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Smoking Abstinence ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
End Of Treatment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundThe benefits and harms of bupropion as an aid for smoking cessation in schizophrenia remain uncertain.AimsTo summarise the current evidence for efficacy and safety of bupropion as treatment for nicotine dependence in schizophrenia.MethodSystematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bupropion with placebo or alternative therapeutic control in adult smokers with schizophrenia.ResultsTwenty-one reports from seven RCTs were included. Biochemically verified self-reported smoking cessation rates after bupropion were significantly higher than placebo at the end of treatment (risk ratio (RR) = 2.57, P = 0.004) and at 6 months (RR = 2.78, P = 0.05). Expired carbon monoxide level was significantly lower with bupropion at the end of therapy (P = 0.002) but not at 6 months (P = 0.37). There was no significant difference in positive (P = 0.28) or negative symptoms (P = 0.49) between the bupropion and the placebo group.ConclusionsBupropion increases the rates of smoking abstinence in smokers with schizophrenia, without jeopardising their mental state.

Is there Sex-related Outcome Difference According to oral P2Y12 Inhibitors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 107,126 Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-203
Author(s):  
Oliver Brown ◽  
Jennifer Rossington ◽  
Gill Louise Buchanan ◽  
Giuseppe Patti ◽  
Angela Hoye
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Indirect Comparison ◽  
Bleeding Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
P2y12 Inhibitors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background and Objectives: The majority of patients included in trials of anti-platelet therapy are male. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether, in addition to aspirin, P2Y12 blockade is beneficial in both women and men with acute coronary syndromes. </P><P> Methods: Electronic databases were searched and nine eligible randomised controlled studies were identified that had sex-specific clinical outcomes (n=107,126 patients). Risk Ratios (RR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated for a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke (MACE), and a safety endpoint of major bleeding for each sex. Indirect comparison analysis was performed to statistically compare ticagrelor against prasugrel. </P><P> Results: Compared to aspirin alone, clopidogrel reduced MACE in men (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.92; p=0.003), but was not statistically significant in women (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.02, p=0.08). Clopidogrel therapy significantly increased bleeding in women but not men. Compared to clopidogrel, prasugrel was beneficial in men (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.97; p=0.02) but not statistically significant in women (RR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.06; p=0.30); ticagrelor reduced MACE in both men (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.94; p=0.001) and women (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.97; p=0.02). Indirect comparison demonstrated no significant difference between ticagrelor and prasugrel in either sex. Compared to clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel increased bleeding risk in both women and men. </P><P> Conclusion: In summary, in comparison to monotherapy with aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors reduce MACE in women and men. Ticagrelor was shown to be superior to clopidogrel in both sexes. Prasugrel showed a statistically significant benefit only in men; however indirect comparison did not demonstrate superiority of ticagrelor over prasugrel in women.

scholarly journals Kinesio Taping for Balance Function after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijuan Hu ◽  
Dongling Zhong ◽  
Qiwei Xiao ◽  
Qiang Chen ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Balance Impairment ◽  
Kinesio Taping ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective. With the increasing social and economic burdens of balance impairment after stroke, the treatment for balance impairment after stroke becomes a major public health problem worldwide. Kinesio taping (KT) as a part of clinical practice has been used widely in the treatment of balance impairment after stroke. However, the clinical effects of KT for balance function have not been confirmed. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects and safety of KT for balance impairment after stroke. Methods. We conducted a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of KT for balance impairment after stroke. We searched the following databases: (1) English databases: EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid), the Cochrane library, PubMed, and PEDro; (2) Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP. Besides, hand searches of relevant references were also conducted. We systematically searched from the inception to December 2018, using the keywords (Kinesio, Kinesio Tape, tape, or Orthotic Tape) and (stroke, hemiplegia, or hemiplegic paralysis) and (balance or stability). The search strategies were adjusted for each database. The reference lists of included articles were reviewed for relevant trials. For missing data, we contacted the authors to get additional information. Results. 22 RCTs involved 1331 patients, among which 667 patients in the experimental group and 664 patients in the control group were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with conventional rehabilitation (CR), there was significant difference in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD=4.46, 95%CI 1.72 to 7.19, P=0.001), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD=-4.62, 95%CI -5.48 to -3.79, P < 0.00001), functional ambulation category scale (FAC) (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.68, P < 0.00001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-L) (MD=4.20, 95%CI 3.17 to 5.24, P < 0.00001), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (MD=-0.38, 95%CI -0.49 to -0.27, P < 0.00001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between KT and CR with ≤4 weeks treatment duration (< 4 weeks: MD=5.03, 95%CI -1.80 to 11.85, P=0.15; =4 weeks: MD=4.33, 95%CI -1.50 to 10.15, P=0.15), while there was significant difference with more than 4-week treatment duration (MD=4.77, 95%CI 2.58 to 6.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Based on current evidence, KT was more effective than CR for balance function, lower limb function, and walking function in poststroke patients. Longer treatment duration may be associated with better effects. However, more well-conducted RCTs are required in the future.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Ketamine for Acute Pain Management in the Emergency Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3978
Author(s):  
Yee Sin Seak ◽  
Junainah Nor ◽  
Tuan Hairulnizam Tuan Kamauzaman ◽  
Ariff Arithra ◽  
Md Asiful Islam
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Acute Pain ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Emergency Setting ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Acute Pain Management ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Due to overcrowding, personnel shortages, or problematic intravenous (IV) cannulation, acute pain management is often sub-optimal in emergency departments (EDs). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal (IN) ketamine for adult acute pain in the emergency setting. We searched and identified studies up to 21 May 2021 via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database, and Google Scholar. The random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to estimate mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs). The I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test were used to determine heterogeneity. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020213391). Seven randomised controlled trials were included with a total of 1760 patients. There was no significant difference in pain scores comparing IN ketamine with IV analgesics or placebo at 5 (MD 0.94, p = 0.26), 15 (MD 0.15, p = 0.74), 25 (MD 0.24, p = 0.62), 30 (MD −0.05, p = 0.87), and 60 (MD −0.42, p = 0.53) minutes. There was also no significant difference in the need for rescue analgesics between IN ketamine and IV analgesics (OR 1.66, 95% CI: 0.57−4.86, p = 0.35, I2 = 70%). Only mild adverse effects were observed in patients who received IN ketamine. Our results suggest that IN ketamine is non-inferior to IV analgesics and may have a role in acute pain management among adults in the ED.

scholarly journals Eye Acupuncture Treatment for Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeng-Hua Bai ◽  
Zhi-Xing Zhang ◽  
Chun-Ri Li ◽  
Mei Wang ◽  
Meong-Ju Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Effect Estimate ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Search Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eye Acupuncture

There were applications of eye acupuncture for stroke patients. Unfortunately, similar to many other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, it lacks comprehensive evaluation and system review for its effect and safety.Objective. This study is a systematic review to appraise the safety and effectiveness of eye acupuncture for stroke.Methods. “Eye acupuncture therapy” in eleven databases was searched by randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. The search activity was ended in April 2014. The data were extracted and assessed by three independent authors. Rev Man 5.0 software was used for data analysis with effect estimate presented as relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval.Results. Sixteen trials (1120 patients) were involved with generally poor methodological quality. The study indicated that when eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine compared to western medicine, there was a significant difference in the areas of mental state, swallow function, and NDS. When eye acupuncture was combined with western medicine and rehabilitation compared to western medicine and rehabilitation, there was significant difference in the changes of SSS, FMA, and constipation symptoms evaluation. No adverse events or side effects have been reported.Conclusions. The current evidence is insufficient and the rigorously designed trials are warranted.

scholarly journals Effect of backward walking training on knee osteoarthritis: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e040726
Author(s):  
Yuxuan Wu ◽  
Cheng Lei ◽  
Zhimin Huangfu ◽  
Kejimu Sunzi ◽  
Changmei Yang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Bias Analysis ◽  
Backward Walking ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionBackward walking (BW) is otherwise known as retrowalking. As opposed to forward walking, BW is a countersequential exercise and is a common method of rehabilitation training and disease-assisted treatment. Studies have shown that BW has a helpful effect on improving lower limb proprioception, gait synergy and improving limb balance. Many studies have concluded that BW can improve the symptoms of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and can be used for rehabilitation and adjunctive treatment of KOA, but there is a lack of evidence-based medical evidence.This research aims to provide an update to the most recent available evidence on the effect of BW on patients with KOA .Methods and analysesElectronic databases, such as Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, will be searched by us. We will include studies identified from citation until 12 May 2020 and will not be restricted by geographical setting. The search will not be limited to the language of the publication, but the study of human subjects. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the BW training of KOA will be included, with outcome measures including pain, knee function or balance function. The quality of included RCTs will be evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. A meta-analysis or systematic review will be performed to summarise the effects of BW training. We will perform sensitivity analysis on the sample size of RCTs, meta-regression analysis of the follow-up periods, dosages and baselines of outcome measures, and publication bias analysis.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required as this study will not involve confidential personal data. The results of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020185694.

scholarly journals Do patients benefit from physiotherapy for shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection? A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-108
Author(s):  
A S Harris
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Neck Dissection ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Shoulder Dysfunction ◽  
Cost Efficacy ◽  
Prospective Trials ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Upper Limb Dysfunction ◽  
Term Benefit

AbstractObjectiveAccessory nerve palsy affects a proportion of patients following neck dissection, and results in shoulder dysfunction and regional pain. This project aimed to establish the evidence supporting post-operative physiotherapy for the shoulder following neck dissection.MethodA systematic review was conducted of prospective trials investigating the efficacy of rehabilitation for shoulder or upper limb dysfunction and pain following any type of neck dissection.ResultsA total of 820 papers were identified; through a staged review process, 7 trials were found that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included three randomised, controlled trials and four non-randomised studies. Five out of the seven trials demonstrated a statistically significant benefit of physiotherapy.ConclusionCurrent evidence shows a benefit from physiotherapy in patients with shoulder dysfunction following neck dissection. Some evidence suggests progressive resistance is superior to other types of physiotherapy. Long-term benefit and cost efficacy have not been studied.

scholarly journals Single versus separate implant fixation for concomitant ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: A systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunal Mohan ◽  
Prasad Ellanti ◽  
Helen French ◽  
Niall Hogan ◽  
Tom McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Femoral Neck ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Implant Fixation ◽  
High Energy Trauma ◽  
Shaft Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference

Concomitant ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures are uncommon, occurring in 1-9% of femoral shaft fractures. While this injury typically occurs in young patients following high-energy trauma, little consensus has been established regarding the optimal fixation approach. A multitude of treatment strategies exist, with limited evidence as to which is more favorable. The aim of this study was to appraise current evidence, comparing management with either one single or separate devices for both fractures. A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 1992 and 2018 comparing the rate of postoperative nonunion, malunion, delayed union, avascular necrosis, infection or reoperation between at least one method of single device fixation and one method of separate device fixation were included. Six non-randomized cohort studies assessing 173 patients were suitable for inclusion, each comparing single device cephalomedullary nail fixation of both fractures with a combination of devices. All patients presented following high-energy trauma, at a median age of 32 years. While low complication rate and favorable outcomes were found across both groups, no significant difference could be inferred between either treatment strategy. This injury continues to occur in the traditionally described patient group, and results in acceptable postoperative outcomes. A paucity of randomized studies limits the ability to recommend a single or separate device treatment approach, and as such prospective, randomized trials with adequately powered sample sizes are required to definitively compare surgical management strategies in this rare but complex injury.

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