scholarly journals Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that assess the efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 175628721983836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Campbell ◽  
Bruce J. Trock ◽  
Adam R. Oppenheim ◽  
Ifeanyichukwu Anusionwu ◽  
Ronak A. Gor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Sham Group ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LiESWT) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases was performed from November 2005 to July 2018. RCTs evaluating efficacy of LiESWT in the treatment of ED were selected. The primary outcomes were the mean difference between treatment and sham patients in the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain score 1 month after treatment, and the mean change in IIEF-EF from baseline to 1 month post-treatment. The secondary analysis considered the percentage of men whose erectile hardness score (EHS) changed from <2 at baseline to >3 after treatment. All analyses used a random effects method to pool study-specific results. Results: A total of seven RCTs provided data for 607 patients. The mean IIEF-EF 1 month post-treatment ranged from 12.8 to 22.0 in the treatment group versus 8.17–16.43 in the sham group. The mean difference between the treatment and sham groups at the 1 month follow up was a statistically significant increase in IIEF-EF of 4.23 ( p = 0.012). Overall, five of the seven trials provided data on the proportion of patients with baseline EHS <2 who improved to EHS >3 at 1 month post-treatment. The proportions ranged from 3.5 to 90% in the treatment group versus 0–9% in the sham group and the pooled relative risk of EHS improvement for the treated versus sham group was 6.63 ( p = 0.0095). No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis that evaluates RCTs exploring LiESWT as a treatment modality strictly for ED. This therapeutic strategy appears to be well tolerated with short-term benefits. However further studies exploring specific treatment regimens and long-term outcomes are needed.

scholarly journals Efficacy of glucocorticoids for the treatment of macrolide refractory mycoplasma pneumonia in children: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwan Soo Kim ◽  
In Suk Sol ◽  
Donghe Li ◽  
Miyoung Choi ◽  
Yun Jung Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Conventional Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Conventional Treatment Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogens causing community acquired pneumonia in children. Although the rate of macrolide-refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) has increased, systemic glucocorticoids as a treatment option has not been validated yet. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of glucocorticoids add-on in the treatment of MRMP in children through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Data sources A systematic literature search was conducted using ten electronic bibliographic databases including English, Korean, Chinese and Japanese languages, up to March 8, 2018. Study selection The study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and selected randomized control trials which compared the efficacy of glucocorticoids add-on to macrolide in the treatment of MRMP in children. Data extraction Two independent reviewers extracted: primary outcomes as hospital days, fever duration, and change in C-reactive protein (CRP) and main analysis was performed through meta-analysis with random effects model. Results Twenty-four unique randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The mean length of hospital stay in glucocorticoids treatment group was significantly shorter than that in conventional macrolide-treatment group (Weighted mean difference (WMD) = − 4.03 days). The mean length of fever duration was significantly shorter in the glucocorticoid treatment group in comparison with the conventional treatment group (WMD = -3.32 days). Level of CRP after treatment was significantly lower in the glucocorticoid treatment group than that in the conventional treatment group (WMD = -16.03). Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis showed no significant improvement in heterogeneity. As limitations of the study, most of the studies included were from a single country and we were unable to control for heterogeneity across interventions, lack of standardized measures, and different time points of assessments across studies. Conclusions Glucocorticoid add-on treatment for MRMP can significantly shorten the duration of fever and hospital stay and decrease the level of CRP. These results should be confirmed by adequately powered studies in the future.

Treatment Outcome of Auditory and Frontal Dual-Site rTMS in Tinnitus Patients and Changes in Magnetoencephalographic Functional Connectivity after rTMS: Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 293-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae-Soo Noh ◽  
Jeong-Sug Kyong ◽  
Moo Kyun Park ◽  
Jun Ho Lee ◽  
Seung Ha Oh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Sham Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Band Power ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dual Site

Background: Recently, the role of neural modulation in nonauditory cortices via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tinnitus control has been emphasized. It is now more compelling to consider these nonauditory cortices and the whole “tinnitus network” as targets for tinnitus treatment to achieve a better outcome. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of active dual-site rTMS treatment in tinnitus reduction using a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Method: In study 1, the dual-site rTMS treatment group (n = 17) was treated daily for 4 consecutive days. The sham group (n = 13) also visited the clinic for 4 days; they received sham treatment for the same duration as the dual-site rTMS treatment group. In study 2, the rTMS treatment protocol was exactly the same as in study 1. Magnetoencephalography recordings were performed before and 1 week after the last rTMS treatment. The outcome measure was the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score and the visual analog scale score. The effects of treatment were assessed 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after rTMS treatment in study 1. Then the mean band power and network changes were compared between pre- and post-treatment values after rTMS in study 2. Result: Patients in the dual-site rTMS treatment group exhibited significantly improved THI scores at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after rTMS treatment compared with the pretreatment scores. However, the sham group did not show any significant reduction in THI scores. When the mean band power changes were compared between pre- and post-treatment assessments, an increased oscillation power was observed in the alpha band after rTMS. Conclusion: A beneficial effect of rTMS on tinnitus suppression was found in the dual-site active rTMS group, but not in the sham rTMS group.

scholarly journals EXPRESS: The benefit of exercise-based rehabilitation programmes in patients with pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
pp. 204589402110078
Author(s):  
Lu Yan ◽  
Wence Shi ◽  
Zhi-hong Liu ◽  
Qin Luo ◽  
Zhihui Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Quality Evidence

Background: Several studies have suggested that exercise capacity and quality of life are reduced in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and exercise-based rehabilitation can improve exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with PH. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with PH through a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to November 2018. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing exercise capacity and quality of life between patients undergoing exercise-based rehabilitation and those undergoing non-exercise training were included. Data were extracted separately and independently by two investigators, and discrepancies were arbitrated by the third investigator. We used the random-effects model to analyze the results, the GRADE to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, and I ² statistic to estimate the degree of heterogeneity. Results: Nine RCTs are included, however, only seven RCTs were able to extract data. Including inpatients and outpatients, the total number of participants was 234, most of whom were diagnosed as pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). The study duration ranged from 3 to15 weeks. The mean six-minute walk distance after exercise training was 51.94 metres higher than control (27.65 to 76.23 metres, n=234, 7 RCTs, low quality evidence), the mean peak oxygen uptake  was 2.96 ml/kg/minute higher (2.49 to 3.43 ml/kg/minute, n=179, 4 RCTs, low-quality evidence) than in the control group . Concluded: Our finding suggest that an exercise-based training program positively influences exercise capacity in patients with PH.

scholarly journals The Antihypertensive Effects and Safety of LCZ696 in Patients with Hypertension: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2824
Author(s):  
Su-Kiat Chua ◽  
Wei-Ting Lai ◽  
Lung-Ching Chen ◽  
Huei-Fong Hung
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Publication Bias ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Mean

Background: The management of hypertension remains suboptimal throughout the world. Methods: We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) for the treatment of high arterial pressure. Relevant published articles from PubMed, Cochrane base, and Medline were examined, and the last search date was December 2020. Only published randomized controlled trials and double-blind studies were selected for further analysis. The mean reductions in systolic blood pressure (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) in the sitting position, as well as the mean reductions in ambulatory systolic blood pressure (maSBP) and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (maDBP), were assumed as efficacy endpoints. Adverse events (AEs) were considered as safety outcomes. Results: Ten studies with a total of 5931patients were included for analysis. Compared with placebo, LCZ696 had a significant reduction in msSBP (weight mean difference (WMD) = −6.52 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): −8.57 to −4.47; p < 0.001), msDBP (WMD = −3.32 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.57 to −2.07; p < 0.001), maSBP (WMD = −7.08 mmHg, 95% CI: −10.48 to −3.68; p < 0.001), maDBP (WMD = −3.28 mmHg, 95% CI: −4.55 to −2.02, p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, only 200 mg and 400 mg LCZ696 showed a significant BP reduction. There was no difference in the AE rate between the LCZ696 and placebo groups (WMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.27, p = 0.54). Egger’s test revealed a potential publication bias for msSBP (p = 0.025), but no publication bias for other outcomes. Conclusion: LCZ696 may reduce blood pressure more efficaciously than traditional therapy in hypertensive patients without increasing adverse effects.

scholarly journals Massage Therapy in Children with Asthma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Wu ◽  
Xi-Wen Yang ◽  
Ming Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Children With Asthma

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy of massage, a traditional treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine on children with asthma. Methods. Literatures from 5 databases using the date ranging from 1 January, 1990, to 13 December, 2016, were reviewed, which were all randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy on children with asthma and effect on lung function mainly by massage therapy. Results. 14 researches with 1299 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control group, a better efficacy was found in treatment group, which focused on massage therapy. Compared with control group, there was remarkable increase on FEV1 as well as PEF in treatment group. Conclusion. All studies have shown that massage therapy has a significantly positive effect on children with asthma, improves the pulmonary function parameters of large airway, reduces the plasma concentrations of PAF and prostaglandin, and increases the levels of PAF-AH and DP1; therefore, it greatly improves pulmonary function. However, the limited research designs of included studies lead to high risk of bias. More randomized controlled trials with better methodological quality are needed to further confirm the effectiveness of massage.

scholarly journals The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Serum Leptin Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (08) ◽  
pp. 503-510
Author(s):  
Masoud Khorshidi ◽  
Meysam Zarezadeh ◽  
Alireza Sadeghi ◽  
Alireza Teymouri ◽  
Mohammad Reza Emami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Zinc Supplementation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Serum Leptin ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Human Adults ◽  
The Mean

AbstractRecently, obesity has become a common worldwide concern. Leptin, as an adipocytokine, plays a major role in the etiology of obesity. Prior studies have demonstrated that zinc potentially affects serum leptin levels. However, clinical trials carried out in this regard are not consistent. Therefore, current meta-analysis was conducted to ascertain the actual effect of zinc supplementation on serum leptin levels in adults. Databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were methodically searched to identify relevant articles up to April 2018. Clinical trials that examined the effect of zinc supplementation on serum leptin concentrations as outcome variables in human adults were included. The mean difference (SD) of leptin changes in the intervention and placebo groups were used to calculate the overall effect size. Totally, 663 articles were identified, of which 6 studies were eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 7 treatment arms. The analysis suggested that zinc supplementation exerts no significant effect on overall serum leptin (WMD: 0.74 ng/ml; 95% CI: −1.39 to 2.87, p=0.49). Nevertheless, sex and duration of intervention seemed to impact the extent of zinc’s influence. In trials with female subjects, zinc consumption led to a significant decrease in serum leptin level (WMD: −1.93 ng/ml; 95% CI: −3.72 to −0.14, p=0.03) as well as trials that lasted for more than 6 weeks (WMD: −1.71 ng/ml; 95% CI: −3.07 to −0.35, p=0.01), in comparison to the control group. Zinc supplementation did not significantly improve leptin concentrations, but it may result in a decreased circulating leptin level in studies with a duration of more than 6 weeks especially among females.

scholarly journals Effect of pretreatment with midazolam on etomidate-induced myoclonus: A meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengmao Zhou ◽  
Yu Zhu ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Lin Ruan
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Fixed Effects Model ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Review Manager

Objective To investigate the effect of pretreatment with midazolam on myoclonus induced by etomidate injection. Methods A meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software, version 5.2. Two researchers independently searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase® databases for randomized controlled trials involving patients who underwent etomidate induced general anaesthesia with or without midazolam pretreatment, published between 1990 and 2016. Outcome measures comprised overall myoclonus incidence rate and incidence rate classified by degree of myoclonus following etomidate injection. Data were assessed using a fixed effects model. Results Five studies, comprising 302 patients, were included for analysis. Overall incidence rate of etomidate injection-induced myoclonus was significantly lower in the pooled midazolam group versus controls (relative risk [RR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26, 0.44); Results subgrouped by degree of myoclonus showed significantly lower incidence in midazolam groups versus control groups for mild myoclonus (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39, 0.80); moderate myoclonus (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10, 0.41); and severe myoclonus (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04, 0.39). Conclusion Midazolam can effectively prevent etomidate-induced myoclonus, and alleviate the degree of etomidate-induced myoclonus.

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