Monocusp Valves Do Not Improve Early Operative Mortality in Tetralogy of Fallot: A Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 619-624
Author(s):  
Mark N. Awori ◽  
Jonathan A. Awori ◽  
Nikita P. Mehta ◽  
Obed Makori
Keyword(s):  
Tetralogy Of Fallot ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Operative Mortality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Tetralogy Of Fallot Repair

Monocusp valves are thought to reduce early operative mortality and morbidity associated with pediatric tetralogy of Fallot repair. As there are no published randomized clinical trials comparing outcomes with and without a monocusp valve, we performed a meta-analysis of observational studies in accordance with established protocols. After systematically searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, 12 studies were included. The operative mortality was compared in 695 patients, and we found no difference between patients with and patients without a monocusp valve. Monocusp valves may not improve operative mortality of tetralogy of Fallot repair in pediatric patients.

scholarly journals The efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab treatment against COVID-19: A meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huairong Xiang ◽  
Bei He ◽  
Yun Li ◽  
Xuan Cheng ◽  
Qizhi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Positive Treatment ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Bamlanivimab is routinely used in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in worldwide. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab treatment in patients with COVID-19. Methods: We searched articles from Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and MedRxiv between 30 January 2020 and August 5, 2021. We selected randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies with a control group to assess the efficiency of bamlanivimab in treating patients with COVID-19. Results: Our meta-analysis retrieved 3 RCTs and 7 cohort studies including 14461 patients. Bmlanivimab may help outpatients to prevent hospitalization or emergency department visit (RR 0.41 95%CI 0.29 to 0.58), reduce ICU admission (RR 0.47 95%CI 0.23 to 0.92) and mortality (RR 0.32 95%CI 0.13 to 0.77) from the disease. The combination of bamlanivimab and etesevimab may had a greater potential for positive treatment outcome. Conclusion: Bamlanivimab has demonstrated clinical efficacy on mild or moderate ill patients with COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization, reduce severity and mortality from the disease. Combinations of two or more monoclonal antibody increase the effect. Well-designed clinical trials to identify the clinical and biochemical characteristics in COVID-19 patients'population that could benefit from bamlanivimab are warranted in the future.

scholarly journals The effect of eye protection on SARS-CoV-2 transmission: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyungerel Byambasuren ◽  
Elaine Beller ◽  
Justin Clark ◽  
Peter Collignon ◽  
Paul Glasziou
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eye Protection ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽  
The One ◽  
General Populations ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: The effect of eye protection to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real-world remains uncertain. We aimed to synthesize all available research on the potential impact of eye protection on transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We searched PROSPERO, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library for clinical trials and comparative observational studies in CENTRAL, and Europe PMC for pre-prints. We included studies that reported sufficient data to estimate the effect of any form of eye protection including face shields and variants, goggles, and glasses, on subsequent confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2. Findings: We screened 898 articles and included 6 reports of 5 observational studies from 4 countries (USA, India, Columbia, and United Kingdom) that tested face shields, googles and wraparound eyewear on 7567 healthcare workers. The three before-and-after and one retrospective cohort studies showed statistically significant and substantial reductions in SARS-CoV-2 infections favouring eye protection with odds ratios ranging from 0.04 to 0.6, corresponding to relative risk reductions of 96% to 40%. These reductions were not explained by changes in the community rates. However, the one case-control study reported odds ratio favouring no eye protection (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.99, 3.0). The high heterogeneity between studies precluded any meaningful meta-analysis. None of the studies adjusted for potential confounders such as other protective behaviours, thus increasing the risk of bias, and decreasing the certainty of evidence to very low. Interpretation: Current studies suggest that eye protection may play a role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers. However, robust comparative trials are needed to clearly determine effectiveness of eye protections and wearability issues in both healthcare and general populations.

scholarly journals Drainage versus No Drainage after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis: A Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-91
Author(s):  
Ming Xu ◽  
You-Liang Tao
Keyword(s):  
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ◽  
Acute Cholecystitis ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Wound Infection Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Prophylactic Drainage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Cochrane Library

To conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT), meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of drains in reducing complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis needs to be carried out. An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library from January 1990 to January 2018 was performed to identify randomized clinical trials that compare prophylactic drainage with no drainage in LC for acute cholecystitis. The outcomes were calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.2. Four RCTs, which included 796 patients, were identified for analysis in our study. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of morbidities (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.55–2.76, P = 0.61). Abdominal pain was more severe in the drain group 24 hours after surgery (mean difference = 0.80, 95% CI 0.47–1.14; P < 0.00001). No significant difference was present with respect to wound infection rate and hospital stay. The use of abdominal drainage does not appear to be of any benefit in patients having undergone early LC for acute cholecystitis.

Direct endovascular treatment versus bridging therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for intravenous thrombolysis: systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2021-017928
Author(s):  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Shijian Chen ◽  
Shengliang Shi ◽  
Yueling Zhang ◽  
Deyan Kong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Bridging Therapy ◽  
Excellent Outcome

ObjectiveIn this review and meta-analysis we sought to compare the efficacy and safety of direct endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and bridging therapy for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)-eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (AIS-LVO).MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies providing outcomes of patients with IVT-eligible AIS-LVO who have undergone EVT with or without IVT. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included the rates of (1) an excellent outcome defined as an mRS score of 0 or 1 at 90 days, (2) mortality at 90 days, (3) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), (4) any type of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), (5) successful recanalization, and (6) clot migration.ResultsWe included three RCTs and six observational studies (4 of which were propensity score-adjusted studies) with a total of 3133 patients. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, no differences in the rates of mRS scores 0–2, mRS scores 0–1, mortality at 90 days, sICH or successful recanalization were detected between patients with AIS-LVO who underwent direct EVT or bridging therapy. The patients treated with direct EVT had a lower risk ratio for any type of ICH and clot migration than did the patients treated with bridging therapy.ConclusionCompared with bridging therapy, direct EVT may be equally effective and yield a lower rate of ICH and clot migration in patients with AIS.Trail registration numberPROSPERO: CRD42021236691.

scholarly journals Conventional Treatments plus Acupuncture for Asthma in Adults and Adolescent: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiang Jiang ◽  
Lanlan Jiang ◽  
Qingwu Qin
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
China National Knowledge Infrastructure ◽  
Adolescent Patients ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Symptom Response ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Objectives. The efficacy of conventional treatments plus acupuncture for asthma in adult and adolescent is uncertain. Literature reports are conflicting; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of conventional treatments plus acupuncture versus conventional treatments alone using a meta-analysis of all published randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Methods. Two reviewers independently performed a comprehensive literature search from multiple electronic sources (1990–2018), including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and WanFang databases. RCTs in which adult and adolescent patients with asthma (age ≥12 years) were divided into conventional treatments plus acupuncture and conventional treatments alone were included. Results. Nine studies were included. The results showed that conventional treatments plus acupuncture as a complementary therapy could improve the symptom response rate (OR = 7.87, 95% CI = [4.13, 14.99], p < 0.00001) and significantly decrease interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels (MD = -11.42; 95% CI = [-15.28, -7.56], p < 0.00001). However, indices of pulmonary function, including the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (MD = 0.22, 95% CI = [-0.11, 0.56], p = 0.19) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD = 8.62, 95% CI = [-0.35, 17.59], p = 0.06), failed to be improved with conventional treatments plus acupuncture. Conclusion. Conventional treatments plus acupuncture are associated with significant benefits for adult and adolescent patients with asthma. Therefore, we suggest the use of conventional treatments plus acupuncture for asthma patients.

scholarly journals Adverse Events Associated With Anti-IL-23 Agents: Clinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Ru ◽  
Xiaojie Ding ◽  
Ying Luo ◽  
Hongjin Li ◽  
Xiaoying Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Specific Symptoms

BackgroundAnti-interleukin (IL)-23 agents are widely used for autoimmune disease treatment; however, the safety and risks of specific symptoms have not been systematically assessed.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to summarize the characteristics and mechanisms of occurrence of five immunological and non-immunological adverse events caused by different anti-IL-23 agents.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched for eligible randomized clinical trials published from inception through May 1, 2020. Randomized clinical trials that reported at least one type of adverse event after treatment were included, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, and diagnosis. Two investigators independently screened and extracted the characteristics of the studies, participants, drugs, and adverse event types. The Cochrane Handbook was used to assess the methodological quality of the included randomized clinical trials. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Meta-regression was applied to determine the sources of heterogeneity, and subgroup analysis was used to identify the factors contributing to adverse events.ResultsForty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 25,624 patients treated with anti-IL-23 agents. Serious immunological or non-immunological adverse events were rare. Anti-IL-12/23-p40 agents appeared to cause adverse events more easily than anti-IL-23-p19 agents. The incidence of cancer did not appear to be related to anti-IL-23 agent treatment, and long-term medication could lead to mental diseases. The prevention of complications should be carefully monitored when administered for over approximately 40 weeks to avoid further adverse reactions, and the incidence of infection was the highest among general immunological adverse events.ConclusionsThe application of anti-IL-23 agents induced a series of immunological and non-immunological adverse events, but these agents tend to be well-tolerated with good safety profiles.

scholarly journals Vitamin D Deficiency Increases the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Zhang ◽  
Guo-Tao Pan ◽  
Zeng-Li Zhang ◽  
Shasha Tao
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prominent pathological microvascular complications in diabetes. A series of studies reported that vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased prevalence of retinopathy in diabetic patients but the results were inconsistent. In this study we focused on evaluating the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and DR by conducting a meta-analysis of observational studies. Methods: Systematic computerized searches were performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for relevant original articles till November 20, 2016. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the associated value of vitamin D deficiency to the risk of DR. 9 studies including 6332 participants were subjected to final analysis. Results: The results indicated that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of DR (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.87) with a little heterogeneity (I2 = 23%). In addition, the subgroup analysis demonstrated that there were obvious heterogeneities in T2DM (I2 = 47.8%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were relatively stable and reliable. Conclusion: our meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency could increase the risk of DR.

Cervical Ripening Using Foley Balloon with or without Oxytocin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (04) ◽  
pp. 406-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Gallagher ◽  
Benjamin Gardner ◽  
Mahbubur Rahman ◽  
Corina Schoen ◽  
Katherine Connolly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Multiparous Women ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Objective To assess available evidence regarding the use of oxytocin in conjunction with Foley balloon (FB) for cervical ripening. Methods Databases from MEDLINE (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1980—May 12, 2017), MEDLINE (Ovid, 1980—June 30, 2017), the Cochrane Library Controlled Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Web of Science were queried for studies on FB cervical ripening with or without oxytocin in pregnant women. Search terms included: “balloon dilatation” OR “mechanical methods” OR “mechanical method” OR “mechanical dilation” OR “mechanical dilatation” OR “mechanical dilations” OR “mechanical dilatations” OR “balloon” OR “Foley” AND “Pitocin” OR “oxytocin.” All relevant references were reviewed. Literature for inclusion and methodological quality were reviewed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results Out of 344 citations, six randomized clinical trials (1,133 patients) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The pooled estimate showed that the cesarean delivery (CD) rate did not differ (relative risk [RR]: 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.76–1.10]; p = 0.23) between patients who underwent preinduction cervical ripening with FB alone versus those who received oxytocin in addition to FB. Heterogeneity was not significant among studies (I 2 0.0%; p = 0.64). Furthermore, no differences in other outcomes such as composite and maternal outcomes were detected between these two groups. Compared with simultaneous use of oxytocin with FB, the Foley alone cervical ripening group had a longer induction to delivery time, and lower deliveries within 12 and 24 hours. Subgroup analysis showed that only multiparous women in the Foley alone group had lower rate of vaginal delivery within 24 hours (RR: 0.74, 95% CI [0.61–0.89], p = 0.002) along with a trend toward higher CD rates. Conclusion Adding oxytocin to FB at the time of preinduction cervical ripening does not reduce cesarean rates nor improve maternal or neonatal outcomes. Multiparous women who received FB alone seem to have lower rates of vaginal deliveries within 24 hours, but these results should be interpreted with caution.

scholarly journals Use of Antibiotics and Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fausto Petrelli ◽  
Michele Ghidini ◽  
Antonio Ghidini ◽  
Gianluca Perego ◽  
Mary Cabiddu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Cancer Occurrence ◽  
Incident Cancer ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

The association between antibiotic use and risk of cancer development is unclear, and clinical trials are lacking. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the association between antibiotic use and risk of cancer. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched from inception to 24 February 2019 for studies reporting antibiotic use and subsequent risk of cancer. We included observational studies of adult subjects with previous exposure to antibiotics and available information on incident cancer diagnoses. For each of the eligible studies, data were collected by three reviewers. Risk of cancer was pooled to provide an adjusted odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was the risk of developing cancer in ever versus non-antibiotic users. Cancer risk’s association with antibiotic intake was evaluated among 7,947,270 participants (n = 25 studies). Overall, antibiotic use was an independent risk factor for cancer occurrence (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.12–1.24, p < 0.001). The risk was especially increased for lung cancer (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.03–1.61, p = 0.02), lymphomas (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.13–1.51, p < 0.001), pancreatic cancer (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.04–1.57, p = 0.019), renal cell carcinoma (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.1–1.5, p = 0.001), and multiple myeloma (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.18–1.56, p < 0.001). There is moderate evidence that excessive or prolonged use of antibiotics during a person’s life is associated with slight increased risk of various cancers. The message is potentially important for public health policies because minimizing improper antibiotic use within a program of antibiotic stewardship could also reduce cancer incidence.

scholarly journals The Effect of Eye Protection on SARS-CoV-2 Transmission: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyungerel Byambasuren ◽  
Elaine Beller ◽  
Justin Clark ◽  
Peter Collignon ◽  
Paul Glasziou
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Eye Protection ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Studies ◽  
The One ◽  
General Populations ◽  
The Cochrane Library

Abstract Background: The effect of eye protection to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real-world remains uncertain. We aimed to synthesize all available research on the potential impact of eye protection on transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We searched PROSPERO, PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library for clinical trials and comparative observational studies in CENTRAL, and Europe PMC for pre-prints. We included studies that reported sufficient data to estimate the effect of any form of eye protection including face shields and variants, goggles, and glasses, on subsequent confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2.Results: We screened 898 articles and included 6 reports of 5 observational studies from 4 countries (USA, India, Columbia, and United Kingdom) that tested face shields, goggles, and wraparound eyewear on 7567 healthcare workers. The three before-and-after and one retrospective cohort studies showed statistically significant and substantial reductions in SARS-CoV-2 infections favouring eye protection with odds ratios ranging from 0.04 to 0.6, corresponding to relative risk reductions of 96% to 40%. These reductions were not explained by changes in the community rates. However, the one case-control study reported odds ratio favouring no eye protection (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.99, 3.0). The high heterogeneity between studies precluded any meaningful meta-analysis. None of the studies adjusted for potential confounders such as other protective behaviours, thus increasing the risk of bias, and decreasing the certainty of evidence to very low.Conclusions: Current studies suggest that eye protection may play a role in prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers. However, robust comparative trials are needed to clearly determine effectiveness of eye protections and wearability issues in both healthcare and general populations.

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