scholarly journals Lithium carbonate as add-on therapy to radioiodine in the treatment on hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abd-ElGawad ◽  
Mohamed Abdelmonem ◽  
Ahmed Eissa Ahmed ◽  
Omar Magdy Mohammed ◽  
Mohamed Sayed Zaazouee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Radioactive Iodine ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomized Control

Abstract Background The main purpose is to investigate the effect of LiCO3 as an add-on therapy with radioactive iodine in increasing the cure and decreasing the T4 level compared to radioactive iodine alone. The primary outcome is the cure rate as defined by the number of hyperthyroid patients who became euthyroid or hypothyroid. The secondary outcome is the T4 level. Methods Four databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane central library). The inclusion criteria were randomized and non-randomized clinical trials of hyperthyroidism patients receiving LiCO3 with radioiodine compared with hyperthyroidism patients receiving radioactive iodine alone. Included studies were appraised with the risk of bias version 2 tool, according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. Results Nine studies were eligible for inclusion in the study, six randomized control trials and three non-randomized control trials. There were 477 patients in the intervention group and 451 patients in the control group. The cure rate was not significantly different between the two groups, while it was significantly increased with 5000 to 6500 mg optimized cumulative dose of LiCO3 compared with the control group, P = 0.0001. The T4 level showed no significant difference between the two groups, P = 0.13. Conclusions LiCO3 adjunct to radioactive iodine did not show significant differences compared with radioactive iodine alone in terms of cure rate or decreasing T4 level. However, the dose of 5000 to 6000 mg of LiCO3 may increase the cure rate.

scholarly journals Meta-analysis of prednisone in withdrawal therapy following medication overuse headache

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 761-766
Author(s):  
Wenmiao Jie ◽  
Jianzhong Xiong ◽  
Xiaohua Yan
Keyword(s):  
Medication Overuse ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Medication Overuse Headache ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Withdrawal Therapy ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Experimental Group

The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of prednisone in withdrawal therapy following medication overuse headache. The Cochrane, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang data were searched to identify randomized control trials of prednisone for the treatment of medication overuse headache. Two researchers independently screened published studies according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and evaluated the methodological quality of included studies. Revman 5.3 software was used to analyze the extracted data, and a total of six randomized control trials involving 510 patients were included in the study. Meta-analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in the ratio of taking painkillers again after withdrawal (RR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.70,1.14, P=0.36) compared with the control group. There was also no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the incidence of withdrawal reactions (RR=1.28, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.89, P=0.21), severity of headache (RR=1.56, 95% CI: -4.83, 7.95, P=0. 63) and the frequency of headache attacks after withdrawal (RR=0.14, 95% CI: -0.35, 0.63, P=0.58). It is concluded that prednisone does not alleviate symptoms in patients with medication overuse headache after withdrawal.

EXPRESS: Comparison of Mothership versus Drip-and-Ship Models in treating patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110132
Author(s):  
Ahmed Mohamed ◽  
Nida Fatima ◽  
Ashfaq Shuaib ◽  
Maher Saqqur
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Randomized Control

Introduction There is controversy if direct to comprehensive center “mothership” (MS) or stopping at primary center for thrombolysis before transfer to comprehensive center “drip-and- ship” (DS) are best models of treatment of acute stroke. In this study, we compare MS and DS models to evaluate the best option of functional outcome. Methods Studies between 1990 and 2020 were extracted from online electronic databases. We compared the clinical outcomes, critical time measurements, functional independence and mortality were then compared. Results A total of 7,824 patients’ data were retrieved from 13 publications (3 randomized control trials and 10 retrospective ones). 4,639 (59.3%) patients were treated under MS model and 3,185 (40.7%) followed the DS model with mean age of 70.01±3.58 vs. 69.03±3.36; p< 0 .001, respectively. The National Institute Health Stroke Scale was 15.57±3.83 for the MS and 15.72±2.99 for the DS model (p=<0.001). The mean symptoms onset-to-puncture time was significantly shorter in the MS group compared to the DS (159.69 min vs. 223.89 min; p=<0.001, respectively). Moreover, the collected data indicated no significant difference between symptom’s onset to intravenous (IV) thrombolysis time and stroke onset-to-successful recanalization time (p=0.205 and p=<0.001, respectively). Patients had significantly worse functional outcome [modified rankin score (mRS)] (3-6) at 90-days in the DS model [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.13-1.92, p<0.004] and 1.49-folds higher likelihood of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.22-1.81, p<0.0001) compared to MS. However, there were no statistically significant difference in terms of mortality (OR: 1.16, 95%CI: 0.87-1.55, p=0.32) and successful recanalization (OR: 1.12, 95%CI: 0.76-1.65, p=0.56) between the two models of care. Conclusion Patients in the MS model have significantly improved functional independence and recovery. Further studies are needed as the data from prospectively randomized studies is not of sufficient quality to make definite recommendations.

Corticosteroid as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Endobronchial Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Nihar R. Mishra ◽  
Manoj K. Panigrahi ◽  
Girish C. Bhatt ◽  
Rashmi R. Das
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Oral Prednisolone ◽  
Oral Steroid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Steroid Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Endobronchial Tuberculosis

Background: Corticosteroid exerts anti-inflammatory action and can prevent tissue damage resulting from various causes. Studies have shown that corticosteroids may prevent the damaging effect of tuberculosis (TB) in various organs, but there is no published meta-analysis specifically looking for the effect of corticosteroid in endobronchial TB. Objective: To synthesize the evidence regarding the usefulness of corticosteroid in endo-bronchial TB. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed of the major electronic databases till 30th November 2018. Randomized trials comparing treatment with corticosteroid as an adjunct to antitubercular drugs (ATT) versus placebo/no treatment in endobronchial TB were included. Three authors independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed the studies for methodological quality, and extracted data. The review is registered at PROSPERO database [CRD42016047063]. Results: Out of 525 search results, 4 trials including 205 patients (151 children) were eligible for inclusion. Oral prednisolone was used in various dose schedules. Rifampicin containing ATT regimen was used in 3 trials. The bronchoscopy findings showed no significant improvement at 1 month (effect size could not be calculated due to 0 event in the intervention group, p = 0.05), 2 months (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.8), and at completion of ATT (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.1 to 4.14) in steroid-treated group compared to the control group. The need for repeat bronchoscopy was significantly decreased in the steroid group (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.9). Among the adverse events, the infection rate was significantly lesser in the steroid group (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.97); but other adverse events (mortality, hypertension, and abdominal distension) showed no significant difference between the two groups. The GRADE evidence generated was of very low quality. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis showed that oral steroid does not help patients with endobronchial tuberculosis. However, the quality of evidence was very low. Future trials with robust design and a larger sample size would be required to provide any firm recommendation regarding the use of oral prednisolone in endobronchial tuberculosis.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fushui Liu ◽  
Jianyu You ◽  
Qi Li ◽  
Ting Fang ◽  
Mei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Significant Difference

Objectives. Acupuncture has been widely used to relieve chronic pain-related insomnia (CPRI). However, the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for CPRI. Methods. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to December 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was compared to sham acupuncture or conventional drug therapies for treating CPRI. Two reviewers screened each study and extracted data independently. Statistical analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results. A total of nine studies involving 944 patients were enrolled. The pooled analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment was significantly better than control group in improving effective rate (OR = 8.09, 95%CI = [4.75, 13.79], P < 0.00001) and cure rate (OR = 3.17, 95%CI = [2.35, 4.29], P < 0.00001), but subgroup analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference between acupuncture and sham acupuncture in improving cure rate (OR =10.36, 95% CI [0.53, 201.45], P=0.12) based on one included study. In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated that acupuncture group was superior to control group in debasing PSQI score (MD = -2.65, 95%CI = [-4.00, -1.30], P = 0.0001) and VAS score (MD = -1.44, 95%CI = [-1.58, -1.29], P < 0.00001). And there was no significant difference in adverse events (OR =1.73, 95%CI = [0.92, 3.25], P =0.09) between the two groups. Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.

scholarly journals Cognitive behavioural therapy on improving the depression symptoms in patients with diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-da Wang ◽  
Yu-fei Xia ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Li-ming Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Subgroup Analyses ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Randomized Control

This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in improving the depression symptoms of patients with diabetes. Literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase up to October 2016 without the initial date. The pooled SMD (standard mean difference) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by Revman 5.3. Subgroup analyses were performed by type of diabetes and evaluation criteria of depression. A total of five randomized control trials involving 834 patients with diabetes mellitus (including 417 patients in CBT group and 417 patients in control group) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimates indicated significant improvement of depression by CBT compared with routine approaches in overall outcomes (SMD =–0.33, 95% CI =–0.46 to –0.21, P<0.00001), post-intervention outcomes (SMD =–0.43, 95% CI =–0.73 to –0.12, P=0.006) and outcomes after 12 months intervention (SMD =–0.38, 95% CI = –0.54 to –0.23, P<0.0001). Subgroup analyses showed that the results were not influenced by the type of diabetes. However, the effect of CBT on improving the depression symptoms disappeared when only using CES-D (Centre for Epidemiological Studies scale for Depression) to evaluate depression.

scholarly journals Endovascular thrombectomy for the treatment of ischemic stroke: An updated meta-analysis for a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-176
Author(s):  
Jia Feng ◽  
Zhihan Zhu ◽  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Lukui Chen
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽  
Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective:To evaluate whether endovascular thrombectomy combined with intravenous thrombolysis is superior to the standard treatment of intravenous thrombolysis for the treatment of ischemic stroke.Methods:A meta-analysis of 12 studies obtained by searching PubMed and Web of Science database was performed to determine whether the difference in mortality (within 7 days or 90 days), functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, 0-2), hemorrhage (symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage), and recurrent ischemic stroke rate at 90 days between patients who underwent mechanical intravenous thrombolysis with (intervention) and without (control) endovascular thrombectomy.Results:As compared with the control group, patients in the intervention group had lower 90-day mortality [summary risk ratio (RR) = 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.99; n = 1309/1070], higher recanalization rate (RR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.97-2.56; n = 504/497), better functional outcome (modified Rankin score: 0-2; RR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.29-1.54; n = 1702/1502), and higher rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage (RR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.45-3.99; n = 1046/875) without significant difference in the 7-day mortality (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.84-1.50; n = 951/773), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.82-1.54; n = 1707/1507), or recurrent ischemic stroke (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.52-1.54; n = 718/506).Conclusion:Our results demonstrated that patients in the intervention group had lower mortality and better functional outcomes than the control group. Although patients in the intervention group had a higher rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage; hence, endovascular thrombectomy combined with intravenous thrombolysis is still a beneficial intervention for a defined population of stroke patients.

scholarly journals Music intervention affects the quality of life on Alzheimer’s disease: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingyan Zuo ◽  
Fengting Zhu ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Hongyan Shuai ◽  
Xin Yu
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Music Intervention ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Review Question ◽  
Intervention Modality ◽  
The Impact

Review question / Objective: Inclusion criteria: population: 1) A randomized controlled study on the impact of music intervention on the QOL of patients with AD; 2) The participants in this study is patients with AD; 3) There is no significant difference among age, gender and education background in sorted groups before analysis which make these groups comparable; intervention: 1)Intervention Modality Music-based intervention; comparison: 1) All data were sorted into two groups: the music intervention group and the control group without any music intervention; outcome: 1) The indicators evaluated in the literature included the score of QOL-AD or WHOQOL-BERF scale, at least one of the two scales summarized in selected publications; language: 1) Only articles published in English and Chinese were considered. Exclusion criteria: 1) The participants were not diagnosed with AD; 2) Non-musical intervention;3) Non-RCTs; 4) No specific values for outcome variables; 5) Articles lacking original data; 6) Repeat published reports; 7) Full text could not be obtained.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness and Safety of Metronomic Chemotherapy in Patients with Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingli Li ◽  
Jianjian Wang ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Jiabin Wang ◽  
Zhangcai Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Metronomic Chemotherapy ◽  
Head And Neck Carcinoma ◽  
Randomized Control Trials ◽  
Neck Carcinoma ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomized Control

Abstract Background: Head and neck carcinoma, usually begins in the squamous cells, not only seriously endangers the quality of life, but brings a heavy financial burden for families and countries. Metronomic chemotherapy, a frequent administration of chemotherapeutic agents at a non-toxic dose, gives an alternative low-cost and tolerated approach for patients. We conducted a systematic review to find the effectiveness and safety of metronomic chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.Methods: We searched seven databases and Clinical.gov from the inception to July 14, 2021. The patients diagnosed head and neck cancer and older than 18 were included. Metronomic chemotherapy was defined as intervention. Randomized and non-randomized trials were all included. Quality assessment of included randomized control trials was performed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias criteria, cohort studies using The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), single arm trials using the checklist recommended by The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Studies were synthetized using a narrative approach. The indicators used for meta-analysis was hazard ratio (HR).Results: 310 Literatures were potentially eligible from 7 databases, finally 13 records were included. Five studies were of high quality, while eight were of moderate quality. The overall effect of HR for death of five trials reported had no statistically significant (HR=0.89, 95%CI 0.71-1.10). Subgroup analysis by different design showed a statistically significant HR (0.73, 95%CI 0.60-0.90) in randomized control trials while no significant difference in subgroup of prospective study design (HR=1.23, 95%CI 0.72-2.10). As for HR for PFS, there was no significant difference in overall effect of four studies. HR for PFS was 0.84 (95%CI 0.55-1.31). Subgroup analysis of study design showed that randomized control trials produced a significant HR (0.54, 95%CI 0.45-0.64), while prospective studies did not (1.25, 95%CI 0.73, 2.14).Conclusions: Metronomic chemotherapy has been an optimistic option for treatment for advanced head and neck cancer, especially in low income and medical resource-restricted regions.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Malaysian Hajj Pilgrims for Prevention of Influenza-like illness (ILI) in 2013 Hajj Season

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Salmuna ZN ◽  
Hashim S ◽  
Hasan H ◽  
Abdul Aziz A ◽  
Nyi NN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Hygiene Compliance ◽  
Hajj Season ◽  
Perception Score

Introduction: Influenza-like illnesses (ILI) were defined as a triad of cough, sore throat and fever. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in knowledge, perceptions and practices towards preventive measures of succumbing to ILI before and after hajj among Malaysian hajj pilgrims. Methodology: An openlabeled randomized control trial study performed on five hundred Malaysian hajj pilgrims in the year 2013. After validated pre-hajj questionnaires completed, 250 subjects were given health education, benzalkonium -based handrub and demonstration of the handrub usage together with pamphlets and labelled as an intervention group. Another 250 subjects from another flight batch were given the same questionnaires without health education with unmedicated hand lotion as a control group. The knowledge, perception, practices and compliances to the handrub practice in both groups were compared with the pre-hajj results. Results: No significant difference between pre and post hajj knowledge and practice among hajj pilgrims in intervention group. Pre hajj perception score [ M (IQR) = 30 (5.00), Z= -2.441, p < 0.05 ] is much higher compared to post hajj perception [ M (IQR) = 29 (6.00), Z = -2.441, p < O.O5 ]. No significant difference between pre and post hajj knowledge, perception and practices among hajj pilgrims in control group. Hand hygiene compliance was not improved with provision of health education and free handrub supply. Conclusion: No significant changes in knowledge, perceptions and practices of Malaysian hajj pilgrims pre and post-hajj in both groups. Provision of handrub did not improved hajj pilgrims compliance.

scholarly journals Does Nursery-Based Intensified Anticipatory Guidance Reduce Emergency Department Use for Nonurgent Conditions in the First Month of Life? A Randomized Controlled Trial

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Kelly Kamimura-Nishimura ◽  
Vikram Chaudhary ◽  
Folake Olaosebikan ◽  
Maryam Azizi ◽  
Sneha Galiveeti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Newborn Care ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Anticipatory Guidance ◽  
Guidance Program ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Objective.We aimed to evaluate the impact of an intensified anticipatory guidance program in the nursery on Emergency Department (ED) use for nonurgent conditions (NUCs) in the neonatal period.Methods. Parturient mothers of healthy newborns were randomized to an intervention group or control group. Baseline and 1-month follow-up knowledge surveys regarding newborn care were conducted. The primary outcome was the proportion of neonates who used the ED for a NUC. Secondary outcome was change in caregivers’ knowledge on NUC.Results. Of a total of 594 mothers, 323 (54%) agreed to participate and were randomized to intervention (n=170) or control (n=153) group. Most were Hispanic (68%), single (61%), primiparous (39%), and without high school diploma (44%). 35 (21%) neonates in the intervention group and 41 (27%) in the control group were brought at least once for a NUC to the ED (p=0.12). There was no statistically significant difference in within subject change on knowledge scores between the two study arms.Conclusions. Neonatal ED visits for NUCs occur frequently. This nursery-based intensified anticipatory guidance program had no statistically significant impact on neonatal ED use for NUC, nor on neonatal care-relevant knowledge among parturient mothers. Alternative modalities and timing of parental educational intervention may need to be considered. This trial is registered with Clinical Trials NumberNCT01859065(Clinicaltrials.gov).

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