scholarly journals Is Use of Topical Vancomycin in Pediatric Spine Surgeries a Safe Option in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections? A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822093728
Author(s):  
Muthu Sathish ◽  
Chellamuthu Girinivasan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Reoperation Rate ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Pediatric Spine ◽  
Significant Difference

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective: To systematically review the available articles on topical vancomycin powder (TVP) use in pediatric spine surgeries exploring the usefulness and safety of such practice. Methods: We conducted an independent and duplicate electronic database search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library till March 2020 to identify all relevant literature on the use of TVP for pediatric spine surgeries. Surgical site infection (SSI) rate, specific reported complications, reoperation rate, microbial flora pattern in reported SSIs, and safety profile were the outcomes analyzed. Analysis was performed with the R platform using OpenMeta[Analyst] software. Results: No prospective studies were available to evaluate the use of TVP in pediatric spine surgeries for the prevention of SSIs. Neither standardized protocol, nor drug dosage, nor safety profile was established for pediatric use. Three retrospective cohort studies including 824 patients (TVP/control: 400/424) were included in the meta-analysis. There was low-quality evidence suggesting no significant difference between the 2 groups in SSI rate (RR = 0.474; 95% CI = [0.106,2.112]; P = .327) with significant heterogeneity ( I 2 = 70.14; P = .035). The TVP group showed a significant benefit on cost analysis in one of the included studies. However, TVP did not prevent gram-negative coinfection on SSI in the TVP group. Conclusion: From the literature available at present, TVP does not qualify to be recommended as a safe and useful option to prevent SSI following pediatric spine surgeries. High-quality prospective interventional studies are needed to arrive at a consensus on its use along with appropriate dosage and method of application.

scholarly journals Comparison of nephroscopy and cystoscopy used in the treatment of bladder stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Gou ◽  
Zhenghao Wang ◽  
Ye Zhou ◽  
Xiaofeng Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Bladder Stones ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficiency of nephroscopy and cystoscopy in transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) for bladder stones (BS). Methods The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 2021 for studies assessing the effect of different types of endoscopes among patients who underwent TUCL. The search strategy and study selection process were in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Results Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed no difference in stone-free rate (RR = 1.00, CI = 0.98–1.02, p = 1.00) between the two groups and nonsignificant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, p = 1.00), and all patients were rendered stone free. Use of the nephroscope significantly shortened the operative time compared with the cystoscope group (RR= − 26.26, CI = − 35.84 to − 16.68, p < 0.00001), and there was significant heterogeneity (I2= 87%, p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in mean urethral entries (RR = 0.66, CI = − 0.71 to − 2.04, p = 0.35), hospitalization (MD = 0.08, 95% CI = − 0.07 to 0.23, p = 0.31) or total complication rate (RR=1.37, 95% CI = 0.47–4.00, p = 0.56) between the two groups. Conclusions In conclusion, this systematic review demonstrates that both nephroscopy and cystoscopy have high stone clearance efficiency, low rates of complications and short hospitalizations. The mean urethral entries depend on the treatment method for large stone fragments. However, the use of nephroscopy can significantly reduce the operative time.

scholarly journals A162 THE UTILITY OF FECAL CALPROTECTIN IN PREDICTING SEVERITY OF CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE INFECTION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 26-27
Author(s):  
A Yusuf ◽  
P Tandon ◽  
V Huang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Fecal Calprotectin ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Studies

Abstract Background Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic, spore-forming, gram-positive bacillus, and a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitalized patients. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity, and places an enormous burden on the healthcare system. Symptoms and severity of CDI vary widely, from illness that resolves with antibiotics, to toxic megacolon, colectomy, and death. The ability to risk-stratify patients to predict severe versus non-severe outcomes at baseline would be clinically useful. The role of fecal calprotectin in predicting severity of CDI has not been well established. Aims To perform a systematic review of the literature on the ability of fecal calprotectin to predict disease severity in patients with CDI. Methods PubMed, OVID (EMBASE/MedLine) and Cochrane Library databases were searched up until October 2, 2019. Publications of pediatric populations, Inflammatory Bowel diseases, and those only published as abstracts were excluded. Results 130 non-duplicate citations were screened; after title/abstract screening, and full-text review, 7 articles were included for analysis. Articles were from 2014 onwards, and varied from 29 to 232 patients/samples analyzed; 832 patients in total were analyzed. Three studies were conducted in the USA, two in Europe, one in Israel and in South Korea. Four studies were prospective, and the remaining three were retrospective cohort studies. There was significant heterogeneity between studies with respect to population size, age (when reported), fecal calprotectin assay and cutoff used, method of diagnosis of CDI, and criteria for defining disease severity. There was wide variation in median fecal calprotectin levels between studies. Four studies demonstrated a statistically significant difference of fecal calprotectin according to disease severity, and three did not, of which two of these demonstrated an overall predictive trend with fecal calprotectin. Conclusions It is unclear whether fecal calprotectin is predictive of severity of CDI in adult patients without IBD. In the existing literature, there seems to be a statistically significant association or trend towards association in most studies, but due to heterogeneity of methods, assays, cutoffs and populations, the data within these studies cannot be pooled in meta-analysis. Further high-powered, well-designed studies are required to clarify this important clinical question. Funding Agencies None

scholarly journals Comparison of two transurethral endoscopic modalities used in treatment of bladder stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis for randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liping Gou ◽  
Zhenghao Wang ◽  
Ye Zhou ◽  
Xiaofeng Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Bladder Stones ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare the safety and efficiency of nephroscope and cystoscope in transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) for bladder stones. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, and the Cochrane library databases (updated January 2021) were searched for studies that assessed the efficacy of different types of endoscopes in TUCL cases. The search strategy and study selection process was managed according to the PRISMA statement. Results: Five randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Our result showed no significant differences in the stone free rate (SFR) across the studies (RR= 1.00; CI 0.98–1.02, p = 1.00). The study heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P = 1.00) was not significant as all patients were rendered stone free. Using nephroscope can significantly shorten operation times compared to the use of cystoscopy (RR= -26.26; CI -35.84 – -16.68, p < 0.00001) with significant heterogeneity (I2 =87%, p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between mean urethral entries (RR= 0.66; CI -0.71 – -2.04, p = 0.35), hospitalization (MD = 0.08, 95% CI = -0.07-0.23; P=0.31) and the total complication rate (RR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.47-4.00, p=0.56). Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrated that using are highly efficient approaches in the clearance of bladder stones and result in a low rate of complication and short hospitalization times. The mean urethral entries are dependent on the treatment method for large stone fragments. However, using nephroscope can significantly reduce operation times. Key words: bladder stones; transurethral; endoscopic treatments; cystoscope; nephroscope

scholarly journals Mitochondrial transplantation therapy for ischemia reperfusion injury: a systematic review of animal and human studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Hayashida ◽  
Ryosuke Takegawa ◽  
Muhammad Shoaib ◽  
Tomoaki Aoki ◽  
Rishabh C. Choudhary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
Cochrane Library

Abstract Background Mitochondria are essential organelles that provide energy for cellular functions, participate in cellular signaling and growth, and facilitate cell death. Based on their multifactorial roles, mitochondria are also critical in the progression of critical illnesses. Transplantation of mitochondria has been reported as a potential promising approach to treat critical illnesses, particularly ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). However, a systematic review of the relevant literature has not been conducted to date. Here, we systematically reviewed the animal and human studies relevant to IRI to summarize the evidence for mitochondrial transplantation. Methods We searched MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and Embase and performed a systematic review of mitochondrial transplantation for IRI in both preclinical and clinical studies. We developed a search strategy using a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Heading/Emtree terms. Studies including cell-mediated transfer of mitochondria as a transfer method were excluded. Data were extracted to a tailored template, and data synthesis was descriptive because the data were not suitable for meta-analysis. Results Overall, we identified 20 animal studies and two human studies. Among animal studies, 14 (70%) studies focused on either brain or heart IRI. Both autograft and allograft mitochondrial transplantation were used in 17 (85%) animal studies. The designs of the animal studies were heterogeneous in terms of the route of administration, timing of transplantation, and dosage used. Twelve (60%) studies were performed in a blinded manner. All animal studies reported that mitochondrial transplantation markedly mitigated IRI in the target tissues, but there was variation in biological biomarkers and pathological changes. The human studies were conducted with a single-arm, unblinded design, in which autologous mitochondrial transplantation was applied to pediatric patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for IRI–associated myocardial dysfunction after cardiac surgery. Conclusion The evidence gathered from our systematic review supports the potential beneficial effects of mitochondrial transplantation after IRI, but its clinical translation remains limited. Further investigations are thus required to explore the mechanisms of action and patient outcomes in critical settings after mitochondrial transplantation. Systematic review registration The study was registered at UMIN under the registration number UMIN000043347.

scholarly journals The high risk of malarial recurrence in patients with Plasmodium-mixed infection after treatment with antimalarial drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aongart Mahittikorn ◽  
Frederick Ramirez Masangkay ◽  
Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui ◽  
Giovanni De Jesus Milanez ◽  
Manas Kotepui
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mixed Infection ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Initial Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Antimalarial Drugs ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Pooled Prevalence ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Malaria mixed infections are often unrecognized by microscopists in the hospitals, and a delay or failure to treat Plasmodium-mixed infection may lead to aggravated morbidity and increased mortality. The present study aimed to quantify the pooled proportion and risk of malarial recurrences after the treatment of Plasmodium-mixed infection. The results of the study may provide benefits in the management of Plasmodium-mixed infection in co-endemic regions. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis searched the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; ID = CRD42020199709), MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus for potentially relevant studies in any language published between January 1, 1936, and July 20, 2020, assessing drug efficacy in patients with Plasmodium-mixed infection. The primary outcome was the pooled prevalence of Plasmodium parasitemia after initiating antimalarial treatment for Plasmodium-mixed infection. The secondary outcome was the pooled risk ratio (RR) of malarial recurrence in Plasmodium-mixed infection compared with those in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax mono-infection. The pooled analyses were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis. After the initial treatment in different days of recurrences (≤ 28 days or > 28 days), the risk of Plasmodium parasitemia was compared in subgroup analysis. Results Out of 5217 screened studies, 11 were included in the meta-analysis, including 4390 patients from six countries. The pooled prevalence of all recurrences of Plasmodium-mixed parasitemia was 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) 16–43; I2: 99.2%; 11 studies). The RR of malarial recurrence within 28 days after the initial treatment (clinical treatment failure) of Plasmodium-mixed parasitemia compared with the treatment of P. falciparum was 1.22 (p: 0.029; 95% CI 1.02–1.47; Cochran Q: 0.93; I2: 0%; six studies), while there was no significant difference in the risk of recurrence 28 days after initial treatment compared with the treatment of P. falciparum (p: 0.696, RR: 1.14; 95% CI 0.59–2.18; Cochran Q < 0.05; I2: 98.2%; four studies). The subgroup analysis of antimalarial drugs showed that significant malarial recurrence within 28 days was observed in patients treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) with no significant heterogeneity (p: 0.028, RR: 1.31; 95% CI 1.03–1.66; Cochran Q: 0.834; I2: 0%). Conclusions The present findings showed a high prevalence of malarial recurrence after the initial treatment of Plasmodium-mixed infection. Moreover, significant malaria recurrence of mixed infection occurred within 28 days after treatment with ACTs. Graphic Abstract

The Incidence of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 292-300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Hirsch ◽  
Nathalie Jette ◽  
Alexandra Frolkis ◽  
Thomas Steeves ◽  
Tamara Pringsheim
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorder ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Gender

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Epidemiological studies on the incidence of PD are important to better understand the risk factors for PD and determine the condition's natural history. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the incidence of PD and its variation by age and gender. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for epidemiologic studies of PD from 2001 to 2014, as a previously published systematic review included studies published until 2001. Data were analyzed separately for age group and gender, and meta-regression was used to determine whether a significant difference was present between groups. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis of international studies showed rising incidence with age in both men and women. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the 80+ group, which may be explained by methodological differences between studies. While males had a higher incidence of PD in all age groups, this difference was only statistically significant for those in the age range 60-69 and 70-79 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: PD incidence generally increases with age, although it may stabilize in those who are 80+.

scholarly journals Prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms among outpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e017173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinghui Wang ◽  
Xiaohang Wu ◽  
Weiyi Lai ◽  
Erping Long ◽  
Xiayin Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression

ObjectivesDepression and depressive symptoms are common mental disorders that have a considerable effect on patients’ health-related quality of life and satisfaction with medical care, but the prevalence of these conditions varies substantially between published studies. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a precise estimate of the prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms among outpatients in different clinical specialties.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sources and eligibility criteriaThe PubMed and PsycINFO, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify observational studies that contained information on the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in outpatients. All studies included were published before January 2016. Data characteristics were extracted independently by two investigators. The point prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was measured using validated self-report questionnaires or structured interviews. Assessments were pooled using a random-effects model. Differences in study-level characteristics were estimated by meta-regression analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using standard χ2tests and the I2statistic. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42017054738.ResultsEighty-three cross-sectional studies involving 41 344 individuals were included in this study. The overall pooled prevalence of depression or depressive symptoms was 27.0% (10 943/41 344 individuals; 95% CI 24.0% to 29.0%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (p<0.0001, τ2=0.3742, I2=96.7%). Notably, a significantly higher prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms was observed in outpatients than in the healthy controls (OR 3.16, 95% CI 2.66 to 3.76, I2=72.0%, χ2=25.33). The highest depression/depressive symptom prevalence estimates occurred in studies of outpatients from otolaryngology clinics (53.0%), followed by dermatology clinics (39.0%) and neurology clinics (35.0%). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in different specialties varied from 17.0% to 53.0%. The prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms was higher among outpatients in developing countries than in outpatients from developed countries. Moreover, the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in outpatients slightly decreased from 1996 to 2010. Regarding screening instruments, the Beck Depression Inventory led to a higher estimate of the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms (1316/4702, 36.0%, 95% CI 29.0% to 44.0%, I2=94.8%) than the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (1003/2025, 22.0%, 95% CI 12.0% to 35.0%, I2=96.6%).ConclusionOur study provides evidence that a significant proportion of outpatients experience depression or depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of developing effective management strategies for the early identification and treatment of these conditions among outpatients in clinical practice. The substantial heterogeneity between studies was not fully explained by the variables examined.

scholarly journals Kinesio Taping for Balance Function after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijuan Hu ◽  
Dongling Zhong ◽  
Qiwei Xiao ◽  
Qiang Chen ◽  
Juan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Duration ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Balance Impairment ◽  
Kinesio Taping ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective. With the increasing social and economic burdens of balance impairment after stroke, the treatment for balance impairment after stroke becomes a major public health problem worldwide. Kinesio taping (KT) as a part of clinical practice has been used widely in the treatment of balance impairment after stroke. However, the clinical effects of KT for balance function have not been confirmed. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects and safety of KT for balance impairment after stroke. Methods. We conducted a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of KT for balance impairment after stroke. We searched the following databases: (1) English databases: EMBASE (via Ovid), MEDLINE (via Ovid), the Cochrane library, PubMed, and PEDro; (2) Chinese databases: China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and VIP. Besides, hand searches of relevant references were also conducted. We systematically searched from the inception to December 2018, using the keywords (Kinesio, Kinesio Tape, tape, or Orthotic Tape) and (stroke, hemiplegia, or hemiplegic paralysis) and (balance or stability). The search strategies were adjusted for each database. The reference lists of included articles were reviewed for relevant trials. For missing data, we contacted the authors to get additional information. Results. 22 RCTs involved 1331 patients, among which 667 patients in the experimental group and 664 patients in the control group were included. Results of meta-analysis showed that, compared with conventional rehabilitation (CR), there was significant difference in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD=4.46, 95%CI 1.72 to 7.19, P=0.001), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT) (MD=-4.62, 95%CI -5.48 to -3.79, P < 0.00001), functional ambulation category scale (FAC) (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.38 to 0.68, P < 0.00001), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA-L) (MD=4.20, 95%CI 3.17 to 5.24, P < 0.00001), and Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (MD=-0.38, 95%CI -0.49 to -0.27, P < 0.00001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference between KT and CR with ≤4 weeks treatment duration (< 4 weeks: MD=5.03, 95%CI -1.80 to 11.85, P=0.15; =4 weeks: MD=4.33, 95%CI -1.50 to 10.15, P=0.15), while there was significant difference with more than 4-week treatment duration (MD=4.77, 95%CI 2.58 to 6.97, P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Based on current evidence, KT was more effective than CR for balance function, lower limb function, and walking function in poststroke patients. Longer treatment duration may be associated with better effects. However, more well-conducted RCTs are required in the future.

scholarly journals Digital models and orthodontic diagnosis: what degree of reliability?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
ABDOUL Hafizou RABE ◽  
Fatima SALEK ◽  
Intissar El IDRISSI ◽  
Fatima ZAOUI ◽  
Hicham BENYAHIA
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Digital Models ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Conventional Models ◽  
Plaster Models

Abstract  Background: Our study aims to evaluate, through a systematic review, the reliability of numerical models compared to conventional models on the main parameters of orthodontic diagnosis  Method: four databases were consulted: PubMed; Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Ebscohost. The research included published studies since 2010, meta-analysis studies, randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies. Results: Among 3811 selected references, only five studies met our inclusion criteria. In the systematic review, there were statistical differences between the digital models and the plaster models. However, this difference is clinically acceptable. On the other hand, there are some limitations, relative to the types of the severity of the congestion, the elapsed time to digitize, and the numerical means. Conclusion: The results of our systematic review have shown that there is no clinically significant difference between the numerical and physical models for the majority of diagnostic parameters.

scholarly journals Physiotherapy and Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises for the Prevention and Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-132
Author(s):  
Fahime Khorasani ◽  
Fariba Ghaderi ◽  
Parvin Sarbakhsh ◽  
Parisa Ahadi ◽  
Elahe Khorasani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Pfm Strength

Objectives: The present systematic review focused on the prevention or treatment of three main types of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFDs) specifically pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence (UI), and fecal incontinence (FI) using physiotherapy and pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs). With regard to the breadth of the problem, there is not much evidence grounded on the best management. The main purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy and PFMEs on the prevention and treatment of pregnancy-related PFDs; namely, POP, FI, and UI. Therefore, this review incorporated studies comparing the use of physiotherapy and PFMEs with every other existing interventions. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on randomized-controlled-trial (RCT) articles and quasi-RCT designs through a search in the studies published with no time limits until December 2017 in the databases of PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest. The meta-analysis was also applied for data synthesis. Moreover, heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and I2 index. Results: A total number of 26 RCTs were examined in this review in which the outcome variables were related to POP, UI, and FI prevalence; POP, UI, and FI severity, as well as pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength and endurance. In most articles, UI prevalence or severity in intervention groups had significantly improved compared with those in controls. The number of studies examining POP and FI was also relatively low. In two studies, FI severity or prevalence in intervention groups had significantly enhanced in comparison with those in control groups; however, FI prevalence in two articles had been reported lower in intervention groups than that in control groups although no significant difference had been observed. There was also no significant improvement in intervention groups in two other studies in this respect. Besides, three articles had not reported traces of improvement in POP, as well as a significant difference between intervention and control groups. Nevertheless, two studies had found a significant improvement in POP in this regard. Based on meta-analysis results for the variable of PFM strength, Cochran’s Q test (P<0.001) and I2 index (90.02) indicated heterogeneity between studies; so, a random-effect meta-analysis was applied to estimate overall effect sizes. The overall mean differences following intervention between the study groups were also equal to 6.94, with a 95% CI (1.36 to 12.52). Conclusions: It was concluded that physiotherapy and PFMEs might have effects on pregnancy-related UI, but they had not consistently reduced FI severity or prevalence and failed to constantly improve POP.

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