scholarly journals Electroacupuncture for post-thoracotomy pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254093
Author(s):  
Sohyeon Park ◽  
Yee Ran Lyu ◽  
So Jung Park ◽  
Min Seok Oh ◽  
In Chul Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Total Dose ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Opioid Analgesics ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standard Mean Difference

Background Thoracotomy is an invasive surgical procedure that produces intense postoperative pain. Electroacupuncture has been used to induce analgesia in various situations, including after surgery. The aim of the following systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on post-thoracotomy pain. Methods The studies for the systematic review were searched using the following 9 databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE Complete, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Korean Medical Database (KMBASE), Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS), and OASIS, without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. The review protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) as CRD42019142157. Results Eleven randomized controlled trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis was performed for two outcome measures: pain score 24 hours after surgery and total dose of opioid analgesics. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the control group: sham acupuncture and conventional analgesia group. Pain score 24 hours after surgery of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference of -0.98 (95% CI: -1.62 to -0.35) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -0.94 (95% CI: -1.33 to -0.55) compared to conventional analgesia. The total dose of opioid analgesics of electroacupuncture group showed a standard mean difference values of -0.95 (95% CI: -1.42 to -0.47) compared to sham acupuncture. The standard mean difference was -1.96 (95% CI: -2.82 to -1.10) compared to conventional analgesia. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that electroacupuncture might provide useful pain relieving effect on post-thoracotomy patients. However, due to low quality and high heterogeneity of existing data, further rigorously designed studies should be performed to confirm the safety and efficacy.

scholarly journals Melatonin and Cardioprotection in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Domínguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Pedro Abreu-González ◽  
Néstor Báez-Ferrer ◽  
Russel J. Reiter ◽  
Pablo Avanzas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Favorable Effect ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Mean Differences

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury represents a critical problem associated with interventional approaches for coronary reperfusion. Pharmacological cardioprotective interventions are advocated to ameliorate IR injury. Melatonin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent with a wide range of therapeutic properties that may contribute to its cardioprotective effects. No systematic review or meta-analysis has compared melatonin vs. placebo as a cardioprotective agent in humans. The present study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, was carried out to assess melatonin's efficacy as a cardioprotective treatment. We performed a systematic review of the available literature. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and information was extracted using predefined data extraction forms. The primary outcomes were (a) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and (b) blood troponin levels in patients who underwent myocardial revascularization and were randomized to melatonin or placebo. The inverse-variance random-effects method was used to pool the estimates. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Weighted mean differences or standardized mean differences were calculated. A total of 283 records were screened and seven RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. After the pooled analysis, the results on LVEF were consistent across all studies, and a significant heterogeneity was found in the results on troponin levels. The melatonin-treated patients had on average higher LVEF than the placebo-treated individuals with a weighted mean difference = 3.1% (95% CI 0.6–5.5, p = 0.01). Five works compared the levels of troponin after melatonin or placebo treatment. The melatonin-treated patients had lower levels of troponin with a standardized mean difference = −1.76 (95% CI −2.85 to −0.67, p = 0.002). The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that melatonin administration in humans as a cardioprotective agent attenuated heart dysfunction with a favorable effect on the LVEF.

scholarly journals The effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy for stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 75-112
Author(s):  
Mikyung Kim ◽  
Chang-ho Han
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standard Mean Difference

Objectives: ncluding stroke. The aim of this study was to systematically review the clinical evidence of CT for stroke.Methods: To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effectiveness and/or safety of CT, seven databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from January 2000 to February 2021 without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software and the results were presented as mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables and odds ratio (OR) for diverse variables with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Assessment of the methodological quality of the eligible trials was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for risk of bias in RCTs.Results: Twenty-two RCTs with 1653 participants were included in the final analysis. CT provided additional benefit in improving upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper limb motor function, MD 6.91, 95% CI 4.64 to 1.67, P<0.00001) and spasticity (response rate, OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.31 to 8.22, P=0.08) in stroke survivors receiving conventional medical treatment. These findings were supported with a moderate level of evidence. CT did not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse events.Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of CT to be beneficial in managing a variety of complications in stroke survivors. However, to compensate for the shortcomings of the existing evidence, rigorously designed large-scale RCTs are warranted in the future.

scholarly journals Effects of Phytoestrogen Supplement on Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ching-Ching Peng ◽  
Chia-Yu Liu ◽  
Nai-Rong Kuo ◽  
Tao-Hsin Tung
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. The effect of phytoestrogen on postmenopausal quality of life is unclear. This study evaluated the effects of phytoestrogen supplement on quality of life for postmenopausal women. Methods. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of phytoestrogen supplements on the quality of life of postmenopausal women. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on March 31, 2018, for relevant randomized controlled trials. Two authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. Disagreement was resolved through discussion with a third author. Results. We involved 10 articles in the systematic review. 8 studies and a total of 1,129 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. The questionnaires used in the evaluation of quality of life were as follows: SF-36, 4 studies; MENQOL, 4 studies; For Short Form 36 surveys, phytoestrogen groups scored significantly higher for body pain (mean difference = 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.14, 6.57], P < 0.01), mental health (mean difference = 4.01, 95% CI = [1.49, 6.57], P < 0.01), and role limitations caused by emotional problems domains (mean difference = 3.83, 95% CI = [1.81, 5.85], P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was obtained from Menopause-Specific Quality of Life surveys (vasomotor domain mean difference 0.14, 95% CI = [−0.08, 0.36], P = 0.20; physical domain mean difference 0.20, 95% CI [−0.08, 0.48], P = 0.15; psychological domain mean difference −0.10, 95% CI [−0.26, 0.07], P = 0.27; sexual domain mean difference −0.17, 95% CI [−0.42, 0.09], P = 0.19). Conclusion. Current evidence does not support phytoestrogen supplementation improving postmenopausal quality of life. Further comprehensive trials or long-term follow-up studies are warranted.

scholarly journals Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Dysphagia after Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Lingling Li ◽  
Hailiang Huang ◽  
Yuqi Jia ◽  
Ying Yu ◽  
Zhiyao Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Standard Mean Difference ◽  
Swallowing Dysfunction

Background. Dysphagia is a common sequelae after stroke. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a tool that has been used in the rehabilitation process to modify cortical excitability and improve dysphagia. Objective. To systematically evaluate the effect of NIBS on dysphagia after stroke and compare the effects of two different NIBS. Methods. Randomized controlled trials about the effect of NIBS on dysphagia after stroke were retrieved from databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and CBM, from inception to June 2021. The quality of the trials was assessed, and the data were extracted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.3 and ADDIS 1.16.8. The effect size was evaluated by using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. Ultimately, 18 studies involving 738 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that NIBS could improve the dysphagia outcome and severity scale (DOSS) score (standard mean difference SMD = 1.44 , 95% CI 0.80 to 2.08, P < 0.05 ) and the water swallow test score ( SMD = 6.23 , 95% CI 5.44 to 7.03, P < 0.05 ). NIBS could reduce the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score ( SMD = − 1.04 , 95% CI -1.50 to -0.58, P < 0.05 ), the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score ( SMD = − 0.85 , 95% CI -1.33 to -0.36, P < 0.05 ), and the functional dysphagia scale score ( SMD = − 1.05 , 95% CI -1.48 to -0.62, P < 0.05 ). Network meta-analysis showed that the best probabilistic ranking of the effects of two different NIBS on the DOSS score is rTMS   P = 0.52 > tDCS   P = 0.48 , the best probabilistic ranking of the SSA score is rTMS   P = 0.72 > tDCS   P = 0.28 , and the best probabilistic ranking of the PAS score is rTMS   P = 0.68 > tDCS   P = 0.32 . Conclusion. Existing evidence showed that NIBS could improve swallowing dysfunction and reduce the occurrence of aspiration after stroke, and that rTMS is better than tDCS. Limited by the number of included studies, more large-sample, multicenter, double-blind, high-quality clinical randomized controlled trials are still needed in the future to further confirm the results of this research.

scholarly journals Acupuncture for Essential Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trials

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Ze Li ◽  
Yu Zhou ◽  
Yi-Ning Yang ◽  
Yi-Tong Ma ◽  
Xiao-Mei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sham Acupuncture ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Antihypertensive Medications ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background. Acupuncture is frequently advocated as an adjunct treatment for essential hypertension. The aim of this review was to assess its adjunct effectiveness in treating hypertension.Methods. We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and the Chinese databases Sino-Med, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP through November, 2012, for eligible randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture. Outcome measures were changes in diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP).Results. A total of 4 randomized controlled trials were included. We found no evidence of an improvement with the fact that acupuncture relative to sham acupuncture in SBP change (n=386; mean difference = −3.80 mmHg, 95% CI = −10.03–2.44 mmHg;I2=99%), and an insignificant improvement in DBP change (n=386; mean difference = −2.82 mmHg, 95% CI = −5.22–(−0.43) mmHg;I2=97%). In subgroup analyses, acupuncture significantly improved both SBP and DBP in patients taking antihypertensive medications. Only minor acupuncture-related adverse events were reported.Conclusions. Our results are consistent with acupuncture significantly lowers blood pressure in patients taking antihypertensive medications. We did not find that acupuncture without antihypertensive medications significantly improves blood pressure in those hypertensive patients.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab in Noninfectious Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Li ◽  
Haoran Li ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Yanlin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Risk Of Treatment

Background: Patients with noninfectious uveitis (NIU) are at risk of systemic side effects of long-term glucocorticoid therapy and uncontrolled inflammatory complications. In urgent need to identify more aggressive therapies, adalimumab (ADA) may be the right choice.Objectives: To summarize the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy and safety of ADA in the treatment of NIU.Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, and Clinical Trials Registry for qualifying articles from their inception to November 19, 2020, with no language restriction. Randomized controlled trials comparing ADA with conventional routine treatment in noninfectious uveitis patients of any age, gender, or ethnicity were included. The primary outcome was the time to treatment failure (TF). The secondary outcomes were the change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in the anterior chamber (AC) cell grade, change in vitreous haze (VH) grade, and adverse events (AEs).Main results: The six studies comprised 605 participants in all, and the sample size of each study ranged from 16 to 225. The overall pooled results of the primary outcome (HR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.41 to –0.63) showed that ADA nearly halved the risk of treatment failure compared to placebo for NIU patients. The pooled mean difference of change in BCVA was -0.05 (95% CI, −0.07 to −0.02). The pooled mean difference of change in AC cell grade and VH grade was −0.29 (95% CI, −0.62 to −0.05) and −0.21 (95% CI, −0.32 to −0.11), respectively. The incidence of AEs in the ADA group was numerically higher than that of AEs in the placebo group (2,237 events and 9.40 events per patient-year, equivalent to 1,257 events and 7.79 events per patient-year).Conclusion: This meta-analysis of six RCTs further confirmed that ADA considerably lowered the risk of treatment failure or visual loss, and moderately reduced AC cell grades and VH grades with slightly more AEs, as compared to placebo. ADA is both effective and safe in treating NIU.Systematic Review Registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov], identifier [CRD42020217909].

scholarly journals HIP ARTHROSCOPY VS. PHYSICAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0021
Author(s):  
Maria Schwabe ◽  
Abby L Cheng ◽  
Cecilia Pascual-Garrido ◽  
Marcie Harris-Hayes ◽  
Michael Harris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Introduction: Both physical therapy (PT) and surgery appear to have some efficacy in treating femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Only recently have high-level evidence studies compared these two options, though results of these randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are contradictory. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs comparing PT and surgery in patients with FAI. Methods: A systematic review was performed to identify randomized trials comparing FAI and PT. Data was extracted for demographics, study design, patient reported outcomes (PROs), and study quality/bias. In total, 819 abstracts were reviewed, with three RCTs identified (Griffin 2018, Mansell 2018, and Palmer 2019). All three RCTs reported iHOT-33, while two studies reported HOS ADL and Sport (Mansell 2019 and Palmer 2019). In a random effects meta-analysis, between-group differences in post-intervention scores were assessed using intention-to-treat analysis in each study. Results: All 3 RCTs reported PROs improvement from baseline to follow-up for both PT and surgery. The meta-analysis demonstrated greater improved iHOT-33 outcomes with surgery compared to PT with a mean relative difference of 11.3 (95% CI 1.86-20.73, p=0.014). The meta-analysis for HOS ADL and Sports (two RCTs) similarly demonstrated higher scores with surgery with a mean difference of 3.9 (95% CI -9.6-17.3, p=0.571) and 6.2 (95% CI -6.8-19.2, p=0.347), respectively, though without statistical significance. The quality of two RCTs was assessed as good with minimal bias (Griffin and Palmer). In the third RCT, an extremely high crossover rate may affect its validity (Mansell 2018, 70% crossover from PT to surgery). For instance, HOS ADL outcome based on treatment received, adjusting for Mansell’s crossover rate, favored surgery with a larger mean difference of 12.0 (95% CI 7.5-16.5, p<0.001) (compared to intention-to-treat difference of 3.9). Discussion: In patients with FAI, combined results of three RCTs demonstrate superior outcomes of surgery compared to PT. However, PT can result in improvements in some patients and does not appear to compromise surgical outcomes. Provided that the studies adjusted for certain patient characteristics, further research needs to identify patient characteristics that predict success of non-operative and operative treatment of FAI in specific patient subgroups. [Figure: see text]

Interventions to Reduce Alcohol Harms in Low and Middle Income Countries: a Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Brief Motivational Intervention ◽  
Randomized Controlled

BackgroundHarmful alcohol use leads to a large burden of disease and disability which disportionately impacts LMICs. The World Health Organization and the Lancet have issued calls for this burden to be addressed, but issues remain, primarily due to gaps in information. While a variety of interventions have been shown to be effective at reducing alcohol use in HICs, their efficacy in LMICs have yet to be assessed. This systematic review describes the current published literature on alcohol interventions in LMICs and conducts a meta analysis of clinical trials evaluating interventions to reduce alcohol use and harms in LMICs.MethodsIn accordance with PRISMA guidelines we searched the electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus,Web of Science, Cochrane, and Psych Info. Articles were eligible if they evaluated an intervention targeting alcohol-related harm in LMICs. After a reference and citation analysis, we conducted a quality assessment per PRISMA protocol. A meta-analysis was performed on the 39 randomized controlled trials that evaluated an alcohol-related outcome.ResultsOf the 3,801 articles from the literature search, 87 articles from 25 LMICs fit the eligibility and inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 39 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. Nine of these studies focused specifically on medication, while the others focused on brief motivational intervention, brain stimulation, AUDIT-based brief interventions, WHO ASSIST-based interventions, group based education, basic screening and interventions, brief psychological or counseling, dyadic relapse prevention, group counseling, CBT, motivational + PTSD based interview, and health promotion/awareness. Conclusion Issues in determining feasible options specific to LMICs arise from unstandardized interventions, unequal geographic distribution of intervention implementation, and uncertain effectiveness over time. Current research shows that brain stimulation, psychotherapy, and brief motivational interviews have the potential to be effective in LMIC settings, but further feasibility testing and efforts to standardize results are necessary to accurately assess their effectiveness.

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