A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Nd:YAG 1064 nm Short-Pulse Laser Compared With Placebo in the Treatment of Toenail Onychomycosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Sabbah ◽  
Carolanne Gagnon ◽  
Fanny-Emmanuelle Bernier ◽  
Catherine Maari
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Short Pulse ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Nail Plate ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
End Points ◽  
Laser Group

Introduction: Laser and light-based therapies have emerged as interesting treatment options with minimal side effects or contraindications to treat onychomycosis. Although increasing reports of successful treatment exist, few randomized, controlled, prospective studies have evaluated their true efficacy. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial to evaluate the cure rate of onychomycosis treated by laser. Methods: Fifty-one patients were randomized to receive 3 treatments (0, 12, 24 weeks) of 1064 Nd:YAG short-pulse (Cutera GenesisPlus) laser or placebo sham laser. The primary efficacy end point is the proportion of patients with a complete cure rate of the target great toenail at week 52. The secondary efficacy end points, at week 52, were treatment success defined as almost clear nail (≤ 10%) and negative mycology, completely or almost clear nail of the great toenail, negative mycology, improvement from one OSI severity class to another of the target toenail, and the difference in proximal nail plate clearance between baseline and week 52. Results: No patient (0%) in the laser group and 2 patients (7.7%) in the placebo group reached the primary outcome. One patient (4.8%) in the laser group reached treatment success vs 2 (7.7%) in the placebo group. Only 6 patients (33%) had negative cultures in the laser group vs 11 (50%) in the placebo group. None of the secondary end points were met. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 3 treatments of Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser at 3-month intervals were not effective to treat onychomycosis.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum as Adjunctive Therapy of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 214
Author(s):  
Ridha Ramadina Widiatma ◽  
Muhammad Yulianto Listiawan ◽  
Dwi Murtiastutik ◽  
Cita Rosita Sigit Prakoeswa ◽  
Sawitri Sawitri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Adjunctive Therapy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Vaginal Flora ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Double Blind

Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a clinical syndrome caused by the changing of Lactobacillus spp., a producer of hydrogen peroxide, in the normal vagina with a high concentration of anaerobic bacteria, Gardnerella vaginalis and Mycoplasma hominis. This study reports a resistance of BV therapy regimens, high recurrence rates, and side effects of an antibiotic. Therefore, adjunctive therapy for BV management is needed. Research has reported the therapeutic effects of probiotic in BV; however, the results are inconsistent. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of standard therapy using metronidazole and Lactobacillus plantarum for BV measured by the cure rate and vaginal flora balance. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 30 subjects were randomized to take metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for seven days with weekly evaluation. The Lactobacillus plantarum or placebo group was evaluated every 4 weeks. The cure rate and vaginal flora balance were evaluated using the Amsel criteria and Nugent score before and after the intervention. Result: A total of 30 subjects returned for 28-day follow-up, of which 60% subjects of the antibiotic/probiotic group were cured compared to 40% in the antibiotic/placebo group (p>0.05). Conclusion: There was no difference in the increase of cure rate and vaginal flora balance between the treatment group and significant control group.

scholarly journals The Effect of Protein Supplementation versus Carbohydrate Supplementation on Muscle Damage Markers and Soreness Following a 15-km Road Race: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 858
Author(s):  
Dominique S. M. ten Haaf ◽  
Martin A. Flipsen ◽  
Astrid M. H. Horstman ◽  
Hans Timmerman ◽  
Monique A. H. Steegers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Muscle Soreness ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Carbohydrate Supplementation ◽  
Protein Group ◽  
Road Race

We assessed whether a protein supplementation protocol could attenuate running-induced muscle soreness and other muscle damage markers compared to iso-caloric placebo supplementation. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed among 323 recreational runners (age 44 ± 11 years, 56% men) participating in a 15-km road race. Participants received milk protein or carbohydrate supplementation, for three consecutive days post-race. Habitual protein intake was assessed using 24 h recalls. Race characteristics were determined and muscle soreness was assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory at baseline and 1–3 days post-race. In a subgroup (n = 149) muscle soreness was measured with a strain gauge algometer and creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations were measured. At baseline, no group-differences were observed for habitual protein intake (protein group: 79.9 ± 26.5 g/d versus placebo group: 82.0 ± 26.8 g/d, p = 0.49) and muscle soreness (protein: 0.45 ± 1.08 versus placebo: 0.44 ± 1.14, p = 0.96). Subjects completed the race with a running speed of 12 ± 2 km/h. With the Intention-to-Treat analysis no between-group differences were observed in reported muscle soreness. With the per-protocol analysis, however, the protein group reported higher muscle soreness 24 h post-race compared to the placebo group (2.96 ± 2.27 versus 2.46 ± 2.38, p = 0.039) and a lower pressure muscle pain threshold in the protein group compared to the placebo group (71.8 ± 30.0 N versus 83.9 ± 27.9 N, p = 0.019). No differences were found in concentrations of CK and LDH post-race between groups. Post-exercise protein supplementation is not more preferable than carbohydrate supplementation to reduce muscle soreness or other damage markers in recreational athletes with mostly a sufficient baseline protein intake running a 15-km road race.

scholarly journals Effects of Fermented Milk Containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Strain Shirota on Constipation in Patients with Depression: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2238
Author(s):  
Xiaomei Zhang ◽  
Shanbin Chen ◽  
Ming Zhang ◽  
Fazheng Ren ◽  
Yimei Ren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Fermented Milk ◽  
Daily Consumption ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Factor Α

Probiotics have been shown to benefit patients with constipation and depression, but whether they specifically alleviate constipation in patients with depression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), formerly Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota, on constipation in patients with depression with specific etiology and gut microbiota and on depressive regimens. Eighty-two patients with constipation were recruited. The subjects consumed 100 mL of a LcS beverage (108 CFU/mL) or placebo every day for 9 weeks. After ingesting beverages for this period, we observed no significant differences in the total patient constipation-symptom (PAC-SYM) scores in the LcS group when compared with the placebo group. However, symptoms/scores in item 7 (rectal tearing or bleeding after a bowel movement) and items 8–12 (stool symptom subscale) were more alleviated in the LcS group than in the placebo group. The Beck Depression Index (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores were all significantly decreased, and the degree of depression was significantly improved in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The LcS intervention increased the beneficial Adlercreutzia, Megasphaera and Veillonella levels and decreased the bacterial levels related to mental illness, such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Sutterella and Oscillibacter. Additionally, the interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly decreased in both the placebo and LcS groups (p < 0.05). In particular, the IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the LcS group than the placebo group after the ingestion period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the daily consumption of LcS for 9 weeks appeared to relieve constipation and improve the potentially depressive symptoms in patients with depression and significantly decrease the IL-6 levels. In addition, the LcS supplementation also appeared to regulate the intestinal microbiota related to mental illness.

scholarly journals Tranexamic acid for acute intracerebral haemorrhage growth based on imaging assessment (TRAIGE): a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. svn-2021-000942
Author(s):  
Jingyi Liu ◽  
Ximing Nie ◽  
Hongqiu Gu ◽  
Qi Zhou ◽  
Haixin Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Tranexamic Acid ◽  
Intracerebral Haemorrhage ◽  
Intracranial Haemorrhage ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intracerebral Haematoma ◽  
Spot Sign ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Risk Of Death

BackgroundStudies show tranexamic acid can reduce the risk of death and early neurological deterioration after intracranial haemorrhage. We aimed to assess whether tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in intracerebral haemorrhage patients susceptible to haemorrhage expansion.MethodsWe did a prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial at 10 stroke centres in China. Acute supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage patients were eligible if they had indication of haemorrhage expansion on admission imaging (eg, spot sign, black hole sign or blend sign), and were treatable within 8 hours of symptom onset. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either tranexamic acid or a matching placebo. The primary outcome was intracerebral haematoma growth (>33% relative or >6 mL absolute) at 24 hours. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 90 days.ResultsOf the 171 included patients, 124 (72.5%) were male, and the mean age was 55.9±11.6 years. 89 patients received tranexamic acid and 82 received placebo. The primary outcome did not differ significantly between the groups: 36 (40.4%) patients in the tranexamic acid group and 34 (41.5%) patients in the placebo group had intracranial haemorrhage growth (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.77, p=0.89). The proportion of death was lower in the tranexamic acid treatment group than placebo group (8.1% vs 10.0%), but there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes including absolute intracranial haemorrhage growth, death and dependency.ConclusionsAmong patients susceptible to haemorrhage expansion treated within 8 hours of stroke onset, tranexamic acid did not significantly prevent intracerebral haemorrhage growth. Larger studies are needed to assess safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid in intracerebral haemorrhage patients.

scholarly journals Efficacy and tolerability of baclofen in a U.S. community population with alcohol use disorder: a dose-response, randomized, controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. Garbutt ◽  
Alexei B. Kampov-Polevoy ◽  
Cort Pedersen ◽  
Melissa Stansbury ◽  
Robyn Jordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Drop Outs ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractIdentification of new medications for alcohol use disorder (AUD) is important for improving treatment options. Baclofen, a GABAB agonist, has been identified as a potential pharmacotherapy for AUD. In a 16-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we investigated 30 and 90 mg/day of baclofen compared to placebo and examined effects of dose, sex, and level of pretreatment drinking. One hundred and twenty participants with DSM-IV alcohol dependence (age 46.1 (sd = 10.1) years, 51.7% male) were randomized after exclusion for unstable medical/psychiatric illness and/or dependence on drugs other than nicotine. Seventy-three participants completed the trial. A main effect of baclofen was found [%HDD (F(2,112) = 4.16, p = 0.018, d = 0.51 95%CI (0.06–0.95), 13.6 fewer HDD) and %ABST (F(2,112) = 3.68, p = 0.028, d = 0.49 95%CI (0.04–0.93), 12.9 more abstinent days)] and was driven by the 90 mg/day dose. A sex × dose interaction effect was present for both %HDD (F(2,110) = 5.48, p = 0.005) and %ABST (F(2,110) = 3.19, p = 0.045). Men showed a marginally positive effect for 90 mg/day compared to PBO (%HDD t(110) = 1.88, p = 0.063, d = 0.36 95%CI (−0.09–0.80), 15.8 fewer HDD days; %ABST t(110) = 1.68 (p = 0.096, d = 0.32 95%CI (−0.12–0.76), 15.7 more ABST)) with no effect for 30 mg/day. Women showed a positive effect for 30 mg/day (%HDD, t(110) = 3.19, p = 0.002, d = 0.61 95%CI (0.16–1.05), 26.3 fewer HDD days; %ABST t(110) = 2.73, p = 0.007, d = 0.52 95%CI (0.07–0.96), 25.4 more ABST days) with marginal effects for 90 mg/day on %ABST (p = 0.06) with drop-outs/dose reduction from sedative side-effects of 59% in women at 90 mg/day compared to 5% for men. These findings support the hypothesis that baclofen has efficacy in AUD and suggest that dose and sex be further explored as potential moderators of baclofen response and tolerability.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy and tolerability of sertraline in Iranian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2159-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Panahi ◽  
B. Rezazadeh Moghaddam ◽  
A. Sahebkar ◽  
M. Abbasi Nazari ◽  
F. Beiraghdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Mean

BackgroundUnlike civilian post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the efficacy of sertraline for the treatment of combat-related PTSD has not yet been proven. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sertraline against combat-related PTSD in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.MethodSeventy Iranian veterans of the Iran–Iraq war who met the DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of PTSD were randomized to receive either flexibly dosed sertraline (50–200 mg/day) (n=35, completers=32) or placebo (n=35, completers=30) for 10 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) and the Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I) ratings. Responder criteria were defined as a ⩾30% reduction in the IES-R total score plus a CGI-I rating of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved.ResultsOn both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per protocol (completer) methods of analysis, the mean reductions in the IES-R total and subscale (re-experiencing/intrusion, avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal) scores (p<0.001) and also in the CGI-S score (p<0.01) were significantly greater in the sertraline group than in the placebo group. For the CGI-I, the mean endpoint score was significantly lower in the sertraline group than in the placebo group (p⩽0.001). The number of responders in the sertraline group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (44% v. 3%, p⩽0.001). Sertraline was well tolerated, with a 6% discontinuation rate as a result of adverse reactions.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that sertraline can be an effective, safe and tolerable treatment for combat-related PTSD in Iranian veterans.

scholarly journals Randomised Double-Blind Trial of Combination Antibiotic Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Smith ◽  
Caroline Doré ◽  
Peter Charles ◽  
Alena Vallance ◽  
Tara Potier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Active Treatment ◽  
Active Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Acr20 Response ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective. A combination of intravenous clindamycin and oral tetracycline has been used for many years as a treatment for active rheumatoid arthritis (RA), despite the absence of good evidence for its efficacy. A single-blind pilot study of this therapy suggested that a double-blind placebo-controlled trial was warranted.Methods. Patients with active RA were randomised in a 2 : 1 ratio to receive active treatment or placebo for 25 weeks. The active treatment consisted of intravenous clindamycin in a reducing regime, and oral tetracycline twice daily three times a week. 50 patients were to be recruited. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients achieving an ACR20 response.Results. An interim statistical analysis was performed after 20 patients had completed the study. Two patients in the active group achieved an ACR20 response, with none in the placebo group (NS). There was a better ESR20 response in the placebo group (P=.02). There were no other significant differences between the groups. The results indicated that it was unlikely that a significant difference in ACR20 response would emerge if the remaining 30 patients were recruited. The trial was therefore halted.Conclusion. This antibiotic regime is unlikely to be a valuable therapy for active rheumatoid arthritis.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a nasal spray containing Iota-Carrageenan in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 in hospital personnel dedicated to patients care with COVID-19 disease. A pragmatic multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (CARR-COV-02)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Manuel Figueroa ◽  
Monica Lombardo ◽  
Ariel Dogliotti ◽  
Luis Flynn ◽  
Robert P. Giugliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Nasal Spray ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hospital Personnel ◽  
Culture Methods ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Significant Efficacy ◽  
To Receive

Background Iota-Carrageenan (I-C) is a sulfate polysaccharide synthesized by red algae, with demonstrated antiviral activity and clinical efficacy as nasal spray in the treatment of common cold. In vitro, I-C inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture. Methods This is a pragmatic multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing the use of a nasal spray containing I-C in the prophylaxis of COVID-19 in hospital personnel dedicated to care of COVID-19 patients. Clinically healthy physicians, nurses, kinesiologists and others medical providers were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive four daily doses of I-C spray or placebo for 21 days. The primary end point was clinical COVID-19, as confirmed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction testing, over a period of 21 days. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04521322). Findings A total of 394 individuals were randomly assigned to receive I-C or placebo. Both treatment groups had similar baseline characteristics. The incidence of COVID-19 was significantly lower in the I-C group compared to placebo (1.0% vs 5.0%) (Odds Ratio 0.19 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.77; p= 0.03). Workday loss in placebo group compared to I-C were 1.6% days / person (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.2); p <0.0001 There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events across the two groups (17.3% in the I-C group and 15.2% in the placebo group, p= 0.5). Interpretation I-C showed significant efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital personnel dedicated to care patients with COVID-19 disease.

scholarly journals Neurological Development and Iron Supplementation in Healthy Late-Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Luciano ◽  
Domenico Marco Romeo ◽  
Giuseppina Mancini ◽  
Serena Sivo ◽  
Carolina Dolci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Iron Supplementation ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Neurological Development ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Neurological Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Mean

Abstract ObjectiveLate-preterm infants (LPT) are at increased risk for long-term neurodevelopmental sequelaeand iron deficiency. Aim of the study is to assess the positive effect of iron supplementation on neurological development in healthy LPT.DesignWe designed a perspective, randomized placebo-controlled double-blind trial. The newborns were randomized in two groups: thirty-three patients received martial prophylaxis, thirty-three placebo. Every patient was assessed using the Griffith Mental Development Scales (GMDS)-II edition at 12 months of post-conceptional age.SettingThe study was performed at the Neonatology Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS.PatientsSixty-six healthy LPT infants born between 340⁄7 and 366⁄7 weeks of Gestational Age were enrolled in the study.InterventionsOne group received martial prophylaxis from the third week of life to six months of post-conceptional age (2 mg/kg/day of iron pidolate), the other received placebo.Main outcome measuresFifty-two of the enrolled infants were assessed using the GMDS at 12-month of post-conceptional age. Statistical analysis of the mean scores of the Griffith subscales was performed.ResultsThere was a difference in the mean Developmental Quotient (DQ) (p<0.01) between the two groups: Iron Group mean DQ 121.45+10.53 vs Placebo Group mean DQ 113.25+9.70. Moreover, mean scores of the Griffith subscales A, B and D showed significant differences between the two Groups (scale A p<0.05, scale B p<0.02, scale D p<0.01 respectively).ConclusionsOur data show that newborns who received iron supplementation during the first six months of life achieved significantly better neurological outcomes at GMDS than Placebo group.

scholarly journals Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS2 Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation Prevents Mastitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1933
Author(s):  
Esther Jiménez ◽  
Susana Manzano ◽  
Dietmar Schlembach ◽  
Krzysztof Arciszewski ◽  
Rocio Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Pregnancy And Lactation ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Mastitis is considered one of the main reasons for unwanted breastfeeding cessation. This study aimed to investigate the preventive effect of the probiotic strain Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS2 on the occurrence of mastitis in lactating women. In this multicountry, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 328 women were assigned to the probiotic or the placebo group. The intervention started from the 35th week of pregnancy until week 12 post-partum. The primary outcome was the incidence (hazard) rate of mastitis, defined as the presence of at least two of the following symptoms: breast pain, breast erythema, breast engorgement not relieved by breastfeeding, and temperature > 38 °C. The probability of being free of mastitis during the study was higher in the probiotic than in the placebo group (p = 0.022, Kaplan–Meier log rank test) with 9 mastitis cases (6%) vs. 20 mastitis cases (14%), respectively. The hazard ratio of the incidence of mastitis between both study groups was 0.41 (0.190–0.915; p = 0.029), indicating that women in the probiotic group were 58% less likely to experience mastitis. In conclusion, supplementation of L. salivarius PS2 during late pregnancy and early lactation was safe and effective in preventing mastitis, which is one of the main barriers for continuing breastfeeding.

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