Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for Local Allergic Rhinitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has been used for treating local allergic rhinitis (LAR) patients. However, the clinical efficacy and safety were still questioned. Objective This study was designed to estimate the efficacy and safety of SCIT for treating LAR patients through meta-analysis. Methods We systemically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase publications. Randomized, double-blind, clinical trials for the efficacy and safety of Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for LAR were included. A meta-analysis of 4 clinical endpoints (combined symptom and medication scores [CSMS], symptom scores [SS], medication scores [MS] and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire [RQLQ]) and adverse events (AEs)) was performed after bias and heterogeneity assessments. The immunologic response results were summarized. Results Four RCTs with 134 patients were included. Four studies for analyzing primary outcomes (CSMS, SS, MS) and AEs, three for RQLQ results. The results indicated an important significant difference between SCIT and placebo groups, list as follows: CSMS (SMD = −2.42, 95% CI: −3.60 to −1.25, P < .0001), SS (SMD = −2.08, 95% CI −3.68 to −0.48, P = .01), MS (SMD = −1.43, 95% CI: −2.65 to −0.21, P = 0.02), RQLQ (SMD = −0.70, 95% CI −1.29 to −0.12, P = .02), Local AEs (RR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.08 to 15.77, P = .04). For immunologic response, significantly increased serum sIgG4 levels and improvements of allergen tolerance was observed after SCIT. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that SCIT has a significant effect on improving symptoms and reducing medicine consumption for LAR patients. Larger and multicenter clinical trials are needed to clarify the safety and long-term efficacy.

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Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Omalizumab in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy ◽

10.1177/1945892419884774 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (2) ◽

pp. 196-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Chenjie Yu ◽

Kaijian Wang ◽

Xinyan Cui ◽

Ling Lu ◽

Jianfei Dong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Symptom Score ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Symptom Scores

Background Patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis (AR) who are treated according to the current rhinitis management guidelines may be inadequately controlled. These patients are at risk of serious comorbidities, such as asthma and chronic sinusitis. These symptoms, sneezing and an itchy, runny, stuffy nose, may have a negative impact on patients’ daily functioning. Omalizumab is being developed as a new choice for the treatment of AR. We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of AR. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE databases for randomized controlled studies on the treatment of AR with omalizumab. Our evaluation outcomes were symptom scores, medication efficacy, combined symptom and medication scores, and adverse events. We descriptively summarized and quantitatively synthesized original data to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in the treatment of AR by using Stata12.0 software for meta-analyses. Results The results of our meta-analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the omalizumab group and the control group in the following aspects: daily nasal symptom score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = –0.443, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.538 to –0.347, P < .001); daily ocular symptom score (SMD = –0.385, 95% CI: –0.5 to –0.269, P < .001); daily nasal medication symptom scores (SMD = –0.421, 95% CI: –0.591 to –0.251, P < .001); proportion of days of emergency drug use (risk ratio [RR] = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.307 to 0.788, P < .005); rhinoconjunctivitis-specific quality of life questionnaire (SMD = –0.286, 95% CI: –0.418 to –0.154, P < .001); and overall evaluation (RR = 1.435, 95% CI: 1.303–1.582, P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in safety indicator: adverse events (RR = 1.026, 95% CI: 0.916–1.150, P = .655). Conclusion Omalizumab is effective and relatively safe in patients with AR; omalizumab used in conjunction with special immunotherapy has shown promising results, especially in reducing adverse events.

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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab and Evolocumab on Familial Hypercholesterolemia

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2021/8032978 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Xiaoyue Ge ◽

Tiantian Zhu ◽

Hao Zeng ◽

Xin Yu ◽

Juan Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Apolipoprotein A1 ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Apo B ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives. The aim of this study was to provide the first study to systematically analyze the efficacy and safety of PCSK9-mAbs in the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods. A computer was used to search the electronic Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Embase databases for clinical trials using the following search terms: “AMG 145”, “evolocumab”, “SAR236553/REGN727”, “alirocumab”, “RG7652”, “LY3015014”, “RN316/bococizumab”, “PCSK9”, and “familial hypercholesterolemia” up to November 2020. Study quality was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool, and publication bias was evaluated by a contour-enhanced funnel plot and the Harbord modification of the Egger test. After obtaining the data, a meta-analysis was performed using R software, version 4.0.3. Results. A meta-analysis was performed on 7 clinical trials (926 total patients). The results showed that PCSK9-mAbs reduced the LDL-C level by the greatest margin, WMD −49.14%, 95% CI: −55.81 to −42.47%, on FH versus control groups. PCSK9-mAbs also significantly reduced lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels and increased HDL-C and apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) levels of beneficial lipoproteins. Moreover, no significant difference was found between PCSK9-mAbs treatment and placebo in common adverse events, serious events, and laboratory adverse events. Conclusion. PCSK9-mAbs significantly decreased LDL-C and other lipid levels with satisfactory safety and tolerability in FH treatment.

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Outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with myelofibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.7045 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 7045-7045

Author(s):

Jan Philipp Bewersdorf ◽

Amar Sheth ◽

Shaurey Vetsa ◽

Alyssa Grimshaw ◽

Smith Giri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Controlled Vocabulary ◽

Hematopoietic Cell ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Free Text ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Significant Difference

7045 Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) remains the only potentially curative therapeutic modality for patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis (MF). However, many patients (pts) are ineligible for allo-HCT and transplant-related mortality can be substantial. Data on the efficacy and safety of allo-HCT are mixed and largely derived from retrospective studies. Methods: To synthesize the available evidence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis searching Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection from inception to October 11, 2020 for studies on allo-HCT in MF. Databases were searched using a combination of controlled vocabulary and free text terms for relevant studies on the efficacy and safety of allo-HCT in pts with primary and secondary MF. This study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020188706). Random-effects models were used to pool response rates for the co-primary outcomes of 1-year, 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS). Results: We identified 4247 studies after duplicate removal. 393 studies were assessed as full-texts for eligibility and 43 studies (38 retrospective, 1 prospective study, 4 phase II clinical trials) with 8739 pts were included in this meta-analysis. Study quality was limited by the absence of randomized clinical trials and retrospective design of most studies. Rates of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year OS were 66.7% (95% confidence interval: 63.5-69.8%), 64.4% (57.6-70.6%), and 55.0% (51.8-58.3%), respectively. Rates of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year non-relapse mortality were 25.9% (23.3-28.7%), 29.7% (24.5-35.4%), and 30.5% (25.9-35.5%), respectively. Among evaluable studies, rates of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year relapse-free survival were 65.3% (56.5-73.1%), 56.2% (41.6-69.8%), and 53.6% (39.9-66.9%), respectively. Adverse events related to all-HCT were manageable with rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease in 44.0% (39.6-48.4%; grade III/IV: 15.2%) and 46.5% of patients (42.2-50.8%; extensive or moderate/severe: 26.1%), respectively. Subgroup analyses did not show any significant difference between conditioning regimen intensity (myeloablative vs reduced-intensity), median patient age, and proportion of DIPSS-intermediate-2/high pts. Conclusions: Given the poor prognosis of patients not receiving transplant and in the absence of curative non-transplant therapies, our results support consideration of allo-HCT for eligible pts with MF. However, additional studies in pre- and post-allo-HCT setting are necessary to enhance patient selection (e.g. by incorporation of molecular markers), to optimize transplant strategies (e.g. peri-transplant ruxolitinib, conditioning regimens, and donor selection), symptom management and decrease non-relapse mortality.

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Hydroxychloroquine plus standard care compared with the standard care alone in COVID-19: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

10.1101/2020.06.05.20122705 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Bahman Amani ◽

Ahmad Khanijahani ◽

Behnam Amani

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Standard Care ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

AbstractBackground & ObjectiveThe efficacy and safety of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in treating coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic is disputed. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of HCQ plus the standard of care in COVID-19 patients.MethodsPubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, and web of sciences were searched up to June 1, 2020. The references list of the key studies was reviewed for additional relevant resources. Clinical studies registry databases were searched for identifying potential clinical trials. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 5.3).ResultsThree randomized controlled trials with total number of 242 patients were identified eligible for meta-analysis. No significant differences were observed between HCQ and standard care in terms of viral clearance (Risk ratio [RR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91, 1.16; P = 0.68), disease progression (RR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.10, 0.81; P = 0.94), Chest CT (RR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.91; P = 0.03). There is a significant difference between HCQ and standard care for adverse events (RR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.50, 5.54; P = 0.002).ConclusionAlthough the current meta-analysis failed to confirm the efficacy and safety of HCQ in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, further rigorous randomized clinical trials are necessary to evaluate conclusively the efficacy and safety of HCQ against COVID-19.

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Clinical efficacy on glycemic control and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in patients with diabetes mellitus: Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT data

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0247662 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. e0247662

Author(s):

Jingjing He ◽

Desheng Kong ◽

Zhifen Yang ◽

Ruiyun Guo ◽

Asiamah Ernest Amponsah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Random Effects ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Control Group ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Significant Difference

Background Diabetes mellitus as a chronic metabolic disease is threatening human health seriously. Although numerous clinical trials have been registered for the treatment of diabetes with stem cells, no articles have been published to summarize the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods and findings The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence from RCTs and, where possible, conduct meta-analyses to provide a reliable numerical summary and the most comprehensive assessment of therapeutic efficacy and safety with MSCs in diabetes. PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, the Cochrane Library and CNKI were searched. The retrieval time was from establishment of these databases to January 4, 2020. Seven RCTs were eligible for analysis, including 413 participants. Meta-analysis results showed that there were no significant differences in the reduction of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) compared to the baseline [mean difference (MD) = -1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-2.26,0.16), P<0.01, I2 = 94%] and the control group [MD = -0.62, 95%CI (-1.46,0.23), P<0.01, I2 = 87%]. The MSCs treatment group showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) A1c [random-effects, MD = -1.32, 95%CI (-2.06, -0.57), P<0.01, I2 = 90%] after treatment. Additionally, HbA1c reduced more significantly in MSC treatment group than in control group [random-effects, MD = -0.87, 95%CI (-1.53, -0.22), P<0.01, I2 = 82%] at the end of follow-up. However, as for fasting C-peptide levels, the estimated pooled MD showed that there was no significant increase [MD = -0.07, 95%CI (-0.30, 0.16), P<0.01, I2 = 94%] in MSCs treatment group compared with that in control group. Notably, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between MSCs treatment group and control group [relative risk (RR) = 0.98, 95%CI (0.72, 1.32), P = 0.02, I2 = 70%]. The most commonly observed adverse reaction in the MSC treatment group was hypoglycemia (29.95%). Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed MSCs therapy may be an effective and safe intervention in subjects with diabetes. However, due to the limited studies, a number of high-quality as well as large-scale RCTs should be performed to confirm these conclusions.

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The Effectiveness and Safety of Thunder Fire Moxibustion for Treating Allergic Rhinitis: A PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/6760436 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Ting Yuan ◽

Jun Xiong ◽

Jun Yang ◽

Xue Wang ◽

Yunfeng Jiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Total Effective Rate ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effective Rate ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease caused by allergic individuals exposed to allergens. Western medicine therapy for treating AR causes obvious adverse events, while thunder fire moxibustion (TFM) is known as a safe and effective treatment for AR. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFM for treating AR. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM from inception to April 5, 2020, were searched without any language restriction. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality, independently. The primary outcomes were the total effective rate and the TNSS. The secondary outcomes included TNNSS, RQLQ, VAS, serum IgE, IgA, or IgG level, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected; methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB), and the level of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3.0 software. Results. A total of 18 RCTs were included, including 1600 patients. The results of this meta-analysis showed a statistically significant effect in a total effective rate of T = TFM (RR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.03, 1.12]; P=0.45; I2 = 0%) and T = TFM + other treatments (RR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.11, 1.25]; P=0.03; I2 = 53%). In addition, TFM intervention also showed significant difference in total symptom score (T = TFM + other treatments) (MD = −1.42; 95% CI [−1.55, −1.29]; P=0.03; I2 = 60%) in patients with AR. Conclusion. Existing evidence shows that TFM is safe and effective for AR. Due to the universal low quality of the eligible trials and low evidence level, we should draw our conclusions with caution. Therefore, clinical researchers should carry out more large-sample, multicentre, high-quality randomized controlled clinical trials in the future to verify the clinical efficacy of TFM in treating AR.

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Efficacy and Safety of Sinomenine Preparation for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Randomized Controlled Trials

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2020/4593412 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-16

Author(s):

Shan-Shan Lin ◽

Chun-Xiang Liu ◽

Jun-Hua Zhang ◽

Hui Wang ◽

Jing-Bo Zhai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Morning Stiffness ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Significant Difference

Objectives. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of sinomenine preparation (SP) for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods. Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SP for treating AS were systematically identified in six electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Databases from the inception up to 31 October 2019. Cochrane’s risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality and Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyze data. Results. A total of 12 RCTs involving 835 patients were finally included. According to interventions, RCTs were divided into two types. The intervention in 10 RCTs was SP combined with conventional pharmacotherapy (CPT) versus CPT and that in 2 RCTs was SP alone versus CPT. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with CPT alone, SP combined with oral CPT has better improvement in BASDAI (WMD = −1.84, 95% CI [−3.31, −0.37], P=0.01), morning stiffness time (WMD = −13.46, 95% CI [−16.12, −10.79], P<0.00001), the Schober test (WMD = 1.26, 95% CI [0.72, 1.80], P<0.00001), the occipital wall test (WMD = −0.55, 95% CI [−0.96, −0.14], P=0.009), the finger-to-ground distance (WMD = −3.28, 95% CI [−5.64, −0.93], P=0.006), 15 m walking time (WMD = −8.81, 95% CI [−13.42, −4.20], P=0.0002), the C-reactive protein (CRP) (WMD = −1.84, 95% CI [−3.24, −0.45], P=0.01), and the total effective rate (RR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.01, 1.20], P=0.03). Besides, it also showed that oral SP alone may be more effective in improving morning stiffness time (WMD = −31.89, 95% CI [−34.91, −28.87], P<0.00001) compared with CPT alone. However, this study cannot provide evidence that loading the injectable SP based on CPT can significantly increase the efficacy due to the insufficient number of studies included. In terms of adverse events, there was no statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusions. This study shows that oral SP may be effective and safe in the treatment of AS. Due to the low methodological quality of the included RCTs and the limitations of the meta-analysis, it is still necessary to carry out more multicenter, large-sample, and high-quality RCTs to further verify the conclusions. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018099170), and the review was constructed following the PRISMA guidelines (Annex 1).

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Carbon dioxide versus air insufflation enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Endoscopy International Open ◽

10.1055/a-0574-2357 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 06 (06) ◽

pp. E637-E645 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Julio Aquino ◽

Wanderley Bernardo ◽

Diogo de Moura ◽

Flávio Morita ◽

Rodrigo Rocha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Ambient Air ◽

Quality Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Co2 Insufflation ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Objectives To compare the insufflation of CO2 and ambient air in enteroscopy. Search sources The investigators researched the electronic databases MedLine, Cochrane Library, Central, LILACS, BVS, Scopus and Cinahl. The grey search was conducted in the base of theses of the University of São Paulo, books of digestive endoscopy and references of selected articles and in previous systematic revisions. Study eligibility criteria The evaluation of eligibility was performed independently, in a non-blind manner, by two reviewers, firstly by title and abstract, followed by complete text. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. Data collection and analysis method Through the spreadsheet of data extraction, where one author extracted the data and a second author checked the extraction. Disagreements were resolved by debate between the two reviewers. The quality analysis of the studies was performed using the Jadad score. The software RevMan 5 version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. Results Four randomized clinical trials were identified, totaling 473 patients submitted to enteroscopy and comparing insufflation of CO2 and ambient air. There was no statistical difference in the intubation depth between the two groups. When CO2 insufflation was reduced, there was a significant difference in pain levels 1 hour after the procedure (95 % IC, –2.49 [–4.72, –0.26], P: 0.03, I2: 20%) and 3 hours after the procedure (95% IC, –3.05 [–5.92, –0.18], P: 0.04, I2: 0 %). There was a usage of lower propofol dosage in the CO2 insufflation group, with significant difference (95 % IC, –67.68 [–115.53, –19.84], P: 0.006, I2: 0 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to the use of pethidine and to the oxygen saturation. Limitations Restricted number of randomized clinical trials and nonuniformity of data were limitations to the analysis of the outcomes. Conclusion The use of CO2 as insufflation gas in enteroscopy reduces the pain levels 1 hour and 3 hours after the procedure, in addition to the reduction of the sedation (propofol) dosage used.

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Metabolomics Reveals Process of Allergic Rhinitis Patients with Single- and Double-Species Mite Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

Metabolites ◽

10.3390/metabo11090613 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 613

Author(s):

Peiyan Zheng ◽

Guanyu Yan ◽

Yida Zhang ◽

Huimin Huang ◽

Wenting Luo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Allergic Rhinitis ◽

Arachidonic Acid ◽

Allergic Diseases ◽

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

Potential Biomarker ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Acid Pathway ◽

One Year

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is the only treatment that can change the course of allergic diseases. However, there has not been any research on metabolic reactions in relation to AIT with single or mixed allergens. In this study, patients with allergic rhinitis caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) were treated with single-mite (Der p) and double-mite (Der p:Der f = 1:1) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), respectively. To compare the efficacy and the dynamic changes of inflammation-related single- and double-species mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SM-SCIT and DM-SCIT), we performed visual analogue scale (VAS) score, rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score and serum metabolomics in allergic rhinitis patients during SCIT. VAS and RQLQ score showed no significant difference in efficacy between the two treatments. A total of 57 metabolites were identified, among which downstream metabolites (5(S)-HETE (Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid), 8(S)-HETE, 11(S)-HETE, 15(S)-HETE and 11-hydro TXB2) in the ω-6-related arachidonic acid and linoleic acid pathway showed significant differences after approximately one year of treatment in SM-SCIT or DM-SCIT, and the changes of the above serum metabolic components were correlated with the magnitude of RQLQ improvement, respectively. Notably, 11(S)-HETE decreased more with SM-SCIT, and thus it could be used as a potential biomarker to distinguish the two treatment schemes. Both SM-SCIT and DM-SCIT have therapeutic effects on patients with allergic rhinitis, but there is no significant difference in efficacy between them. The reduction of inflammation-related metabolites proved the therapeutic effect, and potential biomarkers (arachidonic acid and its downstream metabolites) may distinguish the options of SCIT.

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Acupuncture Treatments for Post-stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

10.21203/rs.3.rs-951353/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lam Wai Ching ◽

Hui Juan Li ◽

Jianwen Guo ◽

Liang Yao ◽

Janita Chau ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Rating Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Post Stroke ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Post Stroke Depression ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Depression is one of the most common complications after stroke, with a prevalence of 30-33%. Patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) usually experience anxiety, hopelessness, and insomnia, which have a negative impact on their daily activities and post-stroke rehabilitation. In this review, we aimed to explore the impact of acupuncture in alleviating symptoms of PSD and to evaluate the difference in effectiveness between acupuncture combined with pharmacotherapies and various non-pharmacotherapies in order to provide guides and advice for clinical personnel. Methods: Six databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chongqing VIP Database) and two clinical trials registration platforms were searched from inception to May 2021. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing needle-based acupuncture with pharmacotherapy, and other non-pharmacotherapy or invalid group were included. Two independent reviewers identified eligible studies. Two reviewers independently abstracted and recorded data into a pre-made form. A Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to assess and compare different techniques using RStudio 3.6.0. The primary outcome was the change in scores of scales measuring depressive symptoms. The secondary outcomes were changes in serotonin levels and in quality of life. Results: Fifty-nine RCTs were included. The results of this NMA showed that compared with western medicine (WM), acupuncture alone or with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (RTMS), Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) alone or with WM, were superior for alleviating depression symptoms. Compared to Usual Care, acupuncture alone or plus other therapies could significantly decrease scores of the Hamilton Depression Rating scale. However, there was no significant difference found among acupuncture, WM, TCM with AC plus any of other treatment.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that acupuncture alone or combined with other therapies appear to be effective in improving depression symptoms of stroke survivors. Moreover, in comparison with WM, acupuncture alone or plus RTMS, TCM, TCM with WM, or WM, were more effective in improving depression symptoms. Also, acupuncture with RTMS seems to be the most effective with the highest probability.

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