scholarly journals Sleep positioning systems for children and adults with a neurodisability: A systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ginny Humphreys ◽  
Tanya King ◽  
Jo Jex ◽  
Morwenna Rogers ◽  
Sharon Blake ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
Management Programme ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Positioning Systems ◽  
Comprehensive Search ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Sleep Positioning

Introduction Sleep positioning systems are often prescribed as part of a 24-hour postural management programme for children and adults with neurodisabilities. In a search for evidence of effectiveness for children with cerebral palsy a recent Cochrane review found two randomised controlled trials. This review aims to appraise a broader set of studies including any neurological diagnosis and users of all ages to inform therapists about the quality of the evidence underlying practice. Method A comprehensive search for all peer-reviewed studies that evaluated the use of sleep positioning systems was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library databases, BNI, HMIC, PEDro, OTSeeker and clinical trials registries. Disability organisations, manufacturers and colleagues worldwide were also contacted. Titles were screened for relevance by two reviewers. Data were extracted into bespoke quantitative or qualitative forms by one reviewer and checked by a second. Findings were analysed into simple themes. Results A total of 14 studies were eligible for inclusion; all were small and most were of low quality. Inferences of benefits cannot be made from the literature but also no harm was found. Conclusions The body of evidence supporting practice remains small and mostly of low quality. Therapists should remain cautious when presenting the benefits to families.

scholarly journals Status, reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot randomised controlled trials in acupuncture: protocol for a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e052528
Author(s):  
Yajun Zhang ◽  
Hantong Hu ◽  
Xiaoyu Li ◽  
Jiali Lou ◽  
Xiaofen He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Publication Trends ◽  
Pilot Trials ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionTo date, there has been a lack of knowledge about the status, reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot trials in the acupuncture field. Thus, this systematic review protocol aims to: (1) investigate publication trends and aspects of feasibility evaluated in acupuncture pilot trials; (2) identify the proportion of acupuncture pilot trials that lead to definitive trials and (3) assess the reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot trials in acupuncture.Methods and analysisStudies of acupuncture pilot randomised controlled trials published from 2011 to 2021 will be retrieved in seven databases in January 2022, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. The methodological quality and reporting completeness of all included studies will be assessed using the risk of bias 2.0 tool (RoB 2) and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials, respectively. For the primary analysis, publication trends, aspects of feasibility and the proportion of pilot trials that lead to definitive trials will be analysed. A quantitative analysis of the methodological quality and reporting completeness of the included trials will be implemented by calculating the percentage of items reported in each domain of RoB 2 and CONSORT. The secondary analysis will adopt a regression analysis to identify factors associated with the reporting completeness.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this study. This study is planned to be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal.

scholarly journals Antidepressant use and interpersonal violence perpetration: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e043306
Author(s):  
Claire Keen ◽  
James A Foulds ◽  
Melissa Willoughby ◽  
Giles Newton-Howes ◽  
Josh Knight ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Violence ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Violence Perpetration ◽  
Antidepressant Use ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Relationship

IntroductionThere are conflicting perspectives as to whether antidepressant medication increases, decreases or has no effect on violence perpetration, impulsivity and aggressive behaviour. This is an important question given the widespread use of antidepressant medication and the significant medical, social, legal and health consequences of violence. We aim to: (1) systematically identify observational studies and randomised controlled trials that quantify the relationship between antidepressant use and interpersonal violence; (2) assess the quality of studies that quantify the relationship between antidepressant use and interpersonal violence and (3) estimate the pooled prevalence and measure of effect for the relationship between antidepressant use and interpersonal violence.Methods and analysisWe will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed and the Cochrane Library for relevant peer-reviewed literature. Our primary outcome is the perpetration of violent acts directed at others. Our secondary outcome is physical, interpersonal aggression measured through validated surveys. We will include randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and case–control studies that examine the association between the use of antidepressants and violence perpetration and/or physical aggression. No restrictions will be placed on the population. We will use the Methodological Standard for Epidemiological Research scale to assess the quality of included studies. We will provide an overview of the included studies and assess heterogeneity and publication bias. If there are sufficient studies, we will conduct meta-analyses to examine the possible association between antidepressants and violence, and undertake meta-regression to examine the effect of antidepressant class, length of follow-up, age of participants and population subgroups on the association between antidepressants and violence.Ethics and disseminationNo ethics approval is required. Our findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal article and conference presentations.PROSPERO registration detailsCRD42020175474.

scholarly journals Valproate in dementia: time to move on?

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-149
Author(s):  
Amreek Dhindsa
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Cochrane Review ◽  
Current Treatment ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Better Than

SUMMARYBaillonet al’s Cochrane review included 430 participants with agitation in dementia from five randomised controlled trials. Overall, the reviewers found that valproate was no better than placebo for the treatment of agitation in people with dementia; however, the quality of the studies included was very variable. Adverse effects and events were higher in the treatment group compared with the controls, although these finding were largely based on low-quality data with incomplete reporting; thus, valproate's safety profile is of concern. This review demonstrates that there is insufficient evidence to change current treatment guidelines.DECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.

scholarly journals Effect of traditional Asian exercise on patients with chronic heart failure: a protocol for network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e048891
Author(s):  
Jianglin Xu ◽  
Zhuo Zhang ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Lintong Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Randomised Controlled

IntroductionChronic heart failure (CHF) is a common disease worldwide, and imposes a substantial burden to the healthcare system. In CHF, limited exercise capacity and affected mental well-being leads to a reduced quality of life (QOL). How to improve the QOL and exercise endurance is critical for patients with CHF. Exercise therapy, such as some traditional Asian exercises (TAEs) including Taichi, Baduanjin and Yoga, plays an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with CHF. TAE is suitable for the rehabilitation of patients with CHF because of its soft movements and can relax the body and mind. Studies have shown that TAE can regulate the overall health status of the body and exercise tolerance, improve QOL and reduce rehospitalisation rate in patients with CHF. However, the difference in efficacy of TAE in patients with CHF is not yet clear. The main purpose of this study is to conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised trials to determine the impact of TAE on patients with CHF of different types, different causes and different New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function classifications and to provide references for different types of patients with CHF to choose appropriate exercise rehabilitation therapy.Methods and analysisThe literature search will be retrieved from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chinese biomedical literature service system (SinoMed) and Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP) from the date of their inception until 1 August 2021. All randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effects of three different TAE therapies (Taichi, Baduanjin and Yoga) on patients with CHF will be included. The primary outcomes are peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), exercise capacity (6-min walking distance) and QOL tested with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the levels of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. For included articles, two reviewers will independently extract the data, and Cochrane Collaboration’s tool will be used to assess risk of bias. We will perform the Bayesian NMA to pool all treatment effects. The ranking probabilities for the optimal intervention of various treatments (Taichi, Baduanjin or Yoga) will be estimated by the mean ranks and surface under the cumulative ranking curve. Subgroup analysis for different types, different causes and different NYHA heart function classifications of CHF will be performed. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to assess the quality of evidence contributing to each network estimate.Ethics and disseminationThe results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. They will provide useful information to inform clinicians on the potential functions of TAE in CHF, and to provide consolidated evidence for clinical practice and further research of TAE.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020179304.

scholarly journals Reporting on Quality of Life in Randomised Controlled Trials in Gastrointestinal Surgery

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 156-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Bridoux ◽  
Grégoire Moutel ◽  
Benoit Lefebure ◽  
Michel Scotte ◽  
Francis Michot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Gastrointestinal Surgery ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomised Controlled

scholarly journals Protective Treatments against Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation in Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6994
Author(s):  
Hasnain Q. R. B. Khan ◽  
Gwendolen C. Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
The Body ◽  
Endothelial Glycocalyx ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Post Operation ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Randomised Controlled

The aim was to explore the body of literature focusing on protective treatments against endothelial glycocalyx degradation in surgery. A comprehensive systematic review of relevant articles was conducted across databases. Inclusion criteria: (1) treatments for the protection of the endothelial glycocalyx in surgery; (2) syndecan-1 used as a biomarker for endothelial glycocalyx degradation. Outcomes analysed: (1) mean difference of syndecan-1 (2) correlation between glycocalyx degradation and inflammation; (3) correlation between glycocalyx degradation and extravasation. A meta-analysis was used to present mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Seven articles with eight randomised controlled trials were included. The greatest change from baseline values in syndecan-1 concentrations was generally from the first timepoint measured post-operatively. Interventions looked to either dampen the inflammatory response or fluid therapy. Methylprednisolone had the highest mean difference in plasma syndecan-1 concentrations. Ulinastatin showed correlations between alleviation of degradation and preserving vascular permeability. In this systematic review of 385 patients, those treated were more likely than those treated with placebo to exhibit less shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx. Methylprednisolone has been shown to specifically target the transient increase of glycocalyx degradation immediately post-operation and has displayed anti-inflammatory effects. We have proposed suggestions for improved uniformity and enhanced confidence for future randomised controlled trials.

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of psychosocial interventions for acute mental health inpatients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Laura D Wainwright ◽  
Gillian Haddock ◽  
Charlotte Dunster-Page ◽  
Katherine Berry
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Patient Functioning ◽  
Electronic Search ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background/Aims Inpatient wards provide an opportunity to intervene with medical, psychological and social care to contain distress and prevent future relapse. However, they have been criticised for an over-reliance on medication and risk management with limited psychosocial interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical trials of psychosocial interventions for inpatients to identify interventions that are effective at improving quality of life, symptoms or patient functioning. Methods An electronic search of six databases was conducted for papers published from 1806 up until February 2017. A total of 18 randomised controlled trials was identified in which outcomes for symptoms, quality of life or functioning were reported. Results Overall, 15 trials showed a statistically significant result for at least one outcome. Seven categories were identified from the 18 studies, at least one in each category was found to be effective for symptoms, quality of life or functioning. The majority were effective (15 out of 18). Conclusions Given that the methodological quality was generally low and number of randomised controlled trials were small, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Recommendations include more and repeated trials using rigorous methods of testing and reporting.

Improved quality of reporting safety data of medication in paediatric randomised controlled trials

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2020-321197
Author(s):  
Taco Jan Prins ◽  
Corine Rollema ◽  
Eric van Roon ◽  
Tjalling de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Drug Event ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Quality Of Reporting ◽  
Event Reporting ◽  
The Past ◽  
Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveEvaluating the reporting of safety data of medication in paediatric randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in 2017–2018 compared with our earlier study.DesignLiterature search with a systemic appraisal of adverse drug event reporting.Main outcome measuresQuality of reporting of safety data using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Ioannidis scores in paediatric drug RCTs. The CONSORT score consists of nine recommendations of the CONSORT Group issued to improve the quality of reporting adverse events. The Ioannidis score is based on these advices. We considered a CONSORT score of at least 6 and an Ioannidis score of at least 3 as sufficient.ResultsWe reviewed 100 RCTs published in 2017 and 2018. Ninety-four (94%) articles mentioned adverse events compared with 78% in the earlier study. Fifty-seven per cent used a standardised method for reporting adverse events compared with 34% in our earlier study. In 26 of the articles, the expected adverse events were defined, and 27 articles had a preset standardised scale for adverse events. Of these, 62 articles (62%) had a CONSORT score of 6 or higher compared with 18% in 2010. In the present study, 67% had an Ioannidis score of 3 or higher, whereas in the earlier study this was 29%. Both differences are statistically significant (p<0.05).ConclusionsReporting safety data in paediatric RCTs has improved over the past 10 years. However, there is still room for improvement and for further improvement. Authors and editors should give more attention to methods for collecting, reporting and presenting safety data of RCTs in studies and manuscripts.

Acupuncture for Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 342-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Deng ◽  
Xu-Feng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Objective Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a pre-dementia state; 5–10% of cases per year will evolve into dementia. MCI can be amnestic (AMCI) or non-amnestic. AMCI is associated with a higher risk of progression. In recent years, interest in acupuncture as a potential treatment for AMCI has grown. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for AMCI. Methods Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture versus medical treatment for AMCI were identified using the following databases from inception to July 2015: PubMed; Medline; CENTRAL; Chinese Scientific Journal Database; The Chinese Acupuncture Trials Register; China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI); and Wanfang database. Data were extracted from RCTs meeting the inclusive criteria according to Cochrane methods. Meta-analyses were conducted using Rev Man V.5.3 software. Results Five trials involving 568 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that participants receiving acupuncture had better outcomes than those receiving nimodipine with greater clinical efficacy rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.78, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.65; p<0.01), mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores (mean difference (MD) 0.99, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.28; p<0.01), and picture recognition score (MD 2.12, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.75; p<0.01). Meta-analysis also showed acupuncture in conjunction with nimodipine significantly improved MMSE scores (MD 1.09, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.89; p<0.01) compared to nimodipine alone. Three trials reported adverse events. Methodological quality of the included studies was judged to be generally poor. Conclusions Acupuncture appears effective for AMCI when used as an alternative or adjunctive treatment; however, caution must be exercised given the low methodological quality of included trials. Further, more rigorously designed studies are needed.

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